# VUMBUNU SECONDARY SCHOOL

## COMPUTER SCIENCE

### TERM I HOLIDAY ASSIGNMENT

**NAME:** MUDEHWE TATENDA FUTURE

**CLASS:** ………………………………

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### 1. Define a computer (1 mark)

A computer is an electronic device that processes data according to instructions provided by computer
programs, automatically accepting, storing, and processing data into information.

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### 2. Explain the following terms as used in computer science (2 marks)

- **Data:**

Raw facts, symbols, or statistics collected and stored, which can be numbers, words, or measurements,
lacking meaning on their own.

- **Program:**

A set of instructions written in a specific programming language that tells a computer what to do.

- **Data Processing:**

The collection, manipulation, and transformation of raw data into meaningful information,
encompassing input, storage, processing, and output.
- **Information:**

Processed data organized in a meaningful context, providing knowledge or insights for decision-making.

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### 3. State four functions of a computer (2 marks)

- Data input

- Data processing

- Information output

- Data and information storage

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### 4. State four different parts that make up a computer (2 marks)

- Central Processing Unit (CPU)

- Motherboard

- Hard Drive

- Random-Access Memory (RAM)

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### 5. Explain the term system unit (1 mark)

The system unit, or "tower," contains the main components of a desktop computer, including the
motherboard, CPU, RAM, and other internal components.
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### 6. Give two differences between tower-style and desktop system units (2 marks)

- **Orientation and Size:** Tower-style units stand upright and are larger, allowing for more expansion,
while desktop units lie horizontally and are more compact.

- **Upgrade Potential:** Tower-style units have more space for upgrades, while desktop units have
limited internal space.

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### 7. Characteristics of the first generation of computers (4 marks)

- **Vacuum Tubes for Processing:** Used bulky vacuum tubes for calculations.

- **Large Size and High Power Consumption:** Occupied entire rooms and consumed considerable
electricity.

- **Limited Speed and Performance:** Slower compared to later generations.

- **Machine Language Programming:** Programmed using complex machine language.

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### 8. Reasons why a mobile phone is regarded as a computer (3 marks)

- **Processing Power:** Mobile phones have processors capable of executing complex tasks.

- **Operating System:** They run operating systems that manage hardware and software resources.

- **Multifunctionality:** Able to perform tasks similar to traditional computers.

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### 9. Define a microcomputer (1 mark)

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### 10. Differentiate between a microcomputer and a personal computer (2 marks)

A microcomputer emphasizes the use of a microprocessor as its CPU, while a personal computer is
designed specifically for individual tasks, typically for general use.

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### 11. Identify and explain three areas where computers are used to process data (6 marks)

- **Business Finance:** To process transactions, manage inventory, and analyze sales data.

- **Health Care:** To manage medical records and analyze test results.

- **Education:** To store information about students and financial records.

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### 12. Define the term ‘computer laboratory’ (1 mark)

A computer laboratory is a dedicated space equipped with computers and technology for educational,
research, or training purposes.

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### 13. Give two factors to be considered when preparing a computer laboratory (2 marks)

- Power supply

- Hardware and software requirements

### 14. Safety precaution when entering a computer laboratory (1 mark)

Ensure that the environment is free from hazards and that equipment is used safely.

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### 15. Explain the term “computer booting” (1 mark)

The process of starting a computer and loading its operating system and essential software into
memory.

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### 16. Explain what happens in the computer during the booting process (2 marks)

During booting, the computer performs a self-test to check hardware functionality, loads the operating
system from storage into RAM, and initializes system settings for operation.

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### 17. List and explain two types of booting (4 marks)

- **Cold Booting:** Starting the computer from a powered-off state, requiring the OS to load from
scratch.

- **Warm Booting:** Restarting the computer without turning off the power, often used to refresh the
system.

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### 18. What type of memory is used to store the boot-up program? (1 mark)

Read-Only Memory (ROM).

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### 19. What is a computer keyboard? (1 mark)

A computer keyboard is an input device consisting of keys used to enter data and commands into a
computer.

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### 20. List four types of keys found on a computer keyboard (4 marks)

- **Alphanumeric keys:** Letters and numbers (e.g., A, 1)

- **Function keys:** Perform specific functions (e.g., F1)

- **Navigation keys:** Move the cursor (e.g., arrow keys)

- **Control keys:** Modify other keys (e.g., Ctrl, Alt)

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### 21. Define the following terms as used in computing (2 marks)

- **System:** A collection of components that work together to perform specific functions.

- **Computer System:** An integrated set of hardware and software designed to process data and
produce information.
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### 22. List and explain three functional elements of a computer system (6 marks)

- **Input Unit:** Accepts data and instructions from the user.

- **Processing Unit:** Performs computations and processes data.

- **Output Unit:** Displays or outputs the processed information to the user.

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### 23. Draw a well-labeled diagram showing the functional units of computer hardware (6 marks)

*(Diagram would be provided separately)*

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### 24. Give two main functions of a computer input device (2 marks)

- To enter data and instructions into the computer.

- To convert user actions into machine-readable signals.

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### 25. Give an example of a device that reads data (1 mark)

Scanner.

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### 26. State two advantages of using a mouse instead of a keyboard (2 marks)

- More intuitive for graphical user interfaces.

- Allows for quicker navigation and selection of items on the screen.

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### 27. Name the type of scanner used (2 marks)

(i) To capture prices of goods at points of sale terminals in supermarkets:

**Barcode Scanner.**

(ii) To grade multiple choice examinations:

**Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) Scanner.**

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### 28. What is speech input? (1 mark)

Speech input is a method of entering data into a computer by speaking, allowing voice recognition
software to convert spoken words into text.

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### 29. What are turnaround documents? (1 mark)

Documents generated by a computer system and sent back to the user for data input or verification.

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### 30. List two factors to consider when selecting a data input device (2 marks)

- User comfort and ergonomics.

- Compatibility with the computer system.

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### 31. Describe three functions performed by the CPU (3 marks)

- **Arithmetic Operations:** Performs mathematical calculations.

- **Logic Operations:** Executes logical operations to make decisions.

- **Control Operations:** Directs the flow of data between system components.

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### 32. Explain the meaning of logic operations in reference to ALU and give an example (2 marks)

Logic operations in the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) involve comparing and manipulating binary values
using operations like AND, OR, and NOT. For example, the AND operation returns true only if both input
values are true.

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### 33. List four types of registers found in the CPU (4 marks)

- **Accumulator Register**

- **Program Counter**

- **Instruction Register**

- **Memory Address Register**

### 34. What is a computer bus? (1 mark)

A computer bus is a communication system that transfers data between components inside a computer.

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### 35. What is the computer motherboard? (2 marks)

The motherboard is the main printed circuit board in a computer, housing the CPU, memory, and
connectors for other hardware components, serving as the central communication hub.

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### 36. What is a Drive? (2 marks)

A drive is a device used for reading and writing data to storage media, such as hard drives or solid-state
drives.

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### 37. Differentiate between volatile memory and non-volatile memory (1 mark)

Volatile memory requires power to maintain stored data, while non-volatile memory retains data even
when powered off.

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### 38. Differentiate between RAM and ROM (1 mark)

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### 39. Differentiate between hardcopy and softcopy output (1 mark)

Hardcopy output refers to printed documents, while softcopy output is digital data displayed on a
screen.

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### 40. Differentiate between MICR and OCR scanners (1 mark)

MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) scans magnetic characters on checks, while OCR (Optical
Character Recognition) converts printed text into editable digital text.

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### 41. Give two examples of flat-panel monitors available in the market today (2 marks)

- LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Monitor

- LED (Light Emitting Diode) Monitor

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### 42. What are pixels? (1 mark)

Pixels are the smallest units of a digital image or display, representing a single point in the image.

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### 43. What role do pixels play in screen display? (2 marks)

Pixels combine to form images on screens; the resolution and clarity of a display depend on the number
of pixels.

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### 44. Give two advantages of a higher number of pixels per square centimeter (2 marks)

- Improved image clarity and detail.

- Enhanced color accuracy and vibrancy.

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### 45. What are character printers? (1 mark)

Character printers are output devices that print characters and symbols, typically using impact or non-
impact printing technologies.

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### 46. Give two examples of character printers (2 marks)

- Dot Matrix Printer

- Line Printer

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### 47. Distinguish between a line printer and a page printer (2 marks)
- **Line Printer:** Prints one line of text at a time, often faster but with lower quality.

- **Page Printer:** Prints an entire page in one pass, offering higher quality and detail.

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### 48. Highlight two factors to consider when purchasing a printer (2 marks)

- Print quality and resolution.

- Cost of consumables (ink, toner).

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*(End of assignment)*