S.P.2 KCSE COMPUTER STUDIES PAPER 1 PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

SAMPLE PAPER 2

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COMPUTER STUDIES PAPER 1

SECTION A (40 Marks)

Answer All questions in this section.

1. Define the term downloading in relation to the internet (2 Mks)
   

1. State two reasons why personal
   computers are so important to (and common with) small businesses and entrepreneurs (2 Mks)
   
   1. (a) Write down an algorithm for Memorizing a short play (2 Mk)
      

(b) Draw a flowchart for the algorithm above (3 Mk)

1. What’s the difference between a trackball and a mouse (1 Mks
2. What is the: (3Mks)
   
3. Binary value of the decimal number 7 …………………………………………………………
4. Decimal value of hex A …………………………………………………………
5. Hex value of binary number 11 …………………………………………………………
6. Use the terms scan
   code and interrupt to describe how the keyboard works (2Mks)
   

1. Assuming you want to buy a black–and–white printer. State briefly, four important factors/criteria you’d use to evaluate the different types of printers (4Mk)
   
2. Mention three iteration statements (loop types) commonly used in programming

   
   (3Mks)
   

3. Describe the other program control
   structures besides iteration (3Mks)
   
4. Distinguish between filtering and sorting data as used in Spreadsheets? Use examples to explain your answer (2 Mks)
   
   1. Write down the full meanings of the following computing Acronyms: (4 Mks)
      
   2. RISC…………………………………………………………………………………………………
   3. POST ……………………………………………………………………………………………
   4. Briefly outline six roles of a Network administrator (3 Mks)
      
   5. What do you understand by the term device driver? (2 Mks)
      
5. Distinguish between baud
   rate and bit
   rate (2Mks)
   
6. State two advantages of: (2 Mks)
   
7. CRT monitor
   1. Flat panel displays

SECTION B (60 Marks)

Answer question 16 and any other TWO Questions.

1. (a) List four components of an information system (4 Mks)
   
   1. Define the following systems related terms: (6 Mks)
      
   1. Data dictionary
   2. Feasibility
   3. Walkthrough
      1. Briefly describe the five main stages of system
         development (5 Mks)
         
      2. What is system documentation (2 Mks)
         
      3. Why is Documentation important? (1 Mks)
         
      4. At what stage of the system development cycle should documentation take place?

         (1 Mks)
         

1. Use the following Ms
   Dos Screen to Answer the questions that follow:

1. What’s the name of the current
   directory? ………………………………(1 Mks
2. List the folders in this directory (2 Mks)
   
3. List the files that exist in the current directory by filling in the table below (9 Mks)
   

1. What command would make your prompt change to C:\>_ …………… (2 Mks)
   
2. Write down the statement that would: (6 Mks)
   

1. Display only the files/directories whose names start with “s”
2. Change the name of “sea.bmp” to “mombasa.jpg”
   1. (a) Describe any three physical LAN topologies (3 Mks)
      

(b) Define the following terms: (5 Mks)

1. Protocol
2. Server
3. Gateway
4. Repeater
5. Bandwidth

(c ) Give two
disadvantages of networking (3 Mks)

(d) Explain the line
of
sight principle in wireless communication (3 Mks)

(e) What’s the work of the following in networking? (6 Mks)

1. Crimping tool
2. Network interface card
3. Network neighbourhood icon
4. (a) Explain how computers are used in the following areas: (6 Mks)
   
   1. Law enforcement
   2. Banking
   3. A library

(b) List and describe the two types of DTP software (3 Mks)

(c ) Define: (6 Mks)

1. Pseudocode
2. Assembler
3. Object code

(d) Your principal is intending to install a simple Internet connection in the school. List down the equipment/ services that she’ll require to achieve this (5 Mks)

MARKING SCHEME

SAMPLE PAPER 2

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1. a) Data can be read (retrieved) and written (stored) in it  1

 – RAM is temporary (volatile) storage because its contents disappear when the computer is switched

off  1

• Its content is user defined i.e. the user dictates what is to be contained in the RAM 1

1. Static RAM is very fast, holds its contents as long as there is power whereas dynamic RAM is slower and holds its content for a short while even when power is on hence it requires refreshing (automatic rewriting) severally per second  1

2. A plotter 1

Because plotters specializes in producing big charts such as maps, pictures and drawings and mostly for printing geographical, architectural and engineering drawings such as maps which the company needs to produce

3. Multi User

 UNIX, LINUX, NOVEL, WINDOWS 9X/NT/2000/XP, MAC OS, OS/2 (any 2)  2

 Single user MS DOS  1

4. a) Because they allow the user to record data on them once but read the data as often as necessary 1

b) Back space – Used to erase character from right to left or use to erase a character that has just been typed 1

c) Delete:-Used to erase character from left to right OR used to delete the text or any part thereof 1

d) Space bar:- used to create space between words or character 1

5 (a) A Spreadsheet is essentially ledger sheet that lets one enter, edit and manipulate numeric data 1

1. Uses of spread sheets

• Statistical analysis e.g average, mean, median e.t.c
• Accounting – calculate profits, prepare budgets calculate depreciation and appreciation e.t.c
• Data management e.g. sorting, filtering, print e.t.c
• Forecasting (“what if” analysis) (any 3 logical answer)
  

6 a) Hardware

• Processor type and speed
• Memory capacity
• Secondary storage any two
• Warranty stated, ½
• Expansion and upgrades mark each
• User needs good explanation ½
• Cost mark each
• Compatibility
• Service and support
• Clones

b) Software

• Authenticity
• Rehability
• User needs Any two stated
• User friendliness  ½ mark each
• System requirements
• Cost Good explanation
• Compatibility  ½ mark each
• Portability
• Documentation
• Training
• upgrades

7. a) Used in data representation especially  1 in ASCII code representation of data

b) 94 B₁₆ = 2379₁₀
 1 must show the base if not – ½

8. Eaves dropping is intercepting of conversation by unauthorized recipient, deletion or insertion OR

integrity violation through wire tapping  any 1mk

Fire walls are computer hardware and /or software that help to filter the information that is being communicated 1

9. An information systems is a set of people,

a) procedures and resources that collect transforms and disseminates information in an organization 1

1. – When and organization has  1 several branches

• When an organization has many employees
• When the system analyst/system development committee is too busy to carry out interviews

10. (i) when the person inputting the data is 1 handicapped e.g. has impaired hands

(ii) When the person inputting the data has no data input skills using other devices such as keyboard and mouse

11. Administrative

• Job rotation
• Forced vacation
• Accessed information should be granted on need to know basis and not on rank basis
• Enhance accountability within the organization
• Have division of labour and segregation of duties
• Select your personnel competitively i.e. know your employees (any two 2)

Logical Access Control

• Use of password  2
• Use of user name 

12. – Consuit with managerial, Administrative and technical staff to determine information needs data flows and system definitions

• Monitor systems to optimize performance perform back up and initiate recovery action in the case of system failure
• Co-ordinate system updates
• Provide assistance in testing new equipment and systems
• Co-ordinates support work and training in system use and access (any two 2)

13. These are moral principles and values that govern the action and decisions of an individual or group 1

14. Base band signal

Is a digital signal that is generated and applied to the transmission medium directly without modulation  1

Broad band transmission

Is transmission where an analogue signal is sent over the transmission medium using a particular frequency 1

15. a) Is the process of generating personalised letters or documents by combining a main document

with existing data source 1

b) This is the feature that automatically moves a word or cursor to the beginning of the next line if

it does not fit at the end of the current line

16. a) It enables programmers to design packaged and manipulative programs which are able to run

on many different types of computer 1

b) Using pseudo code

START

REPEAT

PRINT ” Enter name and subject marks”

 1 INPUT Name, Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Biology, Chemistry, Business studies, Computer studies History

 1 SUM = Mathematics + English + Kiswahili + Biology + Chemistry + Business Studies + History

 AVG = sum

8

 If (AVG> 80) And (AVG < 100) THEN Grade = 'A'

 1 ELSE

 If (AVG > 70) and ( AVG < 79) THEN Grades = 'B'

 1 ELSE

 If (AVG > 60) and (AVG <69) THEN Grade = 'C'

 1 ELSE

 if (AVG > 50) and (AVG < 59) THEN Grade = 'D'

 1 ELSE

 Grade = ‘E’ Total (7 mks)

END IF

END IF

END IF

END IF ½

PRINT name, sum, AVG,  ½

Grade UNTIL Count = Number of students

Stop

Using a flow chart

 ½

 ½

• ½

 ½  ½  ½  ½

 ½  ½  ½  ½

 ½  ½  ½  ½  ½

 ½

 ½

17. A) These are receive/transmit terminals installed at dispersed sites connecting to a central hub

via satellite using small diameter antenna dishes (0.6 to 3.8 meter)  1

OR

It is a telecommunications technology that uses geosynchronous satellites as relays for point to point, point to multipoint or broadcast communications

b) – It is cheaper than other methods since it is distant independent

– They are able to track information from anywhere by picking a signal and transmitting it

or receiving it (suitable for remote places)

– They have low maintenance costs and management costs

– are not affected by outager, construction projects, falling trees e.t.c. which are a major problem with other media any 3

c) A Collection of independent 1 Entities that are arranged in such a manner as to exchange data, information or resources

OR

It is connecting two or more computers and other communication devices for purposes of communication

d) Advantages

– Resources sharing

– Remote communication

– Distributed processing capability  3 any three

– Cost effective

– Reliable

Disadvantages

– Security issues

– High initial costs

– Moral and cultural effects any 2

– Spread of terrorism and drug trafficking

– Over reliance on network

e). Is the simulation of visualization of a real life situation using computer modeling techniques 2

f) – Window on world system (WoW)

 – Video mapping

 – Immersive systems  2 any two

 – Tele resence

18. a) a logical file is a type of file viewed in terms of what data items it contains and of what

processing operation may be performed on the data items while a physical file is one that is viewed in terms of how data items while a physical file is one that is viewed in terms of how data is stored on a storage media and how processing operations are made possible 2

b) (i) For easier updating of the master file (removes back – tracking)

 (ii) For faster retrieval of relevant information any two (2)

1. For easier comparison of the two file

c) (i) Serial

This is a mode of data organization where records are put into the backing store e.g. magnetic tape as they arrive, following one another i.e. first come first stored basis. It does not have regard of sequence  1 correct explanation

 1

 (correct diagram 1

The records denoted Rec 1, Rec 2, Rec 3 and Rec 4 are stored one after the other according to how they arrived at the magnetic tape. They are separated from one another by neted spaces called inter record gaps (IRG)

(ii) Sequential

Records are placed into the backing store e.g. magnetic tapes with regard to a certain sequence according to unique identifiers called key fields 1

(correct diagram 1

X – indicates serial organization m,n,o,p, are unique identifies

(iii) index sequential

Records are organized following a sequence and then an index, which can be got using a mathematical approach is assigned to individual records. It is used in disk

Denotion 01, 02,03, 04 e.t.c indicates the individual record index 1

Iv Random

• it is employed on disks  1
• records are organized randomly
• record location is achieved through mathematical approach
• records are not related

Track Y

• Sector Z (Record stored here)  1

d) If the system being developed is on rapid application development (RAD) basis

 – When there is no ready work force no programmes at the reach of the organization

 – When the budgeted cost of development cannot be put up with by the organization

– When development time exceeds the planned would – be- time to acquire the package (any 3)

1. e- banking is the use of computerised systems in processing of customer transaction,

cheque clearance and processing, electronic funds transfer and other related activities 1

e- learning is a process where lessons and lecturers are presented from a central site and the presentation is transmitted to remote conference terminals or displayed on TV screens, or even through the internet

1. Advantages
   

• Individual learners gain access to world – class educational resources without traveling or taking excessive time away from work and home
• The institution gets a new channel and revenue sources from students who might otherwise be unable to take advantage of their offerings
• The institution is equipped with a new capability by which to raise the quality of life their students
• The institution plays a better role in enabling basic skills development and offering the retaining that can provide a more qualified and adaptive labour market
• Student understanding and retention improve when student learn by experience
• Introduction of technologies such as interactivity modeling, simulation, virtual reality interfaces, and gaming will help student experience the skill being taught

Disadvantages

• High initial cost
• Moral corruption e.g. by students visiting pornographic sites

c) (i) Joystick – an input device used for playing games  1

Flatted scanner:- an input device used to scan text, real objects or pictures. These are captured and converted to electrical signals for storage  1

(ii) Biometric analysis:- is the study measurement and analysis of human biological characteristics for identification e.g. finger prints, voice, lips, facial features like Iris colour e.t.c  1

Telecommuting:- home working or use of computerized system to work ones home these systems (at work place are linked to the office 1

d) – Using my computer icon display the explorer window

• on the edit menu click copy
• select the drive or folder where you want the item to be copied
• from the edit menu click paste. Information or item is pasted to a new location

20. (a) An internet tool /facility used for navigating and locating sites in the internet e.g.

Google.com, Yahoo.com e.t.c.  1

• b) Serial port:- an interface that sends or receives the bits comprising each character code one at a time e.g. RS 232 C 1
• parallel port:- An interface that sends the set of bits for each character all at once e.g. SCSI (Small Computer standard interface)  1

c) Job scheduling

• Resource Management (Allocation and control)
• Input/output handling
• Error notification and correction
• Interrupt handling
• Job sequencing
• Memory management any 5 with proper explanation(5)

  ½ each for no or wrong explanation

d) – sort

• Merge
• Editors
• Antivirus
• Zip

e) (i) make sure no cables are plugged to the mains

• Switch off main supply switches
• Avoid doubtful connections
• Avoid forcing devices into their slots
• Avoid shorting (bringing into contact two or more conductors of electricity)

(ii) – Minimal data redundancy

– Data consistency

• Data integration
• Data sharing
• Standards enforcements
• Ease of application development
• Uniform security and integrity control
• Data independence
• Reduced program maintenance

– Provision of a host language interface utility