W1-2-60-1-6
JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2016/2017
FIRST YEAR SECOND SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
BIT 2102 : COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND ORGANIZATION
DATE: DECEMBER 2016 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS:
ANSWER QUESTION ONE [COMPULSORY] AND ANY OTHER TWO QUESTIONS
QUESTION ONE [30 MARKS] COMPULSORY
(a) Explain the meaning of the following terms : [12 marks]
(i) Computer
(ii) Interrupts
(iii) E Eprom
(iv) Hardware
(v) Software
(vi) Rom Bios
(b) Discuss the two major classifications of software [4 marks]
(c) Define volatile memory and given an example [ 2 marks]
(d) Add the binary numbers 1001 and 0101. [2 marks]
(e) Convert the binary number 1110 to its decimal equivalent [2 marks]
(f) Convert the decimal number 952 to its hexadecimal equivalent [2 marks]
(g) Convert their decimal number 244 to its octal equivalent [2 marks]
(h) List any two features of first generation computers [4 marks]
QUESTION TWO[20 MARKS]
(a) Outline why two features of fifth generation computers [2 marks]
(b) State any two features of supercomputers [4 marks]
(c) Distinguish between data and information [4 marks]
(d) Explain the functions of five basic components of a computer system [10 marks]
QUESTION THREE [20 MARKS]
(a) State any four features of mainframe computers [8 marks]
(b) What is fragmentation and how does it affect system performance [6 marks]
(c) How can fragmentation be countered ? [2 marks]
(d) What does it mean when the hard disk has a head crash ? [4 marks]
QUESTION FOUR [20 MARKS]
(a) List any five functions of an operating system [10 marks]
(b) Define virtual memory and state its advantage [5 marks]
(c) Describe RAM and state its advantage over the hard disk [5 marks]
QUESTION FIVE [20 MARKS]
(a) Explain five ways how the internet has changed the way we work and live [10 marks]
(b) Describe any five threats against a computer system [10 marks]
