COMPUTER STUDIES 2016 PAPER 1
b) an architectural drawing where precision is required (1mk)
(c ) producing document output for a visually impaired person (1mk)
Explain one benefit to a user if the program is distributed as free software
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]
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]
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]
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)
State the symptoms of a computer virus
Slow Performance: If your computer suddenly becomes significantly slower than usual, taking longer to boot up, open applications, or respond to commands, it could be a sign of a virus. Viruses can consume system resources, resulting in decreased performance.
Frequent Crashes: If your computer frequently crashes, freezes, or experiences sudden system reboots without any apparent reason, it could be due to a virus. Some viruses can interfere with system stability, leading to unexpected crashes or instability.
Unusual Pop-ups or Ads: If you start noticing an excessive number of pop-ups, advertisements, or banners appearing on your computer screen, especially when you're not browsing the internet, it might be an indication of adware or malware infection.
Unwanted Modifications: Viruses can modify system settings or configurations without your consent. If you observe changes in your default browser homepage, new toolbars appearing, unfamiliar icons on the desktop, or altered settings, it could be a sign of a virus.
Unusual Network Activity: If you notice excessive network traffic, unusual data transfers, or a sudden increase in data usage without any known reason, it could be an indication of a virus or malware actively communicating with external servers.
Missing or Modified Files: Viruses can delete, encrypt, or modify files on your computer. If you find missing files or encounter unexpected changes in file sizes, names, or extensions, it could be a result of a virus infection.
Disabled Security Software: Some viruses attempt to disable or circumvent antivirus or security software to avoid detection. If you notice that your antivirus program or firewall is deactivated, modified, or unable to update, it could be due to a virus compromising your security software.
Unexpected Email or Message Activity: Viruses can use infected computers to send spam emails or messages to contacts in your address book without your knowledge. If your friends or colleagues report receiving suspicious or unexpected emails or messages from you, it could be a sign of a virus.
Describe the function of a web browser
Convert the HTML into a webpage which is rendered on the screen
Describe two methods used to assist in finding program errors.
A computer is upgraded to a dual-core CPU.
Explain how the upgrade can affect the performance of the computer.
List any two components of an expert system (2marks)
Describe three other different categories of malware.
Trojan (horse); a program which misleads the user into thinking it is another
piece of software which, when run, executes another program;
Spyware; a program which records data such as usernames and passwords on
a host system and forwards the information to a third party;
Adware; code embedded or attached to program files which will persistently
show adverts (that attempt to generate revenue);
Worm; code which will run autonomously and replicates itself on a host system;
Ransomware; a program that encrypts user’s data to make it unreadable until
they pay for the key;
Remote Access Tool (RAT); allows access to control and monitor a computer
from a remote network location;
Rootkit; malware that has managed to gain ‘root’ admin privileges;
Bots/Zombies; a program installed on a computer that performs a job for the
remote owner of the bot/zombie such as sending spam or sending web requests
to perform a DOS or attacking a computer system;
Scareware; malware that tells you something is wrong with your system in an
attempt to get you to make a purchase;
Keylogger; a program that monitors/records a user’s keystrokes in order to steal
passwords/confidential details;
The data before encryption is known as .................................................. text.
To scramble the data, an encryption .................................................., which is a type
of .................................................., is used.
The data after encryption is known as .................................................. text.
Encryption prevents the data from being .................................................. by a hacker
The data before encryption is known as .......plain.................. text.
To scramble the data, an encryption ......................key.........................., which is a type
of ...................key............................, is used.
The data after encryption is known as ....................cipher............................. text.
Encryption prevents the data from being ......................understood...................... by a hacker
List three other types of software license.
What is repetitive strain injury?
Explain the functions of the following parts of the CPU
Control Unit; Decodes instruction; Controls the fetching and writing of data;
Arithmetic Logic Unit/ ALU; Executes mathematical instructions; Executes logical instructions; Compares values held in registers;
Clock; Controls the number of instructions carried out each second; allows the CPU to synchronize operations;
State the function of a router in a network
Explain how an SSD stores data
Uses transistors( resistors and capacitors) . It can be implemented by the use of NAND or NOR gates. Data is stored on the chip as a charge
State advantages of star network topology
State three different methods that allow people to communicate using the Internet. In each case, give a different benefit for the stated method.
emails: – fast delivery of messages (to recipient’s mail box)
– able to send attachments
– can store messages for later use
– auto-translation no language problems
– can open email at a convenient time
video conferencing/calling/chat:
– removes need to travel (saves time and money)
– allows face to face discussions
– works in real time (only allow once)
VoIP: – much cheaper than normal international calls
– direct communication between people
– works in real time (only allow once)
chat rooms/instant messaging:
– instantaneous reply
– anyone can join in
social networking:
– can ensure only your “friends” are in communication
– usually free to join and use
– talk to (multiple) friends at the same time
State two data protection rules that should be obeyed by all staff in a hospital.
Distinguish between real time processing and interactive processing
Explain one drawback to a user if the program is distributed as freeware
The user is not allowed to access the source code so, they cannot tailor the software to their needs and they cannot fix any bugs in it
The software is still covered by copyright
The user must get the owner’s permission to do anything beyond using it