INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

1. Explain the following terms as used in computer science:

(a) Data. (1 mark)
(b) Program. (2 marks)
(c) Data processing. (2 marks)
(d) Information. (2 marks)
2. What role(s) does each of the following units of a computer play during data processing?
i). Input unit. (1 mark)
ii). Output unit. (1 mark)
iii). Central processing unit. (2 marks)
3. List down four characteristics of a computer. (4 marks)
4. State four different parts that make up a computer. (2 marks)
5. (a) Explain the term System Unit. (1 mark)
(b) Name four components found in the System unit. (4 marks)
(c) Outline three features of a computer’s System Unit. (3 marks)
6. (a) What are peripheral devices? (1 mark)
(b) Give two examples of peripheral devices. (1 mark)
7. (a) Match the following generations of computers with the technology used to develop them. (2
marks)
Generation Technolog y
First generation Very Larg e Integrated Circuit
Second generation Integrated Circuits
Third generation Transistors
Fourth generation Thermionic valves (Vacuum tubes)
(b) Computers have evolved through a number of generations. List any 4 characteristics of
the First generation of computers. (4 marks)
(c) Give four differences between today’s computers and the first generation computers. (4
marks)
8. (a) State and explain five factors considered when classifying computers according to

generations. (5 marks)
(b) Briefly discuss the classification of computer according to historical development
(generations) (10 marks)
9. Explain four methods of classifying computers. (4 marks)
10. Giving two points in each case, state the difference between the following types
of computers.
(a) Supercomputer and Mainframe computer. (2 marks)
(b) Digital computer and Analogue computer. (2 marks)
(c) Special-purpose (dedicated) computer and a General-purpose computer. (2 marks)
(d) Desktop computers and Laptop computers.
 1. (a) Explain the emerging trends in Microcomputer technology in relation to size. (1 mark)
(b) Give two reasons why smaller computers like Laptops tend to be more expensive than
Desktop computers. (2 marks)
12. (i) Explain four reasons which make laptop computers suitable for personal computing work. (4
marks)
(ii) Recommend any two application areas that would require the use of laptop computers. (2
marks)
13. Give three reasons why a Mobile phone is regarded to be a computer. (3 marks)
14. State a specific example where each of the following types of computers can be used.
(a) Supercomputer. (1 mark)
(b) Mainframe computer. (1 mark)
(c) Minicomputer. (1 mark)
(d) Microcomputer / Personal computer. (1 mark)
15. (a) Differentiate between a Minicomputer and a Personal Computer. (2 marks)
(b) List three factors to be considered when purchasing a microcomputer. (3 marks)
(c) Explain four reasons which make microcomputers suitable for personal computing work. (8
marks)
16. (a). Explain how computers are used in the following areas to process data. (10 marks)
i). Supermarket.
ii). Hospitals.
iii). Banks. iv).
Hotels. v).
Homes.
vi). Schools/education centres.
vii). Industries.
viii). Police station.
ix). Transport industry.
x). Offices.
(b) Give three advantages of using computers for data
processing over other types of office
and business equipment. (3 marks)
17. (a) Define the term ‘Computer laboratory’ and give three factors to be considered when
preparing a computer laboratory. (4 marks)
(b) Mention any FOUR features which a standard computer laboratory should have.
bc (4 marks)
18. (a) State and explain three safety precautions and practices in a computer laboratory.
(3 marks)
(b) State four precautions that should be taken when handling diskettes. (4 marks)
19. Njeru the lab technician wants to buy a fire extinguisher for the computer lab. Which type of
extinguisher is the most suitable for the computer laboratory? (1 mark)
20. (a) Give one major environmental and one energy problem Kenya faces as far as computer
installations are concerned. (1 mark)
(b) How could these problems be avoided? (2 marks)
21. What actions should be taken in case of a fire outbreak in the computer laboratory?
(4 marks)
22. Describe the ideal environment for a computer to work properly. (3 marks)
23. Identify three facilities that will ensure proper ventilation in a room. (3 marks)
24. For each of the following, give one reason why they are not allowed in a computer
laboratory. (2 marks)
(i) Smoking.
(ii) Eating foods.
(iii) Beverages/liquids.
25. Why would it not be good to install Powder or Water-based fire extinguishers in the
computer room? (2 marks)
26. (a) State one reason why a computer needs to be connected to a stable power supply. (1
mark)
(b) Give two reasons why it would be necessary to have a UPS (Uninterruptible power
supply) in a computer laboratory. (2 marks)
27.Mention two things that are likely to cause eye-strain in the computer room. (2 marks)
28.Identify three proper sitting postures while using the computer. (3 marks)
29.Computers are usually susceptible to dust, humidity, and heat. State two ways of how you
would control each of the three hazards in a typical computer laboratory? (3 marks)
30. What do you understand by the term ‘Write-protected’ with reference to a diskette?
31. List three things that can spoil a Printer if they are not of the correct specification, and
explain what damage may be caused. (3 marks)
32. A computer teacher has put a rule that diskettes should not be used in the
Computer Laboratory.
(a). Give a reason for the rule. (1 mark)
(b). State two alternatives that can be used to achieve the same objective. (2 marks)
33. State and explain three ways that computer technology could make office work more
efficient. (6 marks)
34. (a) Explain the steps you would follow to set up a new computer. (3 marks)
(b) Explain the correct procedure for shutting down the computers in the computer
laboratory. (4 marks)
35. A computer must go through the process of booting/initialization before use.
(a) Briefly explain the term “computer booting”. (1 mark)
(b) Explain what happens in the computer during the booting process. (2 marks)
(c) Give and explain two types of booting. (2 marks)
(d) What type of memory is used to store the boot up program (the first program to be
executed on switching on a computer. (1 mark)
(e) State two ways of warm booting a computer. (2 marks)
36. Classify the following keyboard characters. (6 marks)
a) A, B, C ……..Z
b) 0, 1, 2 ………9
c) F1, F2 ……..F9
d) Del, Insert, Backspace
e) Home, End, Page Up, Arrow keys
f) CTRL, SHIFT, ALT
37. State five different types of keys found on a standard keyboard. (5 marks)
38. Name and explain the function of the keyboard keys represented by the following symbols.

(i) (2 marks)

(ii) (2 marks)

(iii) (2 marks)
39. (a) Explain the following terms associated with the use of a Mouse:
i) Left-clicking.
ii) Double-clicking.
iii) Right-clicking.
iv) Drag and drop.