SECTION A (50 MARKS)

1. Explain the following terms as used in computing (4 marks) a) Data

 Raw facts that do not have meaning to the user. b) Program

 A set of instructions that directs the computer on what to do. c) Processing
 The act of converting data into information. d) Information
 Processed data that is meaningful to the user.

2. List down four characteristics of a computer. (4 marks)

1. Versatile
2. Diligent
3. Accurate
4. Fast

3. State four different parts that make up a computer. (2 marks) i. Mouse ii. Keyboard iii.
Monitor iv. System Unit

4. a) What are peripheral devices? (1 mark)

 Devices connected to the system unit through ports.

b) Give four examples of peripheral devices. (2 marks)** i. Mouse ii. Keyboard iii. Printer iv.
Monitor

5. a) Match the following generations of computers with the technology used to develop them.
(2 marks)

GENERATION TECHNOLOGY First Generation Vacuum Tubes (Thermionic Valves) Second

Generation Transistors Third Generation Integrated Circuits Fourth Generation Very Large
Integrated Circuits

b) Computers have evolved through a number of generations. List any four characteristics of the 1st
Generation of computers. (4 marks)**

1. Technology used was Thermionic valves

2. Large physical size
3. Consumed large amount of power
4. Emitted a large amount of heat

6. Explain three methods of classifying computers. (3 marks) i. Based on Size ii. Based on
Purpose iii. Based on Processing Power
7. Give two reasons why smaller computers like laptops tend to be more expensive than
desktop computers. (2 marks) i. Compact design requires specialized engineering. ii. Integration
of components leads to higher manufacturing costs.

8. Give three reasons why a mobile phone is regarded to be a computer. (3 marks) i. It can
process data. ii. It can store and retrieve information. iii. It can execute programs.

9. State a specific example where each of the following types of computers can be used: (4
marks) a) Supercomputer - Weather forecasting b) Mainframe Computer - Banking transactions c)
Minicomputer - University administrative tasks d) Microcomputer - Personal finance management

10. a) Define the term ‘Computer Laboratory’ and give four factors to be considered when
preparing a computer laboratory. (5 marks) - A computer laboratory is a controlled environment
equipped with computers for educational or research purposes. Factors to consider: i. Adequate
space and layout ii. Sufficient power outlets and ventilation iii. Ergonomic seating and workstation
arrangement iv. Secure storage for equipment and peripherals v. Accessibility for maintenance and
upgrades

b) State and explain four safety precautions and practices in a computer laboratory (4 marks)** i.
Regular backup of data to prevent loss in case of system failure. ii. Implementation of antivirus
software to protect against malware. iii. Enforcing strict guidelines on food and drink consumption
to prevent spills and damage to equipment. iv. Proper cable management to reduce tripping hazards
and prevent damage to cables.

11. a) Njeru the lab technician wants to buy a fire extinguisher for the computer laboratory.
Explain which type of extinguisher is the most suitable for the computer laboratory. (2
marks) - CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) extinguishers are most suitable for computer labs as they do not
leave residue that could damage equipment.

b) What actions should be taken in case of a fire outbreak in a computer laboratory? (4 marks)** i.
Immediately evacuate the area and raise the alarm. ii. Use the nearest fire extinguisher if trained to
do so safely. iii. Shut down computers and unplug them from power sources to prevent electrical
fires. iv. Follow established evacuation procedures and assemble at designated assembly points.

12. Identify three facilities that will ensure proper ventilation in a room. (3 marks) i.
Installation of windows for natural airflow. ii. Use of ceiling fans or air conditioning units. iii.
Placement of exhaust fans or vents to remove stale air.

13. Explain the emerging trends in microcomputer technology in relation to size. (1 mark) -
Microcomputers are becoming increasingly compact, with a trend towards miniaturization, enabling
powerful computing capabilities in smaller form factors.

SECTION B (30 MARKS)

14. State and explain five areas where computers are used to process data. (10 marks) 1.
Education: Computers aid in interactive learning through educational software. 2. Business: They
facilitate tasks like accounting, inventory management, and data analysis. 3. Medicine: Computers
assist in medical imaging, patient record management, and research. 4. Entertainment: They are
used in gaming, multimedia production, and digital content distribution. 5. Scientific Research:
Computers enable simulations, data analysis, and modeling in various scientific fields.

15. a) A computer must go through the process of booting before use: Briefly explain the term
“computer booting”. (1 mark)

 Computer booting is the process of initializing the operating system and preparing the
computer hardware for use.

b) Explain what happens in the computer during the booting process. (2 marks)**

 Power-on self-test (POST) checks hardware components.

 BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) loads and initializes hardware.
 Operating system (OS) is loaded into memory.

c) Give the following abbreviations associated with booting in full: (3 marks)** i) POST - Power-
On Self-Test ii) BIOS - Basic Input/Output System iii) CMOS - Complementary Metal-Oxide-
Semiconductor

d) State two reasons why it is important to shut down the computer correctly. (2 marks)**

 Prevents data loss or corruption.

 Ensures proper closure of running processes and files, avoiding system errors.

**16. a) The diagram below represents the essential features of a computer system. Study the
diagram and answer the questions that follow.

i) Name the components A, B, C, and D. (4 marks)** A – Input Device B – Central Processing Unit
(CPU) C – Output Device D – Memory (RAM)

ii) On the diagram above, indicate the direction of the data flow using an arrow. (3 marks)**
[Arrow pointing from Input Device (A) to CPU (B), from CPU (B) to Memory (D), and from
Memory (D) to Output Device (C)]

b) Define the following terms as used in computing: (3 marks) i) Input Device

 An input device is any hardware component that allows users to enter data or instructions
into a computer system.

iii) Computer Hardware

 Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, including the
central processing unit (CPU), memory, storage devices, input/output devices, and
peripherals.