NAME…………………………………………….

ADM………………………

SIGNATURE……………………………………..DATE…………………….

COMPUTER STUDIES P451/1 (THEORY)

FORM 3

MIDTERM 1 – 2025

TIME: 2HRS 30MINS

Instructions to students:

 Type your name and index number in the spaces provided

 This paper consists of two sections, A and B.

 Answer all questions in section A.

 Answer question 16 and any three questions from section B.

 Candidates should answer the questions in English.

 Complete this paper in soft copy and be sure to save your work.

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 SECTION A (40 MARKS)

Answer all the questions in this section

1. (a) Give two methods of data collection. (2 marks)

(b) Outline two stages of data collection. (2 marks)

2. Distinguish between Data and Information. (2 marks)

3. Use Two’s compliment to solve the following SUMS (the numbers are in decimal
notation) (6 marks)

a) 23 – 20

b) 17 – 14

4. Data in a computer is represented in one major form. Define the term ‘Data
representation’ in a computer.
(1 mark)

5. (a) Differentiate between Analogue data and Digital data. (2 marks)

(b) Draw a sketch of:

(i). Analogue data signal. (1 mark)

(ii). Digital data signal. (1 mark)

6. Give two reasons for the popularity of binary number representation. (2 marks)

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7. Explain the role of a Modem in communication. (2 marks)

8. Distinguish between the following terms as used in data representation in computers:

(i). A Byte and a Nibble. (2 marks)

(ii). Word and Word length. (2 marks)

9. List any two major services provided on the Internet. (2 marks)

10. Mention the two main purposes of a desktop publishing software. (2 marks)

11. (a) Describe the two components of a spreadsheet. (2 marks)

(b) Apart from Microsoft Excel, give any two other application programs classified as
spreadsheets. (2 marks)

12. Distinguish between Operating system software and Utility software. (2 marks)

13. State two reasons which make laptop computers suitable for personal computing work.
(2
marks)

14. State two safety precautions and practices in a computer laboratory.

(2 marks)

15 Name two factors one would consider when selecting a data input device. (2 marks)

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SECTION B: (60 MARKS)
Answer question 16 and any other three questions from this section.
16. (a) The following is a simple payroll:
A B C D E F G H I

1 Nam Hours Hourl Basi Gros Tax NSSF Allowanc Ne

e Worke y Rate c s Pay Deduction Contribution e t
d Pay s s Pa
y

2 John 8 200

3 Peter 12 450

4 Sam 22 300

5 Njog 30 286
u

6 Mary 16 220

7 Sally 45 468

8 Jane 15 150

9 Tina 3 280

Write formulae using cell names for the following expressions. State where the formula
is placed: (10 marks)

(i) Basic pay = Hours worked x Hourly rate.

(ii) Allowances are allocated at 10% of the Basic pay.
(iii) Gross pay = Basic pay + Allowances.
(iv) Tax deduction is calculated at 20% of the Gross pay.
(v) Net pay = Gross pay – Tax deductions.
(a) What is a cell reference? (1 mark)

(b) Mention four examples of cell reference (2 marks)

(c) Distinguish between Absolute cell reference and Relative cell reference. (2 marks)

17. (a) Define a Database, and give two examples of database programs in use today. (2
marks)

(b) List any two database objects. (2 marks)

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 © List five features found in an electronic database management system. (5
marks)

(d) Explain three types of database models. (3 marks)

(e) Explain three major concerns in database systems. (3 marks)

18. Your manager wishes to be connected to the Internet. He already has a powerful Personal
Computer (PC), a Printer, and access to a Telephone line. However, he understands that he
will need a Modem.
(a) State why a modem is required to connect him to the Internet. (2 marks)
(b) Suggest any four application areas in which you would expect a supermarket retail
manager to use the Internet. (4 marks)

(c) What is a Website? (2 marks)

(d) Give the advantages and disadvantages of a Website. (4 marks)

(e) What is meant by the term E-learning? (1 mark)

(f) A school intends to set-up an e-learning system. List three problems that are likely to
be encountered. (3
marks)

19. (a) What is a Computer virus? (2 marks)

(b) Outline four symptoms of a virus infection in a computer system. (4 marks)

(b) State three damages which a computer virus may cause to a computer. (3 marks)

(c) Explain three control measures you would take to protect your computers from virus
attacks. (3 marks)

List three functions of an antivirus software. (3 marks

20. Convert the following Octal numbers to their Binary equivalent.

i) 77 (2 marks)

ii) 0000001 (2 marks)

(a) Use Binary addition to solve the following decimal summations.

i) 410 + 310 (2 marks)

ii) 1310 + 210 (2 marks)

(b) Convert the following Hexadecimal numbers to their Binary equivalent.

i) C3 (3 marks)

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 ii) 13 (3 marks)

END