Computer studies analysis of questions and answers

Explain three functions of an information system in an organisation.

15/1/2021

Explain three functions of an information system in an organisation.

(b) Explain two benefits that a company would gain from using batch processing method for data processing

(c) (i) Convert the number 11101.1 1₂ to its decimal equivalent.
(ii) Perform the following binary operation 11011₂ + 101₂

RESPONSES

a) Functions of information system in an organization.

Process data in an organization according to the policies and objectives.
Decision making by providing information that helps with strategic planning within the organization.
Means of communication and flow of information to various sections of an organization / enable sharing of information.
Improving quality of production, through the use of feedback mechanisms for counter checking the production with expected results.

(b)Benefits of using batch processing.

Output is increased because the processor work is uninterrupted.
Low cost of operation since the tasks are processed as a group.
Requires little supervision since the processing runs automatically as long as the instructions is given.
Less labour required since the process is automatic.
Efficient use of computer resources due to no idle time.
Gives company opportunity to check any error before processing begins.

(c) (i) Convert the number 11101.1 12 to its decimal equivalent. (ii) Perform the following binary operation 110112 + 1012

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A school has been advised to employ a database administrator. State three responsibilities of this personnel in the school.

15/1/2021

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A school has been advised to employ a database administrator. State three responsibilities of this personnel in the school.

(b) Explain two ways in which computers can be used in the transport industry.
(c) Mary was advised to partition a hard disk for her computer. Explain two reasons that may have necessitated this.
(d) Explain a reason for conducting each of the following studies in systems development:
(i) Schedule feasibility;
(ii) Technical feasibility.

RESPONSES

a) Possible responsibilities of a database admin in a school

Carrying out school database backups.
Recovering of lost school data incase of system failure.
Ensuring the security and integrity of the school system.
Adding new users to the school system and managing the user’s accounts.
Designing and developing database application for the school.
Updating or maintaining database for the school.

b) Ways in which computers can be used in a transport industry.

Use of GPS to track vehicles, flights etc.
Bookings to different destinations can be done through the use of computers ( online booking).
The computers can also be used to reduce the speed of vehicles and bring sanity in the industry.
Managing human resource involved in the industry.

c) Reasons for partitioning hard disk

For security purposes, incase one partition fails the second partition remains functional.
If she requires backup copies to be stored in the same hard disk.
If she intends to install more than one operating system.

d) (I Schedule feasibility

To determine if the proposed solution can be developed within the required time.

(ii) Technical feasibility

To determine if the system can be supported by the available technology.

(b) Explain two ways in which computers can be used in the transport industry. (c) Mary was advised to partition a hard disk for her computer. Explain two reasons that may have necessitated this. (d) Explain a reason for conducting each of the following studies in systems development: (i) Schedule feasibility; (ii) Technical feasibility.

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Distinguish between a microwave transmission and a radio transmission.

15/1/2021

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Distinguish between a microwave transmission and a radio transmission.

(b) Figure 1 shows a computer, network topology. Use it to answer the questions that follow.

(i)Identify the type of topology.
(ii) State the function of each of the parts labelled A and B.
(c) A computer laboratory experiences power supply problems. Describe three power related problems that should be addressed.

RESPONSES

b) (i) Bus topology
(ii) A - The Bus cable

It is a core section of the bus topology network which has all the nodes connected to it and data pass through it.

B — Terminator

It destroys data that does not reach its destination so that it doesn’t cause echo back.

c) Problems related to power that should be addressed

Blackout: This is unexpected discontinuation of power supply in the laboratory.
Power sage: Sudden drop of voltage levels that lasts less than a second.
Transients! surge: High voltage flowing.
Brownout: Partial blackout where there’s low voltage flow.
Short circuit: live wires touching each other’s
Loose connection, which may cause tripping or total power failure

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Describe three arithmetic errors that may occur during computerised data processing.

15/1/2021

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Describe three arithmetic errors that may occur during computerised data processing.

(b) Arnold a programmer intends to create a user input interface screen for a system. State three factors that he should consider.
(c)With the aid of an example in each case describe the following types of maintenance.
(i) adaptive;
(ii) perfective;
(iii) corrective.

RESPONSES

a) Arithmetic errors
Truncation error

Results due, to shortening or leaving out part of a number or a word.
Rounding off error
Arising by approximating a number by replacing it with a number that has fewer significant digits or one with zeros for its ending digits.

Overflow error

Occurs when the results of a computation is larger than the allocated memory space.

Underflow error

Type of error occurs when the output is low small to be represented in the chosen format.

b) User interface design considerations

Should be user friendly.
Colour, fonts and layout should be appealing to the user.
Consider a consistent layout in the entire system.
Should prompt user clearly.
Should capture the same number of items of date as indicated in the manual data capture form.

(c)Types of maintenance
(i) Adaptive

Type of maintenance that is done to make the system to adopt the changing technology e.g. changing the system because to new ois

(ii) Perfective

Type of maintenance done to make the system better in its operation e.g. adding a module in a system.

(iii) Corrective

Type of maintenance done to correct an error in the system e.g.wrong results during addition.

a) Arithmetic errors Truncation error Results due, to shortening or leaving out part of a number or a word. Rounding off error Arising by approximating a number by replacing it with a number that has fewer significant digits or one with zeros for its ending digits. Overflow error Occurs when the results of a computation is larger than the allocated memory space. Underflow error Type of error occurs when the output is low small to be represented in the chosen format. b) User interface design considerations Should be user friendly. Colour, fonts and layout should be appealing to the user. Consider a consistent layout in the entire system. Should prompt user clearly. Should capture the same number of items of date as indicated in the manual data capture form. (c)Types of maintenance (i) Adaptive Type of maintenance that is done to make the system to adopt the changing technology e.g. changing the system because to new ois (ii) Perfective Type of maintenance done to make the system better in its operation e.g. adding a module in a system. (iii) Corrective Type of maintenance done to correct an error in the system e.g.wrong results during addition.

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State two qualities of a good pseudocode.

15/1/2021

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State two qualities of a good pseudocode.

should be short and clean precise
should have start and end clearly shown.
Statements should be clearly defined.
should depict the logical flow of solving the problem.
should not be ambiguous.
it should be indented /neat / legibility

(b) With the aid of flowchart diagrams, describe each of the following programme control structures:
(i) sequence
(ii) selection

(i)Sequence

Program statements are executed one after the other in the order in which they appear.

(ii) Selection

(c) Draw a programme flowchart that would accept three numbers and find their sum. If the sum is greater than 200. It adds 30 to the sum, otherwise subtracts 20 from the sum. The programme should then display the results.

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Identify four tasks that can be achieved using a Desktop Publishing programme from the following list of tasks.

15/1/2021

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Identify four tasks that can be achieved using a Desktop Publishing programme from the following list of tasks.

I. Managing students records in a school
II. Creating a calendar
III. Designing a building structure
IV. Creating a banner
V. Creating a book cover
VI. Processing of examination results
VII. Creating business cards

Creating a calendar.
Creating a banner.
Creating a book cover.
Creating business cards

Identify four tasks that can be achieved using a Desktop Publishing programme from the following list of tasks.

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State two ways through which a computer user can minimise Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) associated with the use of a computer.

15/1/2021

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State two ways through which a computer user can minimise Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) associated with the use of a computer.

Taking regular break intervals when using a computer.
Use an ergonomic keyboard to avoid stress.
Support wrist with wrist rest pad when using a mouse.
Use of standard furniture/proper sitting posture.

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State two ways in which one can create a password which cannot be easily accessed by hackers.

15/1/2021

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State two ways in which one can create a password which cannot be easily accessed by hackers.

Password which cannot be hacked.

By including many characters in a password
By combining different characters in a password
Use password generator manager.

State two ways in which one can create a password which cannot be easily accessed by hackers.

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A school intends to install wireless media in their communication system. State three advantages of this mode of communication media.

15/1/2021

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A school intends to install wireless media in their communication system. State three advantages of this mode of communication media.

The school will find it easy to add or remove modes on the system.
Incase of new building is put up, there will be no need of interfering with the communication media.
Users will find it safer to move around as there are no wires around the rooms.
Students will be able to roam as they access the network.

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State the spreadsheet function that can be used to obtain each of the following values in a worksheet:

15/1/2021

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State the spreadsheet function that can be used to obtain each of the following values in a worksheet:

(a) Number of cells with values in a column.
(b) Mean of values in a range of cells.

a) =Count ()
b) =Average ()

State the spreadsheet function that can be used to obtain each of the following values in a worksheet:

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Explain two problems associated with the computer hard disk.

15/1/2021

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Explain two problems associated with the computer hard disk.

Problems of computer hard disk

Excessive shock like dropping it on the hard surface may cause the platters to dislocate hence reading may be a problem
Contact with strong magnetic fields or static electricity may affect the device since data is saved magnetically.
If the case containing the platters is opened, dust may get into it causing disk crash,
Some viruses may create virtual tasks which will eventual cause the disk to be overwork hence causing it to crash
Sporadic power failure may cause the disk to crash.

Explain two problems associated with the computer hard disk.

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State the function of each of the following computer keyboard keys when using a word processor:

15/1/2021

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State the function of each of the following computer keyboard keys when using a word processor:

(a) End
(b) Insert
(c) Backspace.

a) End

Used for moving the cursor to the end of the line been typed or already typed.

b) Insert key

Used for changing typing mode from insert mode to type over and vice versa (Accept the description of type over and insertion)

c) Backspace

Used to delete a character to left of the cursor position.

State the function of each of the following computer keyboard keys when using a word processor:

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Explain the term proofreading as used in word processing.

15/1/2021

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Explain the term proofreading as used in word processing.

Meaning of proofreading

It is the process of using appropriate proofing reading like spelling and grammar checkers and autocorrect features to check whether the document has typographical or grammatical errors.

Explain the term proofreading as used in word processing.

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A computer technician has observed a lot of dust on computers in the computer laboratory.

14/1/2021

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A computer technician has observed a lot of dust on computers in the computer laboratory.

State three precautions that need to be put in place to avoid this.

Fit ventilating I air conditioning system to allow free circulation of air.
Fit curtains on the windows / add a curtain net to reduce dust entry into the laboratory.
Regularly use of a blower or vacuum cleaner/mob to blow dust from the computer parts.
Avoid entering the laboratory with materials that may have dust such as shoes.

A computer technician has observed a lot of dust on computers in the computer laboratory.

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Describe each of the following computer cables: Parallel cable and Serial cable;

14/1/2021

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Describe each of the following computer cables: Parallel cable and Serial cable;

Description of computer cables
a) Parallel cable

It is a communication cable which has high speed of transmission and transmits several bits at the same time.

b) Serial cable

It is a communication cable which has low speed of transmission and bits follow one another in sequence or are transmitted one at a time.

Describe each of the following computer cables: Parallel cable and Serial cable;

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The management of an organisation intends to purchase a printer. State three factors that they should consider during the purchase

14/1/2021

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The management of an organisation intends to purchase a printer. State three factors that they should consider during the purchase

Factors to consider when purchasing a printer

Volume of work to be printed.
Maintenance cost below e.g. consumables like toners should be affordable.
Speed of printing.
Type of work to be printed; type of paper, paper size/user needs /range of capability.
Type of printout whether colour is required or not.
Compatibility with the existing hardware
Initial cost
availability of in the market
Portability / physical size

The management of an organisation intends to purchase a printer. State three factors that they should consider during the purchase

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State three characteristics of mainframe computers.

14/1/2021

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State three characteristics of mainframe computers.

Characteristics of mainframe

They have bigger memory capacity.
Have high processing power.
It supports multiprocessing.
Supports large number of users at the same time/ Supports several peripheral devices.
Runs so many applications at the same time.

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Differentiate between home page and web page as used in the Internet.

14/1/2021

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Differentiate between home page and web page as used in the Internet.

Difference between Home page and web page

Home Page
Web Page
It’s the first page that opens when a site is opened using the when the domain name.
It is web document in a website/ Any page on a web.

Differentiate between home page and web page as used in the Internet.

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State three features of fifth generation computers.

14/1/2021

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State three features of fifth generation computers.

Features of fifth generation computers

Use of expert system .
Support the use of natural language
Support distributed computing
Support artificial intelligence and voice recognition.
Support parallel processing
Small in size? portable
Superior hardware and software
consume less power

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State the meaning of the term computer software.

14/1/2021

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State the meaning of the term computer software.

Computer software

It is a set of programs written in a computer language to direct a computer on how to perform a particular task or behave in a certain way.

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Explain three ways in which an operating system provides data security in a computer system

14/1/2021

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Explain three ways in which an operating system provides data security in a computer system

Access control:

Deals with the problem of verifying /authenticating the identity of a user before permitting access to the request resource (e.g. use of passwords, user account);

Encryption

Transforming data into an unreadable format so that they are safely transmitted;

Firewalls

Filters out unwanted data and programs/criminals/hackers/malicoius persons;

Log files

A means by which transactions in a computer system can be recorded thereby detering potential infiltrators;
Alerts
Alerting a user when he/she is about to delete a file/folder.

(b)State two instances where observation is not a viable method of gathering data during system analysis stage.

When the analyst wants to collect confidential information,
When there is a large group of people involved in the system,
Where the people you want to gather information from are vastly dispersed

A device used to re-construct data signal during data transmission to its original strength/amplify/boost/regenerate.

II. router.

It is a device used to facilitate movement of data or packets between two or more LANS of different configuration (expansion of networks).
Delivers a packet/data directly to destination computers.
Interconnects different networks/provides network services.

(ii) The figure below shows a network based on the bus topology.

(b)State two instances where observation is not a viable method of gathering data during system analysis stage. When the analyst wants to collect confidential information, When there is a large group of people involved in the system, Where the people you want to gather information from are vastly dispersed (c) (i) State the role of each of the following data communication devices: I. repeater A device used to re-construct data signal during data transmission to its original strength/amplify/boost/regenerate. II. router. It is a device used to facilitate movement of data or packets between two or more LANS of different configuration (expansion of networks). Delivers a packet/data directly to destination computers. Interconnects different networks/provides network services. (ii) The figure below shows a network based on the bus topology.

I. Identify the component labelled P.

The component P is the terminator.

II. State the function of the component labelled P.

Terminator in a backbone is used to prevent data signal from bouncing back/absorb signals.

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Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a computer system and its peripheral devices. Use it and answer the questions that follow.

14/1/2021

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Explain two health issues that could arise from the use of unsuitable computer desk.

No.19.(a) Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a computer system and its peripheral devices. Use it and answer the questions that follow. (i)Name two devices that may be used for storing data for a long duration. 2GB HDD 32 MB Rom (ii) Name three peripheral devices that are used for input. Mouse Scanner CD drive (iii)Name two other devices that a Computer Aided Design (CAD) user might wish to add to the set up above in order to perform his tasks effectively. Digitizer Keyboard USB port 19 (b) A customer wishes to purchase a computer system. The customer can buy word processor, spreadsheet, database, and a drawing package separately or as an integrated package. State three reasons why the customer would prefer an integrated package to separate packages The software provides easy movement of data among the separate applications, A common group of commands is used for all the applications in the software package, Provides easy switching between functions without having to go back to the operating system and ability to share data between functions.

(i)Name two devices that may be used for storing data for a long duration.

2GB HDD
32 MB Rom

(ii) Name three peripheral devices that are used for input.

Mouse
Scanner
CD drive

(iii)Name two other devices that a Computer Aided Design (CAD) user might wish to add to the set up above in order to perform his tasks effectively.

Digitizer
Keyboard
USB port

(b) A customer wishes to purchase a computer system. The customer can buy word processor, spreadsheet, database, and a drawing package separately or as an integrated package. State three reasons why the customer would prefer an integrated package to separate packages

The software provides easy movement of data among the separate applications,
A common group of commands is used for all the applications in the software package,
Provides easy switching between functions without having to go back to the operating system and ability to share data between functions.

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Explain two health issues that could arise from the use of unsuitable computer desk.

13/1/2021

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Explain two health issues that could arise from the use of unsuitable computer desk.

It could lead to back problems if the desk is of an unrealistic height.
If it does not provide good positioning of the monitor, it could result in eye strain.
Wrist problems will arise if the keyboard and mouse seating positions are bad.
Injury as a result of falling computer components due to weak computer desks/ small size.

(b i)Describe two ways in which a positive number and a negative number can be represented in a computer

In binary one bit usually the most significant or leading bit is used to indicate either positive or negative,and store the unsigned binary representation of the magnitude in the remaining bits.
Signed magnitude.
Using the twos complement.
Using the ones complement.

(ii) A particular computer stores numbers in a single 8-bit word.
Determine how the number 0.3125 base 10 would be represented.

No.18.(a) Explain two health issues that could arise from the use of unsuitable computer desk. It could lead to back problems if the desk is of an unrealistic height. If it does not provide good positioning of the monitor, it could result in eye strain

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With the aid of a diagram, describe the Hierarchical Database Model.

13/1/2021

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With the aid of a diagram, describe the Hierarchical Database Model.

Data items are arranged in a tree like format.

Access is through a single path and all from one single item called the root component

(b) List three factors that should be considered when developing a database application and give reasons why each should be considered.
Factors

Complexity of data/user needs/user friendliness
Security and integrity
Complexity of DBMS
Volume of data/size
Software compatibility with existing DBMS
Cost of the data base

Reasons

Complexity of data - Complex data requires complex DBMS.
Security and integrity - Data which is intended to be secured in terms of access, can be handled by complex DBMS which provides for such requirements.
Complexity of DBMS - Complex DBMS do require complex skills, hence more training. It is therefore costly to run/use such system.
Volume of data - Voluminous data require to be ran on stable application.
They also take up extra computer system resources.
Software compatibility - enables pre-existing databases to be exported to the new one.

(c) (i) Name three types of validation checks during data entry in data processing.

Field type/data type
Field size
Format
Reasonableness
Range constraint
Presence check

(ii) Differentiate between primary key and index key as used in databases.

Any index key is a database feature used to speed up search and sort operations in a table; whereas
A primary key is a field that enforces uniqueness in a table so that one record is not entered twice or a primary key is a field that uniquely identifies each record.

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Figure 1 shows a flowchart. Use it to answer the questions that follow.

13/1/2021

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Figure 1 shows a flowchart. Use it to answer the questions that follow.

(a) Interpret the flowchart.
(b) Write a pseudo code for the flowchart.

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Atika School Provides Computer studies questions and answers for KCSE preparations and Computer Science for CBC.

Explain three functions of an information system in an organisation.

A school has been advised to employ a database administrator. State three responsibilities of this personnel in the school.

Distinguish between a microwave transmission and a radio transmission.

Describe three arithmetic errors that may occur during computerised data processing.

State two qualities of a good pseudocode.

(b) With the aid of flowchart diagrams, describe each of the following programme control structures: (i) sequence (ii) selection

​(c) Draw a programme flowchart that would accept three numbers and find their sum. If the sum is greater than 200. It adds 30 to the sum, otherwise subtracts 20 from the sum. The programme should then display the results.

Identify four tasks that can be achieved using a Desktop Publishing programme from the following list of tasks.

​I. Managing students records in a school II. Creating a calendar III. Designing a building structure IV. Creating a banner V. Creating a book cover VI. Processing of examination results VII. Creating business cards

State two ways through which a computer user can minimise Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) associated with the use of a computer.

State two ways in which one can create a password which cannot be easily accessed by hackers.

A school intends to install wireless media in their communication system. State three advantages of this mode of communication media.

State the spreadsheet function that can be used to obtain each of the following values in a worksheet:

(a) Number of cells with values in a column. (b) Mean of values in a range of cells.

Explain two problems associated with the computer hard disk.

State the function of each of the following computer keyboard keys when using a word processor:

(a) End (b) Insert (c) Backspace.

Explain the term proofreading as used in word processing.

A computer technician has observed a lot of dust on computers in the computer laboratory.

State three precautions that need to be put in place to avoid this.

Describe each of the following computer cables: Parallel cable and Serial cable;

The management of an organisation intends to purchase a printer. State three factors that they should consider during the purchase

State three characteristics of mainframe computers.

Differentiate between home page and web page as used in the Internet.

State three features of fifth generation computers.

State the meaning of the term computer software.

Explain three ways in which an operating system provides data security in a computer system

Explain two health issues that could arise from the use of unsuitable computer desk.

Explain two health issues that could arise from the use of unsuitable computer desk.

With the aid of a diagram, describe the Hierarchical Database Model.

Figure 1 shows a flowchart. Use it to answer the questions that follow.

Categories

Archives

(b) With the aid of flowchart diagrams, describe each of the following programme control structures:
(i) sequence
(ii) selection

(c) Draw a programme flowchart that would accept three numbers and find their sum. If the sum is greater than 200. It adds 30 to the sum, otherwise subtracts 20 from the sum. The programme should then display the results.

I. Managing students records in a school
II. Creating a calendar
III. Designing a building structure
IV. Creating a banner
V. Creating a book cover
VI. Processing of examination results
VII. Creating business cards

(a) Number of cells with values in a column.
(b) Mean of values in a range of cells.

(a) End
(b) Insert
(c) Backspace.