UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2017/2018
EXAMINATION FOR THE DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
DIT108 COMPUTER ORGANIZATION AND ARCHITECTURE
FULLTIME & PARTTIME
DATE: AUGUST, 2018 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question 1 AND any other TWO questions.
QUESTION ONE (COMPULSORY)
a) Define the following terms as used in computing [8 Marks]
(i) Byte
(ii) Logic gate
(iii) Register
(iv) Data
(v) Internet
(vi) Register
(vii) DRAM
(viii) EEPROM
b) Differentiate between computer organization and computer architecture [2 Marks]
c) State any two features of fifth generation computers [2 Marks]
d) State the functions of the following computer hardware [4 Marks]
(i) Hard disk
(ii) Printer
(iii) Mouse
(iv) VDU
e) Computers were developed because of the advantages they have over human beings. Give any four
characteristics of computers that make work more efficient [4 Marks]
f) State any three functions of Random Access Memory [3 Marks]
g) Name the three basic logic gates, and give their symbols [3 Marks]
h) Explain the term system bus [2 Marks]
i) Give the difference between the USB and PS/2 connectors found in a computer [2 Marks]
QUESTION TWO
a) Briefly explain the following terms with reference to computer files [3 Marks]
(i) Hit rate
(ii) File size
(iii) File access rate
b) Explain four common mistakes that are likely to be committed by an organization in the selection
of computer software for the first time [8 Marks]
c) Explain the role of the following software [3 Marks]
(i) Application Software
(ii) Utilities
(iii) System Software
d) Give any two features of the following types of computer programming languages [6 Marks]
(i) Assembly language
(ii) High level language
(iii) Machine language
QUESTION THREE
a) Give meaning to the following as used in data representation [3 Marks]
(i) ASCII
(ii) pixel
(iii) word
b) Perform the following number system conversions [6 Marks]
(i) FE7416 to octal
(ii) 110111012 to decimal
(iii) 7658 to binary
c) Perform the following calculation using the two’s complement notation -42 +59 [3 Marks]
d) Using a well labelled diagram explain the organisation of the basic computer [6 Marks]
e) Give the difference between analogue and digital [2 Marks]
QUESTION FOUR
a) Briefly explain the following types of computer memory [6 Marks]
(i) Cache memory
(ii) Flash memory
(iii) Read Only Memory
b) State any four functions of computer operating systems [4 Marks]
c) Give any two symptoms of the following failed devices [6 Marks]
(i) Memory card
(ii) Motherboard
(iii) Monitor
d) State one precaution you would take as part of maintenance to keep the following components in
good working condition [4 Marks]
(i) External hard disk
(ii) Display
(iii) Compact Disc
(iv) Laptop
QUESTION FIVE
a) Explain the functions of the following six motherboard components [6 Marks]
(i) CMOS battery
(ii) Chipset
(iii) RAM slot
(iv) CPU socket
(v) Back panel
(vi) PCI Express
b) Give any four factors to consider when upgrading a computer system [4 Marks]
c) A student wanted to play games using the computer. State four input devices the student could use
to play games [4 Marks]
d) Briefly explain three classifications of computers based on their size, processing power
and storage capabilities [6 Marks]
[6 Marks]
