Question 1
a) Difference between data and information
Data: Raw, unprocessed facts and figures without context.
Information: Processed data that has context, meaning, and relevance, making it
useful for decision-making.
b) Terms relating to information technology
i. Distributed system: A network of independent computers that work together to achieve a
common goal.
ii. In-line documentation: Comments within the code that explain how the code works or its
purpose.
iii. Benchmarking: The process of comparing performance metrics of a system against a
standard or best practices.
iv. Database Management System (DBMS): Software that manages and organizes data in
databases, providing easy access, management, and updating of data.
v. Ergonomics: The study of designing equipment and devices to fit the human body, its
movements, and its cognitive abilities.
c) Methods used to check batch transactions
Control totals
Hash totals
Record counts
d) Terms
i. Quantitative data: Data that deals with numbers, frequencies, or quantities.
ii. Output that later comes back as an input document: Feedback loop.
iii. Steps to ensure transaction acceptability: Validation.
iv. Malicious software disguised as legitimate: Trojan horse.
v. Real-time control systems: Interactive systems for controlling critical operations.
Question 2
a) RAID 0 functions
RAID 0, also known as striping, splits data evenly across two or more disks without
redundancy. This improves read/write performance but offers no fault tolerance.
b) Characteristics of secondary storage devices
Non-volatile
Large storage capacity
Relatively slower access speed compared to primary storage
Used for long-term data storage
c) Input devices for self-service checkouts
Barcode scanner
Touchscreen
Card reader
Receipt printer
d) Examples of line printers
Dot matrix printer
Daisy wheel printer
Line matrix printer
Chain printer
Band printer
e) Complete the statements
i. Terminal: A point at which data enters or leaves the computer.
ii. Sequential Access: The method used in magnetic tape for data access.
iii. Machine language: The language that the computer can understand and execute.
iv. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Actual execution of instructions in a computer takes place
in.
v. Algorithm: A step-by-step procedure used to solve a problem.
Question 3
a) Definitions
i. Baud: A unit of data transmission speed equivalent to one signal change or symbol per
second.
ii. Bootstrap: A process of starting a computer and loading the operating system into
memory.
iii. Bug: An error or flaw in software or hardware that causes it to produce incorrect or
unexpected results.
iv. Machine cycle: The basic operation cycle of a computer, consisting of fetching, decoding,
executing, and storing instructions.
b) Bits in 2 Terabytes
2 TB=2×1012 bytes=2×1012×8 bits=16×1012 bits2 \text{ TB} = 2 \times 10^{12} \text{
bytes} = 2 \times 10^{12} \times 8 \text{ bits} = 16 \times 10^{12} \text{
bits}2 TB=2×1012 bytes=2×1012×8 bits=16×1012 bits
c) Primary components of a computer
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Memory (RAM)
Input/Output devices
Storage devices
Diagram:
diff
Copy code
+-----------------------+
| CPU |
+-----------------------+
| RAM |
+-----------------------+
| Input/Output Devices |
+-----------------------+
| Storage Devices |
+-----------------------+
Devices
CPU: Intel Core i7
RAM: DDR4 16GB
Input/Output Devices: Keyboard, Monitor
Storage Devices: SSD
Question 4
a) Necessary software for computer operation
Operating System (OS): Software that manages hardware and software resources,
providing common services for computer programs.
b) Industry examples of OS
Microsoft Windows
macOS
Linux
Unix
c) Legal ways of acquiring software
Purchase
Subscription
Open-source (free)
d) User Interface definition and examples
User Interface (UI): The means through which a user interacts with a computer,
software, or application.
Examples other than GUI: Command-Line Interface (CLI), Voice User Interface
(VUI), Gesture-based Interface
e) Answers to lecture questions
i. Single user and single task OS: MS-DOS
ii. Translator for Lisp: Interpreter
iii. Disk compression utility: Disk Cleanup (Windows)
iv. Assembly language: Low-level programming language that is closely related to machine
language.
v. Usage of Assembly language: Embedded systems, device drivers, real-time systems.
Question 5
a) Input devices for cash transactions
Magnetic stripe reader
PIN pad
Cash register keyboard
b) Transcription vs. Transposition errors
Transcription errors: Mistakes made while entering data, such as typos.
Transposition errors: Errors made when two digits are reversed, such as writing 64
instead of 46.
c) Modulus 11 check digit for 32416
3×5+2×4+4×3+1×2+6×1=15+8+12+2+6=433 \times 5 + 2 \times 4 + 4 \times 3 + 1 \times 2
+ 6 \times 1 = 15 + 8 + 12 + 2 + 6 = 433×5+2×4+4×3+1×2+6×1=15+8+12+2+6=43
43mod 11=1043 \mod 11 = 1043mod11=10 11−10=111 - 10 = 111−10=1
So, the check digit is 1, making the validated PIN 324161.
d) Functions offered by online systems
Real-time data processing
Remote access and control
Data sharing and collaboration
Centralized data storage
Online transactions and payments
e) Distributed computing
A model in which components of a software system are shared among multiple
computers to improve efficiency and performance. These systems work together to
achieve a common goal.
Question 6
a) Product vs. Process standards
Product standards: Specifications and criteria to which the final products must
conform, ensuring quality and performance.
Process standards: Guidelines and practices that govern the methods and processes
used in production to ensure consistency and quality.
b) Sources of standards
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
c) Categories of input validation methods
Format checks
Range checks
Consistency checks
d) Sectional organization of batch processing
Data Preparation: Preparing and organizing input data.
Job Scheduling: Determining the order and timing of batch jobs.
Data Entry: Inputting data into the system.
Processing: Executing batch jobs and processing data.
Output Handling: Managing and distributing the output.
Question 7
a) Hazards to computer operator health and efficiency
Ergonomic issues: Poor posture, improper workstation setup leading to repetitive
strain injuries, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Eye strain: Caused by prolonged screen time without breaks.
Mental stress: Due to high workload, tight deadlines, and continuous multitasking.
Physical inactivity: Sitting for long periods leading to obesity, cardiovascular issues,
and other health problems.
b) Commonly used system documentation
User manuals
Technical manuals
System specifications
Installation guides
c) Contributing factors to posture problems
Improper chair height and back support
Inadequate desk setup
Incorrect monitor placement
Lack of movement or breaks
