WEDNESDAY: 27 November 2019. Time Allowed: 3 hours.
Answer any FIVE questions. ALL questions carry equal marks.
QUESTION ONE
1. Define the term “booting up process”. (1 mark)
Explain why booting process is essential. (2 marks)
2. Examine six threats to data security in a business environment. (6 marks)
3. State five hardware components of a computer system. (5 marks)
4. Suggest six factors that could prevent small firms from actively adopting and using information communication technology (ICT) in their businesses. (6 marks)
(Total: 20 marks)
QUESTION TWO
1. Describe three uses of information systems in an organisation. (6 marks)
2. Identify two general types of computer files. (2 marks)
Distinguish between a data file and a database. (2 marks)
3. State three input devices and two output devices in a point of sale system in a supermarket. (5 marks)
For each of the stated devices in 3 (i) above, explain why it is necessary in the point of sale system. (5 marks)
(Total: 20 marks)
QUESTION THREE
1. Differentiate between a bit and a byte. (2 marks)
2. Explain the function of the following keyboard keys:
ESC. (I mark)
Home. (1 mark)
End. (I mark)
Insert. (I mark)
3. Distinguish between file maintenance and file updating. (2 marks)
4. Highlight five factors that determine the processing power of a computer. (5 marks)
5. Explain how the following applications are intended to help a computer user:
Word processor. (1 mark)
Spreadsheet. (1 mark)
Database. (1 mark)
6. Examine four factors that discourage the setting up of a network in an organisation. (4 marks)
(Total: 20 marks)
QUESTION FOUR’
1. Outline two disadvantages of each of the following:
Cache memory. (2 marks)
Drum printer. (2 marks)
Laser printer. (2 marks)
CRT monitor. (2 marks)
2. Computer software could be categorised into systems software and applications software.
Required:
Describe four types of systems software. (8 marks)
Distinguish between horizontal market software and vertical market software. (4 marks)
(Total: 20 marks)
QUESTION FIVE
1. List four benefits associated with storing data in optical media over conventional magnetic disks. (4 marks)
2. Identify three application areas where you would recommend the use of a supercomputer. (3 marks)
3. Your friend has recommended you purchase a computer with the following specifications:
- Processor — Dual core 2.4GHz + i5 or i7 series Intel processor
- RAM — 16GB
- Hard Drive — 256GB or larger solid state hard drive
- Graphics card — Any with display port/HDMI support
- Monitor — 23″ wide screen LCD
- Backup Device — External hard drive and or USB flash Drive
Required:
Using the above information:
State the size of the screen. (I mark)
State the processor speed. (1 mark)
Explain the meaning of Dual Core. (1 mark)
Write the abbreviation HDMI in full. (I mark)
Write the initials USB in full. (1 mark)
4. Highlight four qualities of good information. (4 marks)
5. Outline two advantages and two disadvantages of Bus network topology. (4 marks)
(Total: 20 marks)
QUESTION SIX
1. In each case, state two implications associated with node increase in the following network topologies: Star. (2 marks)
Bus. (2 marks)
Mesh. (2 marks)
2. Examine four benefits of computerisation. (4 marks)
Describe four roles played by information communication technology (ICT) in the globalisation process. (4 marks)
3. Identify four factors that contribute to the digital divide. (4 marks)
4. Outline two symptoms of repetitive strain injury (RSI). (2 marks)
(Total: 20 marks)
QUESTION SEVEN
1. Giving an example in each case, differentiate between “random access media” and “direct access media”. (4 marks)
2. State the unit of measurements for the following computer performance metrics:
Clock rate. (1 mark)
Cache size. (1 mark)
Word size. (1 mark)
Bus width. (1 mark)
3. Outline four computing tools designed to facilitate online personal interaction. (4 marks)
4. One of the basic functions of an operating system is device management.
Highlight two activities related to device management. (2 marks)
5. Describe three challenges related to internet oriented marketing. (6 marks)
(Total: 20 marks)
