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INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND ETHICS
July 2023
Time: 3 hours
THE KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL
DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
MODULE I
INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND ETHICS
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
This paper consists of EIGHT questions.
Answer any FIVE of the EIGHT questions in the answer booklet provided.
Candidates should answer the questions in English.
1. (a) Outline four benefits of time management skills to a student.
- Better academic performance due to effective study scheduling.
- Reduced stress and anxiety by avoiding last-minute rushes.
- Improved focus and productivity by prioritizing tasks.
- Enhanced work-life balance by managing time for both study and leisure.
(b) Describe three characteristics of data bus in a computer central processing unit (CPU).
- Transmits data between the CPU, memory, and peripheral devices.
- Typically has a width of 8, 16, 32, or 64 bits depending on the processor architecture.
- Operates at high speed to match the processing power of the CPU.
(c) Distinguish between a switch and a bridge computer network device.
- A switch operates at the data link layer and connects multiple devices within the same network segment, filtering and forwarding data based on MAC addresses.
- A bridge connects two or more network segments, reducing traffic by dividing the network into separate collision domains.
(d) A supervisor uses a switch network to manage workplace conflicts. Explain three advantages of this technique.
- Enables real-time communication between team members, reducing misunderstandings.
- Supports the sharing of information and resources, promoting collaboration.
- Helps isolate and address specific issues without affecting the entire network.
- (a) Outline four challenges of online learning to a student.
- Limited access to reliable internet or digital devices.
- Lack of face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers.
- Difficulty in maintaining motivation and discipline.
- Challenges in balancing online studies with other responsibilities.
- Improved efficiency and productivity through automation and streamlined processes.
- Enhanced communication and collaboration within the company and with external partners.
- Better decision-making through data analysis and real-time reporting.
- Provide access to mental health resources and counseling services.
- Encourage participation in peer support groups or stress-relief activities.
- Offer flexible study schedules to reduce academic pressure.
- (a) Outline two roles of a database administrator in an organization.
- Ensuring the security and integrity of data within the database.
- Managing the performance and reliability of the database systems.
- Regularly update antivirus software and operating systems.
- Avoid downloading software from untrusted or unknown sources.
- Implement strong passwords and access controls.
- Use email filters to block phishing and malicious attachments.
- Perform regular backups of important data.
- The DVD-RW provides large storage capacity for high-resolution images.
- It allows for reusability, enabling the doctor to overwrite old data with new images.
- The device is portable, making it easy to share or transport the images.
(i) Opening and sorting emergency emails that will enable the company to continue operating after experiencing a cyber-attack.- Prioritize and respond to emails related to critical operations and security updates.
(ii) Preparing end-of-year reports. - Compile and format the company’s performance data into comprehensive reports.
(iii) Typing the dismissal letter for an employee. - Draft a professional letter that clearly outlines the reasons for dismissal.
(iv) Taking minutes of a meeting. - Record and organize the proceedings of the meeting accurately for future reference.
- (a) Daniel Company intends to secure data against loss. Outline three approaches they could use to achieve this.
- Implement regular data backups and store copies off-site.
- Use encryption to protect sensitive information.
- Install robust firewalls and intrusion detection systems to prevent unauthorized access.
(i) Firmware.- Firmware is a type of software that is embedded in hardware devices to control their functions and provide basic instructions for operation.
(ii) Language translators. - Language translators are programs that convert high-level programming languages into machine code that a computer can execute.
- To protect the innovation from being copied or used by others without permission.
- To gain a competitive advantage by holding exclusive rights to the technology.
- To potentially license the innovation for additional revenue streams.
- (a) Distinguish between parallel and optical computer cables.
- Parallel cables transmit multiple bits of data simultaneously across several wires, while optical cables use light to transmit data through fiber optics, providing faster and more reliable communication.
(i) State the most appropriate computer network they could use.- The most appropriate network is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure and encrypted communication.
(ii) Explain three reasons for using the network stated in (i). - Provides secure communication over the internet.
- Allows remote access to company resources from anywhere.
- Reduces costs by using the public internet rather than private
(a) State three characteristics of a trained network cable.
- High durability and resistance to wear and tear.
- Capable of transmitting data at high speeds with minimal signal loss.
- Shielded to protect against electromagnetic interference.
(b) Differentiate between privacy and confidentiality as used in ICT.
- Privacy refers to the right of individuals to control their personal information, while confidentiality involves protecting information from unauthorized disclosure.
(c) Wazi Company intends to patent their product. Explain three benefits of this move.
- Protects the product from being copied by competitors.
- Increases the company’s market share by having exclusive rights to the product.
- Enhances the company’s reputation as an innovator.
(a) State three computers classified according to their functionality.
- Supercomputers for complex scientific calculations.
- Mainframe computers for large-scale transaction processing.
- Embedded computers for controlling devices like appliances and machinery.
(b) Irungu installs an application software in his computer. Outline two types of this software that are used for business.
- Accounting software for managing financial transactions.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software for managing interactions with clients.
(c) Differentiate between reliability and validity as used in computer software.
- Reliability refers to the consistency and dependability of software performance over time, while validity indicates that the software accurately performs the tasks it is designed to do.
(d) Figure 1 shows a computer input device. Use it to answer the questions that follow.
(Figure not displayed)
(i) Identify the device in Figure 1.
- The device is a laptop touchpad.
(ii) Explain three disadvantages of the device identified in (i). - Limited precision compared to a traditional mouse.
- May cause strain or discomfort during extended use.
- Smaller surface area restricts movement, making it less suitable for detailed tasks.
(a) Outline four ergonomic practices while working with a computer.
- Adjust the chair height so that feet rest flat on the floor.
- Position the monitor at eye level to avoid neck strain.
- Take regular breaks to stretch and reduce muscle tension.
- Use a wrist rest to minimize stress on the wrists while typing.
(b) Explain each of the following terms as used in conflict management:
(i) Resolution.
- The process of resolving a disagreement or dispute through discussion and negotiation.
(ii) Compromise. - A method of conflict resolution where each party makes concessions to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
(c) Pattech Company carried out a corporate social responsibility activity in a local community. Explain three benefits the company would accrue from this.
- Improved public image and reputation within the community.
- Strengthened relationships with local stakeholders, leading to business opportunities.
- Enhanced employee morale and pride in the company’s ethical practices.
(d) Outline four benefits of using flash disks as a computer storage device.
- Portability due to their small size and light weight.
- Fast data transfer speeds compared to optical drives.
- Durability against physical damage.
- Rewritable and reusable for multiple storage needs.