THE KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL
CRAFT CERTIFICATE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
MODULE I
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS I (THEORY)
Paper 1
July 2021
Time: 1 hour
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
This paper consists of TEN questions.
Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.
Candidates should answer the questions in English.
1. State one example of a programming language used in each of the following computer generations:
(a) 1st generation (1 mark)
(b) 2nd generation (1 mark)
(c) 3rd generation (1 mark)
(d) 4th generation (1 mark)
Answer:
(a) Machine Language (1st generation)
(b) Assembly Language (2nd generation)
(c) FORTRAN (3rd generation)
(d) SQL (4th generation)
2. Differentiate between a mechanical computer mouse and an optical computer mouse. (2 marks)
Answer:
A mechanical mouse uses a rubber ball that rolls to detect movement and transmit data to the computer.
An optical mouse uses a laser or LED light to detect movement, which is more accurate and requires less maintenance.
3. Explain the function of each of the following in a computer operating system:
(a) Memory management (2 marks)
(b) Process management (2 marks)
Answer:
Memory management: Allocates memory to various applications and ensures the efficient use of memory to avoid wastage and conflicts.
Process management: Manages and schedules processes, allowing multiple processes to run simultaneously by allocating CPU resources effectively.
4. Outline the functions of each of the following in a report design of a software program:
(a) Report layout (1 mark)
(b) Report design (1 mark)
Answer:
Report layout: Determines the visual arrangement of information in the report, such as headers, footers, and margins.
Report design: Refers to the formatting of the content, including font styles, colors, and how the information is structured.
5. Explain the purpose of a primary key in a database. (2 marks)
Answer:
A primary key is a unique identifier for each record in a database table, ensuring that no two records have the same value in this field.
6. State two circumstances that may necessitate the formatting of a hard disk. (2 marks)
Answer:
(a) When the hard disk is infected by a virus.
(b) When the disk has corrupted data or has bad sectors that need repair.
7. John typed text under the following features in a document prepared using a presentation program. Explain the use of each feature:
(a) Separator line (2 marks)
(b) Linking (2 marks)
Answer:
Separator line: Used to visually divide sections or content within a document.
Linking: Creates hyperlinks within a presentation that allow navigation to other slides or external resources.
8. Keeping information secure over the Internet should be a priority for a company. Outline four ways in which a company can achieve this. (4 marks)
Answer:
(a) Implementing firewalls.
(b) Using secure passwords and encryption.
(c) Regularly updating software to patch vulnerabilities.
(d) Conducting employee training on security practices.