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Q&A-KCSE Computer Studies Paper 1

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

  • to hold the operating system/communication and applications software/ISP software
  • for storing files/information/cookies on backing store

RAM

  • for data, computer programs and operating instructions which are moved into it/downloaded for data currently in use

DVD writer

  • Films/videos/pictures/music/multimedia data downloaded/purchased

Modem

  • link/dial up/establish communication with the Internet
  • Convert digital signals to analogue/audio tones (and vice versa) Which can travel across the telephone system
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1. State two ways in which a computer may be used in a healthcare  sector other than record keeping

  • Patient monitoring
  • Used to control medical equipment e.g ultra sound
  • medical research and studies
  • communication and telemedicine
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Outline any 2 Examples of wireless transmission media       (2marks)

  • Radio waves
  • Microwaves
  • Infrared waves
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Differentiate between Physical and logical topologies

  • Physical topology deals with the placement of nodes
  • Logical topology deals with the data flow  in the network
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What is a utility software?

The following are some of the possible definitions:

It is system software designed to help the users to analyse, configure, optimize, or maintain a computer

System software that helps maintain the proper and smooth functioning of a computer system

Examples include antivirus software, Disk clean-up tools, disk defragmenters, backup software, etc

Website data is broken down into packets to be transmitted to a user. Describe the structure of a data packet.

It has a header

  • that contains the destination address
  • that contains the packet number
  • that contains the originator’s address

It has a payload

It has a trailer.

 

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What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is a program designed to damage other programs or causes irregular behaviour in a computer system.

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State one ethical responsibility of software users

  • Users need to ensure that their software is licensed
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What is an Operating System?

  • It refers to a system software that provides a platform for installation and execution of an application software and also manages the computer hardware
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State advantages and disadvantages of the following system implementation strategies

Phased:
Advantages:

  • only a small part of the operation affected if new system fails
  •  no need to pay for two sets of wages

Disadvantages:

  •  time consuming (each part needs testing fully before expanding system)

Pilot:
Advantages:

  • if new system fails, only that part will be affected
  • possible to gradually train staff on pilot before whole system changes over

Disadvantages:

  •  time consuming (waiting to see how pilot works before rolling out to rest of the organisation)

Direct:
Advantages:

  •  less likely to malfunction since fully tested
  • immediate benefits/less time wasted
  •  reduced costs (only one system so no need to duplicate staff)

Disadvantages:

  • disastrous if the new systems does fail

Parallel:
Advantages:

  •  if new system goes down, there is a backup system in place
  • possible to gradually train staff/staff have time to get used to the new system

 

 

 

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Define what is meant by a ‘network protocol

  • An agreement / set of rules / standard for how computers should communicate or how data is sent/received/transmitted on a network
  • Example of what could be agreed in the protocol (e.g. speed / error checking / etc.)
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State two ways of protecting computers against viruses.

  • do not allow outside floppy disks/CD’s/DVD’s
  • use disk free work stations
  • download/install and use anti virus software
  • scan hard disks regularly
  • update the anti virus program regularly
  • do not open file attachments from unknown sources/download
  • doubtful software from the Internet
  • do not use files that come from unknown sources
  • buy original software/do not buy pirated software
  • use firewalls
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KCSE 2021  Prediction Computer Studies Paper 1  Q.16 (c)

c) Distinguish between a source program and a compiler as used in computer programming. [2]

Source program is the original program in a high level language as written by the programmer while a compiler is a program translator that converts source program to object code.

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Distinguish between real-time and distributed operating systems (KCSE 2018)

  • Real-time OS reads information from input devices and must respond within a short duration of time to ensure correct performance
  • Distributed OS distributes computation among several physical processors which do not share memory or clock
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Give two reasons why some microprocessor controlled devices do not require an operating system

  • They run only one program/task
  • OS would increase development and manufacturing cost as more storage will be needed
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Maranda Mock CRE Paper 2 2024 

c) Six ways in which Christians can assist the physically challenged members of the society (6mks)

Establishing special institutions for them

Donating equipment, which assists them in their movement.

Giving them vocational training

Assisting them in their daily chores

Accepting them as human beings like themselves

Helping them to develop their talents e.g. games, music, drama etc.

Identifying their abilities and giving them employment.

Encouraging relatives to live with them.

Giving them financial assistance to start income generating projects 


 

a) The parable of the shrewd manager in Luke 16:1-33. (7mks)

There was a rich man who had a steward. He received charges that the steward was wasting his goods.

He called him what he was hearing about him. He told him to turn in account of his stewardship for he could no longer be steward.

The steward asked himself what he would do since his master was taking the stewardship away from him.

He was not strong enough to dig and was ashamed to beg.

He decided what to do so that people may receive him into their house when he is out of the stewardship

He was to summon his masters’ debtors one by one. He went to the first one and asked him how much he owned his master. The debtor said a hundred measures of oil, which he was told to write fifty.

He asked another how much he owned his master. He said a hundred measures of wheat he was told to write eighty

The master commended the dishonest steward for his shrewdness for the sons of his world are shrewder in dealing with their own generation that the ones light.


 

Seven causes of conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leader in Jerusalem. (7mks)

They questioned the authority Jesus was using to teach Lk 20:1-8.

Jesus accused them of persecuting and rejecting Gods servants in the parable of tenants. Lk 20:9-18.

They had conflict on the issue of whether to pay taxes to cease or not. Lk 20:19-26

The question on resurrection by the Sadducees on Levites marriage. Lk 20:27-39

He claimed to be the messiah and said that even David called Him Lord in the book of Psalms Lk 20:4-44

Jesus openly condemned the hypocrisy of the Jewish leader Lk 20:45-47

Jesus prophesied the destruction of temple of Jerusalem

He condemned the offerings of the rich Jewish leaders, which were meant to show off, but praised the widows’ offerings, which was made out of self-sacrifice Lk 21:1.


 

Six ways in which parents can resolve misunderstanding with their children. (6mks)

Allowing dialogue

Listening to their views

Presenting them with the correct, picture of the situation

Setting a good example to them

Giving them appropriate time for leisure activities

Seeking help from church leaders

Guiding them on how to choose friends

Advising them on the right moral values

Praying for and with them to bring about understanding 

Committing the children to God’s will

Discussing the problem with their friends and relatives


 

a) Seven reasons why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to the disciples after his ascension. (7mks)

The holy spirit would comfort the disciples

He was to counsel the disciples

He would guide the disciples on what is right / God’s righteousness

He was to convict people of their sins

He was to show disciples on what is right

He was to reveal the future / enable the disciples to prophet’s / God’s will

He would glorify Jesus through the work of the disciples

He would enable the disciples to witness Christ throughout the world

He would replace the physical presence of Jesus 

He would empower the disciples to be able to speak with courage

b)How the unity of believers is expressed in the body of Christ? (8mks)

St Paul describes the believers as the body of Christ 

Christ is the head of the church

The believers form parts of the body

The body has different organs, in the same way the church has different members

They all need to work together for the well-being of the church 

Every part of the body is needed to make it whole/ all parts interdependent / one part cannot be without the other

The different church members are given different spiritual gifts by the holy spirit to carry out God’s work 

Believers are united through baptism in the Holy Spirit.


 

c)The church in Kenya help to bring about the unity in the country. (6mks)

Assisting the government is developing a curriculum schools that teaches about patriotism

Advocating for peaceful co-existence among Kenyans

Fighting corruption, discrimination, tribalism, nepotism and all forms of favourism

Acting as a voice of reason among the ruling political class demanding their unity as a government

Assisting the less fortunate in the society thus fighting disparity

Condemning and reporting to the relevant authorized groups that bring disharmony in the society

Developing joint rallies, prayers and reconciliatory meetings together.

Forgiving one another to avoid disunity

Obeying church rules/ leaders

Chastity is a virtue


 

a) Attitude of Christian towards human sexuality. (7mks)

Sex is sacred

Man and woman are for companionship

Both man and woman are equal before God

It is for procreation

Man and woman are complementary 

Man and woman were created in the image of God

They became one in marriage

Human beings have the ability to control sexual desire

All forms of irresponsible sex are condemned 

Chastity is a virtue

b)Six ways in which sex is abused in Kenya today. (6mks)

Sex before marriage / fornication/ pre-marital sex

Sex outside marriage / adultery

Prostitution

Bestiality

Homosexuality/ lesbianism/ sodomy/oral sex

Pornographic literature/mass media using of technological devices in sex

Incest

Masturbation

Rape /defilement of minors

c)Why are minors sexually abused in Kenya today? (7mks)

Permissiveness

Lack of self-control

Influence of the mass media

Mental illness / stress/ drug and substance influence

Erosion of the African culture moral value

False religious / devil worship /strange cults

To avenge for oneself

Breakdown of religious values

Irresponsible parenthood

Indecent dressing

Leniency of the law

Idleness

Poverty / unemployment

6 a) Six practices in the African Society that promoted law, order and justice? (6mks)

Cultural taboos/dos and don’ts in the society

Kinship ties had rules which governed their relationships

Oaths – swearing while making agreements.

Rites of passage e.g. during initiation, the youth were taught laws/secrets of society.

Practice of rituals in the society promoted good relationships between the living/living dead.

Communal life i.e. “I am because we are, and since we are therefore Iamb.”

Inheritance of property was done fairly which brought justice /order.

Worship of God/veneration of ancestors created orderliness

b). Seven reasons for the need of law, order and justice in the society. (7mks)

In order to safeguard peoples personal rights.

To ensure security and protection of the people and their property.

To promote peace and harmony

To attract both local and foreign investment in the country

To promote peaceful relationship between countries.

To safeguard freedom of the citizens

To control and check the powers of those in authority

To enable the gov’t to implement its taxation policies effectively and to use the money

collected for the good of the community

To enable Christians worship God in peace and freely spread the good news.


 

c) Explain the factors which hinder effective maintenance of law and order in the (7 marks)

Increase in the rate of crime especially in urban areas

Political instability e.g. Post election violence

Greed for power and wealth

Political selfishness leading to dictatorship and despotism

High rate of unemployment leading to idleness / crime

Corruption especially by custodians of the law e.g. police.

Hypocrisy i.e. leaders misleading the society

High level of poverty forcing others into crime



 

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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

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State two benefits of using computerised traffic control systems

  • Detecting congestion.
  • Synchronizing activity between traffic lights.
  • Updating traffic light timing in real time.
  • Updating and informing drivers of ideal speeds.
  •  Prioritizing transportation flow.
  •  Reduce congestion and time spent on the road
  • By reducing congestion it will decrease pollution
  • Prioritize traffic based on changes in traffic conditions in real time.
  • This system is also helpful to reduce infrastructure damage. It is possible to identify overloaded vehicles and provide them with appropriate ways or roads, which will reduce road damage.

List three characteristics of Internet Protocol version 6 (IP6).

  • has a significantly larger address pool than previous version
  • features a client-side address assignment
  • has built-in encryption
  • enables one device to have many network addresses
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Explain, using examples where appropriate, the meaning of these computer terms

(a) byte ..................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2mks]
(b) compiler ............................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2mks]
(c) handshaking .....................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2mks]
(d) technical documentation ..................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2mks]
(e) simulation .........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[2

(a) byte

  • fixed number of bits, 8 bits
  • represents a character


(b) compiler  program

  • converts/changes/translates high-level language into machine code/machine language/low-level language/object code
  • changes each high-level language instruction into machine code instructions
  • produces an independent program capable of being executed by itself
  • all (syntax errors) listed
  • converts the whole program before execution/in one go
  • converts source code to object code

(c) handshaking

  • exchanging of signals to establish communication between two devices/computers e.g. printer and computer, modem and computer

(d) technical documentation

  • documentation to ensure that the system can be maintained/updated/altered/developed/upgraded
  • trouble shooting/correcting errors/correcting faults
  • explanation of what the program does/how the system works
  • contains file structures
  • algorithms/flow charts/pseudo code
  • program listings
  • hierarchical chart

(e) simulation

  • studying the behavior of a system by using a model/represents real-life/mathematical representation
    e.g. flight simulator (or others), hazardous applications results can be predicted
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