COMPUTER STUDIES

PAPER 1
THEORY
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2002

SECTION A (40 MARKS)

1. Describe the purpose of each of the following computer functional units: (2mks)
a) Control
b) Storage

2. Explain how each of the following would affect the suitability of a room for use
as a computer room: (2mks)

a) Burglar proofed door

b) Availability of taps and sinks in the room

3. State three data representation codes used in computers (3mks)

4. State two types of documentation in program development and give the purpose
of each. (4mks)

5. Suppose a 5 element array A contains the values 9, 12, 17, 7 and 20. Find the
value in a after executing the loop below:

Repeat for k = 1 to 4
Set A [k +1]: = A [k]
[End of loop] (3mks)

6. State any three activities that occur in a program compilation process (3mks)

7. The formula = k20 + P$ 18 was typed in cell L21 and then copied to cell M24 of a
spreadsheet. Write the formula as it appears in cell M24.
(2mks)

8. State two ways in which a computer may be used in efficient running of a hospital
(2mks)
9. List three disadvantage of using traditional file management method (3mks)

10. Give one disadvantage of a single processor multi-user system (1mk)

11. List three differences between a micro-computer and super-computer. (3mks)

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12. State and explain two reasons why word processing is one of the most common
applications of many computer users. (2mks)

13. write- 1 in twos compliment notation in byte form (4mks)

14. Explain the following input/output terms as used in computer systems. Give an
example for each (4mks)
a) Read

b) Write
15. State two disadvantages of networking.

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SECTION B (60 MKS)
Answer question 16 and any other three questions from this section.

16. The following flowchart can be used to list the odd numbers between 0 and 100

Start

Odd=1

Write Odd Odd=Odd+2

Odd<
99

Stop

a) Write a program segment for the flowchart using a high level language.
(7mks)

b) What would be the output from the flowchart if the statement in

the decision box
is changed to: (3 mks)

i) Odd = 100

ii) Odd< 100

iii) Odd> 100

c) Modify the flowchart so that it prints only the sum of the odd number
between 0 and 100 (5mks)

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17. a) List five precautions that can be taken to protect data stored in diskettes
(5mks)
b) State and explain two precautions that can be taken to help recover data
lost through accidental erasure. (4mks)

c) Describe each of the following data processing methods: (6mks)

i) Batch processing

ii) Distributed processing

iii) Multiprogramming

18. a) i) What is a computer keyboard? (1 mk)

ii) List four types of keys found on a computer keyboard. Give an

example of each (4mks)

b) Give four differences between present day’s computers and the older
generation of computers (4mks)

c) i) State three advantages and one disadvantage of using a laser

printer. (4mks)

ii) Distinguish between a line printer and a page printer (2mks)

19 a) Identity three public Universities and three National Polytechnics in

Kenya where further computer training is offered. In case, state the
highest level of qualification that can be acquired in computer
training.
(6 mks)
b) Distinguish between “Job replacement” and “Job displacement” in
references to computerization. (2mks)

c) Give four reasons why a firm may decide to computerize its operations.
(4mks)
d) An individual has a right to demand guarantee to privacy of
personal information stored on a computer.

Give three such types of information. (3mks)

11. a) Give three comparisons of the traditional file management method

of typing a document on a typewriter against using a word processor.
(6mks)

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b) i) Define the term spreadsheet (1
mk)

ii) Give two examples of spreadsheet packages

available in the market today

c) Explain the following terms as used in a spreadsheet:

i) What if …analysis (2 mks)

ii) Cell (1 mk)

iii) Formula (1mk)

iv) Pie chart (2 mks)