FORM 1 COMPUTER SCIENCE

MIDTERM TEST - TERM 1

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
1. Answer ALL questions in the spaces provided.

2. Show all your working where applicable.

3. Ensure your work is neat and legible.

4. This paper covers topics from Week 1 to Week 4.

Name: Class: Date:

SECTION A: MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (20 MARKS)

Circle the letter of the correct answer.

5. Which of the following is an example of a supercomputer? (2 marks)

a) Desktop PC

b) IBM Summit

c) Tablet

d) Smartphone
6. What is the primary function of an operating system? (2 marks)

e) To browse the internet

f) To manage computer hardware and software resources

g) To create documents

h) To play music and videos

7. Which of the following is an input device? (2 marks)
i) Monitor

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 j) Printer

k) Keyboard

l) Speaker
8. What type of software is Adobe Reader? (2 marks)

m) Operating system

n) Application software

o) System utility
p) Device driver
9. Which file operation allows you to make a duplicate of a file? (2 marks)
q) Delete

r) Rename

s) Copy

t) Move
10. What is the correct procedure for shutting down a computer? (2 marks)

u) Switch off the power directly

v) Remove the battery immediately

w) Use the operating system shutdown option

x) Press and hold the power button

11. Which of the following is system software? (2 marks)

y) Microsoft Windows
z) VLC Media Player
aa) Google Chrome

bb) Adobe Reader

12. What is the main component responsible for processing data in a computer? (2 marks)
cc) Hard disk

dd) RAM
ee) CPU

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 ff) Monitor
13. When organizing files, what is a folder? (2 marks)

gg) A type of file

hh) A container for organizing files

ii) A software application

jj) A hardware device

14. What should you do first when troubleshooting a computer that won’t start? (2
marks)

kk) Reinstall the operating system

ll) Replace the hard drive

mm) Check if the power cable is properly connected

nn) Buy a new computer

SECTION B: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (30 MARKS)

Answer all questions in the spaces provided.

15. Define the term ‘computer’ and state TWO characteristics that make it
useful. (3 marks)
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16. Differentiate between hardware and software, giving one example of each. (4 marks)

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17. List THREE functions of an operating system. (3 marks)
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18. Explain the difference between copying and moving a file. (4 marks)

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19. State TWO advantages of organizing files into folders. (2 marks)

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20. Name THREE common application software and state their primary functions. (6 marks)

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21. Describe TWO common computer problems and suggest a solution for each. (4 marks)

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22. Explain why it is important to properly shut down a computer rather than just switching off the
power. (2 marks)

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23. What is the purpose of a search function in file management? (2 marks)

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SECTION C: STRUCTURED QUESTIONS (30 MARKS)

24. Computer Evolution and Classification

oo) Arrange the following computer types in order from most powerful to least powerful:
Personal Computer, Supercomputer, Mainframe, Smartphone. (4 marks)

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pp) Explain ONE application where a supercomputer would be more suitable than a personal
computer. (3 marks)

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25. Hardware Components
qq) Identify whether each of the following is an input device, output device, or storage device:
Mouse, Printer, Hard disk, Scanner. (4 marks)
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rr) Explain how input and output devices work together in a computer system. (3 marks)

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26. Application Software Installation

ss) List FOUR steps involved in installing application software on a computer. (4 marks)

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tt) State TWO reasons why you should only install software from trusted sources. (2 marks)
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27. Troubleshooting Scenario

John’s computer displays an error message saying “Low disk space.”

uu) What does this error message mean? (2 marks)

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vv) Suggest THREE actions John can take to resolve this problem. (6 marks)
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END OF TEST

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MIDTERM TEST MARKING KEY
Total Marks: 80

SECTION A: MULTIPLE CHOICE (20 MARKS)

Each correct answer = 2 marks

1. b) IBM Summit

2. b) To manage computer hardware and software resources

3. c) Keyboard

4. b) Application software

5. c) Copy

6. c) Use the operating system shutdown option

7. a) Microsoft Windows
8. c) CPU

9. b) A container for organizing files

10. c) Check if the power cable is properly connected

SECTION B: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (30 MARKS)

Question 11 (3 marks)

Definition: A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it, and produces
information (1 mark)

Characteristics (any two):

- Speed: Computers can process data very quickly (1 mark)

- Accuracy: Computers produce accurate results (1 mark)

- Storage: Can store large amounts of data

- Diligence: Can work continuously without getting tired

Question 12 (4 marks)

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Hardware: Physical components of a computer that can be touched (1 mark)

Example: Keyboard, mouse, monitor, CPU (accept any one) (1 mark)

Software: Programs and instructions that tell the computer what to do (1 mark)

Example: Windows, MS Word, Chrome (accept any one) (1 mark)

Question 13 (3 marks)

Functions of an operating system (any three @ 1 mark each):

- Manages hardware and software resources

- Provides a user interface

- Manages files and folders

- Controls input and output devices

- Manages memory and processes

Question 14 (4 marks)

Copying: Creates a duplicate of the file in a new location while keeping the original file in its place
(2 marks)

Moving: Transfers the file from one location to another, removing it from the original location (2
marks)
Question 15 (2 marks)

Advantages (any two @ 1 mark each):

- Makes files easier to find

- Keeps related files together

- Reduces clutter

- Improves file management efficiency

Question 16 (6 marks)

Any three @ 2 marks each (1 mark for name, 1 mark for function):

- VLC Media Player: Plays audio and video files

- Google Chrome: Web browser for accessing the internet

- Adobe Reader: Opens and reads PDF documents
- MS Word: Creates and edits text documents
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- MS Excel: Creates and edits spreadsheets
Question 17 (4 marks)

Any two problems and solutions @ 2 marks each:

- Problem: Computer running slow

Solution: Close unnecessary programs, scan for malware, free up disk space

- Problem: Computer won’t start

Solution: Check power connections, ensure battery is charged

- Problem: Software crashes

Solution: Restart the program, update the software, reinstall if necessary

Question 18 (2 marks)

Proper shutdown ensures: (award full 2 marks for comprehensive answer)

- All programs and files are closed properly

- Data is saved correctly

- Prevents damage to hardware and software/operating system

Question 19 (2 marks)

The search function helps locate files quickly without manually browsing through folders (2 marks)

SECTION C: STRUCTURED QUESTIONS (30 MARKS)

Question 20 (7 marks)
a) Correct order (4 marks):
1. Supercomputer

2. Mainframe

3. Personal Computer

4. Smartphone

b) Application (3 marks):

Weather forecasting, climate modeling, nuclear simulations, complex scientific calculations, space
research (accept any one with explanation)
Question 21 (7 marks)

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a) Classification (4 marks @ 1 mark each):

- Mouse: Input device

- Printer: Output device

- Hard disk: Storage device

- Scanner: Input device

b) Explanation (3 marks):

Input devices send data to the computer for processing, the CPU processes it, and output devices
display or present the results to the user
Question 22 (6 marks)
a) Steps (4 marks - any four @ 1 mark each):

1. Download or obtain the installation file

2. Run the installer/setup file

3. Follow installation prompts/wizard

4. Accept license agreement

5. Choose installation location

6. Complete installation and restart if needed

b) Reasons (2 marks - any two @ 1 mark each):

- To avoid malware and viruses

- To ensure software is legitimate and safe

- To protect personal data and computer security
Question 23 (8 marks)

a) Meaning (2 marks):

The storage device (hard disk) is running out of available space

b) Actions (6 marks - any three @ 2 marks each):

- Delete unnecessary files and programs

- Empty the recycle bin/trash

- Move files to external storage or cloud

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- Run disk cleanup utility

- Uninstall unused applications

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