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Kst 308: Computer Science Question Paper
Kst 308: Computer Science
Course:Bachelor Of Science In Crop Improvement And Protection
Institution: Kenyatta University question papers
Exam Year:2011
DATE: MONDAY, 4TH APRIL 2011
TIME: 2.00 P.M – 4.00 P.M
INSTRUCTIONS
This Examination is divided into Sections A, and B. Section A is compulsory. Answer
any TWO questions in section B
SECTION A(Compulsory)
Question One
(a)
What are the functions of input devices
(2 marks)
(b)
What are the functions of output devices
(2 marks)
(c)
Briefly define the following terms as used in fundamentals of computer systems
(use a sketch to illustrate where necessary)
i.
Microcomputers
(1 marks)
ii.
Application software
(1 marks)
iii.
Operating Systems
(1 marks)
iv.
Information System
(1 marks)
v.
Information technology
(1 marks)
vi.
Computer Security
(1 marks)
(d) Compare the Printer and the Screen as output devices
(4 marks)
(e)
Your company needs to acquire a printer. List THREE considerations you will
make to decide on what printer to buy.
(4 marks)
(f)
Computers can be classified according to :
? Size
? Category/Generation
? Power
i)
Discuss each of the categorization by size giving a reason why
each might be needed
(2 marks)
ii)
Discuss each of the categorization by Category/ Generation
mentioning at least two unique characteristics of computers in a
specific generation
(2 marks)
Page 1 of 3
(g)
At the lowest level data operates in bits. Which are basically electrical signals.
Use the knowledge you learnt about data and its transmission to convert the
following
i.
213010 to binary
ii.
11012 to Decimal
(2 marks)
(h) List Three objectives of Computer Security
(1 mark)
(i)
Compare the hard disk and the flash disk as computer storage devices(1 marks)
(j) Define a client-server network and contrast it with a peer-to-peer network.
(2 marks)
(k) Why is it important to:
i.
defragment your disk
(1 marks)
ii.
Have Anti-virus in your computer
(1 marks)
SECTION B (Attempt Any Two)
QUESTION TWO
The following computer software are used in organizations:
? Off-the shelf packages;
? Customized software eg Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software;
? Free ware
a)
Briefly discuss benefits and pitfalls of going for each of the software’s above.
(6 marks)
b)
What are some FOUR(4) benefits of going for customized software. (4 marks)
c)
Think of an agricultural institution (or agency),discuss what will comprise a
computerized system form such an institution.
i)
Discuss FOUR(4) the criteria you will use in selecting the software for
the organization
(4 marks)
ii)
List and discuss four (4) probable contents of the Request-
to tender document sent to potential suppliers
(4 marks)
iii)
List two network components that the organization will need for this
system to be functional
(2 marks)
[20 marks]
QUESTION THREE
a) Discuss the Four(4) features of each of the following computer software:
i. Word Processor;
ii. Spreadsheets;
iii. Databases
(12 marks)
b) Give the characteristics and examples of:
Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)
Management Information systems (MIS)
Decision Support System (DSS)
Office Automation Systems
(8 marks)
[20 marks]
Page 2 of 3
QUESTION FOUR
a)
Lack of bandwidth is a constant problem with many data communication
networks! What is meant by the term bandwidth and why is it important?
(4 marks)
b)
Explain the difference between analogue and digital signals giving an example
for each.
(4 marks)
c)
Why is a modem important when you want to connect to the internet using your
laptop
(2marks)
d)
Discuss THREE (3) benefits that an agricultural institution might benefit from
adopting Internet Based Technologies in the organization (6 marks)
e)
Compare the following networking media:
i.
Wireless network and guided network;
ii.
Fibre Optic Cable and Twisted Pair Cable
(4 marks)
[20 marks]
QUESTION FIVE
a) Auxiliary or backing storage devices are normally described as Mass Storage
devices. What is Mass Storage? Give two examples of such devices. (4marks)
b) Explain the terms “Data Transfer”; “Access Time” and “Direct Access” with
regard to Computer disks.
(6 marks)
c)
d) CD-R and CD-RW disks have become popular and versatile and almost as cheap
as a floppy disk. Discuss some reasons why this is so?
( 6marks)
e) What are the main differences between Hard disks and Floppy disks?(4 marks)
[20 marks]
Page 3 of 3
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