(I) Software

Question 1
a) Define the following terms;

(i) Software
A computer software or a computer program, is a set of set of instructions that computer
must follow to accomplish a certain task.
(ii) Computer virus

A computer virus is program designed by computer programmer (malicious hacker) to
do a certain unwanted function.
(iii) Systems memory

Memory refers to the computer capacity for storing information while that information is
processed.
(iv) Utility software

Utility programs/software are also classified as systems programs. Like the OS, they
communicate directly with the hardware and software at hardware level. They relatively
small and functionally very specialized.
(v) Computer network

The computer network refers to a system of computers all connected to each other by
some communication media, and controlled by a special computer called a server
running under a network operating system(NOS).
b) Briefly compare the following;

(i) GUI and CLI
Graphic User Interface (GUI) is an operating system that allows the user to control or run
the computer using a Mouse and Icons. Without a GUI the user controls the computer
using the keys on the keyboard, and is referred to as Command Line Interface (CLI).
(ii) ALU and Control unit

The ALU takes care of instruction interpretation and performs arithmetic and logical
operations whereas the Control Unit controls the workings of the various parts of the
computer and also controls the flow of data between the different parts.
(iii) RAM and ROM
RAM is the memory that computer uses to temporarily store the information as it is being
processed. RAM is the computers active memory and is short term. It is volatile memory
because the memory is automatically erased when the power is turned off or interrupted.
RAM memory chips come in many different sizes and speeds and can usually be
expanded. ROM is not volatile, meaning the memory is still there when the power is
interrupted or turned off. The instructions provided by ROM usually contain simple
machine programs that tell the computer where to find and load the computer’s operating
system, and other basic information. The information contained on the ROM chips is not
usually upgraded or altered.
(iv) Application area and application software
An application area refers to an area of activity (or operation) of an individual or
business entity where a computer and its associated computer program can be employed.
An application software is a relatively huge computer program designed and facilitated
to meet the general operational requirements of an activity area (or an application area).
Question 2
a) State the function of the following;
(i) Computer server
The computer server (also called host machine) serves its clients machines with network
resources such as printers, hard disk spaces, data files, program files, etc.
(ii) MODEM
A model stands for modulate or demodulate which translates information transferred
through telephone lines or cable.
(iii) Cards
Cards allow for enhancing and boosting certain capabilities of the computer.
b) State any three functions of an operating system software.

 Firstly, all the computer programs can never run without the OS; they require the OS to
be running before they themselves can run and be functional. It is as if OS is the
foundation on which the other programs glide about and on top.
 Secondly, the OS is required to control and coordinate the various activities of the
different parts of the computer hardware components and the various running computer
programs.
 Thirdly, the OS is required to manage scarce resources systems memory that are in use by
many currently running computer programs.
c) State the main difference between the functions of a Hub and a switch.
A switch is used to connect various network segments. A network switch is a small hardware
device that joins multiple computers together within one local area network (LAN).
A hub connects multiple Ethernet together, making them act as a single segment of wide area
network (WAN).
d) Discuss any two methods used to minimize the effect of computer virus.
 Have good up-to-date anti-virus software, preferably more than one package since no one
product can do everything.
 Keep a clean backup of the hard drive. Even though the anti—virus packages remove the
virus from the system some programs may not run properly because their code has been
altered, or the system may not boot properly due to the alternations made to the master
boot record.
e) State two differences between magnetic storage and optical storage.

 The key difference is with how computers read and write information to them. Optical
storage uses light; magnetic storage relies electromagnetism.
 Optical disks last forever without losing data, but if they get scratched in the wrong place,
it is useless. Magnetic data will only last for so long before degrading and becoming
corrupt without being rewritten to the disk. And, eventually the disk just stops working.
f) Outline three disadvantages of computer networks.

 If servers is down users might not be able to have access.
 People can be able to hack information that are stored or saved in the server.
 Viruses can be spread to other computers through a computer network.
Question 3
a) A page of a 2000 page document, bound for a publishing agent, consist of 70 rows and 60
columns. Calculate the memory capacity of the document and determine whether a 2GB capacity
flash drive that is 99.5% full, is able to store the document. Show all calculations.
b) A fleet of 20 vehicles is able to use 5000 liters of fuel in 30 days. How many days would the
same supply last if 4 more vehicle are added to the fleet? Show all working.
Data Inverse relationship

20 vehicles for 30 days 1 1
24 vehicles for x days 20: = 24:
30 x
5000 liters is constant 20 24
=
1/30 1/x
(20)(30) = (24)(x)
24x = 600
X = 25 days
Question 4
Calculate the number of years required for an initial deposit of K8888.00 to accrue an interest of
K4319.10 at 8% annual interest rate where interest is compounded every three months.
Data Calculation
I = K4319.10 8 t
P = K8888.00 8888 + 4319.1 = (8888)(1+ )
100
r = 8%, t =? 13207.1 = (8888)(1.08)t
Formula; 13207.1
I=F–P (1.08)t =
8888
F=P+I t
r t log (1.08) = log 1.48595
F = P(1 + ) tlog (1.08) = log 1.48595
100
r t log 1.48595
P + I = P(1 + ) t=
100 log( 1.08)
t = 5.146
thus, t = 5 years
Question 5
An item costing K2160.00 was obtained by a customer who agreed to pay and initial deposit of 22.5%
followed by regular monthly repayments of K97.65. Calculate the interest rate applied in the hire
purchase agreement if the customer is to fully repay in two years.
Data Balance Total owing after the Interest Interest rate

deposit
P = K2160.00 Balance Total owing = Interest = P×R×T
Deposit = 22.5% = principal – Months x repayment total owing – balance I=
100
22.5 Deposit per moth = K2343.60 - (2160)(2) R
= x K2160 = K2160 - K486 = 24 x K97.65 K1674.00 669.60 =
100 100
= K486.00 = K1674.00 = K2343.60 = K669.60
66960 = 4320R
Monthly installment 66960
= K97.65 R=
T = 2 years
4320
= 15.5
∴ R = 15.5%

(I) Software

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Question 1

a) Define the following terms;

(ii) Computer virus

(iii) Systems memory

(iv) Utility software

(v) Computer network

b) Briefly compare the following;

(ii) ALU and Control unit

(iii) RAM and ROM

b) State any three functions of an operating system software.

e) State two differences between magnetic storage and optical storage.

f) Outline three disadvantages of computer networks.

Data Inverse relationship

Data Balance Total owing after the Interest Interest rate

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