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Q&A-KCSE Computer Studies Paper 1

For your item named in (a) describe two different tasks that the microprocessor performs.

  • camera film speed, position (end of film), distance, light
  • washing machine amount of water, speed of wash/temperature/time
  • fridge temperature, display panel
  • air conditioning temperature, timing, display pane
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Name one item used in the home, other than a computer, that contains a microprocessor.

  • camera
  • microwave
  • washing machine
  • video recorder
  • fridge
  • sewing machine
  • air conditioning
  • games console
  • electronic game electronic toys
  • rice cooker
  • dish washer
  • TV
  • alarm clock
  • radio
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State what is meant by each of the following modes of data  processing

(i) Batch processing.
(ii) Real-time processing.
(iii) Online processing.
(iv) Off-line processing.

(i) Jobs collected together for processing at a later time
(ii) Output produced quickly enough to affect the next input
(iii) User has direct contact with the processor
(iv) User cannot communicate directly with the processor

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A company is developing a computer for use in schools.
(a) All computers have a CPU, memory and storage.
(i) Identify the type of physical storage that uses electronic circuits.

 

Solid state
 

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State advantages of solid state storage media

  • Portable
  • Light
  • Faster access speed
  • No moving parts
  • Efficient power consumption
  • Durable
  • Small physical size
  • Large storage capacity
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State the reasons for system review and maintenance

  • user changes his mind
  • new government legalisation/company policy company changes
  • changes in hardware
  • changes in software/upgrades/new versions
  • improved operating efficiency/ease of use
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State two benefits of using robots

  • reduced labour costs/do not need paying
  • reduced cost of goods
  • improve speed of production/productivity
  • high degree of accuracy/precision/less errors
  • can operate where humans can not go
  • do not take breaks/holidays/get tired
  • work 24 hrs a day
  • reduce accidents at traffic lights
  • improve traffic flow
  • can work in dangerous conditions

State the uses of 3D printers

  • Making prosthetic limbs for patients
  • Making items which allow precise reconstructive surgery
  • Making light-weight plane wings
  • Making sculptures
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COMPUTER STUDIES 2016 PAPER 1

  1. Identify any computer output device suitable for each of the following tasks:
  1. Generating receipts where carbon copies are required  (1mk)
  • Impact printers e.g dot matrix

     b) an architectural drawing where precision is required         (1mk)

  • Plotter

(c ) producing document output for a visually impaired person (1mk)

  • Braille/speakers
  1. Pesa Tele has offices in Nairobi and Kampala connected in a network . the management is convinced that someone is illegally gaining access to the data in their computers. State three ways in which the company can overcome this problem (3mks)
  • Encryption
  • Firewall
  • Audit trail/tracking
  • Use of passwords
  • Limit the number of log-in attempts
  1. Explain two ways in which the use of internet could make reporting of corruption easier (4mks)
  • Interactive: the internet based technology enables real-time dialogue hence instantaneous reporting of cases
  • Outreach: the technology allows the coverage of wide areas
  • Social mobilization : it easy to create a network of people with similar concerns
  • Anonymity : it is easier to report corruption without being  known
  • Security: the message sent reaches destination without being intruded
  1. State ways in which software errors can be prevent during program development
  • Use of antivirus software
  • Performing system update frequently
  • Testing the software before implementation
  • Proper training
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Define patch as used in the operating system

Refers to a small piece of software designed to update, fix, or improve a specific part of the operating system or an application.

NB: Patches are typically released by the software's developer or the operating system vendor to address security vulnerabilities, software bugs, or to add new features or enhancements

State two effects of a computer virus

  • memory used up/slows down computer/alters setting/systems failure
  • erases files/erases data/corrupts data/data needs restoring
  • infects other computers on the network
  • production loss/financial loss
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Satellite services are used to provide broadband internet connectivity to regional and remote areas of Kenya. State one advantage and one disadvantage of using satellites for this purpose.

Advantages

  • can cover large areas
  • requires minimal land-based transmission support
  • requires minimal infrastructure to provide internet access
  • minimal impact on the environment or humans.

Disadvantages

  • transmission speeds are not comparable with other forms of transmission
  • data costs are expensive by comparison to other forms of transmission
  • expensive to deliver.
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Your friend wishes to install a wireless network in his office. Explain to him the difference between guided and unguided media

  • Guided media uses cables to connect to computers whereas unguided media uses waves.
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Elucidate the fact that zero can only be represented in one way in twos complement and in two ways in ones complement

Taking a four-digit 0  binary number i.e (0000)2

In ones complement this is  1111

In twos complement this becomes 1111+1= 0000

So, It is clear that 0 and negative zero is the same in twos complement while in ones complement they are two different values

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KCSE 2021 Computer Studies PP1  Prediction Q.20

20. a) The figure shows a network design. Use it to answer the questions that follow.

NB/ The diagram dor 20 (a)  is at the bottom

 

b. Explain the function of each of the following in the network

I     Router                                                                                                             [2]

- connects school LAN to the Internet/identifies the best route for data transmission/forwards data packets between a computer network and the Internet

II   Firewall                                                                                                                                  [2]

Hardware/software that filters unauthorized access to or from the school’s LAN

III  File Server                                                                                                                                [2]

Provides location for shared files/disk access/resources

c. State two categories of software that must be installed in a computer so that users can use it to access the Internet.                                                                                                                                  [2]

  • Network operating system
  • Browser e.g. I.E, Mozila, Google (accept examples)
  • System drivers
  • Protocol

d) State four ways in which computers may be used to manage data in a research environment.         [4]

The guiding principle is the candidate must mention the use and the technology to score

e.g.

1. Use of databases in data manipulation (Technology is database and the use is data manipulation)

2. Use of scanner to aid in data capturing

3. Use of Internet to communicate researched work

4. Use of printers to generate reports

5. Use of databases r hard disk to store data

etc etc

e) Some computer companies have opted to use the Internet to provide shared processing resources and online application services to users. State three advantages that this approach will have on their customers.                                                                                                                                 [3]

- The guiding principle is benefit/enhancement to the customer

  • Customer will not be required to have powerful processing devices
  • Customers can access services from anywhere
  • There will be cost reduction for the customer
  • Customers can collaborate with remote users
  • Customers can access services at any time of the day
  • Customers can upload/backup work in the cloud/Internet
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There are security concerns associated with cloud storage.
(a) State one way in which providers of cloud storage could prevent security breaches by their own employees

 (b) Explain why data on networks is encrypted

(a) One from:

  • Background checks
  • Access control
  • Physical security
  • User policies

(b) To prevent unauthorised access (1) so that data remains confidential (1) by making it unintelligible (1) because it is scrambled (1)

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What are computer networks?
A set of connected computers and other devices which share resources such as software, internet connection,printers etc
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Explain two computer hardware features that may be considered when selecting a laptop computer to be used in developing a KCSE computer studies project (4mks)

Multimedia Capability - A laptop with strong multimedia capabilities is essential for a computer studies project submitted on CD-RW. This ensures that the laptop can efficiently handle multimedia content, providing a seamless experience in creating and presenting project materials.

Processor Speed - Opting for a laptop with a high processor speed is crucial. This feature enables the smooth execution of multiple applications simultaneously, enhancing overall project efficiency and reducing processing delays.

Hard Disk Capacity - Consider a laptop with ample hard disk capacity, as the Microsoft Office suite used in computer projects requires significant space for the installation and storage of project files. A spacious hard drive ensures that there is sufficient room for data and applications.

Main Memory Capacity - Given that students often work with multiple programs concurrently during a project, it's important to choose a laptop with an adequate main memory size. A smaller main memory may result in performance issues, hindering the seamless operation of various software applications during project development.

 

State THREE reasons why binary is used in developing digital electronic systems                                                                                                                                                   (3marks)

  • Simple technology is needed to develop both hardware and software.
  • Digital devices are more reliable, small in size and use less power as compared to analog devices.
  • Devices that read, process or output data in digital form are used in computers and other digital devices such as calculators.
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(ii) The organisation has chosen wireless connectivity over wired connectivity for its new office building. There is no significant difference in the cost of installing either.
Give three reasons why the organisation might prefer wireless connectivity.

May not have space for cables to be installed

Employees and visitors can move around the building without disconnecting

Adding new users just means giving out the SSID and password

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