Here are the solutions to your questions:
1. Describe what happens to the text in the box above when each of the following keyboard keys are pressed. The current cursor position is between the words "is" and "an".
The text in the box is: "Computer security is an increasingly important consideration. From authentication...."
The cursor is positioned as: "is| an"
- a) Tab: The cursor moves to the next tab stop, inserting a tab character at its current position, pushing " an increasingly important consideration. From authentication...." to the right.
- b) Enter: A new line is inserted, and the text " an increasingly important consideration. From authentication...." moves to the beginning of the new line below.
- c) Home: The cursor moves to the beginning of the current line, before "Computer".
2. State four characteristics which make computers better than human beings.
• Speed: Computers process information much faster.
• Accuracy: Computers make fewer errors in calculations and data handling.
• Storage capacity: Computers can store vast amounts of data.
• Diligence: Computers can perform repetitive tasks tirelessly without loss of concentration.
3. Give three reasons why primary storage devices are not used for secondary storage.
• Volatility: Primary storage (RAM) loses its data when the power is turned off, unlike non-volatile secondary storage.
• Cost: Primary storage is significantly more expensive per unit of storage than secondary storage.
• Capacity: Primary storage typically has a much smaller capacity compared to secondary storage devices.
4. Asha has a hardware shop and lately. She is finding the task of managing daily sales in the shop overwhelming.
- a) State a retail system that she should acquire.
A Point of Sale (POS) system.
- b) State two input devices that are used in retail systems.
• Barcode scanner
• Keyboard
- c) Apart from enhancing the speed of operation, state two other benefits that Asha will gain from using such a system.
• Improved inventory management by automatically updating stock levels.
• Accurate sales tracking and reporting for better business analysis.
5. The accounts department of a secondary school is using a system that generates invoices that are printed in triplicate using carbon papers.
- a) Name one type of printer suitable for this task.
A dot matrix printer.
- b) Give a reason for your answer in (a) above.
Dot matrix printers are impact printers that can create multiple copies simultaneously using carbon paper because they strike the paper through an ink ribbon.
6. A secretary saved a document in a computer. After some time, she could not remember the name and the location of the file. State four file details that are assigned a file by the operating system which can assist in tracing the file.
• File name (or part of it)
• File type/extension (e.g., .docx, .pdf)
• Date created/modified
• File size
7. A student tried opening an application program on a computer that was functioning well. The program did not load and the operating system reported that the memory was insufficient. Give two causes of such response.
• Too many other applications were already running, consuming most of the available RAM.
• The application itself requires more RAM than the computer has installed.
8. State two measures that can be put in place to control piracy of software.
• Implementing product keys or license keys that must be entered to activate the software.
• Using Digital Rights Management (DRM) technologies that restrict unauthorized copying and distribution.
9. Identify three hardware considerations to be made before installing an operating system.
• Processor compatibility (e.g., 64-bit CPU required).
• RAM capacity (ensure sufficient memory is available).
• Hard drive space (ensure enough storage for the OS and applications).
10. A water company sends out clerks to read water meters. The data collected by the clerks is then fed into the computer and then all the bills are printed at the same time.
- a) State two advantages of this approach.
• Efficiency: Automates the billing process, saving time and labor compared to manual billing.
• Accuracy: Reduces human errors in calculations and data entry for bills.
- b) Name this type of data processing.
Batch processing.
11. A school has acquired a system that imitates human teachers. Students can learn by getting answers from the system which they would normally get from the teacher. Give three advantages of this system.
• 24/7 Availability: Students can access learning resources and get answers at any time, outside of regular school hours.
• Personalized Learning: The system can adapt to individual student paces and learning styles, providing tailored support.
• Consistency: Provides consistent information and feedback without human biases or fatigue.
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