1920101
INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
March/April 2023
Time: 3 hours
THE KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL
CRAFT CERTIFICATE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
MODULE I
INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
3 hours
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
This paper consists of TWO sections: A and B.
Answer ALL the questions in section A and any FOUR from section B in the answer booklet provided. Candidates should answer the questions in English.
This paper consists of 4 printed pages.
Candidates should check the question paper to ascertain that all the pages are printed as indicated and that no questions are missing.
© 2023 The Kenya National Examinations Council
Turn over
SECTION A (40 Marks)
Answer ALL the questions in this section.
1. Outline two characteristics of third-generation computers.
(2 marks)
Answer:
They used integrated circuits (ICs) instead of transistors.
They were smaller in size, more reliable, and more efficient.
2. Explain two challenges experienced when using computers for teaching in developing world.
(2 marks)
Answer:
High costs of acquiring and maintaining computers.
Lack of skilled personnel to operate and maintain the computers.
3. Outline two uses of social media to the health sector.
(2 marks)
Answer:
Facilitating communication between patients and healthcare providers.
Promoting public health awareness campaigns.
4. A college administrator intends to buy computer accessories. Outline four considerations the administrator should make before buying.
(4 marks)
Answer:
Compatibility with existing systems.
Cost and budget constraints.
Quality and durability of the accessories.
Vendor reputation and after-sales support.
5. State three health problems to a user caused by poor lighting in a computer room.
(3 marks)
Answer:
Eye strain and fatigue.
Headaches.
Blurred vision.
6. Distinguish between purchased software and trans-programmed software as used in computing.
(4 marks)
Answer:
Purchased Software: Software that is bought off-the-shelf from vendors and ready to use.
Trans-Programmed Software: Software that is custom-developed to meet specific user requirements.
7. John, an ICT technician, intends to set up a computer network in the firm’s offices with a computer and shared printer for all the offices. Describe the appropriate type of topology that should be used. State the details and components that would be required.
(6 marks)
Answer:
Topology: Star Topology.
Components: Central hub or switch, network cables, network interface cards (NICs), and the printer.
8. State four types of computer viruses.
(4 marks)
Answer:
Boot sector virus
Worms
Trojans
Macro viruses
9. State two symptoms exhibited by a computer infected with a virus.
(2 marks)
Answer:
Slowed down performance.
Frequent crashes or errors.
10. Outline two negative impacts of Information Communication Technology to the society.
(2 marks)
Answer:
Job losses due to automation.
Increased cybersecurity threats.
SECTION B (60 Marks)
Answer any FOUR questions from this section.
11. (a) Explain each of the following terms as used in computer software:
(i) Portability;
(ii) Compatibility;
(iii) Usability.
(6 marks)
Answer:
Portability: The ability of software to run on different platforms and environments with little or no modification.
Compatibility: The ability of software to work with other software, systems, or hardware without conflicts.
Usability: The ease with which users can learn to operate and use the software effectively.
(b) An organization implemented a computerized system and employees resisted the change. Outline the strategies that could have been used to ensure smooth change management during the implementation process.
(8 marks)
Answer:
Involve employees early in the planning process.
Provide adequate training and support.
Communicate the benefits of the new system.
Implement the change in phases to reduce resistance.
(c) With the aid of a diagram, describe the functional organization of a computer system.
(6 marks)
Answer:
The diagram should illustrate components such as the CPU, memory, input/output devices, and storage, showing how data flows between them.
12. (a) Explain two benefits of intranet to an organization.
(4 marks)
Answer:
Enhances internal communication and collaboration.
Provides a centralized platform for accessing company resources and information.
(b) Distinguish between analog and digital computers.
(4 marks)
Answer:
Analog Computers: Process continuous data and are used for tasks such as measuring temperature.
Digital Computers: Process discrete data using binary code and are used for general-purpose computing.
(c) Explain the term internet browser giving two examples.
(4 marks)
Answer:
An internet browser is software that allows users to access and navigate the internet.
Examples include Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
(d) Differentiate between serial processing and parallel processing.
(4 marks)
Answer:
Serial Processing: Tasks are completed one after another in a sequence.
Parallel Processing: Multiple tasks are processed simultaneously.
(e) Explain two circumstances that call for outsourcing an organization’s ICT needs.
(4 marks)
Answer:
When there is a lack of in-house expertise.
To reduce operational costs.
13. (a) Describe three activities of a computer file.
(6 marks)
Answer:
Creating a file
Reading or opening a file
Modifying or updating a file
(b) Differentiate distributed data processing from centralized data processing.
(4 marks)
Answer:
Distributed Data Processing: Data processing is spread across multiple locations.
Centralized Data Processing: Data processing is managed from a single central location.
(c) Explain the term internet browser giving two examples.
(4 marks)
Answer:
A software application that enables users to view and interact with content on the internet.
Examples: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge.
(d) Towards Company has closed computing technology for its data storage. Outline four advantages of using this technology.
(6 marks)
Answer:
Scalable storage solutions.
Enhanced data security.
Access from any location with internet connectivity.
Cost-effective in terms of infrastructure and maintenance.
14. Write in aid of an example in each case, describe three data transmission modes.
(6 marks)
Answer:
Simplex: Data flows in one direction only. Example: Keyboard to computer.
Half-Duplex: Data flows in both directions but not simultaneously. Example: Walkie-talkies.
Full-Duplex: Data flows in both directions simultaneously. Example: Telephone communication.
15. (a) State two types of magnetic scanners.
(2 marks)
Answer:
Optical Magnetic Scanner.
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR).
(b) Describe the categorization of printers.
(2 marks)
Answer:
Impact Printers: Work by striking a ribbon onto the paper (e.g., Dot matrix printers).
Non-Impact Printers: Use methods like laser or inkjet to produce images (e.g., Laser printers).
(c) VistaCom Legal installed a computer that uses serial file organization method for its data storage. Explain three disadvantages of this method.
(6 marks)
Answer:
Slow access time since files are accessed sequentially.
Inefficient for large datasets.
Difficult to update as all records must be processed to make changes.
(d) Thomas has been experiencing virus attacks on his personal computer. Outline three adjustments that he needs to make to his work station to minimize the problem.
(6 marks)
Answer:
Install and regularly update antivirus software.
Avoid downloading and opening files from unknown sources.
Regularly back up important data.
THIS IS THE LAST PRINTED PAGE.