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Pcomp 011: Introduction To Computers Question Paper
Pcomp 011: Introduction To Computers
Course:Certificate Of Pre-University Computer
Institution: Kabarak University question papers
Exam Year:2008
COURSE CODE: PCOMP 011
COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
STREAM: PRE – UNIVERSITY SEM I
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES:
Section A is compulsory and has 30 (marks). Attempt any TWO questions from Section
B. Each question has 20 (marks).
SECTION A
Question 1
a) What is an operating system? (2 mark)
b) Define intranet. (1 mark)
c) Briefly explain each of the following types of primary storage and state what each
is used for.
i) ROM (2 mark)
ii) RAM (2 mark)
iii) Cache memory (2 mark)
iv) Virtual memory (2 mark)
d) What is SPAM? (1 mark)
e) What is VOIP and what is its main advantage? (2 mark)
f) Differentiate between data verification and data validation (2 marks)
g) Each window on the data entry screen has a scroll bar. What is a scroll bar used
for? (1 mark)
h) What is WIMP? (1 mark)
i) Give the difference between multiprogramming and multiprocessing
(2 mark)
j) Both the floppy disk and the CD-RW may soon disappear. Briefly explain why
this is likely to happen. (1 mark)
k) What is an internet service provider? (ISP) (1 mark)
l) Briefly explain what backup means. Give two external storage devices that can
be used for backup. (2 marks)
m) What is the difference between a range check and a limit check? (1 mark)
n) What is a search engine? Give one example. (2 mark)
o) What is firmware? (1 mark)
p) What is a web browser? Give two examples (2 marks)
SECTION B
Question 2
a) Define the following number systems
i) Binary
ii) Decimal
iii) Octal
iv) Hexadecimal (8 marks)
b) Perform the following conversions
i) 4732.10458 = X16
ii) 48962310 = X2
iii) 510.62510 = X16 (6 marks)
c) Compute the following arithmetics
i) 453.368 Multiplied by 231.248
ii) 10110111 Multiplied by 1111
iii) 11001111 Divided by 111 (6 marks)
Question 3
a) Briefly describe any four health and safety hazards that are related to working
with computer. For each state what an employer must do to minimize this risk.
(8 marks)
b) With examples, explain the meaning of the following terms:
i) Simplex
ii) Duplex
iii) Half duplex (3 marks)
c) Give four differences between a LAN and WAN. (4 marks)
d) Give and explain five features of a good user-friendly software package.
(5 marks)
Question 4
a) Data may be corrupted by hackers, viruses or machine malfunction.
i) List two software methods of preventing unauthorized access to data.
(2 marks)
ii) Give one physical method of preventing unauthorized access to data.
(1 mark)
iii) Briefly explain what a computer virus is.
(2 mark)
iv) Give four precautions that should be taken to avoid corruption of data by
viruses.
(4 marks)
v) What should be done to avoid losing data when a machine malfunctions
(2 mark)
b) Data must be kept confidential for reasons of commercial confidentiality and
because of people’s natural right to privacy
i) In this context explain what is meant by safe disposal of waste. (3 marks)
ii) Explain what encryption is and how this technique can help keep data private.
(2 marks)
iii) Explain four functions of the basic components of a digital computer.
(4 marks)
Question 5
a) Every computer needs an operating system. These systems may support multitasking,
multiprocessing and perform other functions.
i) Explain the term multitasking. (2 marks)
ii) Explain the term multiprocessing. (2 marks)
iii) Describe THREE other functions that the operating system perform when running
application programs. (6 marks)
b) Modern operating systems use disk and printer buffering
i) What is disk caching and why is it useful? (3 marks)
ii) What is printer buffering and why is it useful? (3 marks)
c) i) What is a user interface? (2 marks)
ii) Graphical user interface (GUI) is common. Give the name of another user interface
and give a reason why GUI is more popular than the user interface you named.
(2 marks)
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