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Computer Studies Theory Paper 2001

This document is a Computer Studies Theory Paper from October/November 2001, consisting of two sections: Section A with 14 questions and Section B with 5 questions. Candidates are instructed to answer all questions in Section A and select additional questions from Section B. Topics covered include diskettes, UPS, batch processing, programming languages, spreadsheet functions, and database structures.

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nicholas ngugi
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21 views4 pages

Computer Studies Theory Paper 2001

This document is a Computer Studies Theory Paper from October/November 2001, consisting of two sections: Section A with 14 questions and Section B with 5 questions. Candidates are instructed to answer all questions in Section A and select additional questions from Section B. Topics covered include diskettes, UPS, batch processing, programming languages, spreadsheet functions, and database structures.

Uploaded by

nicholas ngugi
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

COMPUTER STUDIES

(THEORY)
PAPER 1
OCT. /NOV. 2001

INSTRUCTION TO CANDIDATES
This paper consists of two sections; a and b
Answer all the questions in section a
Answer question 15 and any other three questions form section B
All answer should be written in the spaces provided on the question paper.

SECTION A (40 MARKS)


ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION
1. Compare the two types of diskettes used in microcomputers in terms of physical
size and densities. (2mks)
2. Why is it necessary to have a UPS in a computer laboratory? (2mks)

2 a) Explain what is meant by batch processing (1mk)


b) Give one advantage and one disadvantage of batch processing (2mks)

4. List any four high level programming languages (2mks)

5. A 3 by 4 matrix M is to be added to another 3 by 4 matrix array N so as to give a


third 3 by 4 matrix array P. Using a high level programming language, write a
program segment that assigns the sum of M and N to P. (4mks)
6. the first column in the table below contains the formulae as stored into the cell
F10 of a spreadsheet. Enter the formulae, as they would appear when copied to
the cell M20 of the same spreadsheet.

Formula in F10 Formula in m20


=D10* E10
=A$ 25
=$ D$13

(3mks)

7. Give three advantages of separating data from the applications that use the data
in database design. (3mks)

8. Explain the impact of information on organizations in each of the following areas:


(2mks)

a) Competition

b) Pace of growth

1
9. a) List any four tasks that an electronic spreadsheet should be able to
perform other than calculations (2mks)

b) Explain what is meant by automatic recalculation as used in a spreadsheet.


(1 mk)
10. Describe the functions of the following computer hardware components:

a) Mouse (2 ½ mks)

b) Scanner. (1 ½ mks)

11. State two differences between Disk Operating System (DOS) and
WINDOWS operating system.

b. i) Define the term application software (1mk)

ii) Give one example of application software (1mk)


12. a) Give one difference between internal and external commands in Disk
Operating System. (2mks)

b) Name twp DOS commands that may be used for checking disk errors.

(2mks)

13. Explain how a paragraph can be moved from one place to another in
word- processing. (2mks)

14. Define the term structured programming. (2mks)

2
SECTION B (60MKS)
Answer question 15 and any other three questions from this section.

15. a) What is meant by each of the following terms:

i) psuedocode (1 ½ mks)

ii) Flowchart (1 ½ mks)

b) a program is required to list the first 1000 numbers in the series: 2, 4, 6, 8,


10,.. Draw a flowchart and write a program that can be carry out this task.
(12 mks)

16. the following car details are to be entered in a database; make, date-of-
manufacture, colour and cost.
a) Prepare a suitable database structure showing field names and
their field types (5mks)

b) Explain how you index the data such that cars of the same make
and colours are together (2mks)

c) Write a statement that can be used to select cars of the colour green
(2 mks)
d) Give an instruction that would;
i) select cars whose cost lie between 500,000/= and
1,000,000/= (3 mks)

ii) Determine the average cost of all cars (3mks)

17. a) The diagram below represents the essential features o a computer system
. Study the diagram and answer the questions that follow:

A B Output device

Secondary storage

3
i) Name the components (4mks)

A
B
C
D

ii) On the diagram above, indicate the direction of data flow using
arrows. (3mks)

b) Name the three types of buses in a computer system


(3mks)

c) Explain how CPU registers may be used to carry out a


basic calculation such as:
2+7=9

d) Name two computers output devices. (1 Mark)


18. a) State three ways in which computer technology may
affect employment patterns in organizations
b) State three ways in which computer technology may
affect employment patterns in organizations
c) Suggest three strategies that can be employed to
manage resistance to change
d) Give three advantages of computerization in an organization. (3mks)

19. a) In a computer based information system, state the purpose


of the following files and give one example where such a
file may be required in a school.
(8mks)
i) Report file
ii) Back-up file
iii) Reference file
iv) Sort file

b) State three precautions that should be taken to ensure


that diskettes are well stored.

c) Distinguish between “serial” and Indexed sequential” file


organization methods.

d) Distinguish between binary and octal number systems and


give an example of each

Common questions

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To move a paragraph in a word processing application, select the paragraph, cut it using the cut command, and then paste it into the desired location using the paste command. This process allows for the rearrangement of text within a document .

DOS is a command-line based operating system with no graphical user interface, making it less intuitive than Windows, which offers a graphical interface for user interactions. Additionally, DOS supports fewer multitasking operations compared to Windows, which can handle multiple applications running simultaneously .

Structured programming is a software development methodology that emphasizes dividing a program into small, logical, and manageable modules or blocks. Its benefits include improved code readability, easier maintenance and debugging, and enhanced collaboration among programming teams due to standardized code structures .

Indexing data involves creating a data structure that provides quick access to rows in a database table. By creating composite indexes on both 'make' and 'color' fields, the database can efficiently group and retrieve cars with matching attributes, speeding up search and query operations .

Batch processing involves executing a series of non-interactive jobs all at once. An advantage of batch processing is that it allows for the efficient processing of large volumes of data without user intervention. A disadvantage is that it lacks immediate output, as tasks are processed together and results are made available only after the completion of the entire batch .

Separating data from applications improves database design by enhancing data integrity, allowing for multiple application accesses, and facilitating easier data management. It ensures consistency and reduces data redundancy by centralizing the data repository. This approach also enables independent updates of applications or data without significant disruption .

A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) provides backup power during outages, preventing data loss and hardware damage. It allows safe shutdown procedures and stabilizes power fluctuations, protecting sensitive computer equipment .

Computer technology can affect employment patterns by automating routine tasks, reducing the need for certain manual jobs. It may create new job roles focused on managing and developing technology solutions. Additionally, there could be a shift towards more flexible working arrangements like remote work enabled by technology .

In terms of competition, information technology enables organizations to gain a competitive edge through improved efficiency, enhanced customer service, and innovation in product offerings. Regarding growth, IT supports scalable operations, allowing businesses to expand and capture new markets more rapidly .

CPU registers are small storage locations within the CPU used for holding intermediate results and instructions during processing. In calculations such as 2 + 7 = 9, registers temporarily store these numbers and facilitate arithmetic operations by executing instructions rapidly, leading to the final result being stored back in a register .

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