Explore a wide range of computer studies questions and answers for KCSE exams, along with valuable resources and study materials

Compute the value of x in the following expressions

11/6/2023

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Compute the value of x in the following expressions

(i) 24.3510 = X₂ (3mks)

(ii) 6ABH = X₁₀ (2mks)

Using twos complements compute the following using 8 bits binary (4mks)

25₁₀ – 20₁₀

c) Subtract the following binary numbers using the One’s Compliment method. (3mks)

(11101)₂ – (1010)₂

d)Convert 6057₈ to Hexadecimal. (3mks)

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Discuss any two functions of secondary devices

11/6/2023

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Discuss any two functions of secondary devices

Used to store data & instructions that is not needed immediately (or not currently in use) by the CPU. This helps in creating space for another data to be stored in the memory.
Used for transportation & distribution of data & software, i.e., for transferring files from one machine to another.
Used to back up files (keep copies of data & programs) for safe-keeping.
Whatever is in memory is lost (or can be corrupted) when the computer or the power supply is switched off. Disks can therefore be used to store programs & data, which can be retrieved when needed.
Used to install new software.

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Highlight three characteristics of a flash memory.

11/6/2023

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Highlight three characteristics of a flash memory.

Physically very small.
Highly portable.
High data capacity
High data transfer speed to the devices they are part of or attached to.

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State any two disadvantages of a magnetic diskette.

11/6/2023

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State any two disadvantages of a magnetic diskette.

Small storage capacity consultable for storing files.
Limited life span ( 2 years at most)
Slow read/write speeds.

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Discuss the two types of Compact disks.

11/6/2023

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Discuss the two types of Compact disks.
CD-R (Recordable).

A CD-R holds data permanently, i.e., once written, it cannot be erased or overwritten.

CD-R can be used to store or backup a lot of data (about 650MB), thus making it suitable for businesses that need to record/ store a lot of information.

CD-RW (Rewriteable).

It is possible to record data on a CD-RW more than once. With CD-RW drive you can also erase the contents of a CD and re-write new information to it.

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Describe Computer based simulation, giving an area of application and an advantage for simulation program.

11/6/2023

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Describe Computer based simulation, giving an area of application and an advantage for simulation program.

Computer based simulation refers to the science of representing the behavior of a real-life situation by using computerized models.
Simulation programs are mostly used in educational areas where practical skills have to be learnt like training drivers, pilots, engineers etc.
Simulation software can be used to provide the learner with clear illustrations about a certain concept or skill.

Advantages:

Reduces cost where expensive devices are being used.

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Give four general rules that must be observed to keep within the law when working with data and information

11/6/2023

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Give four general rules that must be observed to keep within the law when working with data and information

Data should not be disclosed to other people without the owner’s permission.
Data and information should be kept secured against loss or exposure.
Data and information should not be kept longer than necessary.
Data and information should be accurate and up to date.
Data and information should be collected, used and kept for specified lawful purposes.

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Describe biometric security

11/6/2023

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Describe biometric security

Refers to the science of identifying an individual through their body characteristics such as face geometry, hand geometry, iris or rental scans or voice patterns.

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Distinguish between Logical file structure and physical file structure.

11/6/2023

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Distinguish between Logical file structure and physical file structure.

Logical files.
A Logical file is a type of file viewed by the user in terms of what data items it contains &what processing operations may be performed on the stored data items.
Physical files.
A Physical file is viewed in terms of how the data items found in a file are arranged on the surface of the storage media (e.g., disk, tape), and how the stored data items can be processed.

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List four ways in which data integrity can be compromised

11/6/2023

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List four ways in which data integrity can be compromised

Human error e.g. inaccurate data entry, accidental deletion.
Natural disasters such as fires, floods and earthquakes.
Worms and viruses.
Hardware malfunctions.
Fraud.
Malicious deletion or changing of data.

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List two disadvantages of fiber optic cable

11/6/2023

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List two disadvantages of fiber optic cable

Connectivity devices and the media are expensive.
Installation is because the cable must be carefully handled.
it is relatively complex to configure.

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High Height Academy wanted to network computers in their school’s computer Laboratory so that they can share resources. The computer laboratory has 30 computers.

11/6/2023

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High Height Academy wanted to network computers in their school’s computer Laboratory so that they can share resources. The computer laboratory has 30 computers.
The schools’ network administrator wanted all computers on the network to act as servers and clients at the same time where there was no dedicated server. The computer and other devices were each to be connected to a common switch.

Identify the category of local area network that was proposed by the network administrator.

Peer – to- peer network

State two disadvantage associated with the proposed network category

It is difficult to locate information stored in the connected computers due to Shared level security.
Difficult to update documents and files.
It is expensive to train staff on how to share resources, as each user is an administrator.
It is difficult to maintain security, as it is the user’s responsibility to ensure that only authorized individuals can access their data.
Can’t maintain a large number of computers.

What category of LAN would you advice the administrator to use and give two reasons why?

Server-based networks

There is security since the Server controls the resources the clients need to access.
It can support a large number of users.
The server can be optimized to hand out information as fast as possible.
Fewer connections are required by the clients to get the resources.
Easier to maintain backup for files (synchronization of files).
Cost effective as client workstations don’t need large hard disk (storage capacity)

Identify the type of topology that was to be used in the networking and state two advantages of this network topology

Star topology

Allows key networking resources such as concentrators & servers to be centralized.
Easy to configure.
Simple to control.
It can be extended easily, since a workstation is simply connected to the hub.
Provides flexibility in adding or deleting devices.

Identify four resources that will be shared on the network

Files.
Storage media e.g. hard disk.
Programs.
Printers.

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Distinguish between physical and logical topology, giving an example in each case.

11/6/2023

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Distinguish between physical and logical topology, giving an example in each case.

Physical topology refers to the physical layout of computers on a network e.g. star, ring, bus, etc.
Logical topology refers to the way data is passed from one device to the next on the network.
Examples include; Ethernet and token ring.

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A trader bought a car from a manufacturer and later sold the car to another person.

11/6/2023

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A trader bought a car from a manufacturer and later sold the car to another person. Design a pseudocode that will accept the buying price and the selling price of the car, determine whether the trader made a profit /or loss, calculate the profit/loss and display it.

START
ENTER buying Price, selling price
INPUT Bp, Sp
IF Bp<Sp THEN
Profit= Sp-Bp
PRINT Profit
Else
Loss=Bp-Sp
PRINT Loss
STOP

Design a flowchart for the above case.

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Highlight three advantages of structured programming.

11/6/2023

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Highlight three advantages of structured programming.

It is flexible.
Structured programs are easier to read.
Programs are easy to modify because; a programmer can change the details of a section without affecting the rest of the program.
It is easier to document specific tasks.
Use of modules that contain standard procedures throughout the program saves development time.
Modules can be named in such a way that, they are consistent and easy to find in documentation.
Debugging is easier because; each module can be designed, coded & tested independently.

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Describe TWO elements of Graphical User Interface

11/6/2023

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Describe TWO elements of Graphical User Interface

Window
Pointer
Icons
menu

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Explain two parts of a task bar

11/6/2023

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Explain two parts of a task bar

Start button
System tray
Task manager

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State two disadvantages of robots

11/6/2023

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State two disadvantages of robots

Installation cost is too high
Requires electricity/supply of power to operate
People lose jobs in industries
Needs frequent maintenance to keep it running

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Explain briefly how the token ring network functions

11/6/2023

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Explain briefly how the token ring network functions

Adjacent computers are joined to each other to form a complete ring and the communication is done through a packet called token which is held by a computer that wants to pass a message

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