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F1 COMPUTER STUDIES TOPIC BY TOPIC

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 1. INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
1. (a) Clearly define a computer
(b) Give one reason why a computer is referred to as an electronic device
2. Explain the following terms as used in computer science
(i) Data
(ii) Program
(iii) Data processing
(iv) Information
3. State any three functions of a computer
4. Explain the following input/ output terms as used in computer systems. Give an example for each
5. State four different parts that make up a computer
6. (a) Explain the term system Unit
(b) List four devices located under the cover of the system unit
(c) Give two differences between tower – style and desktop system units
7. Computers have evolved through a number of generations. List any 4 characteristics of the first
generation of computers.
8. Briefly explain the classification of computer according to historical development (generations)
(a) First generation computers
(b) Second generation computers
(c) Third Generation computers
(d) Fourth generation computers
(e) Fifth generation computers
9. State four factors used to classify computers
10. State the differences between desktop computers and laptop computers
11. (a) Explain the emerging trends in microcomputer technology in relation to size
(b) Give two reasons why smaller computers like Laptops tend to be more expensive than
Desktop computers
12. Which category of computers would you place an N- series Nokia phone
13. Give three reasons why a mobile phone is regarded to be a computer
14. (a) Mention three Analogue devices
(b) Give three example of special – purpose computers

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15. State a specific example where each of the following types of computers can be used
(a) Supercomputer
(b) Mainframe computer
(c) Minicomputer
(d) Microcomputer / personal computer
16. (a) Define a microcomputer
(b) Differentiate between a microcomputer and a personal computer
(c) List three factors to be considered when purchasing a microcomputer
17. Explain four reasons which make microcomputers suitable for personal computing work
18. (a) Identify and explain five areas where computers are used to process data
19. Identify three advantages of using computers in banking
20. (a) Define the term „ computer laboratory
(b) Give two factors to be considered when preparing a computer laboratory
21. List down three safety precautions one should observe when entering a computer laboratory
22. Describe the ideal environment for a computer to work properly
23. Explain why smoke and Dust particles are harmful to a computer
24. Identify three facilities that will ensure proper ventilation in a room
25. Why must foods and beverages be kept out of the computer room?
26. Why would it not be good to install Powder or Water – based fire extinguishers in the computer room?
27. (a) State one reason why a computer needs to be connected to a stable power supply
(b) List down four functions of the uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
28. Mention two things that are likely to cause strain- in the computer room
29. Identify three proper sitting postures while using the computer
30. State two methods of minimizing dust in a computer laboratory
31. Name two main causes of fire in the computer laboratory and give the precautions that should be
taken to guard against them
32. What is the purpose of labeling a diskette?
33. List three things that can spoil a printer if they are not of the correct specification, and explain what
damage may be caused
34. Explain three ways that computer technology could make office more efficient
35. (a) Explain the steps you would follow to set up a new computer
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 (b) Outline three reasons why it is important to first shut down the computer before turning it off
36. A computer must go through the process of booting/ initialization before use
(a) Briefly explain the term “computer booting”.
(b) Explain what happens in the computer during the booting process
(c) Give and explain two types of booting
(i) Cold booting:
(ii) Warm Booting
(d) What type of memory is used to store the boot up program (the first program to be executed on
switching on a computer?
37. (a) What is a computer keyboard
(b) List four types of keys found on a computer keyboard, giving an example of each
(c) Name the keyboard keys that will help you:

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 2. COMPUTER SYSTEMS
1. Define the following terms as used in computing
(i) System
(ii) Computer system
2. Differentiate between a computer and a computer system
3. (a) List and explain three functional elements of a computer system
(b) Draw a well – labeled diagram showing the functional units of computer hardware
4. (a) Give two main functions of a computer input device.
(b) Give an example of a:
(i). Device that reads data (scanning device).
(ii). Keying device.
iii). Pointing device.
iv). Voice input device.
(v). Printing device.
5. State two advantages of using a mouse instead of a keyboard.
6. Outline any two advantages of a light pen as an input device,
7. (a) What are computer scanning devices?
(b) Name the type of scanner used: (2 marks)
(i). To capture prices of goods at points of sale terminals in supermarkets and superstores.
(ii).To grade multiple choice examination
8. Mr. Otieno a French teacher used speech method to store students oral answers to an exam into a computer
(a) What is a speech input?
(b) State two advantages and two disadvantages of using this method of data input
(c) State four areas where speech input would be used
9. Name two examples of scanning (data capture) devices used at point of scale terminals in supermarkets
10. (a) What are turnaround documents
(b) Name any two data capture techniques that make use of turnaround documents
11. List five factors one would consider when selecting a data input device
12. Describe three functions performed by the CPU
13. Explain the functions performed by each of the following central processing unit elements

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 (i) Control Unit
(ii) Arithmetic and logic Unit
(iii) Registers
(iv) The main memory
(v) The system clock
14. In reference to ALU, explain the meaning of logic operations and give an example of this processing
operation
15. Give four types of registers found in the CPU
16. (a) Name the basic unit used to measure the processing speed of a computer
(b) A computer processor speed is measured in Hertz. What fraction of a second is the following?
17. (a) What is a computer bus?
(b) State the functions of each of the following computer bus
18. (a) What is the computer Motherboard?
(b) State any four components found on the computer motherboard
19. (a) What is a Drive?
(b) State any two types of computer drives, giving an example of a storage device used by each
20. (a) Give two reasons why there are many forms of computer storage devices
(b) State three different examples of auxiliary storage devices
21. Using examples, distinguished between:
(i) Primary and secondary
(ii) Fixed and removable disks
22. Explain the following storage devices
(i) Hard disk
(ii) Flash disk
(iii) Zip disk
23. (a) Compare a floppy disk and zip disk in relation to size
(b) Give three disadvantages of floppy disks as storage devices
24. (a) State three advantages of using hard disks as medium of storage
(b) Describe three precautions you would take to avoid damaging the hard disk
(c) Describe the structure of a hard disk in reference to cylinders, tracks and sectors
25. State two reasons why Magnetic tapes are not commonly used as computer data storage medium today
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26. Differentiate between:
(i) Microcomputer and microprocessor
(ii) Volatile memory and non- volatile memory
(iii) RAM and ROM
(iv) Hard disk and floppy disk
(v) Magnetic and optical storage media
(vi) Hardcopy and softcopy output
(vii)MICR and OCR scanners
27. Explain four rules for handling magnetic disks
28. (a) Calculate the capacity in MB of a two sided floppy disk with 6 sectors per surface, and 512 bytes
per sectors
(b) A double – sided disk contains 40 tracks on each side. The tracks are divided into 9 sectors of 512
bytes each. What is the total capacity of the disk in megabytes?
29. By giving examples, differentiate between primary and Secondary Computer storage
30. (a) State four functions of Read – Only Memory (ROM)
(b) Give three characteristics of ROM
(c) Name two different types of ROM
31. (a) Outline three characteristics of Random Access Memory (RAM)
(b) Name the two types of RAM clearly starting their differences
32. The diagram below shows as example of a secondary

(i) Identify the name of the devices

Flash Disk
(ii) List down two advantages of this device over a floppy disk in storage
33. (a) List any four examples of optical storage devices
(b) Give two advantages of a digital Versatile Disk over a normal Compact disk
34. (a) State the two types/ forms of computer output
(b) List any four examples of output devices in a computer
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 (c) Identify three Functions of computer devices
35. (a) State one function of the screen (monitor)
(b) Show two differences between a CRT monitor and a flat- panel display
(c) Give there examples of flat- panel monitors available in the market today
36. (a) What are pixels?
(b) What role do pixels play in screen display?
(c) Give two advantages of the higher number of pixels per square centimeter
37. (a) What are character printers?
(b) Give two examples of character printers
38. Distinguish between impact and non impact printers and give two examples of each
39. (a) Distinguish between a line printer and a page printer
(b) State three advantages and one disadvantages of:
(i) Laser Printers
(ii) Inkjet Printers
40. Highlight four factors one should consider when purchasing a printer
41. List three advantages of a plotter over normal printer machines
42. Give two advantages of using sound output devices
43. George connected new multimedia speakers to his computer and tried to play his favorite music CD,
but no sound came out. Suggest two problems that might have occurred
44. List down 4 factors to consider when buying an output device
45. Define the following terms
(a) Port
(b) Data interface cable
(c) Power cable
46. State the function of the power supply unit found in the system unit
47. (a) Name any two peripheral devices which get their power supply through ports
(b) State the type of port that would commonly be used to connect the following devices
48. (a) Explain two differences between serial and parallel communication ports of a computer
(b) Give two major advantages of a USB interface cable over other cables in the computer
49. Outline three precautions one should take when assembling a computer
50. State six factors which you would consider when selecting computer hardware for an organization

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51. List down any four hardware components you can add or upgrade in a computer system
52. (a) What is warranty with reference to the purchase of computers
(b) Why is it important to carefully study a warranty before committing yourself by signing it?
(c) List down three issues to understand about warrants
53. What are clones with reference to computers and what is their disadvantage?
54. (a) What is standard software?
(b) Small and large scale organizers are turning to the use of in- house developed software for the
processing activities rather than use of standard software
(i) What is in- house developed software?
(ii) Give two reasons that may be influencing these organizations for such a decision
55. Differentiate between single- purpose programs and integrated software
56. Explain the following considerations when purchasing software
(i) Authenticity
(ii) Portability
57. Differentiate between portability with reference to hardware and software
58. (a) Explain why documentation is necessary for any software package
(b) A firm intends to purchase new software. List three items of documentation that should
accompany the software

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 3. OPERATING SYSTEMS
1. The central processor and peripheral devices of a computer system are coordinated by the operating system
(a) Define the term „operating system‟
(b) List two resources/ components that an operating system manages
(c) There are several types of operating systems in use today. State two examples of
Operating systems which you are familiar
2. Name the two latest operating systems from Microsoft corporation
3. Explain any four functions of an operating system software
4. What is an interrupt?
5. Give three ways in which operating system are classified
6. Giving an example in each case, explain the following types of operating systems
(a) Single – user / single tasking
(b) Multi- User/ Multi- tasking
7. A computer user may interact with a computer either through Graphical User Interface (GUI) or
though typed commands
(a) Give one advantage of using GUI based operating system over a command line interface ( 1 mk)
(b) Some computer systems still use command line interfaces. State two advantages of command line
interface
8. What is a deadlock in reference to operating systems?
9. Explain briefly the following concepts as used in the windows environment:
(a) Desktop (d) Sidekick menu
(b) Window (e) Taskbar
(c) Icon (f) Task
10. Identify three functions of taskbar
11. State two differences between Disk Operating System (DOS) and Windows operating system
12. Identify three factors you would consider when choosing an operating system for use in a computer
13. Explain how windows organizes information in reference to files and folders
14. (a) Distinguish between systems files and application files
(b) State the extensions used signifying the following file types
15. (a) List and explain down the three parts of the windows Taskbar
(b) Outline the procedure of renaming a file or folder using windows operating system
16. (a) What is a dialog box?
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 (b) List five settings that may be found in a dialog box
17. (a) Define „ folder/ directive tree‟
(b) Give two examples of root directories you know
(c) Give three uses of sub- directories or subfolders
18. The Hierarchical system represented below shows how a school organizes its files.
Study it and answer the questions below.

19. (a) (i) Explain the meaning of backup

(ii) Explain two methods you can use in windows to back up data into a storage device
(b) Identify two reasons why a user needs to know the space available for data storage in the hard disk
20. Name the command one would use to repair cross- linked files in graphical user interface software
21. (a) Explain the team Disk Defragmenter, and give two advantages of this feature
(b) Distinguish between disk compressing and disk defragmenting
22. Give two reasons why a new disk must be formatted before using it
23. (a) What is meant by the term „disk partitioning‟?
(b) Give two reasons why the hard disk may be partitioned
24. A Form four computer student is attempting to print a programming documentation. The printer is
not responding to the print command. Explain three possible causes for the anomaly. (3 marks)
25. State two purposes of the recycle bin.

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