Published on November 4th 2023 | 5 mins , 850 words
Give two advantages of USB interface cable (2 marks)
Plug-and-Play:
USB cables are designed for easy plug-and-play functionality, meaning you can connect and disconnect devices without needing to restart or reconfigure the system.
High Data Transfer Speeds:
USB cables support high-speed data transfer rates, especially with newer USB standards like USB 3.0 and USB
Hot Swapping
One can connect or disconnect devices while the system is running.
Power Delivery:
USB cables can deliver power alongside data transfer, making them capable of charging devices.
Backward Compatibility:
USB cables and ports are generally backward compatible, meaning newer USB devices can be used with older USB ports and vice versa
Explain the internal mechanism of the hard disk in reference to disk platters and the read/write head (2 marks)
The drive is made up of several disk platters that are mounted on a common axis with read/write heads on both sides of the platter. The heads move in and out as they write/read data
Describe the structure of a hard disk platter in reference to cylinders, tracks, and sectors (3marks)
The hard disk is divided into concentric circles called tracks. Parallel tracks on several platters are called cylinders. The tracks are further divided into sectors and several sectors can be grouped to form a cluster
Explaining the following software considerations when selecting a computer (5marks)
(a) Portability
Refers to the ability of a software application to be easily moved or transferred between different computing environments without significant modification or reprogramming
Refers to the ability of a software application to work on multiple platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, and more
(b) User-friendliness
User-friendliness is about how intuitive and easy the computer's interface and software are for users
(c) Authenticity
Authenticity in software is related to ensuring that the software is legitimate and not pirated.
(d) Documentation
Documentation refers to the availability of user manuals, guides, and support materials for the computer and its software.
(e) Compatibility
Compatibility relates to how well the software on the computer works with other hardware and software components.
State two types of system unit form factor (2marks)
Tower
Desktop
Give three examples of pointing input devices (3 Marks)
Joystick
Touchpad
Mouse
Stylus
Digitizer/graphic tablet
State THREE components of the CPU (3 marks)
Main memory
Arithmetic and logic unit
Control unit
Registers
Classify computer software according to the following factors (6marks)
(a) Acquisition
Vendor off-the-shelf
In-house developed/Bespoke/tailor-made
(b) Purpose
System software
Application software
(c) EULA
Proprietary software
Open source
Shareware
Freeware
5. Differentiate between system software and application software (2marks)
System software - is software that governs the computer system.
Application software - is software designed to help users accomplish specific tasks
State three uses of Optical Mark Recognition Scanners (3marks)
Marking of multiple-choice questions
Analyzing responses from questionnaires given during surveys
Tallying of votes
State the interface cables used to connect fixed drives to the motherboard (2marks)
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics
State two functions of the power supply unit in a computer (2marks)
Converts ac to dc
Distributes power to all internal components of a computer
Give differences between serial and parallel cables (2marks)
Serial cable transmits data sequentially one bit at a time using a single conductor/wire
Parallel cables transmit multiple bits or 8 bits at a go using multiple conductors/lines /8 conductors
Parallel cables transmit data faster than serial cables
Define the following: (3marks)
(a) Port
A connection point or interface between a computer and an external or internal device.
(b) Interface cable
Data interface cables transmit data from a peripheral device to the CPU
(c) Power cable
Transmit power
State the unit used for measuring processing speed.
Hertz (Hz)/megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz)
Define the term multimedia and list down the components required to make a computer multimedia (2 marks)
Is an integration of sound, video, and text processing and output
Components include: optical drive, speakers, sound adapters, VGA monitor
State with examples the various categories of keys on a computer keyboard (2marks)
Function Keys (F1 - F12): Examples: F1, F2, F3, ..., F12
Typing keys/Alphanumeric keys: Examples: A, B, C, 1, 2, 3
Special PC keys /special purpose keys: Examples: Ctrl, Alt, Shift
Cursor movement keys/navigation keys: Examples: Arrow keys (Up, Down, Left, Right), Home, End, Page Up, Page Down
Editing keys: delete key, insert key, etc.
Explaining the following software considerations when selecting a computer (5marks)
(a) Portability
Portability refers to the ability of software to be easily moved and run on different devices and platforms without requiring extensive modifications
(b) User-friendliness
It refers to how intuitive and easy the software is for users to learn and operate
(c) Authenticity
Authenticity refers to the legitimacy and genuineness of the software you are purchasing
(d) Documentation
When purchasing software, consider the availability and quality of documentation to ensure that you have the resources you need to use the software effectively.
(e) Compatibility
Compatibility involves ensuring that the software is compatible with your existing hardware, operating system, and other software applications
State any five factors that ought to be considered when selecting computer hardware (5marks)
Capacity of the main memory
Processor speed
Compatibility
Upgradability
Storage capacity e.g. HDD or SSD size
portability
Name three examples of microcomputers (3 marks)
laptops
desktops
tablets
notebooks
single-board computers e.g. Raspberry Pi and Arduino