Computer Studies Questions and Answers - Form 3 Mid Term 1 Exams 2023

1. Distinguish between a computer drive and computer driver. (2marks)
2. Define the term peripheral devices. (2marks)
3. Apart from keyboard and mouse, give five devices connected to the system unit. (5marks)
4. State two peripheral devices connected to the computer via PS2. (2marks)
5. Jane encountered desktop computer with the following features
  - 3.0 USB ports
  - 4.0 GB primary storage
  - 19” TFT VDU
  - 500 SATA HDD
  - Linux 7.1
  - AVG antivirus
    1. Give three reasons for wide use of USB gadgets in the society today. (3marks )
    2. What is the meaning of the following specifications : (4marks)
      - 4.0 GB primary storage
      - 19” TFT VDU
      - 500 SATA HDD
      - Linux 7.1
1. Give six factors to consider when selecting an OS to install in your computer. (6marks)
2. State three advantages of using command-line based operating system when working with a computer. (3marks)
Describe three symptoms of a computer infected by virus. (3marks)
1. Define the term utility software. (2marks)
2. Give four examples of utility software. (4marks)
State four properties that an operating system displays about a file. (4marks)
1. Define a microcomputer. (2marks)
2. State five reasons for the increased use of microcomputers in government offices. (5marks)
State four facilities that will ensure proper ventilation in a computer laboratory. (4marks)
State three advantages of Optical Character readers or recognition as a method of input. (3marks]
1. What is a computer motherboard? (2marks)
2. State any four components found or attached on the computer motherboard. (4marks)
State four advantages of Liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors over cathode ray tube monitors as used in computers. (3marks)
State three ways in which an operating system secures a computer system. (3marks)
List down any four hardware components you can add or upgrade in a computer system. (4marks)

Briefly explain the following terms: (10marks)
1. Cell
2. Range
3. Label
4. Value
5. Function

Use the sample worksheet provided to answer the questions below.

	A	B	C	D	E	F
1	Items	Jan	Feb	March	April	Total
2	Fees	400	460	400	400
3	Food	300	350	305	270
4	Electricity	100	100	100	100
5	Fuel	150	150	150	150
6	Transport	380	270	150	300
7	Total

Write down the data type that is stored in cell C5. (1mark)
What cell contains the data item representing transport for the month of February? (1mark)
Write down the formula that may be used to compute the total in cell F6. (2marks)
Name any two types of graphs that may be supported by spreadsheets. (1mark)

1. Describe three comparisons of traditional method of typing a document on a typewriter against using a word processor. (6marks)
2. List two arithmetic operations that can be performed on a row of numeric data in a word processing table. (2marks)
3. Explain the following terms as used in word processing. (3marks)
  1. Indenting
  2. Alignment
  3. Word wrap
4. List four text formatting features of a word processor. (4marks)

MARKING SCHEME

1. Distinguish between a computer drive and computer driver. (2marks)
  - A computer drive is a hardware component that facilitates storage and retrieval of data on a removable storage device while a computer driver is sets of instructions installed or incorporated to the operating system that controls the functionality of specific peripheral device.
2. Define the term peripheral devices. (2marks)
  - These are the devices that are connected to the CPU via the ports on the system unit.
3. Apart from keyboard and mouse, give five devices connected to the system unit. (5marks)
  - Monitor
  - Data projector
  - Modem
  - Joystick
  - External HDD
  - Printer
4. State two peripheral devices connected to the computer via PS2. (2marks)
  - Keyboard
  - Mouse
5. Jane encountered desktop computer with the following features
  - 3.0 USB ports
  - 4.0 GB primary storage
  - 19” TFT VDU
  - 500 SATA HDD
  - Linux 7.1
  - AVG antivirus
    1. Give three reasons for wide use of USB gadgets in the society today. (3marks )
      - Allow multiple peripheral devices on a single port
      - Quality data transmission
      - Faster data transmission
    2. What is the meaning of the following specifications : (4marks)
      1. 4.0 GB primary storage - The RAM Capacity of the Computer (1*1=1 mark)
      2. 19” TFT VDU (1 *1=1mark)
      3. 500 SATA HDD (1 *1=1mark)
      4. Linux 7.1 (1*1=1 mark)
1. Give six factors to consider when selecting an OS to install in your computer. (6marks)
  - Processor speed
  - Purpose of the computer
  - Memory size
  - Compatibility and
  - Upgradeability
  - User needs
  - User friendliness
  - Make of the computer
2. State three advantages of using command-line based operating system when working with a computer. (3marks)
  - They do not take up a lot of space of memory hence boot faster than the GUIs.
  - They have direct access in most hardware devices.
  - They are cheaper to acquire as some can be downloaded free of charge.
  - They can run on lower bit hardware systems such as 32-bit computers.
  - They are more stable.
  - They are more secure.
Describe three symptoms of a computer infected by virus. (3marks)
- Hang ups
- Shutting down frequently
- Error messages
- Quizzical messages
- file increase and decrease
1. Define the term utility software. (2marks)
  - These are the programs that assist the computer system to run smoothly.
2. Give four examples of utility software. (4marks)
  - Text editors
  - Language translator
  - Linker and loader
  - Sort and merge
  - Diagnostic tools
  - Time utility
  - Antivirus
  - Copy utility
  - Calendar graphics editor
State four properties that an operating system displays about a file. (4marks)
- File size
- Date modified
- File type
- File name
- Author
- Date created
- Time created
- Date and time accessed
1. Define a microcomputer. (2marks)
  - A computer who’s CPU (processor) has been implemented with a microprocessor.
  - It is a small, relatively inexpensive computer with a microprocessor as its CPU.
  - It is a small computer that contains a microprocessor as its central processor.
2. State five reasons for the increased use of microcomputers in government offices. (5marks)
  - They are small and fit in a small storage space.
  - They are light weight hence can be carried to areas where their services are required.
  - For laptops the monitor, system unit, keyboard units are attached together hence making its use to be pleasant.
  - Reduced costs i.e. are cheaper than the minicomputers and mainframe computers.
  - High processing speed
  - Are small in size (occupy less office space)
  - Are more energy efficient (i.e. consume less power)
  - Are more reliable in doing various functions than the early mainframe computers
  - Are versatile (i.e. can be used for many different tasks)
State four facilities that will ensure proper ventilation in a computer laboratory. (4marks)
- Large & enough windows and doors
- Installing fans
- Installing air conditioning system
- Avoid overcrowding of either machines or people in the room
State three advantages of Optical Character readers or recognition as a method of input. (3marks]
- No transcription errors are encountered. A transcription error is caused by typing wrong data.
- Documents are captured directly from the source; this speeds up the process of inputting data.
- Printing requires no special equipment or machines.
- The source document is human-sensible, hence easily understood.
- It is cost effective method of input because the document can be turned around.
1. What is a computer motherboard? (2marks)
  - This is the electronic board where all electronic components such as processor, memory chips, BIOS, bus connections etc are assembled.
2. State any four components found or attached on the computer motherboard. (4marks)
  - Processor (CPU)
  - SIMM/DDR sockets
  - Memory chips
  - BIOS
  - Interface chips
  - Buses
State four advantages of Liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors over cathode ray tube monitors as used in computers. (3marks)
- They are compact and light weight hence portable/less bulky /occupy less space.
- They consume less power
- They do not suffer from geometrical distortions/ angle distortion.
- They do not cause eye fatigue.
- They support many advanced technologies.
- They can be made in almost any size and shape.
- They support higher resolution.
State three ways in which an operating system secures a computer system. (3marks)
- Authentication of users in order to access files/passwords/ biometric.
- Performing regular patches of updates.
- Creating secure accounts with required privileges/user level.
- Scrutinizing all incoming and outgoing packets of data through a firewall.
- Encryption of data during the transmission stage.
- Audit trail/ antivirus.
List down any four hardware components you can add or upgrade in a computer system. (4marks)
- Processor (CPU)
- Ports e.g. USB ports/ SCSI ports
- Hard disk
- DVD drives/ tape drives
- RAM memory
- Expansion slots
1. Briefly explain the following terms: (10marks)
  1. Cell – intersection between a row and a column in a spreadsheet.
  2. Range – a range of cells.
  3. Label – text with no numerical value
  4. Value – constant, a number value-content of a cell.
  5. Function – a computation that is predefined by an electronic spreadsheet.
2. Use the sample worksheet provided to answer the questions below.
  1. Write down the data type that is stored in cell C5. (1mark)
    - Value -150
  2. What cell contains the data item representing transport for the month of February? (1mark)
    - C6
  3. Write down the formula that may be used to compute the total in cell F6. (2marks)
    - =Sum(B6:E6)
  4. Name any two types of graphs that may be supported by spreadsheets. (1mark)
    - Pie charts
    - Line graphs
    - Bar graphs
1. Describe three comparisons of traditional method of typing a document on a typewriter against using a word processor. (6marks)
  - Word processor enable users to store documents for future editing while typewriter you have to retype the documents again.
  - Typing using word processor is easier and more efficient than typewriter becoz some actions are automated.
  - Word processor enable user to proof read and spell check documents on the screen before printing which makes them look neat and presentable.
  - Word processors have superior document formatting features which makes more attractive.
  - Word processors allow multiple copies printing unlike typewriter.
2. List two arithmetic operations that can be performed on a row of numeric data in a word processing table. (2marks)
  - Sum
  - Average
  - Maximum
  - Minimum
3. Explain the following terms as used in word processing. (3marks)
  1. Indenting – reducing the size of a text block to set that section apart from the rest of the text.
  2. Alignment – the positioning of text with respect to the right and left margin of page. This can be to the left, right, centre or justified.
  3. Word wrap- a feature of a word processing software that ensures that a word that will not fit at the end of line will automatically be placed at the start of the next (new) line.
4. List four text formatting features of a word processor. (4marks)
  - Bolding
  - Italicizing
  - Underlining
  - Fonts
  - Drop caps
  - Change case
  - Superscript/subscript