Distinguish between application and system software
What is a Uniform Resource Locator?
Describe the purpose of two registers that are used by Von Neumann architecture.
MAR( memory address register)
MDR or memory data register
Program counter
Accumulator
Give two examples of each of the following application packages
a)Spreadsheets (2mks)
Any 2 @ 1mk
b) Word processors (2mks)
Any 2 @ 1mk
Utility software are operating system programs designed to maintain the functionality of a computer system.
Describe three types of utility software that are provided to help maintain the security and integrity of computer data.
State two components of the CPU
Any two from:
The Unicode character set is used to represent text that is typed into a computer.
(a) Describe what is meant by a character set.
(b) One disadvantage of using the Unicode character set, instead of the ASCII character set, is
that the text stored takes up more storage space.
(b) One disadvantage of using the Unicode character set, instead of the ASCII character set, is
that the text stored takes up more storage space
6 Programmers write software that controls hardware and interacts with users. Some of this software ensures that networks function properly.
(a) Compilers and interpreters translate source code written in programming languages.
State four other features of a compiler.
A single executable file is produced
The executable program is portable between machines
The program source code is not available
Code can be optimised/made more efficient
Entire source code file is converted at once
No special environment is needed to execute the code
It creates object/machine code
Error report is provided at the end of the compilation
State ways in which a network manager can use to ensure that the network is secure
State three advantages of biometric authentication
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
KCSE 2021 Computer Studies PP1 Prediction Q.20
20. a) The figure shows a network design. Use it to answer the questions that follow.
NB/ The diagram dor 20 (a) is at the bottom
b. Explain the function of each of the following in the network
I Router [2]
- connects school LAN to the Internet/identifies the best route for data transmission/forwards data packets between a computer network and the Internet
II Firewall [2]
Hardware/software that filters unauthorized access to or from the school’s LAN
III File Server [2]
Provides location for shared files/disk access/resources
c. State two categories of software that must be installed in a computer so that users can use it to access the Internet. [2]
d) State four ways in which computers may be used to manage data in a research environment. [4]
The guiding principle is the candidate must mention the use and the technology to score
e.g.
1. Use of databases in data manipulation (Technology is database and the use is data manipulation)
2. Use of scanner to aid in data capturing
3. Use of Internet to communicate researched work
4. Use of printers to generate reports
5. Use of databases r hard disk to store data
etc etc
e) Some computer companies have opted to use the Internet to provide shared processing resources and online application services to users. State three advantages that this approach will have on their customers. [3]
- The guiding principle is benefit/enhancement to the customer
Website data is broken down into packets to be transmitted to a user. Describe the structure of a data packet.
It has a header
It has a payload
It has a trailer.
Define the following modes of electronic data 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
State advantages of batch processing
In reference to word processing, define the following terms
Word wrap
Justification
Drop cap
Word wrap - Is a word processing feature in which a word that does not fit in the current line is automatically moved at the start of the next line
Justification - refers to aligning text on both left and right margins
Drop cap - Make the first character of a paragraph occupy more than one line below it
What is repetitive strain injury?
List Three file organisation methods in a computer
Give one reason why a phased implementation would be the best approach to follow in this case.