KCSE Computer Studies Topical Questions_ Form one

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1. Introduction to Computer


  • State any three functions of a computer =3mks (KCSE 1999)

History of computers

  • Match the computer generation with the technology used to make the processor =4mks (KCSE 1998)

Classification of computers

  • Explain the difference between digital and analogue computers =2mks (KCSE 1998)

Uses of Computers

  • Explain the uses of computers in health care =6mks (KCSE 1998)
    • State one area where computers are used (KCSE 1999)
    • Give any two advantages of using computers in this area =6mks

The Computer Lab

  • Explain two uses of an uninterruptible power supply unit = 2mks (KCSE 1998)
  • Give any three precautionary measures considered to ensure the safety of computers in a computer laboratory =3mks (KCSE 1999)
  • State two methods of minimizing dust in the computer laboratory =2mks (KCSE 2000)
  • Why is it necessary to have a UPS in a computer Laboratory? =2mks (KCSE 2001)

Hands on Skills

2. Computer Systems

  • State two types of computer output devices =2mks (KCSE 1998)
  • State the three functions of the central processing unit (CPU) =3mks (KCSE 1998)
  • Explain the difference between system software and application programs =2mks (KCSE 1998)
  • Explain the difference between Random Access Memory and read only memory =2mks (KCSE 1998)
  • Explain in which memory the monitor program would be stored =1mk (KCSE 1998)
  • Draw a block diagram showing the functional units of computer hardware. Name the units =6mks (KCSE 1998)
  • List three types of secondary storage media =3mks (KCSE 1998)
  • State one advantage and one disadvantage of a laser printer =2mks (KCSE 1998)
  • Give two types of storage devices used in a computer giving an example of each =4mks
    • (KCSE 1999)
  • Differentiate between the hardware and software components of a computer giving an example of each =4mks (KCSE 1999)
  • Differentiate between primary memory and secondary memory =2mks (KCSE 2000)
  • State what is meant by each of the following and give an example of where each is used (KCSE 2000)
    1. A) Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) =2mks
    2. B) Optical Mark Reader (OMR) =2mks
  • Distinguish between system software and application software =2mks (KCSE 2000)
  • Define each of the following computer technologies =3mks (KCSE 2000)
    1. Byte
    2. Bit
    3. Word
  • Compare the two types of diskettes used in microcomputers in terms of physical size and densities =2mks (KCSE 2001)
  • Describe the functions of the following computer hardware components: (KCSE 2001)
    1. Mouse =1 1/2 mks
    2. Scanner =1 1/2 mks
      • Define the term application software =1mk (KCSE 2001)
      • Give one example of an application software =1mk
    1. Name the components A, B, C and D =4mks (KCSE 2001)
    2. On the diagram above, indicate the direction of data flow-using arrows =3mks
    3. Name the three types of buses in a computer system =3mks
    4. Explain how the CPU registers may be used to carry out a basic calculation such as 2+7=9 =3mks
    5. Name two computer output devices =1mk
  • State three precautions that should be taken to ensure that diskettes are well stored =3mks
    • (KCSE 2001)

3. Operating Systems

  • Define an Operating System =2mks (KCSE 1998)
  • State any four criteria for choosing an operating system =4mks (KCSE 1998)
  • A multinational organization has offered to donate computers to your school. The board of Governors has requested you to advise on the operating system to be used by providing answers to the following questions (KCSE 1999)

A) What is an operating system? =1mk

B) State and briefly explain any two types of operating systems =6mks

C) Briefly explain any four functions of an operating system =8mks

  • Differentiate between single-user and multi- user operating systems giving an example of each =3mks (KCSE 2000)
  • A firm intends to purchase new software. List three items that should accompany the software. =3mks (KCSE 2000)
  • State two differences between Disk operating system (DOS) and Windows Operating system =2mks (KCSE 2001)
  • Give one difference between internal and external commands in disk operating system =2mks (KCSE 2001)