Computer Studies Questions and Answers - Form 2 Mid Term 1 Exams 2023

1. Define the following terms. (5marks)
   1. Computer
   2. ICT
   3. Computer laboratory
   4. Data Interface cables
   5. Peripheral devices
2. Differentiate between the following computer terms: (4marks)
   1. Central processing unit and system unit
   2. Data and information
3. Describe four main physical parts of a computer. (4marks)
4.  
   1. Name and explain three different ways classifying computers. (6marks)
   2. Name two categories of computers as classified in (a) above. (6marks)
5.  
   1. What is the name of the machine developed by Charles Babbage? (1mark)
   2. State six characteristics of the first generation of computers. (6marks)
   3. With the aid of diagrams illustrate the difference between analog and digital data signal. (4marks)
6. Give five advantages and five disadvantages of using computer today. (10marks)
7. List and Explain five areas where ICT is applied in our society today. (5marks)
8. Before setting up a computer lab Shujaa School was advised to make several considerations to ensure they put up a favorable lab.
   1. What are the four factors to be considered when preparing a computer lab? (4marks)
   2. What measures should Shujaa school put in place to ensure the security of:
      1. The computers in the lab. (5marks)
      2. The users of the lab. (5marks)
9.  
   1. Differentiate between cold booting and warm booting. (4marks)
   2. Outline the procedure for
      1. Cold booting a computer (3marks)
      2. Shutting down a computer. (3marks)
   3. Explain five categories of keys found on a standard keyboard. (5marks)
10. State four factors to consider before purchasing a computer hardware or computer accessories. (4marks)
11. Give five resources that are managed and controlled by an operating system. (5marks)
12. List three types of files found in a computer system. (3marks)
13. List four factors to be considered when acquiring a printer. (4marks)
14. Describe each of the following computer cable. (4marks)
    1. Parallel cable
    2. Serial cable
15. Define the following terms: (4marks)
    1. Disk compression
    2. Disk formatting

MARKING SCHEME

1. Define the following terms. (5marks)
   1. Computer- An electronic device that processes user input/data to desired output under the influence of programs.
   2. ICT-Information and Communication technology- The integration of telecommunication facilities and computers for the purpose of communication.
   3. Computer laboratory- a room set aside and prepared specifically for safe installation and use of computers.
   4. Data Interface cables – cables that connect peripheral devices to the system unit to allow transmission of data to and from the devices.
   5. Peripheral devices – devices connected to the system unit through ports.
2. Differentiate between the following computer terms: (4marks)
   1. Central processing unit and system unit-CPU is the central part of a computer where data processing takes place while system unit is the part that houses the CPU and other internal components.
   2. Data and information-data is raw facts that do not have much meaning to the user while information is processed data that has more meaning to the user.
3. Describe four main physical parts of a computer. (4marks)
   1. System unit- the part that houses the CPU and drives
   2. Monitor – the par that displays output and helps the user to monitor what is going on in a computer.
   3. Keyboard – it allows the user to enter data and instructions to the computer by pressing its keys.
   4. Mouse – a pointing device that allows a user to execute commands. It controls a pointer on the screen.
4.  
   1. Name and explain three different ways classifying computers. (6marks)
      1. classification according to physical size and processing powe
      2. according to purpose
      3. according to functionality
   2. Name two categories of computers as classified in (a) above. (6marks)
      1. Physical size- supercomputers, mainframe, minicomputers and microcomputers
      2. Purpose- general and special purpose computers
      3. Functionality- hybrid, analogue and digital computers
5.  
   1. What is the name of the machine developed by Charles Babbage? (1mark) 
      • Analytical Engine
   2. State six characteristics of the first generation of computers. (6marks)
      • Very large in size
      • Used vacuum tubes
      • Emitted allot of heat
      • Broke down easily
      • Consumed a lot of power
   3. With the aid of diagrams illustrate the difference between analog and digital data signal. (4marks)
      Diagram of Analogue and digital signal
6. Give five advantages and five disadvantages of using computer today. (10marks)
   1. Advantages
      1. Increased efficiency in performance and service delivery
      2. Job creation 
      3. Improved communication
      4. Access to information
      5. Store a lot of data
      6. Can be used in hazardous
      7. Can be used to perform complex activities e.g. in hospitals ICUs
   2. Disadvantages 
      1. Over reliance
      2. Job loss to illiterate users
      3. Decreased rate of production as workers waste time on social networks e.g. face book
      4. Loss of data or manipulation
      5. Health risks e.g. eye strains and poor posture due to over use of computers
7. List and Explain five areas where ICT is applied in our society today. (5marks)
   1. Hospitals
      1. Storing patients records
      2. In life support machines 
      3. Perform complex operations e.g. scanning
      4. In medical research
   2. Banks
      1. To record customers details and other records
      2. In ATM machines
      3. Document processing
   3. Supermarkets 
      1. Stock control
      2. Security
      3. Processing sales receipts
   4. Law enforcement agencies
      1. Record keeping
      2. Using biometric analysis to identify persons
      3. Security enhancement using CCTV cameras
      4. Tracking down criminals using the information in their databanks
   5. Education 
      1. CAL and CAI
      2. For learning purposes
      3. Record keeping
8. Before setting up a computer lab Shujaa School was advised to make several considerations to ensure they put up a favorable lab.
   1. What are the factors to be considered when preparing a computer lab? (4marks)
      • Security
      • Number of users
      • Number of computers to be installed
      • Stable power supply
   2. What measures should Shujaa school put in place to ensure the security of:
      1. The computers in the lab. (5marks)
         • Burglar proofing the room
         • Installing fire prevention and control equipment
         • Providing stable power supply
         • Dust and dump control 
         • Ensuring users do not eat or drink in the lab
      2. The users of the lab. (5marks) 
         • Insulating power cables
         • Standard furniture
         • Anti-glare screens
         • Proper ventilation
         • Avoid over-crowding in the room
9.  
   1. Differentiate between cold booting and warm booting. (4marks)
      • Cold booting – starting a computer that was originally off while warm booting is restarting a computer.
   2. Outline the procedure for
      1. Cold booting a computer (3marks)
         • When booting a computer undergoes a POST to check if existing devices are working properly
         • If they are OK it loads the OS
         • After loading the OS the desktop is displayed
      2. Shutting down a computer. (3marks)
         • Click start button
         • Click turn off computer/ shutdown on the start menu
         • From the dialog box displayed select shut down / turn off
         • The computer will undergo shut down process.
   3. Explain five categories of keys found on a standard keyboard. (5marks)
      • Alphabetic keys
      • Numeric keypad
      • Cursor movement and editing keys 
      • Function keys
      • Special PC keys
10. State four factors to consider before purchasing a computer hardware or computer accessories. (4marks)
    • Processor type and speed
    • Portability
    • Warranty
    • Storage capacity
    • Display type
    • Memory capacity
    • Compatibility
    • Color and design
    • Interoperability
11. Give five resources that are managed and controlled by an operating system. (5marks)
    • Processor 
    • Memory
    • Input/output devices and ports
    • Secondary storage devices
    • Communication devices
12. List three types of files found in a computer system. (3marks)
    • Application files 
    • System files 
    • Data files 
13. List four factors to be considered when acquiring a printer. (4marks)
    • Initial cost
    • Print quality
    • Running cost
    • Speed of the printer
    • Whether colored or black and white
    • Paper size
    • Nature of work
    • Volume of work
    • Technology involved e.g. printing from storage media
14. Describe each of the following computer cable. (4marks)
    1. Parallel cable- it is a communication cable which has high speed of transmission and transmits several bits at the same time.
    2. Serial cable- it is a communication cable which has a low speed of transmission and bits follow one another in sequence or are transmitted one at a time.
15. Define the following terms: (4marks)
    • Disk compression - Disk Compressing -is the process of reducing the space occupied by files and folders to enable create more disk space for data storage
    • Disk formatting - Formatting a disk is the process of preparing a disk or other storage