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Q&A-KCSE Computer Studies Paper 1

Define the following

(a) Cookies

(b) Spyware

(c) Phishing

(d)Spam

(e) Pharming

 

 

(a) Cookies

  • Information that a website stores about a user on their hard disk; this enables
    the website to remember details about the user when they next visit the website.

(b) Spyware

  • Program installed on a PC to gather information about the user. It monitors
    every key press and relays the information back to the home base

(c) Phishing

  • Sending an email that claims to be from a legitimate company; the recipient is then directed to a bogus website where their personal details will be collected

(d)Spam

  • Junk/ (unsolicited) electronic mail advertising products and services sent to a general mailing list.

(e) Pharming

  • Malicious code installed on a PC or on a server. This code directs users to a
    a fraudulent website without their knowledge.
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State the functions of the following registers

Program counter // PC
Stores the address of the next instruction to be fetched
Memory address register // MAR
Stores the address where data/instruction is to be read from or saved to
Memory data register // MDR
Stores data that is about to be written to memory // Stores data that has just been read from memory
Current instruction register // CIR
Stores the instruction that is currently being decoded/executed

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Give two other uses of hexadecimal in computer science.

  • colour codes // colour in HTML/CSS
  • error messages
  • locations in memory
  • memory dump // debugging 
  • IP(v6) address
  • ASCII // Unicode
  • assembly language
  • URL.

 

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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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Computer Studies Paper 1 2021  KCSE Prediction Section B Qs. 17,18 and 19

17. a) i) Explain the term search as used in the Internet.                                            [2]

A web based application that locates items or information from the World Wide Web

ii) Peter intends to download a movie from the Internet. State the three factors that may determine the total time taken to complete the download.                                           [3]

  • Size of the video/format
  • The bandwidth of the media/speed of network/network traffic
  • Type of browser software
  • Background activities running in the computer
  • Restrictions enforced in the computer/firewall/antivirus
  • Speed of the computer/CPU speed
  • Size of RAM

b) Wakulima online is an organization that runs a web based system for assisting farmers to obtain market for their produce. State four technological reasons that may cause a farmer not to access the organization’s system.                                                                                  [4]

  • Poor network/lack of connection
  • Software failure in the system
  • Hardware failure
  • Lack of access rights
  • System overload/hanging
  • Lack of skills/disability/illiteracy
  • Lack of power supply

c) Explain a situation when each of the following Desktop Publishing program features may be used when creating a publication:

i. Cropping                                                                                                               [2]

Applies to graphics – used to trim/remove/hide some portions in the graphics

ii. Transparency                                                                                                         [2]

Used to make background of a graphic to be clear/visible

d. List two areas where infrared waves are used in data communication.                             [2]

18. a) List four activities of the planning stage of systems development.                             Ignore this question, marks redistributed elsewhere

b) Explain a circumstance when each of the following feasibility studies are carried out during systems development.

i. Technical                                                                                                               [3]

Done to determine whether technology exists to support the proposed solution

 

ii. Economic                                                                                                              [3]

Done to determine whether the proposed solution is economically viable

 

iii. Schedule                                                                                                               [3]

Done to determine whether the proposed system can be done within an acceptable time.

c) Table 1 and Table 2 are related tables in a database. Use them to answer the questions that follow.

Table 1

Dept Code

Dept Name

001

Computer

002

Aviation

003

Engineering

 

Table 2

DeptID

Student Registration No.

Student’s Name

002

St01

Alex Too

003

St02

Naomi Komi

002

St03

Peter Kengo

 

i. Identify the appropriate primary key for each table.                    [2]

Table 1 – Dept code, Student Registration No

ii. Explain two benefits of enforcing referential integrity in the database. [4]

  • No record can be added in Table 2 if its corresponding record in Table 1 does not exist
  • No record in Table 1 can be deleted without first deleting the corresponding record in Table 2
  • Reduces data redundancies/ensures integrity
  • Prevents deletion of related table

19. a) Describe each of the following validation checks as used in data processing.

i. Preserve check                                                                                                      [2]

Ignore this question, marks redistributed elsewhere

ii. Data type check                                                                                                    [2]

Ensure correct type of data is entered for the field

iii. Check digit                                                                                                           [2]

This is a number added/calculated by the computer to a binary number. The check digit ensures correct transmission of the binary number.

b. Write each of the following abbreviations in full:

i) BCD                                                                                                                                    [1½]

Binary Coded Decimal

ii) EBCD                                                                                                                                 [

This question was thrown out and marks redistributed elsewhere

iii) ASCII                                                                                                                    [1½]

American Standard Code for Information Interchange

c) Using 10-bits binary number system, perform the following decimal operation using two’s complement.                                                                                                                                   [6]

12910 - 12810

+129 = 00 1000 0001

128 = 00 1000 0000

-128 = 11 0111 1111 (ones complement)

                            +1

          11 1000 0000 (Twos complement)

129- 128

     00 1000 0001

+ 11 1000 0000

 100 0000 0001

Hence = 00 0000 00012 or 12 (the overflow bit is ignored)

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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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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.

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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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Compare and contrast CLI and GUI

CLI

  • Commands have to be typed in full with no mistakes
  • Requires memorization of commands
  • Uses less memory

GUI

  • Due to graphics, GUI uses a lot of memory
  • GUI is more user friendly
  • Cannot operate properly if memory is low

Comparison

  • Both carry out file management
  • Both are operating systems
  • Both control software and hardware
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What is the difference between a logical file and a physical file?

  • A physical file contains the original data whereas a logical file does not contain any data
  • A physical file contains one record format while a logical file can contain up to 32 record formats
  • A physical file can exist without a logical file while a logical file cannot exist without a physical file
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What precautions would you take in a computer room in case a user complains of backache after long periods of using the computer?

  1. Ergonomic Chair: Ensure that each user has an ergonomic chair that provides proper lumbar support. The chair should be adjustable in terms of height and backrest angle.

  2. Adjustable Desk: Provide adjustable desks or workstations that can accommodate different user heights and allow for proper positioning of the keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

  3. Monitor Placement: Ensure that the computer monitors are positioned at eye level or slightly below to prevent users from straining their necks and shoulders. Consider using monitor stands or adjustable monitor arms for better positioning.

  4. Keyboard and Mouse: Encourage the use of ergonomic keyboards and mice that are designed to minimize strain on the wrists and hands. Provide wrist rests if needed.

  5. Proper Lighting: Ensure that the computer room is well-lit, with appropriate lighting levels to reduce eye strain. Avoid glare on the computer screens by using adjustable blinds or curtains.

  6. Regular Breaks: Encourage users to take regular breaks from prolonged computer use. Suggest the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

  7. Stretching Exercises: Promote stretching exercises for the neck, shoulders, and back to help alleviate muscle tension and improve blood circulation. Display posters or provide resources on desk stretches and exercises.

  8. Correct Posture: Educate users about proper sitting posture, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a neutral spine position. Provide visual aids or ergonomic training materials to demonstrate the correct posture.

  9. Desk Organization: Encourage users to keep their workstations organized to minimize the need for reaching or straining. This includes keeping frequently used items within easy reach and arranging cables to prevent trip hazards.

  10. Individual Assessments: If the backache issue persists, consider offering individual ergonomic assessments for users. A specialist can evaluate the user's workstation setup and suggest personalized recommendations.

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What characterises a phased implementation approach?

  • Phased means that only one part of the system is implemented at a time
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Define Data Security

  • Is the protection of programs and data in computers and communications systems against unauthorized modification, access or disclosure
  •  
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State three types of optical disks

  • compact disks
  • DVDs
  • Blue Ray
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State the symptoms of a computer virus

  • Unfamiliar graphics or quizzical messages appear on the screen
  • Programs taking longer than usual to load
  • Less memory allowance than usual
  • Unusual error messages occurring more frequently
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Describe the role of the registers and system clock within the fetch-execute cycle.

  • Registers are small amounts of memory available that hold data fetched from memory or data waiting to be stored in memory. A temporary holding place for the instruction that has been fetched.
  • The system clock purpose is to determine the pace of the cycle, each tick of the clock a part of the fetch-execute cycle occurs. Regulates the timing and speed of a computers systems functions.
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State the functions of the following protocols

POP -Stands for post office protocol

  • used to download emails from email servers

SMTP- Simple Mail Transfer Protocol

  • used to send emails to email servers and transfer emails between servers

FTP - Stands for the file transfer protocol

  • handles file uploads and downloads
  • transfers data and programs and not viewable content

 

State the functions of the following protocols

POP -Stands for post office protocol

  • used to download emails from email servers

SMTP- Simple Mail Transfer Protocol

  • used to send emails to email servers and transfer emails between servers

FTP - Stands for the file transfer protoc

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Xpat ICT has been tasked to construct a network for an organisation. Explain three factors that the company should consider when selecting the medium for the connectivity (KCSE 2021 Computer Studies Q19c)

  • Security
  • Installation cost
  • bandwidth the medium can support
  • Flexibility e.g wireless media
  • Distance
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Explain, with examples where appropriate, the following five computer terms.

(a) Buffer

(b)batch processing

(c) e-commerce

(d) simulation

(a) Buffer

  • temporary storage or memory which compensates for the difference speed of peripherals and the CPU

(b)batch processing

  • processing doesn’t start until all data is collected
  • JCL (any reference to Job Control Language)
  • no need for user interaction
  • processed all in one go
  • done at “quiet” times
  • e.g. billing, payroll, cheque processing

(c) e-commerce

  • electronic commerce
  • buying and selling products/services using the internet/computer networks

(d) simulation

  • studying the behaviour of a system by using a model/mathematical representation
  • results can be predicted
  • e.g. flight (or other) simulator, modelling hazardous chemical process

(e) Email

  • sending messages from one device to another using computer networks/Internet
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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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