Computer Studies Paper 1 Questions and Answers - Kenya High Post Mock 2023 Exams

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Computer Studies Paper 2 Questions and Answers - Kenya High Post Mock 2023 Exams

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Instructions

This paper consists of two sections A and B.
Answer all the questions in section A.
Answer question 16 and any other three questions from section B.
All answers should be written in the space provided in the question paper.
Candidates should answer the questions in English.

QUESTIONS

SECTION A (40 MARKS)
ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION

1. As you type an entry it is displayed in the formulae bar. Entries into a worksheet can be classified into four data types. List any four of these data types. 2 Marks
2. Differentiate between functions and formulae 2 Marks
Differentiate between the following formatting elements 2 Marks
1. Justification
2. Indenting
1. Define virtual reality 1 Mark
2. List any four sensory elements in virtual reality 2 Marks
Computer technology has evolved over time. Outline two future trends in computer and information technology 2 Marks
Internet is an important resource. Although it has brought with it some challenges. State two measures that can prevent students from accessing pornography and dirty sites. 2 Marks
Computer laboratory should be setup with safety precautions in mind. Outline four measures that can be put in place to protect the users. 2 Marks
Arithmetic and logic unit and the main memory use electrical pathways called buses. Describe any two of these buses. 2 Marks
Distinguish between the following wireless interfaces. 2 Marks
1. Infrared
2. Bluetooth
Explain the term solid state giving two examples 2 Marks
1. Software can be acquired using different methods, State four advantages of using standard software 2 Marks
2. Define the terms listed below as used in desktop publishing 3 Marks
  1. Master Page
  2. Gradient
  3. Cropping
Data can ether be discrete or continuous. Distinguish the two terms. 2 Marks
As opposed to buffers registers hold one piece of data at a time. Differentiate between storage and address registers 2 Marks
List two examples of fourth generation languages and two features of fifth generation languages 2 Marks
1. An operating system basically consist of two main parts namely; Shell and Kernel. List any three functions of an operating system 3 Marks
2. Define a foreign key and list any two kinds of relationships in tables 3 Marks
Describe radio communication and list the different kinds of radio waves 3 Marks

SECTION B (60 Marks)
Answer question 16 and any other THREE questions from this section in the spaces provided.

Due to the diversity and advancements in writing computer programs, many programming languages have been developed and made more user friendly. Programs written in high level programming languages need to be converted into a form that the computer can understand.
1. State one advantage of using the translators listed below (3 Marks)
  1. Assembler
  2. Compiler
  3. Interpreter
2. State any two qualities of a good flowchart (2 Marks)
3. Study the flow chart below and use it to answer the questions that follows;
  
  State the output of the above program flowchart for the inputs given below (4 Marks)
  Amount = 15,000, 14,000 and 23,000 respectively
4. State the purpose of the flowchart (2 Marks)
5. Write a pseudocode for the flowchart in question (16. c) above (4 Marks)
.Signed binary numbers can be represented using different methods to indicate if a number is positive or negative.
1. How can -23₁₀ be represented in; (6 Marks)
  1. Signed Magnitude
  2. Ones complement
  3. Twos complement
2. Convert the hexadecimal number C7D16 to its equivalent decimal number (2 Marks)
3. Perform the binary arithmetic below; (4 Marks)
  1. 100101₂ + 11011₂ + 1011₂
  2. 111011₂ – 100111₂
4. Using the twos compliment and 8-bit notation subtract 27 from 12 leaving your answer in decimal notation (3 Marks)
With the introduction 0f the internet services, communication has been made cheaper and faster hence reducing the world into a global village.
1. Distinguish between a hyperlink and a hypertext (2 Marks)
2. Define the term login as used in internet (1 Mark)
3. Draw a well labelled diagram for thinnet coaxial cable (5 Marks)
4. State any two reasons why the fibre optic cable is preferred for data transmission over the other cables (2 Marks)
5. Protocols are set rules that govern transmission of data between two devices, state the purpose of the protocols listed below;
  1. SMTP (1 Mark)
  2. TCP (1 Mark)
6. State the functions of the following network communication devices (3 Marks)
  1. Hub
  2. NIC
  3. Bridge
Data processing helps organizations make informed decisions and rely on accurate information.
1. Differentiate between the mechanical and manual data processing methods (2 Marks)
2. State the difference between a sort file and a reference file as used in data processing (2 Marks)
3. State any two differences between the real time processing mode and interactive processing mode (2 Marks)
4. State one advantage two disadvantages of random file organization (3 Marks)
  Advantage
  Disadvantage
5. Information is the most valuable asset of an organization that needs to be safe guarded. State any three measures to be considered in maintaining data integrity. (3 Marks)
6. As Jayden was entering data into the computer, He typed byocott instead of boycott.
  1. Identify the type of error made by Jayden (1 Mark)
  2. Other than using direct data entry devices, two other methods Jayden can use to avoid the error (2 Marks)
The success of a system development project depends on the type of model used to develop.
1. Define the term prototype as used in systems development (1 Mark)
2. State any two disadvantages of prototyping (2 Marks)
3. State any two characteristics of a system (2 Marks)
4. State the consequences of having a poorly designed system (3 Marks)
5. State any three approaches used by an organization to develop a system (3 Marks)
6. The operating system has the fundamental task of managing the disk with the aim of optimizing the performance of the computer
  1. State the function of a formatting tool as used in disk management (1 Mark)
  2. State what happens during a check disk operation (2 Marks)
  3. Define the term trouble shooting as used in computing (1 Mark)

MARKING SCHEME

Section A (40 Marks)
Answer all question in this section in the spaces provided

1. As you type an entry it is displayed in the formulae bar. Entries into a worksheet can be classified into four data types. List any four of these data types. 2 Marks
  - Labels
  - Values
  - Formulae
  - Functions
2. Differentiate between functions and formulae 2 Marks
  - Formulae are mathematical expressions that calculate or compares values entered in a cell.
  - Functions are predefined formulae that are provided by excel to perform simple to complex calculations.
1. Differentiate between the following formatting elements 2 Marks
  1. Justification
  2. Indenting
    Justification means that paragraphs are aligned evenly along the left and right margins
    Indenting is the distance or blank spaces used to separate a paragraph with the left or right margins
1. Define virtual reality 1 Mark
  Virtual reality refers to a condition in which a person becomes psychologically immersed into an artificial environment generated by a computer system.
2. List any four sensory elements in virtual reality 2 Marks
  - Head mounted display
  - Hand gloves
  - Body suits
  - Virtual reality software
Computer technology has evolved over time. Outline two future trends in computer and information technology 2 Marks
- Rapid evolution in hardware software and software
- Artificial intelligence
- Expanded information superhighway
Internet is an important resource. Although it has brought with it some challenges. State two measures that can prevent students from accessing pornography and dirty sites. 2 Marks
- Using filter programs like cyber-Patrol
- Cybersitter
- Net nanny
- Firewall
- Proxy software
Computer laboratory should be setup with safety precautions in mind. Outline four measures that can be put in place to protect the users. 2 Marks
- All cables should be insulated
- Cables should be laid away
- Provide a standard furniture
- Providing antiglare screens
- The walls of the computer room should not be painted with overbright reflective oil paints
- Overcrowding should not be allowed
- Screens should face away from the window to avoid glare caused by bright background
- Fitting the curtains
Arithmetic and logic unit and the main memory use electrical pathways called buses. Describe any two of these buses. 2 Marks
- Control buses: This is the pathway for all timing and controlling functions sent by the control unit to other parts of the system.
- Address bus: This is the pathway used to locate the storage positions in memory where the next instruction data to be processed is held.
- Data bus: Pathway where actual data to be processed is held.
Distinguish between the following wireless interfaces. 2 Marks
1. Infrared
2. Bluetooth
  - Infrared is a wireless interface that uses infrared to connect to infrared enabled devices
  - Bluetooth uses short range radio broadcast to connect to any Bluetooth enabled device.
Explain the term solid state giving two examples 2 Marks
Solid state is a non- volatile storage that employs integrated circuits rather than mechanical, magnetic or optical technology. They do not have movable parts. Examples memory sticks, SD cards and flash pen drives
1. Software can be acquired using different methods, State four advantages of using standard software 2 Marks
  - They can easily be installed and run
  - They are cheaper than inhouse developed software
  - They are readily available for almost any task
  - They can easily be modified to meet users’ needs
  - Minor or no errors since they are thoroughly tested
2. Define the terms listed below as used in desktop publishing 3 Marks
  1. Master Page
    Page used to design a common layout to be applied in other pages of the publication.
  2. Gradient
    A gradient is a multicolor fill in which one color gradually changes into another color. Gradient A function in graphic software that permits the user to fill an object or image with a smooth transition of colors. Graphic Design Visual communication using text or images to represent an idea or concept
  3. Cropping
    Hiding parts of the graphic that you do not want to be printed.
Data can ether be discrete or continuous. Distinguish the two terms. 2 Marks
Discrete represents data using a two state while continues data is in continuous form that varies,
As opposed to buffers registers hold one piece of data at a time. Differentiate between storage and address registers 2 Marks
- Address registers: holds the next piece of data waiting to be processed
- Storage: hold a piece of data that is on its way to and from the CPU and the main memory.
List two examples of fourth generation languages and two features of fifth generation languages 2 Marks
1. Visual Basic, Delphi Pascal, Focus, Postscripts, SQL
  Fifth generation language are rule based
2. Designed around solving by enabling the computer to mimic human intelligence
  Solves problems at hand
1. An operating system basically consist of two main parts namely; Shell and Kernel. List any three functions of an operating system 3 Marks
  - Processor Scheduling
  - Resource allocation
  - Memory Management
  - Input/Output Management
  - Communication Control and Management
  - Error handling
  - Interrupt handling
2. Define a foreign key and list any two kinds of relationships in tables 3 Marks
  A foreign key is a field in a table that matches the primary field of another table.
  - One to one relationship
  - One to many relationship
  - Many to many relationship
Describe radio communication and list the different kinds of radio waves 3 Marks
1. Radio waves are omnidirectional. They start from a central point and spread outwards in all directions. As they travel onwards, their energy spreads outwards over the covered area. The waves are radiated into the atmosphere by a radio frequency antenna at constant velocity.
2. Radio waves can be:
  - High frequency
  - Very high frequency
  - Ultra high frequency

SECTION B (60 Marks)
Answer question 16 and any other THREE questions from this section in the spaces provided.

.Due to the diversity and advancements in writing computer programs, many programming languages have been developed and made more user friendly. Programs written in high level programming languages need to be converted into a form that the computer can understand.

State one advantage of using the translators listed below
1. Assembler
  - Display flexibility. By writing in assembler language, you gain direct access to the 3270 data-stream commands.
  - Interaction with other commands. These include timed events or completion of commands under another task.
  - It allows complex jobs to run in a simpler way.
  - It is memory efficient, as it requires less memory.
  - It is faster in speed, as its execution time is less.
  - It is mainly hardware-oriented.
  - It requires less instruction to get the result.
  - It is convenient for critical jobs.
2. Compiler
  - Compiled programs run quickly
  - Compilers optimise code.
3. Interpreter
  - Instructions are executed as soon as they are translated.
  - Errors can be quickly spotted
    Or any other correct responce
    Advantage @ 1 Mark
    Total = 3 *1 Mark
    = 3 Marks
State any two qualities of a good flowchart
- There should be only one entry/ starting point and one exit point of the program flowchart
- Use the correct symbol at each stage in the flowchart
- The logical flow should be clearly shown using arrows
  Or any other correct responce
  Quality @ 1 Mark
  Total = 2 *1 Mark
  = 2 Marks
Study the flow chart below and use it to answer the questions that follows;

State the output of the above program flowchart for the inputs given below (4 Marks)

Balance	Amount	New Balance	Output
34000	15000	19000	“New Balance”, Balance
19000	14000	5000	“New Balance”, Balance
5000	23000	-17000	“Out of Cash”

State the purpose of the flowchart
The flowchart is used to check the account balance and allow withdrawal if the balance is more than 0. Withdrawal is done only three times
Purpose @ 2 Marks
Write a pseudocode for the flowchart in question (16. c) above (4 Marks)
Start
Balance=34000
For count =1 to 3 do
Input amount
Balance = Balance – Amount
If Balance>= 0 then
Print “New Balance”, Balance
Else
Print “out of cash”
End if
End for
Print “limit reached”
Stop

Signed binary numbers can be represented using different methods to indicate if a number is positive or negative.
1. How can -2310 be represented in; (6 Marks)
  1. Signed Magnitude
    23 – 101112
    = (1)00101112
  2. Ones complement
    1s C = 01000
    Or
    8 bit – 11101000
  3. Twos complement
    10111 – 01000
    + 1
    01001₂Or
    00010111 – 11101000₂
    + 1
    11101001₂
2. Convert the hexadecimal number C7D₁₆ to its equivalent decimal number (2 Marks)
  C – 1216
  7 – 716
  D – 1316
  (12*162) + (7*16) + 13
  3072 + 112 + 13 = 3197₁₀
  OR
  C-1100
  7-0111
  D-1101
  C7D16 = 110001111101₂
  (1*211) + (1*210) + (1*26) + (1*25) + (1*24) + (1*23) + (1*22) + (1*20)
  2048 + 1024 + 64 + 32 + 16 + 8 + 4 + 1
  = 3197₁₀
3. Perform the binary arithmetic below; (4 Marks)
  1. 100101₂ + 11011₂ + 1011₂
    100101₂
    + 11011₂
    1000000₂
    + 1011₂
    1001011₂
  2. 111011₂ – 100111₂
    111011₂
    - 100111₂
    010100₂
4. Using the twos compliment and 8-bit notation subtract 27 from 12 leaving your answer in decimal notation (3 Marks)
  27 – 11011₂ – 00011011₂
  12 – 1100₂ – 00001100₂
  1s C of 27 – 11100100₂
  +1
  2s C of 27 – 11100101₂
  + 00001100₂
  11110001₂
  (1*27) + (1*26) + (1*25) + (1*24) + (1*20)
  - 128 + 64 + 32 + 16 + 1
  - 128 + 113
  = - 15₁₀
With the introduction 0f the internet services, communication has been made cheaper and faster hence reducing the world into a global village.
1. Distinguish between a hyperlink and a hypertext
  Hypertext is the non-linear representation of the data which when clicked redirects you to some other page. On the other hand, the hyperlink is the link embedded in the hypertext to which the control is transferred.
  Difference @ 2 Marks
2. Define the term login as used in internet
  login is the procedure used to get access to an operating system or application, by providing the correct credentials such as username and password
  Definition @ 1 Mark
3. Draw a well labelled diagram for thinnet coaxial cable (5 Marks)
4. State any two reasons why the fibre optic cable is preferred for data transmission over the other cables (2 Marks)
  - Fiber optic transmission is faster. ...
  - Fiber optic transmission can cover greater distances. ...
  - Fiber optic cables are impervious to electromagnetic interference (EMI) ...
  - Save space and enhance cable management. ...
  - Fiber optics are future-proof.
  - Extremely High Bandwidth:
  - Low Security Risk:
  - Light Weight:
    Or any other correct responce
    Reason @ 1 Mark
    Total = 2 *1 Mark
    = 2 Marks
5. Protocols are set rules that govern transmission of data between two devices, state the purpose of the protocols listed below;
  1. SMTP
    Simple mail transfer protocol – an internet protocol for transferring e-mails
    Purpose @ 1 Mark
  2. TCP
    Transmission control protocol – this is responsible for delivery of sequenced data over the network
    Purpose @ 1 Mark
6. State the functions of the following network communication devices
  1. Hub
    The only function of the hub is repeating the electrical signals received on one port, relaying those signals to all other connected ports.
  2. NIC
    A network interface card connects your computer to a local data network or the Internet. The card translates computer data into electrical signals it sends through the network;
  3. Bridge
    A bridge is used to connect multiple LAN segments together, forming multiple collision domains.
    Or any other correct responce
    Function @ 1 Mark
    Total = 3 *1 Mark
    = 3 Marks
Data processing helps organizations make informed decisions and rely on accurate information.
1. Differentiate between the mechanical and manual data processing methods
  In Manual systems, the transactions are recorded on the source documents, which are taken to the data processing department for processing. Human beings work on source documents mentally or with the aid of some simple manipulation tools.
  Mechanical systems are data processing systems whose activities are carried out by Keyboard devices operated by human beings. Data is keyed in by the Machine operator, manipulated by the machine, and the output is obtained in form of printed documents.
  Difference @ 2 Marks
2. State the difference between a sort file and a reference file as used in data processing
  A sort file stores data which is arranged in a particular order usually where data is to be processed sequentially While A reference file is mainly used for reference or look-up purposes for information needed for processing
  Difference @ 2 Marks
3. State any two differences between the real time processing mode and interactive processing mode
  In real-time data processing, the computer processes the incoming data as soon as it occurs updates the transaction file, and gives an immediate response that would affect the events as they happen while Interactive processing occurs if the computer & the terminal user can communicate with each other. It allows a 2-way communication between the user & the computer whereby the user respond determines the next processing step.
  Difference @ 2 Marks
4. State one advantage two disadvantages of random file organization
  Advantage
  1. Records can be accessed sequentially or randomly.
  2. Accessing of records can be fast, if done randomly.
  3. Records are not duplicated.
    Disadvantage
    1. Accessing of records sequentially is time consuming.
    2. Processing of records sequentially may introduce redundancy/idleness.
    3. Required expensive storage medium.
      Or any other correct response
      Advantage @ 1 Mark
      Disadvantage @ 1 Mark
      Total = 2 *1 Mark
      2 Marks + 1 Mark
      = 3 Marks
5. Information is the most valuable asset of an organization that needs to be safe guarded. State any three measures to be considered in maintaining data integrity.
  1. Accuracy of data
  2. Relevance of data
  3. Timeliness of presenting the data
    Or any other correct response
    Measure @ 1 Mark
    Total = 3 *1 Mark
    = 3 Marks
6. As Jayden was entering data into the computer, He typed byocott instead of boycott.
  1. Identify the type of error made by Jayden
    Transposition error
    Error @ 1 Mark
  2. Other than using direct data entry devices, two other methods Jayden can use to avoid the error
    - Double entry of data for validation and verification
    - Using error detection and correction software
      Or any other correct response
      Method @ 1 Mark
      Total = 2 *1 Mark
      = 2 Marks
The success of a system development project depends on the type of model used to develop.
1. Define the term prototype as used in systems development
  A prototype is an early sample, model or release of a product created to test a concept or process.
  Definition @ 1 Mark
2. State any two disadvantages of prototyping
  - Insufficient analysis:
  - User confusion:
  - Developer misunderstanding of user objectives:
  - Excessive Development Time:
    Or any other correct responce
    disadvantage @ 1 Mark
    Total = 2 *1 Mark
    = 2 Marks
3. State any two characteristics of a system
  - Boundary and Environment
  - The components of a system work towards a collective goal. (purpose)
  - Systems do not operate in complete isolation (Inputs and output)
  - Systems can be complex and can be made up of other smaller systems (subsystems)
  - Systems have life cycle (system entropy)
  - Subsystems in an information system interact by exchanging information (Process)
  - The linkage or coupling between subsystems varies
  - Systems are hierarchical (holistic thinking)
    Or any other correct responce
    Characteristics @ 1 Mark
    Total = 2 *1 Mark
    = 2 Marks
4. State the consequences of having a poorly designed system
  - Future Scalability
  - It is not possible to post design quality.
  - Future Ghost Problems.
  - Future Operational Efficiency.
    Or any other correct responce
    Consequences @ 1 Mark
    Total = 3 *1 Mark
    = 3 Marks
5. State any three approaches used by an organization to develop a system
  - Traditional approach
  - Structured approach
  - Object-oriented approach
    Or any other correct responce
    Approach @ 1 Mark
    Total = 3 *1 Mark
    = 3 Marks
6. The operating system has the fundamental task of managing the disk with the aim of optimizing the performance of the computer
  1. State the function of a formatting tool as used in disk management
    It is a utility software used to manage the process of preparing a magnetic data storage device such as a hard disk for data storage
    Function @ 1 Mark
  2. State what happens during a check disk operation (2 Marks)
    - Checks for any damage on the disk surface and marks it as a bad sector
    - Checks on the validity and integrity of the file system
    - checks files, file indexes, and security descriptors
      Or any other correct responce
      Operation @ 1 Mark
      Total = 2 *1 Mark
      = 2 Marks
  3. Define the term trouble shooting as used in computing (1 Mark)
    Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again.
    Definition @ 2 Marks