Jane has noticed the following problems with her computer (2mks)
State three possible causes of these problems and how they can be solved (3mks)
There could be several possible causes for the issues Jane is experiencing with her computer keyboard, including:
1. Software Issues
- Cause: Outdated or corrupt system files, drivers, or operating system.
- Solution:
- Ensure the operating system and drivers are up-to-date.
- Run a system file checker to repair any corrupted system files (e.g., on Windows, run "sfc /scannow" from the Command Prompt).
- Consider reinstalling the operating system if issues persist.
2. Hardware Issues:
- Cause: Physical damage or malfunction in the keyboard hardware.
- Solution:
- Check for physical damage or debris under the keys and clean the keyboard if necessary.
- If cleaning doesn't help, consider replacing the keyboard with a new one.
3. Resource Overload:
- Cause: The computer may be running too many background processes or lacking sufficient hardware resources.
- Solution:
- Close unnecessary background applications and processes to free up system resources.
- Consider upgrading the computer's RAM, CPU, or storage if it's outdated and unable to handle current software demands.
- Use task manager or activity monitor to identify and terminate resource-intensive processes.
4. Malware or Viruses:
- Cause: Malicious software can slow down a computer, cause hanging, and delay startup.
- Solution:
- Perform a full system scan using reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to remove any threats.
- Ensure that the operating system's security patches are up-to-date.
5. Disk Fragmentation:
- Cause: Fragmented files can slow down the loading of applications and overall system performance.
- Solution:
- Run a disk defragmentation tool (e.g., Windows' built-in tool) to optimize file storage on the hard drive.
- Consider upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) for faster application loading times.
6. Insufficient Storage:
- Cause: If the hard drive is nearly full, it can cause slow performance.
- Solution:
- Free up space by deleting unnecessary files and programs.
- Consider upgrading to a larger capacity hard drive or SSD if storage space remains an issue.
7. Background Processes and Startup Items:
- Cause: Too many unnecessary programs running in the background or starting up with the computer.
- Solution:
- Disable or remove unnecessary startup items and background processes to improve startup time.
- Use the Task Manager or System Preferences (on macOS) to manage startup items.
It's important to diagnose the specific cause of the issues Jane is facing by troubleshooting each potential problem one by one. In some cases, a combination of these solutions may be necessary to fully resolve the problems with her computer keyboard.
Distinguish between transcription and transposition types of errors and give an example of each (4mks)
Transcription Errors: Transcription errors involve the incorrect entry of data due to mistakes made during the copying or typing process. These errors can occur when transferring information from one source to another.
Transposition Errors: Transposition errors specifically refer to errors where the order of characters or digits is accidentally reversed or swapped. This can happen during manual data entry or when processing information.
Differentiate between logical and physical network topology
Physical topology - the physical arrangement of nodes of a computer network
Examples
Logical topology- the way data flows in a network
Examples
Why are CD-Rs and CD_ROMs referred to as WORM?
state two advantages of using a pseudocode during program design
Describe what is meant by ‘RAID 10’.
COMPUTER STUDIES
PAPER 1
(THEORY)
OCT./NOV. 2005
2 ½ HOURS
SECTION A (40 MKS)
Answer all the questions in this section.
1. a) What is disk formatting? (1mk)
b) Indicate whether the following devices are used for input or output (2mks)
i) Plotter
ii)Light pen
iii)Mouse
iv)Visual display unit
2.a)Explain why the following and give one reason why they are not allowed in a computer laboratory. (2mks)
b) For each of the following give one reason why they are not allowed in a computer laboratory. (2mks)
i) Smoking
ii)Eating foods
3.Distinguish between Real, integer and Character data types as used in programming (3 mks)
4.The cells k3 to K10 of a worksheet contain remarks on student’s performance such as very good, good, fair and fail depending on the average mark. Write a formula that can be used to count all students who have the remark “very good” (3mks)
5.a) State the purpose of registers in a computer system (1mk)
b)Name two multiprogramming operating systems (2 mks)
6.a) A series file comprises of records placed in positions 1 to 10. State the position of the end of file marker. (1mk)
b)State the purpose of each of the following: (2mks)
i)File server software
ii)Communication software
7.a) Name the control structure depicted by the flowchart below. (1 mk)
b)Explain the following terms as used in program implementation. (2mks)
i)Parallel running
ii)Direct change over
8. Consider the linear arrays:
i) AAA (5:50)
ii)BBB (-5:10)
iii)CC (18)
Find the number of elements in each array (3mks)
9.Define the term artificial intelligence (2 mks)
10.Name two types of relationships that can be applied in database design (2mks)
11.Explain binary Coded Decimal code of data representation (1 mk)
a)Indenting
b)Alignment
c)Word wrap
12.Outline two ways in which a computer can be used in hotels (2 Marks)
13.a)Explain Binary Coded Decimal code of data representation (1marks)
b)Write the number 4110 in BCD notation (1 mk)
14.Arrange the following data units in ascending order of size.
BYTE, FILE, BIT, NIBBlE (2mks)
15.State two health issues that may result from prolonged use of computers (2 mks)
SECTION B (60 MARKS)
16. a) State the stage of program development in which (4 mk)
i) A flowchart would be drawn
ii)The programmer would check whether the program does as required
iii)The user guide would be written
iv)The requirements specifications would be written.
b)State the output of the following flow chart segment (1mk)
c) i)Draw a flowchart to compute the combined resistance ® of two resistors R1 and R2 in parallel using the formula;
(5mks)
ii)Write a program using Pascal or C languages for the flowchart in C (i) above. (5 ½ mks)
17. a)List three paragraph formatting activities in word processing (3mks)
b)Differentiate between bolding and highlighting text (2mks)
c) The following information shows the income and expenditure for “bebayote “ matatu for five days. The income from Monday to Friday was Kshs. 4,000, 9,000, 10, 000, 15,000 and 12,000 respectively while the expenditure for the same period was Kshs. 2,000, 3,000, 7,000, 5,000 and 6,000 respectively
i)Draw a spreadsheet that would contain the information. Indicate the rows as 1, 2, 3 …. And the columns as a, B, C (4mks)
ii)State the expression that would be used to obtain:
I Monday’s profit (2mks)
II Total income (2mks)
III)Highest expenditure (2mks)
18.a) Subtract 0112 from 10012 (1mk)
b)Using two’s compliment, subtract 7 from 4 and give the answer in decimal notation (4mks)
c) Convert
i) 91B16 to octal (3mks)
ii) 3768 to hexadecimal (3mks)
iii) 9.62510 to binary (4 mks)
19.a) Explain what the following DOS commands will do when executed.
i) A: \copy *.* B: (2 mks)
ii) C: \> ERASE*. DOC (2mks)
iii) b: \> Md EXAMS (2mks)
b) i) With the aid of a diagram, explain hierarchical (tree) network topology (3mks)
ii)List two advantages and two disadvantage of hierarchical network topology. (4 mks)
Advantages:-
Disadvantages:
20. a)Name and explain the function of the keyboard keys represented by the following symbols.
b) Simulation is one of the application areas of computers
i) What is meant by the term simulation (1mk)
ii)Name two application areas of simulation (2 mks)
iii) State three advantages of computer based simulation (3 mks)
c) Explain three ways in which computers have impacted education (3mks)
Shaneela is designing and coding a website. The files she creates will be stored on
a computer.
(a) File management is a function that an operating system performs.
Describe how an operating system organises files
The organisation of files is in a hierarchy/tree structure
A node is either a folder/directory/sub-folder/sub-directory or the file itself
The top node/folder/directory/drive is the root
Explain a reason necessitating governments to enact data protection laws
Explain the function of the protect sheet feature in the spreadsheet program
Why is 2's complement preferred over 1's complement?
Describe one effect of not having primary keys in tables in a relational database
Without a primary key, a table in a database may have duplicate rows, making data not uniquely identifiable. This can lead to issues with data integrity and challenges in maintaining relationships between tables. Retrieving and updating specific records becomes problematic, and setting referential integrity constraints is impossible, potentially leading to loss of data.
State two reasons for the increased use of computers in offices (2 marks)
What is a Uniform Resource Locator?
An organisation that supplies audiobooks over the internet is moving into a new office building.
(a) One reason for networking devices is to provide access to the internet.
(i) Give two other reasons for connecting devices to networks.
Data integrity in a database can be divided into three categories: referential integrity, domain integrity and entity integrity.
(a)Outline the meaning of each of the following.
(i) Referential integrity
(ii) Entity integrity
(b) Describe how data integrity can improve the process of database management. (2 marks)
(i) Referential integrity
(ii) Entity integrity
(b) Describe how data integrity can improve the process of database management. (2 marks)
What is a computer system ?
A computer system refers to computer components that collectively function as a single unit to achieve the desired goal. It can also be defined as a collection of hardware, software, and liveware that work together to receive, process, and manage data
Explain why a software developer should be responsible for addressing ergonomic issues in software design.
Responsibilities of the software developer is to ensure that the ergonomics focuses on making software user-friendly, reduces repetitive motions or eyestrain and enables movements of users to promote comfort and efficiency.
Software can be designed with adjustable text sizes and screen brightness settings to prevent eye strain, offering users a way to customise their visual experience for better comfort during prolonged use.
A family has purchased a computer system with the following specification:
Processor speed 2200 MHz
RAM 512 Megabyte
Hard disk drive 120 Gigabytes
CD ROM
DVD writer
Modem 56k
Monitor 17"
(a) The computer has been purchased for buying goods and services over the Internet. Explain how each of these items of hardware would be used for this purpose.
Hard disk drive
RAM
DVD writer
Modem
Hard disk drive
RAM
DVD writer
Modem
Describe and give an example of one syntax and one logical programming error.
Syntax
• An error that occurs when a command does not follow the expected syntax of the language, e.g. when a keyword is incorrectly spelt
• Incorrect: IF A ADN B Then
• Correct: IF A AND B Then
Logical
• An error that causes a program to output an incorrect answer (that does not necessarily crash the program)
• An algorithm that calculates a person’s age from their date of birth, but ends up giving negative numbers