1. Operating system manages the computer hardware thus without it the programs cannot communicate directly to the hardware
2. Provide a user interface through which a user can give instructions to the computer. Without a user interface, it would be difficult to load or run programs
3. other programs depend on the operating system to load them into the memory , allocate resources and schedule processor time, Without operating , there would be nothing to co-ordinate the execution of multiples programs
4. The OS organizes data in files and directories, making it possible for programs to save, retrieve, and modify data.
5. Without it, programs wouldn’t know where or how to store data.
6. The OS controls access to files, memory, and devices, ensuring that one program doesn’t interfere with another.

specify output requirements
design documents/screen displays
data for input/storage
form design
storage devices
file structures/access/design
data security/back up files
systems flowchart etc.
implementation i.e. pilot/intermediate/parallel running
testing strategy
training
hardware/software
programming/algorithms
validation
user manual
technical documentation
entering data into system

• (Cache) Stores regularly accessed instructions/data
• Reduces the need to access instructions/data from the main memory
•  Makes up for the difference in speed of the CPU and main memory

• TCP/IP

A primary key is a table field that uniquely identifies each record and ensures that duplicate entries are not allowed

A foreign key is primary key of a parent table placed in a child table to ensure that any record added to a child table is related to the one in parent table.

A foreign key is a field (or a set of fields) in one table that refers to the primary key of another table. It is used to establish and enforce a link between the data in the two tables, ensuring referential integrity.

• data must be accurate/up-to-date
• personal data must be registered
• data must be used for the purpose that is registered for
• if data is to be used for another purpose the registrar must be notified/
• subject gives consent
• patients must be able to see the data and have it changed if it is incorrect
• processed fairly and lawfully
• kept no longer than needed
• kept secure
• not transferred to other countries without protection

• Bus topology is characterised by common transmission media shared by all the connected nodes
• Star topology is characterised by a central switching node connected directly to each of the multiple nodes in the network

Advantages of Star topology over Bus topology

• Faster communication as compared to bus topology
• Independent line of connection allows freedom of removing or adding nodes

Disadvantages of Star topology over Bus topology

• Expensive as compared to the bus topology
• Long cable length

• Network
• Commercial
• Enterprise
• Proprietary

• file deletion
• file copying
• file renaming
• file retrieval
• file closing
• file reading

SECTION A (40 MARKS)

1.Describe the purpose of each of the following computer functional units:    (2mks)

    a) Control

    b) Storage

2.Explain how each of the following would affect the suitability of a room for use as a computer room: (2mks)

a) Burglar proofed door

b)Availability of taps and sinks in the room

3.State three data representation codes used in computers       (3mks)

4.State two types of documentation in program development and give the purpose of each.     (4mks)

5.Suppose a 5 element array A contains the values 9, 12, 17, 7 and 20.  Find the value in A after executing the loop below:

            Repeat for k = 1 to 4

            Set A [k +1]: = A [k]

                        [End of loop]            (3mks)

6.State any three activities that occur in a program compilation process  (3mks)

7.The formula = k20 + P$ 18 was typed in cell L21 and then copied to cell M24 of a spreadsheet. Write the formula as it appears in cell M24.(2mks)

8.State two ways in which a computer may be used in the efficient running of a hospital (2mks)

9.List three disadvantages of using the traditional file management method          (3mks)

10.Give one disadvantage of a single processor multi-user system    (1mk)

11. List three differences between a micro-computer and a super-computer.         (3mks)

12.State and explain two reasons why word processing is one of the most common applications of many computer users.   (2mks)

13. write- 1 in twos complement notation in byte form                                        (4mks)

14.Explain the following input/output terms as used in computer systems. Give an example for each        (4mks)

  a) Read

  b) Write

15.State two disadvantages of networking.

SECTION B (60 MKS)

Answer question 16 and any other three questions from this section.

16.The following flowchart can be used to list the odd numbers between 0 and 100

a)Write a program segment for the flowchart using a high level language.  (7mks)

b)What would be the output from the flowchart if the statement in the decision box is changed to:  (3 mks)

i)          Odd = 100

ii)         Odd< 100

iii)        Odd> 100

c)  Modify the flowchart so that it prints only the sum of the odd number between 0 and 100  (5mks)

17.a)  List five precautions that can be taken to protect data stored in diskettes   (5mks)

b)State and explain two precautions that can be taken to help recover data lost through accidental erasure. (4mks)

   c) Describe each of the following data processing methods:    (6mks)

   i) Batch processing

   ii) Distributed processing

   iii) Multiprogramming

18. a)  i)  What is a computer keyboard?      (1 mk)

           ii)  ist four types of keys found on a computer keyboard.  Give an example of each(4mks)

     b) Give four differences between present day’s computers and the older generation of computers   (4mks)

     c)   i) State three advantages and one disadvantage of using a laser printer.  (4mks)

           ii) Distinguish between a line printer and a page printer             (2mks)

19  a) Identity three public Universities and three National Polytechnics in Kenya where further computer training is offered. In case, state the highest level of qualification that can be acquired in computer training. (6 mks)

b) Distinguish between “Job replacement” and “Job displacement” in reference to computerization.  (2mks)

c) Give four reasons why a firm may decide to computerize its operations.   (4mks)

d) An individual has a right to demand a guarantee of privacy of personal information stored on a computer.Give three such types of information.  (3mks)

20. a)  Give three comparisons of the traditional file management method of typing a document on a typewriter against using a word processor.     (6mks)

      b)  i) Define the term spreadsheet (1 mk)

            ii) Give two examples of spreadsheet packages available in the market today        (2mks)

      c) Explain the following terms as used in a spreadsheet:

             i)  What if …analysis         (2 mks)

             ii) Cell                (1 mk)

             iii) Formula  (1mk)

             iv)  Pie chart                                                                      (2 mks)

• Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)
• Post Office Protocol (POP)
• Internet Message Access Protocol(IMAP)

 Control unit

One to one  - Each record in the parent table has exactly one related record in the child table, and vice versa.

One to Many -  Each record in the parent table can have multiple related records in the child table, but each record in the child table is related to only one record in the parent table

• College authorities are the experts in the problem
• A system Analyst is an expert with computers
• The two need to pool resources to come up with a clear definition
• Agree on the outcomes so that when the system is , there are a set of criteria to judge it by

• A software which can display a webpage on a user's computer screen

1. MAN
2. WAN
3. PAN
4. LAN

• 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

• Computer systems use binary/ones and zeros/voltage on or off;
• Sound is analogue/continuous;
• Computers use digital data/discrete values

Modulation refers to the process of converting a digital signal to analog signal at the transmission end while demodulation is to converting analog signal to digital signal at the receiving end

(i) Crop - used when handling a graphic and there is a need to remove some of the portions in the graphic

(ii)Transparency - used when there is a need to make background of a graphic visible