admin@kcseforecast.com

Q&A-KCSE Computer Studies Paper 1

Define disk formatting and state three reasons for formatting a disk

Definition

  • Disk formatting is the process of preparing a data storage media for initial use

Reasons:

  • To make a disk blank for reuse
  • To make it compatible with another operating system
  • to create tracks and sectors for first time use
Question Image

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.
Question Image

Outline a factor that can influence the performance of a network.

  • The different factors that can influence the performance of a network include: bandwidth, network design, data collisions, and excess broadcast traffic.
  • The bandwidth can influence through the method of transmission and medium used
Question Image

Give one advantage of a star network when compared to a ring network.

if one station/cable fails, others are not affected
easier to identify faults when using star topologies
it is easier to expand this type of network
performance doesn’t deteriorate under load

Question Image

State two benefits of using computerised traffic control systems.

  • Better/improved traffic flow control
  • reduces accidents
  • keeps delays to a minimum
  • reduces pollution
  • cars use less fuel

Describe how the database can be recovered from a system failure

  • mirrored hard disk/hot standby/second computer
  • re-run the old master file with the transaction file
Question Image

 Lucy wrote: “I should validate the input into my database by typing in the same data twice”.Why was her statement incorrect?

  • she had actually described verification
  • data could be incorrect, therefore same incorrect data typed in twice
  • accept description of validation process e.g. range check
Question Image

With the aid of an example, explain the term multilevel list as used in word processing

  • it is a format style that shows the listed items of different levels rather than at one level. Each level has a different indentation and numbering style

1. Chapter 1

     1.1. Introduction

                 1.1.1.Definition of terms

Question Image

Joelle’s parent also uses the firewall to limit the websites that Joelle can access.
Explain how the firewall is used to limit the websites that Joelle can access

(The parent can) set criteria for the websites she is allowed to visit such as a whitelist/blacklist of websites. The firewall will examine the data/traffic incoming and outgoing from her computer. If data is sent from a website that is not allowed, it will be blocked

Question Image

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

Question Image

IT technicians are setting up a new file server for a school. Describe the benefits and drawbacks of using a command line interface (CLI) rather than a graphical user interface (GUI) to set up a new file server.  (4marks)

Benefits

  • The user is not restricted to the predetermined options//the GUI uses icons and set menus
  • The user has more control over the computer settings//in GUI computer settings are protected from the user
  • Uses less memory than GUI
  • Requires less processing power for the interface
  • More processing power is made available for the task

Drawbacks

  • The commands used have to be learnt
  • The commands used have to be remembered
  • The commands used have to be typed in/entered exactly
  • Have to remember the exact path/correct name of application
  • More prone to errors on data entry Commands have to be typed in//in a GUI can use touchscreens/mice
  • Tends to be used by specialist people//GUI is more user-friendly and can be used by non-experts
Question Image

Identify and describe four roles of the operating system when managing the resources of a personal computer.

Manages memory (RAM)

  •  Allocates memory to programs currently executing 

Ensures programs/data do not corrupt each other

  • Ensures all programs and data including itself is stored in correct memory locations

Manages processes

  • Ensures different processes can utilise the CPU and do not interfere with each other or crash  

Allows the user to run programs 

  • On a multitasking operating system, it ensures that all tasks appear to run simultaneously 

Other roles

  • Allocates time slices
  • Scheduling of programs
  • Handles interrupts
  • Allows the user to configure hardware
Question Image

Why are CD-Rs and CD_ROMs referred to as WORM?

  • Because data is recorded to the disks once but can be accessed many times without changing the content
  • once data is written to the disk, it becomes read-only and cannot be altered or erased.
Question Image

Define Data Security

  • Is the protection of programs and data in computers and communications systems against unauthorized modification, access or disclosure
  •  
Question Image

 Complete the data dictionary below for the Student entity.

  • StudentID: String
  • FirstName: Required 1
  • Year: 2 1
  • Email: Email address containing @ sign 1
  • AccountBalance: Real
Question Image

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

Question Image

Maranda MOCK 2024 CRE Paper 2

b) What Simeon and Anna said about the life of Jesus during the dedication. (7mks)

Jesus would save people

He would bring glory to Israel

He would be a light to the gentiles

He would be a universal savoir

He would bring judgment to the Israelites

Many people would oppose his work

He would reveal secret thoughts of people

He would be the source of redemption for Jerusalem

Question Image

Viruses, pharming and phishing are all examples of potential Internet security issues.
Explain what is meant by each of these three terms.

Virus

  • - program/software that replicates/copies itself
  • – can delete or alter files/data stored on a computer
  •  – can make the computer “crash”/run slow

Pharming -

  • malicious code/software installed on a user’s hard drive/actual webserver
  •  – this code redirects user to a fake website (without their knowledge)
  •  – to obtain personal/financial information/data

Phishing

  • - legitimate-looking emails sent to a user
  • – as soon as the recipient opens/clicks on the link in the email/attachment …
  • – … the user is directed to a fake website (without their knowledge)
  • – To obtain personal/financial information/data
Question Image

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

Question Image

Describe overtype and insert modes as used in word processors

  • Overtype mode: deletes the current text at the cursor position and replaces the existing characters with new text
  • Insert Mode: pushes the existing text away as new text is inserted between the existing text
Question Image