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Comp 100: Computer Applications Question Paper

Comp 100: Computer Applications

Course:Computer Applications

Institution: Kenya Methodist University question papers

Exam Year:2008

KENYA METHODIST UNIVERSITY

END OF SECOND TRIMESTER 2008 EXAMINATIONS

FACULTY : BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES
DEPARTEMENT : BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
COURSE CODE : COMP 100
COURSE TITLE : COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
TIME : 2 HOURS

INSTRUCTIONS:
• Answer Question ONE (Compulsory) and any other TWO Questions

Question 1
(a) Define the following terms
(i) Hardware
(ii) Data
(iii) Information
(iv) Port
(v) Software (5 marks)

(b) What is a computer bus? List three types of computer buses and briefly explain their function. (4 marks)

(c) Explain briefly the microprocessor operation cycle. (6 marks)

(d) How is information stored inside a computer (2 marks)

(e) Explain why a computer with a bigger main memory is better than one with a small main memory (2 marks)

(f) Define the term operating system and give two examples of operating systems.
(4 marks)

(g) Define a computer network (2 marks)

Question 2
(a) How are computers classified? List the different types of computers under each classification. (10 marks)

(b) With examples, differentiate system software from application software (5 marks)

(c) Outline the steps needed to perform the following in MS-WORD
(i) Selecting a line of text using a mouse
(ii) Saving a document
(iii) Bolding and underlining an already existing text
(iv) Indenting a line in a paragraph
(v) Creating a header/footer for the document (10 marks)

Question 3
(a) Briefly describe the major components of the central processing unit of a computer
(6 marks)

(b) Briefly explain how data is written and read from a magnetic disk (6 marks)

(c) Briefly explain the major factors affecting the performance of the CPU (9 marks)

(d) Differentiate between analog and digital computers (4 marks)

Question 4
(a) Define the following number systems
(i) Binary
(ii) Decimal
(iii) Octal
(iv) Hexadecimal (8 marks)

(b) Explain the steps involved in calculating the two’s compliment of a number. What
is the possible range of values that can be stored for 8 bit strings. (5 marks)

(c) Do the following conversions:
(i) Convert decimal 1453 to binary
(ii) Convert 1110111000010 to hexadecimal
(iii) Convert 2C16 to decimal
(iv) Convert 0.78125 to binary
(v) Convert 10910 to octal
(vi) Convert 54110 to hexadecimal (12 marks)

Question 5
(a) Differentiate between RAM and ROM (4 marks)

(b) Describe how data is written to and read from a magnetic disk (6 marks)

(c) What is the function of input/output devices? Briefly describe any four input devices
(9 marks)

(d) Describe the functions of the following components of a spreadsheet:
(i) Column hide
(ii) Sorting
(iii) Charts
(iv) Functions (4 marks)

(e) Operating systems are supplied by computer manufacturers and include UTILITY software. Briefly explain the purpose of UTILITY software and give two examples.
(2 marks)

Question 6
(a) Differentiate a LAN and a WAN (4 marks)

(b) Differentiate between a micro processor and a microcomputer (4 marks)

(c) Explain four uses of computers in our society today. (4 marks)

(d) What is a computer virus? Explain any three examples of computer viruses
(8 marks)

(e) What is the function of mail merge in word processing? Briefly describe the major steps in mail merging (5 marks)

Comp 100: Computer Applications Question Paper

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