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Q&A-KCSE Computer Studies Paper 1

Explain a situation when each of the following Desktop Publishing programs features may be used when creating a document

(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

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Joe plays online games using the world wide web. A sequence of processes is required to open a web page. Describe this sequence of processes

  • URL is clicked/typed into a web browser address bar. The page is requested (by the web browser) so HTML and files are fetched from a web server and the browser collates the page, which is then displayed on the monitor.
  • OR
    URL is clicked/typed into a web browser address bar (1). The browser locates the IP address either in cache or using a DNS server and the browser sends a request to the web server with that IP address web server uses HTTP to send back the requested web page and the browser displays the content of the page .
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What is utility software?

  • System software that analyses, configures, optimises and maintains a computer system
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What is a Uniform Resource Locator?

  • It is an address to a resource on the internet
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State the function of a switch in a computer network

  • It transfers data signals from one node directly to another in the network without broadcasting
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Describe the problem recognition and definition stage of system development

  • problem recognition involves the system analyst identifying and accepting the existence of a problem in the current system
  • problem definition involves the analyst studying the system to understand its operations and shortcomings
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The following are software classified according to the end user licence agreement. Briefly describe each of them:

open source software, freeware, shareware, and proprietary software

Open source : refers to software provided freely with its source code. The user can modify and redistribute the software.

Freeware: these are software that can be downloaded for free and distributed, buta  the source code is hidden and cannot be altered.

Shareware: is software that is available for free within a given trial period, after which it must be bought.

Proprietary: software made for commercial purposes. The source code is hidden, and it can only be used after paying for a licence.

 

Explain what is meant by the two terms download speed and upload speed

download speed :
– speed at which information/data is transferred FROM server/Internet
– speed at which information/data is transferred TO the user’s computer
upload speed :
– speed at which information/data is transferred FROM user’s computer
– speed at which information/data is transferred TO the Internet/server

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Define the following modes of electronic data processing:

  1. Multitasking
  2. Real time processing
  3. Timesharing
  4. Online Processing

Multi-tasking - It is a data processing modes where a single CPU processing more than one task or program apparently at the same time

Time-sharing - a processing mode where a single CPU processes tasks from more than one user apparently at the same time

Time-sharing - this is a processing mode in which the CPU serves two or more users with different processing requirements ( tasks)

On-line processing - is a mode of processing where the result of data processing transaction is available immediately

Real-time processing - is a mode of data processing in which the time interval required to process and respond to inputs is so small that the response itself is useful for controlling the physical activity of a process

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Give one reason why use of video-conferencing has increased over the last ten years.

– faster communications now widely available
– safety reasons, e.g. increase in terrorist attacks on international flights
– reduced transportation/accommodation/hardware costs
– environmental issues, e.g. reduced carbon footprint
– increase in multinational working


(i) Give three advantages and disadvantages of using a touch-sensitive interface.

Advantages

  •  A touch screen is very intuitive
  • Easy to use as the user simply touches what they see on the display
  • Save space as no keyboard or mouse is required.
  • Touch monitors can even be mounted on the wall.
  • Touching a visual display of choices requires little thinking and is a form of direct manipulation that is easy to learn.
  • Touch screens are the fastest pointing devices.
  • Touch screens have easier hand-eye coordination than mice or keyboards.
  • No extra workspace is required as with other pointing devices.
  • Touch screens are durable in public access and in high volume usage

Disadvantages

  • Difficult for people with accessibility issues, e.g no feedback, disability
  • Can be easily damaged/scratched
  • Damaged/scratched screen prevent the interface from functioning as it should
  • Dirty screens difficult to read
  • Users must be within arm’s reach of the display
  • It is difficult to select small items
  • User's hand may obscure the screen
  • Screens need to be installed at a lower position and tilted to reduce arm fatigue
  • Some reduction in image brightness may occur
  • They cost more than alternative devices
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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)

  • Resizing using resize handles
  • Rotating
  • Cropping
  • Flipping
  • Moving
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b) Give one benefit of each type of data transmission

Serial

  • -more accurate/fewer errors over a longer distance
  • -less expensive wiring  
  • less chance of data being skewed/out of synchronization/order
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The Acme company stores data for a private scientific research group. It has recently upgraded its storage capacity and needs to dispose of its existing hard drives securely. Outline two methods for the secure disposal of the data on the hard drives.

Acme company needs to ensure that if they are reselling the drives they wipe the drive (this should be done regardless of the destruction of the drive) to the DoD standard.

  • Disassemble the drive by pulling it apart the drive so that the data would not be accessed
  • Destroy the metal disk either by drilling holes so it cannot be read
  •  Encrypt drives with passwords that are not accessible
  • Degaussing the hard drives
  • Use specialized overwriting software

This would ensure that any software cannot be used to locate files.

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Describe the purpose of a data dictionary, using an address book database as an example.

  • when designing a database a data dictionary provides the description and purpose of the fields/attributes of the database table(s). For example the field name (i.e. “phone number”), the data type (text); the size of the field (10) etc.
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Data integrity in a database can be divided into three categories: referential integrity, domain integrity and entity integrity.

(a)Outline the meaning of each of the following.

(i) Referential integrity

(ii) Entity integrity

(b) Describe how data integrity can improve the process of database management. (2 marks)

(i) Referential integrity

  • Two entities that are related require that a foreign key must have a matching primary key

(ii) Entity integrity

  • Entity integrity specifies that the Primary Keys on every instance of an entity must be kept, must be unique and must have values other than NULL

(b) Describe how data integrity can improve the process of database management. (2 marks)

  • Data integrity is the maintenance of, and the assurance of, data accuracy and consistency over its entire life-cycle and is a critical aspect to the design, implementation, and usage of any system that stores, processes, or retrieves data
  • The overall intent of any data integrity technique is the same: ensure data is recorded exactly as intended (such as a database correctly rejecting mutually exclusive possibilities)
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State the symptoms of a computer virus

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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What is social engineering?
The act of soliciting for sensitive information from unsuspecting users. According to study.com, it is the use of various forms of technology to deceive people into divulging private information:study.com
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Identify four different types of computer network.

  1. MAN
  2. WAN
  3. PAN
  4. LAN
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Factors to consider when choosing DTP software. (4 marks)

  1. Availability in the market
  2. Initial and maintenance cost
  3. User friendliness
  4. Compatibility
  5. User needs