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TOPIC 1
INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
QUESTION 1
August 2023 Question One A
Explain how the following elements affect the processing power of a computer:
- Cache memory. (2 marks)
- Data bus. (2 marks)
- Type of processor. (2 marks)
ANSWER
How below elements affect processing power of a computer:
- Cache memory.
Cache memory is a small, high-speed memory located close to the processor. It stores frequently accessed data and instructions, so that the processor can access them more quickly than if they were stored in main memory. The larger the cache memory, the more data and instructions can be stored in it, and the faster the processor can access them.
- Data bus.
The data bus is the pathway that carries data between the processor and other components of the computer, such as the memory and the graphics card. The wider the data bus, the more data can be transferred between the processor and other components at the same time, which can improve the processing power of the computer.
- Type of processor.
The type of processor used in a computer also affects its processing power. The more powerful the processor, the faster it can execute instructions.
QUESTION 2
April 2023 Question One A
Veronica and Simon have each bought a computer labelled Computer A and B respectively, with the following specifications:
Required:
Assuming that the cost of the two computers are the same, list TWO strengths of Computer A and TWO strengths of Computer B, describing the impact of each strength. (4 marks)
ANSWER
Strengths of Computer A:
- 16GB RAM: This means that Computer A can handle more tasks at once and run more demanding programs without slowing down.
- 15 inch screen: This is a larger screen than Computer B, which makes it better for watching videos, playing games, or working on projects.
Strengths of Computer B:
- 512GB Hard Drive: This means that Computer B has more storage space than Computer A, which is useful for storing large files such as videos, music, or photos.
- 225DPI Screen: This means that the screen on Computer B has a higher resolution than Computer A, which makes text and images look sharper and clearer.
SAMPLE WORK
Complete copy of INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT ) Revision Kit is available in SOFT copy (Reading using our MASOMO MSINGI PUBLISHERS APP) and in HARD copy
Phone: 0728 776 317
Email: info@masomomsingi.com
QUESTION 3
April 2023 Question Seven B
Citing FOUR reasons, justify why it is necessary for an organisation to sign a contract for the maintenance of computer hardware and software. (4 marks)
ANSWER
- To prevent downtime: Downtime is when a computer system is not available to users. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as hardware failure, software problems, or power outages. A maintenance contract can help to prevent downtime by ensuring that computers are regularly monitored and maintained. This can help to identify and fix problems before they cause downtime.
- To improve performance: Regular maintenance can help to improve the performance of computer systems. This can be done by cleaning and optimizing hardware, updating software, and fixing security vulnerabilities. A maintenance contract can help to ensure that these tasks are performed on a regular basis.
- To extend the lifespan of hardware: Computer hardware can degrade over time. Regular maintenance can help to extend the lifespan of hardware by identifying and fixing problems early on. This can save the organization money in the long run by reducing the need to replace hardware.
- To protect data: Computer systems contain a lot of sensitive data. Regular maintenance can help to protect this data by installing security updates and fixing security vulnerabilities. This can help to prevent data breaches and other security incidents.
- To comply with regulations: Many organizations are required to comply with regulations that govern the use of computer systems. A maintenance contract can help to ensure that the organization is in compliance with these regulations by ensuring that the systems are regularly monitored and maintained.
QUESTION 4
December 2022 Question Seven C
Suggest TWO strategies that a country could adopt to minimise the digital divide. (4 marks)
ANSWER
The digital divide is the gap between people who have access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) and those who do not. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including income, location, education, and gender.
There are many strategies that a country could adopt to minimize the digital divide. Here are some of the most important:
- Provide affordable internet access: This is perhaps the most important step, as it allows people to connect to the internet in the first place. There are a number of ways to do this, such as providing subsidies for internet access, building more public Wi-Fi hotspots, or making it easier for people to get loans to purchase computers and smartphones.
- Offer digital literacy training: This training can help people learn how to use ICTs effectively. It can be provided in schools, community centers, or even online.
- Target specific groups: The digital divide can be especially pronounced among certain groups, such as the poor, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Governments can target these groups with specific initiatives to help them get online.
- Promote the use of ICTs in education and government: When people see the benefits of ICTs, they are more likely to want to use them. Governments can promote the use of ICTs in education and government by providing computers and internet access in schools and government offices, and by developing online services that people can use.
- Address the underlying causes of the digital divide: The digital divide is often caused by factors such as poverty, lack of education, and discrimination. Governments need to address these underlying causes in order to truly minimize the digital divide.
QUESTION 5
August 2022 Question Two A
Giving an example in each case, differentiate between technological convergence and digital convergence as used in information technology communication. (4 marks)
ANSWER
Differentiation between technological convergence and digital convergence with examples
Digital convergence refers to the tendency for distinct digital advances and media to become increasingly similar over time. It takes completely separate ideas and smashes them together, so that we’re left with one big idea. One of the best examples of Digital device convergence is surfing the Internet on smart tv, i.e., high-definition TV.
Technological convergence refers to the tendency for previously unrelated technologies to become more tightly integrated and even united as they develop and improve. Using a smartphone to make calls and take digital photos and using your digital TV to perform computing tasks, such as surfing the web while watching a movie, are two more examples of technological convergence
SAMPLE WORK
Complete copy of INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT ) Revision Kit is available in SOFT copy (Reading using our MASOMO MSINGI PUBLISHERS APP) and in HARD copy
Phone: 0728 776 317
Email: info@masomomsingi.com
QUESTION 6
April 2022 Question Three C
The Tangaza County Government intends to establish information centres.
Explain two services that are likely to be offered at the centres. (4 marks)
ANSWER
Services offered at information centres.
- Providing information and assistance: Information centers often have trained staff on hand to provide information and assistance to people on a wide range of topics. This can include providing directions, answering questions, and giving advice.
- Access to resources: Information centers often have access to a wide range of resources, such as maps, brochures, and other materials that can be helpful to people who are visiting a new area or looking for information on a particular topic.
- Printing and copying services: Many information centers also offer printing and copying services, which can be useful for people who need to print out maps, documents, or other materials.
- Internet access: Many information centers also offer internet access, either through public computers or through wireless networks. This can be helpful for people who need to access the internet while they are on the go.
- Tourist information: Information centers that are located in tourist areas often provide information and assistance specifically for tourists. This can include providing information about local attractions, events, and activities, as well as making reservations for tours, hotels, and other services.
QUESTION 7
December 2021 Question Four B
Propose four duties of an information centre in an organisation. (4 marks)
ANSWER
Duties of an information centre in an organisation.
- Computer resource planning and justification.
- New service evaluation.
- Administrative services.
- Computer resource planning and justification
QUESTION 8
November 2019 Question six B
Many people feel that information communication technology (ICT) has led to massive loss of jobs and retrenchment. The truth of the matter is that ICT has also led to the creation of new jobs in business and industry.
Required:
Identify four such jobs that have been created by ICT.
ANSWER
Jobs created by ICT
ICTs are influencing employment both as an industry that creates jobs and as a tool that empowers workers to access new forms of work, in new and more flexible ways. Opportunities available include:
- Software developer
- Database administrator
- ICT manager
- ICT officer
- Teaching ICT
QUESTION 9
May 2019 Question Two (a)
(i) Describe four distinguishing features between “low-level” and “high-level” programming languages.
(ii) Identify two examples of high-level programming languages.
ANSWER
Programming languages
Distinguishing features between “low-level” and “high-level” programming languages
| High level | Low level |
| Easy to learn and understand | Challenging to learn and understand |
| They are executed slower than low level language because they require translator | They execute with high speed |
| They don’t provide many facilities at the hardware level | They are close to the hardware and help to write a program at hardware level |
| Easy to modify | Hard/difficult to modify |
Examples of high-level programming languages
C++, Fortran, Java, Python, Pascal, Visual Basic
QUESTION 10
November 2018 Question One C
A firm operates an order system that co-ordinates orders, raw materials and inventories across its three branches. Currently, the orders are processed manually at each branch and communicated to the others over the phone. The management intends to computerise the operations of the firm.
Required:
Suggest three initial Information Communication Technology (ICT) professionals who might be required and their roles.
ANSWER
Information communication technology (ICT) professionals and their roles when implementing
- ICT manager: Roles.
- Making sure that all tasks in the IT department are done correctly and on time in order to support business planning, control and decision-making process.
- Preparing budgets for the department
- Keeping the department inventory records up-to-date
- Managing the human resource within the department.
- Managing a team of staff including programmers, analysts and support specialists
- System Analyst: Roles.
- Review the current manual or redundant information system and making recommendations on how to replace it with a more efficient one.
- Working with programmers to construct and test the system
- Coordinate training for users of the new system.
- Programmers
- Write in-house application programs or system programs.
- Customize commercial application package to suit the organization needs
- Test, debug, install and maintain programs developed or customized for the organization.
- Coding and debugging
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