THE KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL
CRAFT CERTIFICATE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
MODULE II
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS I (THEORY)
Paper 1
November 2021
Time: 1 hour
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
This paper consists of TEN questions.
Answer all the questions in the answer booklet provided.
Candidates should answer the questions in English.
1. Explain two advantages of the 1st generation programming language. (4 marks)
Answer:
(a) Fast execution: Since 1st generation programming languages (machine languages) communicate directly with hardware, they execute instructions more quickly.
(b) Efficient memory usage: Programs written in machine language are highly optimized for memory usage, making them suitable for systems with limited resources.
2. Differentiate between a normal layout view and slide sorter view as applied in a presentation program. (4 marks)
Answer:
Normal layout view: Shows a single slide with the ability to edit its content and layout.
Slide sorter view: Displays thumbnails of all slides in a presentation, allowing easy rearrangement of slides.
3. Explain how a computer operating system performs each of the following functions:
(a) Process communication (2 marks)
(b) Input/output operations (2 marks)
Answer:
Process communication: The operating system facilitates the exchange of data between processes running on the system through inter-process communication (IPC) mechanisms such as pipes, shared memory, or message queues.
Input/output operations: The operating system manages and controls I/O devices such as keyboards, printers, and disk drives, ensuring efficient data transfer between the devices and the CPU.
4. (a) State the type of database models for each of the following descriptions:
(i) Data is arranged in two-dimensional tables and the relationships maintained by matching fields. (1 mark)
(ii) Data is organized more like a graph, allowing one-to-many and many-to-many relationships. (1 mark)
Answer:
(i) Relational database model
(ii) Network database model
(b) Outline the purpose of a foreign key in a database program. (2 marks)
Answer:
A foreign key is used to create a link between two tables in a database by matching a primary key in another table, ensuring data integrity between related records.
5. State five formatting features while creating documents using computer programs:
(a) Word wrap (1 mark)
(b) Text wrap (1 mark)
Answer:
Word wrap: Automatically moves the cursor to the next line when the end of the current line is reached without requiring a manual line break.
Text wrap: Controls how text flows around images or other objects in a document.
6. Explain the function of each of the following in spreadsheets:
(a) Function (2 marks)
(b) Cell reference (2 marks)
Answer:
Function: A prewritten formula used to perform specific calculations or operations on data in a spreadsheet.
Cell reference: A way to identify and access a specific cell in a spreadsheet by referring to its column letter and row number (e.g., A1, B5).
7. Master slides are used in the preparation of presentations. Explain two advantages that would result from their use in this function. (4 marks)
Answer:
(a) Consistency: Master slides ensure uniformity in formatting (fonts, colors, layout) across all slides in the presentation.
(b) Efficiency: Changes made to the master slide automatically apply to all slides in the presentation, saving time in editing.
8. Mary was advised to enhance network security by use of firewalls on her computer. Explain two reasons for this advice. (4 marks)
Answer:
(a) To prevent unauthorized access: Firewalls monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic and block unauthorized users from accessing the system.
(b) To protect against malware: Firewalls help to detect and block malware before it can enter the network or system.
9. A macro was added to allow some features in a worksheet to be executed. Outline four categories of actions that are likely to be in this worksheet. (4 marks)
Answer:
(a) Automating repetitive tasks like formatting or data entry.
(b) Running complex calculations based on user input.
(c) Sorting and organizing data based on specific criteria.
(d) Generating reports or charts from data.