When an image is inserted in a DTP document is selected, handles on its placeholders appear. State three uses of these handles
What is a computer virus?
A computer virus is a program designed to damage other programs or causes irregular behaviour in a computer system.
What is block operation as used in Microsoft word?
An editing or formatting procedure that is carried out on a selected block of text in a word-processing document.
A formatting or editing operation that is applied to a block of text after selecting. The block of text can be a paragraph, line, word, page or the whole document. It is much easier to apply editing or formatting to a block of text than to apply it to every single character
A large comprehensive school has over 500 computers connected to their Local Area Network (LAN) with a connection to the Internet. (a) Describe, in detail, four disadvantages for the school of having a network of computers compared to stand alone computers
A network manager may need to be employed which might be expensive
Could be infected with a virus that could spread to all other computers
Security problems receive traffic from other networks
Hackers may gain access as the network only as secure as weakest point of entry to data and steal/destroy
The server/switch could go down (main cable break) so all workstations on the network are affected
Can be expensive to set up as Initial cost of servers, communication devices, switches, network software etc.
Substantial Initial disruption: drilling holes, fitting trunking, running cables between buildings etc…
Can have a slow response time due to heavy network traffic so users cannot work as effectively
Detecting network problems can be more difficult on a network i.e difficult to isolate
Can be slow to log in to a network As it slow to download software/check password
Only limited storage space available on network while one has access to all hard disc drive on standalone computer
Time and effort to set up users o Can just start a standalone and use computer
Describe what is meant by shareware.
the trial version of software for a limited time/number of uses with limited features free of charge
If a full version is required need to pay a fee/sign up
When the trial is over user is asked to pay/sign up
Protected by copyright
Type of software licence
Aeroplanes now use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to determine their location.
Describe how the computer on board the aeroplane uses GPS to find its exact location
Give two benefits of using GPS in this application
Describe how the computer on board the aeroplane uses GPS to find its exact location
– satellites transmit signals to onboard computers
– computers receive/interpret these signals
– system depends on very accurate timing/use of atomic clocks
– each satellite transmits data indicating location and time
– computer in aeroplane calculates location based on at least three satellites
– at least 24 satellites in operation at any one time
– position accurate to within one metre
– can also calculate altitude of aeroplane
– ref to “triangulation”:
Give two benefits of using GPS in this application
– safer as the known location is exact/more accurate
– reduces the possibility of pilot error
– allows accurate estimation of arrival time
– display and guide the pilot to the nearest airport in case of emergency
Give one reason why a phased implementation would be the best approach to follow in this case.
Describe the problem recognition and definition stage of system development
State three ways of transforming a picture embedded in a DTP program in order to fit on a designated space on a document (kcse 2019 paper 1)
State three features of the fifth generation computers (3mks) [2017 paper 1]
Give three characteristics of an IP address.
Differentiate between distributed data processing and time-sharing.
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)
A computer game involves driving a racing car around a track. State which two modes of data processing would be appropriate, justifying your answers
Describe each of the following storage devices
DVD - optical media which use one spiral track; red lasers are used to read and write data on the media surface; makes use of dual-layering technology to increase the storage capacity
ROM - non-volatile memory chip; contents of the chip cannot be altered; it is often used to store the start-up routines in a computer (e.g. the BIOS)
SSD/ Solid State Drive/memory (SSD)
non-volatile memory device that uses NAND flash memories (which consist of millions of transistors wired in series on single circuit boards)
Blue Ray - optical media that uses blue laser technology to read and write data on the media surface; it uses a single 1.1 mm polycarbonate disc
Explain one reason why a computer needs to be connected to a stable power source
System Stability: Computers require a consistent and stable power supply to function properly. Fluctuations or interruptions in the power source can cause various issues that can disrupt the computer's operation or lead to hardware damage.
a. Data Loss: Sudden power outages or voltage fluctuations can cause the computer to shut down abruptly, resulting in data loss if unsaved work is not properly stored. This can be particularly problematic when working on critical tasks or handling important files.
b. Hardware Damage: Power surges or inconsistent power supply can damage the computer's internal components, including the motherboard, CPU, memory, and storage devices. These damages can result in system instability, reduced performance, or even complete hardware failure.
c. Operating System Corruption: Abrupt power loss or inconsistent power supply can corrupt the operating system files, leading to system crashes, error messages, and instability. This may require system repairs or reinstallation of the operating system.
d. Component Lifespan: Inconsistent power supply can put unnecessary stress on computer components, shortening their lifespan. Frequent power fluctuations or surges can cause wear and tear on various parts, reducing their efficiency and overall longevity.
Describe the purpose of the control unit (CU) within this computer.
What is the difference between a logical file and a physical file?
KCSE 2021 Computer Studies Paper Prediction 1 SECTION B
Answer question 16 and any other three questions from this section in the spaces provided.
16. a) With the aid of a flow chart, describe a loop control structure as used in programming. [4]
A control structure that allows statement(s) to be repeatedly executed until a certain condition is met 2mks
NB. Accept any other looping construct
