MOKASA EXAMINATION

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

451/1 - COMPUTER STUDIES – Paper 1
THEORY
DECEMBER 2021 – 2½hrs

MARKING SCHEME

Section A (40 Marks)

Answer all question in this section in the spaces provided

1(a). As you type an entry it is displayed in the formulae bar. Entries into a
worksheet can be classified into four data types. List any four of these data
types. 2 Marks

 Labels
 Values
 Formulae
 Functions
(b) Differentiate between functions and formulae 2 Marks
 Formulae are mathematical expressions that calculate or compares
values entered in a cell.

 Functions are predefined formulae that are provided by excel to

perform simple to complex calculations.

2.(a) Differentiate between the following formatting elements 2 Marks

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(i) Justification
(ii) Indenting
Justification means that paragraphs are aligned evenly along the left and right
margins
Indenting is the distance or blank spaces used to separate a paragraph with
the left or right margins

3.Define virtual reality 1 Mark

Virtual reality refers to a condition in which a person becomes psychologically
immersed into an artificial environment generated by a computer system.
(b) List any four sensory elements in virtual reality 2 Marks
o Head mounted display
o Hand gloves
o Body suits
o Virtual reality software
4. Computer technology has evolved over time. Outline two future trends in
computer and information technology 2 Marks
 Rapid evolution in hardware software and software
 Artificial intelligence
 Expanded information superhighway
5 Internet is an important resource. Although it has brought with it some
challenges. State two measures that can prevent students from accessing
pornography and dirty sites. 2 Marks
 Using filter programs like cyber-Patrol
 Cybersitter
 Net nanny
 Firewall
 Proxy software
6. Computer laboratory should be setup with safety precautions in mind.
Outline four measures that can be put in place to protect the users.
2 Marks
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All cables should be insulated
Cables should be laid away
Provide a standard furniture
Providing antiglare screens
The walls of the computer room should not be painted with overbright
reflective oil paints
Overcrowding should not be allowed
Screens should face away from the window to avoid glare caused by bright
background
Fitting the curtains
7. Arithmetic and logic unit and the main memory use electrical pathways
called buses. Describe any two of these buses. 2 Marks
 Control buses: This is the pathway for all timing and controlling functions
sent by the control unit to other parts of the system.
 Address bus: This is the pathway used to locate the storage positions in
memory where the next instruction data to be processed is held.
 Data bus: Pathway where actual data to be processed is held.
8. Distinguish between the following wireless interfaces. 2 Marks
(i) Infrared
(ii)Bluetooth
 Infrared is a wireless interface that uses infrared to connect to infrared
enabled devices
 Bluetooth uses short range radio broadcast to connect to any Bluetooth
enabled device.
9. Explain the term solid state giving two examples 2 Marks
Solid state is a non- volatile storage that employs integrated circuits rather
than mechanical, magnetic or optical technology. They do not have movable
parts. Examples memory sticks, SD cards and flash pen drives

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10.(a) Software can be acquired using different methods, State four
advantages of using standard software
2 Marks
 They can easily be installed and run
 They are cheaper than inhouse developed software
 They are readily available for almost any task
 They can easily be modified to meet users’ needs
 Minor or no errors since they are thoroughly tested
(b) Define the terms listed below as used in desktop publishing 3 Marks
(i) Master Page
Page used to design a common layout to be applied in other pages of the
publication.
(ii) Gradient
A gradient is a multicolor fill in which one color gradually changes into another color.
Gradient A function in graphic software that permits the user to fill an object or image with a smooth
transition of colors. Graphic Design Visual communication using text or images to represent an idea
or concept

(iii) Cropping

Hiding parts of the graphic that you do not want to be printed.

11. Data can ether be discrete or continuous. Distinguish the two terms.
2 Marks
Discrete represents data using a two state while continues data is in
continuous form that varies,

12.As opposed to buffers registers hold one piece of data at a time.

Differentiate between storage and address registers 2 Marks
 Address registers: holds the next piece of data waiting to be processed
 Storage: hold a piece of data that is on its way to and from the CPU and
the main memory.

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13. List two examples of fourth generation languages and two features of fifth
generation languages 2 Marks
(a)Visual Basic, Delphi Pascal, Focus, Postscripts, SQL

Fifth generation language are rule based

(b)Designed around solving by enabling the computer to mimic human intelligence

Solves problems at hand

14(a). An operating system basically consist of two main parts namely; Shell and

Kernel. List any three functions of an operating system 3 Marks

 Processor Scheduling
 Resource allocation
 Memory Management
 Input/Output Management
 Communication Control and Management
 Error handling
 Interrupt handling

(b) Define a foreign key and list any two kinds of relationships in tables
3 Marks

A foreign key is a field in a table that matches the primary field of another
table.

 One to one relationship

 One to many relationship
 Many to many relationship

15.Describe radio communication and list the different kinds of radio waves
3 Marks

(a)Radio waves are omnidirectional. They start from a central point and spread outwards in
all directions. As they travel onwards, their energy spreads outwards over the covered area.
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The waves are radiated into the atmosphere by a radio frequency antenna at constant
velocity.

(b)Radio waves can be:

 High frequency
 Very high frequency
 Ultra high frequency
SECTION B (60 Marks)
Answer question 16 and any other THREE questions from this section in the spaces
provided.
16.Due to the diversity and advancements in writing computer programs, many programming
languages have been developed and made more user friendly. Programs written in high level
programming languages need to be converted into a form that the computer can understand.
a. State one advantage of using the translators listed below
i. Assembler
 Display flexibility. By writing in assembler language, you gain
direct access to the 3270 data-stream commands.
 Interaction with other commands. These include timed events or
completion of commands under another task.
 It allows complex jobs to run in a simpler way.
 It is memory efficient, as it requires less memory.
 It is faster in speed, as its execution time is less.
 It is mainly hardware-oriented.
 It requires less instruction to get the result.
 It is convenient for critical jobs.

ii. Compiler

 Compiled programs run quickly

 Compilers optimise code.

iii. Interpreter
 Instructions are executed as soon as they are translated.
 Errors can be quickly spotted

Or any other correct responce

Advantage @ 1 Mark
Total = 3 *1 Mark
= 3 Marks

b. State any two qualities of a good flowchart

 There should be only one entry/ starting point and one exit point of the
program flowchart
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  Use the correct symbol at each stage in the flowchart
 The logical flow should be clearly shown using arrows
Or any other correct responce

6
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Quality @ 1 Mark
Total = 2 *1 Mark

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= 2 Marks

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c. Study the flow chart below and use it to answer the questions that follows;

D
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Print “out of
Cash”

STO

d. State the output of the above program flowchart for the inputs given below (4
Marks)
Amount = 15,000, 14,000 and 23,000 respectively

Balance Amount New Balance Output

34000 15000 19000 “New Balance”, Balance
19000 14000 5000 “New Balance”, Balance
5000 23000 -17000 “Out of Cash”

e. State the purpose of the flowchart

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 The flowchart is used to check the account balance and allow withdrawal if the
balance is more than 0. Withdrawal is done only three times
Purpose @ 2 Marks

f. Write a pseudocode for the flowchart in question (16. c) above (4

Marks)
Start
Balance=34000
For count =1 to 3 do
Input amount
Balance = Balance – Amount
If Balance>= 0 then
Print “New Balance”, Balance
Else
Print “out of cash”
End if
End for
Print “limit reached”
Stop

17.Signed binary numbers can be represented using different methods to indicate if a number
is positive or negative.
a. How can -2310 be represented in; (6
Marks)
i. Signed Magnitude
23 – 101112
= (1)00101112

ii. Ones complement

1s C = 01000
Or
8 bit – 11101000

iii. Twos complement

10111 – 01000
+1
010012
Or
00010111 – 111010002
+1
111010012

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 b. Convert the hexadecimal number C7D16 to its equivalent decimal number (2
Marks)
C – 1216
7 – 716
D – 1316
(12*162) + (7*16) + 13
3072 + 112 + 13 = 319710
OR
C-1100
7-0111
D-1101
C7D16 = 1100011111012
(1*211) + (1*210) + (1*26) + (1*25) + (1*24) + (1*23) + (1*22) +
(1*20)
2048 + 1024 + 64 + 32 + 16 + 8 + 4 + 1
= 319710

c. Perform the binary arithmetic below; (4

Marks)
i. 1001012 + 110112 + 10112
1001012
+ 110112
10000002
+ 10112
10010112

ii. 1110112 – 1001112

1110112
- 1001112
0101002

d. Using the twos compliment and 8-bit notation subtract 27 from 12 leaving your
answer in decimal notation
(3 Marks)
27 – 110112 – 000110112
12 – 11002 – 000011002
1s C of 27 – 111001002
+1
2s C of 27 – 111001012
+ 000011002
111100012
(1*27) + (1*26) + (1*25) + (1*24) + (1*20)
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 - 128 + 64 + 32 + 16 + 1
- 128 + 113
= - 1510

18.With the introduction 0f the internet services, communication has been made cheaper and
faster hence reducing the world into a global village.
a. Distinguish between a hyperlink and a hypertext
Hypertext is the non-linear representation of the data which when clicked
redirects you to some other page. On the other hand, the hyperlink is the link
embedded in the hypertext to which the control is transferred.

Difference @ 2 Marks

b. Define the term login as used in internet

login is the procedure used to get access to an operating system or
application, by providing the correct credentials such as username and
password

Definition @ 1 Mark

c. Draw a well labelled diagram for thinnet coaxial cable (5

Marks)

d. State any two reasons why the fibre optic cable is preferred for data transmission
over the other cables
(2 Marks)
 Fiber optic transmission is faster. ...
 Fiber optic transmission can cover greater distances. ...
 Fiber optic cables are impervious to electromagnetic interference
(EMI) ...
 Save space and enhance cable management. ...
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  Fiber optics are future-proof.
 Extremely High Bandwidth:
 Low Security Risk:
 Light Weight:

Or any other correct responce

Reason @ 1 Mark
Total = 2 *1 Mark
= 2 Marks
e. Protocols are set rules that govern transmission of data between two devices, state
the purpose of the protocols listed below;
i. SMTP
Simple mail transfer protocol – an internet protocol for transferring e-
mails
Purpose @ 1 Mark

ii. TCP
Transmission control protocol – this is responsible for delivery of
sequenced data over the network
Purpose @ 1 Mark
f. State the functions of the following network communication devices
i. Hub
The only function of the hub is repeating the electrical signals received
on one port, relaying those signals to all other connected ports.

ii. NIC
A network interface card connects your computer to a local data
network or the Internet. The card translates computer data into
electrical signals it sends through the network;
iii. Bridge
A bridge is used to connect multiple LAN segments together, forming
multiple collision domains.
Or any other correct responce
Function @ 1 Mark
Total = 3 *1 Mark
= 3 Marks

19.Data processing helps organizations make informed decisions and rely on accurate
information.
a. Differentiate between the mechanical and manual data processing methods

In Manual systems, the transactions are recorded on the source documents,

which are taken to the data processing department for processing. Human

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 beings work on source documents mentally or with the aid of some simple
manipulation tools.
Mechanical systems are data processing systems whose activities are
carried out by Keyboard devices operated by human beings. Data is keyed
in by the Machine operator, manipulated by the machine, and the output is
obtained in form of printed documents.
Difference @ 2 Marks
b. State the difference between a sort file and a reference file as used in data
processing

A sort file stores data which is arranged in a particular order usually where
data is to be processed sequentially While A reference file is mainly used for
reference or look-up purposes for information needed for processing

Difference @ 2 Marks
c. State any two differences between the real time processing mode and interactive
processing mode
In real-time data processing, the computer processes the incoming data as
soon as it occurs updates the transaction file, and gives an immediate response
that would affect the events as they happen while Interactive processing occurs if
the computer & the terminal user can communicate with each other. It allows a 2-
way communication between the user & the computer whereby the user respond
determines the next processing step.

Difference @ 2 Marks

d. State one advantage two disadvantages of random file organization

Advantage
1. Records can be accessed sequentially or randomly.
2. Accessing of records can be fast, if done randomly.
3. Records are not duplicated.
Disadvantage
1. Accessing of records sequentially is time consuming.
2. Processing of records sequentially may introduce redundancy/idleness.
3. Required expensive storage medium.
Or any other correct response
Advantage @ 1 Mark
Disadvantage @ 1 Mark
Total = 2 *1 Mark
2 Marks + 1 Mark
= 3 Marks
e. Information is the most valuable asset of an organization that needs to be safe
guarded. State any three measures to be considered in maintaining data integrity.
i. Accuracy of data

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 ii. Relevance of data
iii. Timeliness of presenting the data
Or any other correct response
Measure @ 1 Mark
Total = 3 *1 Mark
= 3 Marks
f. As Jayden was entering data into the computer, He typed byocott instead of
boycott.
i. Identify the type of error made by Jayden
Transposition error
Error @ 1 Mark
ii. Other than using direct data entry devices, two other methods Jayden can
use to avoid the error
 Double entry of data for validation and verification
 Using error detection and correction software
Or any other correct response
Method @ 1 Mark
Total = 2 *1 Mark
= 2 Marks
20.The success of a system development project depends on the type of model used to
develop.
a. Define the term prototype as used in systems development
A prototype is an early sample, model or release of a product created to
test a concept or process.
Definition @ 1 Mark
b. State any two disadvantages of prototyping
 Insufficient analysis:
 User confusion:
 Developer misunderstanding of user objectives:
 Excessive Development Time:
Or any other correct responce
disadvantage @ 1 Mark
Total = 2 *1 Mark
= 2 Marks
c. State any two characteristics of a system
 Boundary and Environment
 The components of a system work towards a collective goal. (purpose)
 Systems do not operate in complete isolation (Inputs and output)
 Systems can be complex and can be made up of other smaller systems
(subsystems)
 Systems have life cycle (system entropy)
 Subsystems in an information system interact by exchanging information
(Process)
 The linkage or coupling between subsystems varies
 Systems are hierarchical (holistic thinking)
13 | P a g e MOKASA 2 EXAMINATION ©2021 – 451/1
 Or any other correct responce
Characteristics @ 1 Mark
Total = 2 *1 Mark
= 2 Marks
d. State the consequences of having a poorly designed system
 Future Scalability
 It is not possible to post design quality.
 Future Ghost Problems.
 Future Operational Efficiency.

Or any other correct responce

Consequences @ 1 Mark
Total = 3 *1 Mark
= 3 Marks
e. State any three approaches used by an organization to develop a system
 Traditional approach
 Structured approach
 Object-oriented approach
Or any other correct responce
Approach @ 1 Mark
Total = 3 *1 Mark
= 3 Marks
f. The operating system has the fundamental task of managing the disk with the aim
of optimizing the performance of the computer
i. State the function of a formatting tool as used in disk management
It is a utility software used to manage the process of preparing a
magnetic data storage device such as a hard disk for data storage
Function @ 1 Mark
ii. State what happens during a check disk operation (2
Marks)
 Checks for any damage on the disk surface and marks it as a bad
sector
 Checks on the validity and integrity of the file system
 checks files, file indexes, and security descriptors
Or any other correct responce
Operation @ 1 Mark
Total = 2 *1 Mark
= 2 Marks
iii. Define the term trouble shooting as used in computing (1
Mark)
Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied
to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a
system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a
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 problem in order to solve it, and make the product or
process operational again.

Definition @ 2 Marks

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