Information Communication Technology (Theory) — March/April 2024
KNEC Craft Certificate in Sales and Marketing — Module I. Paper code: 1902/104A
Attempt the questions before reading the answers. These are independent revision answers, not official KNEC marking schemes. All printed questions are answered for revision, including any optional questions.
Question 1
Outline four functions of an operating system in a computer system.
(4 marks)
Answer
- Manages processor time by scheduling programs and allocating CPU time to running tasks.
- Manages main memory by allocating and releasing memory used by programs and their data.
- Manages files and folders, including their storage, retrieval, naming and access permissions.
- Controls input and output devices through device drivers and coordinates their use by programs.
Question 2
Distinguish between general purpose computers and special purpose computers as used in computing.
(4 marks)
Answer
| General purpose computers | Special purpose computers |
|---|---|
| Can perform many different tasks by running different application programs. | Are designed to perform a particular task or a narrow set of related tasks. |
| For example, a laptop can prepare documents, analyse spreadsheets and browse the web. | For example, an embedded washing-machine controller controls the appliance’s wash cycle. |
Question 3
A student intends to move the cursor while navigating through text in a document. Describe two navigation keyboard keys the student could use.
(4 marks)
Answer
- Home: moves the insertion point to the beginning of the current line.
- End: moves the insertion point to the end of the current line.
Question 4(a)
Describe each of the following data processing modes used in computing: (a) online processing;
(2 marks)
Answer
Data is entered through a terminal or device connected directly to the computer system for processing, with access to the system’s current data. For example, a connected bank terminal sends a customer transaction directly to the bank’s processing system.
Question 4(b)
Describe each of the following data processing modes used in computing: (b) distributed processing.
(2 marks)
Answer
Processing tasks are shared among two or more networked computers, often at different locations. Each computer performs part of the work and exchanges data or results with the others, rather than all processing taking place on one central machine.
Question 5(a)
Explain the function of a placeholder box in a presentation program.
(2 marks)
Answer
A placeholder is a preformatted container on a slide for content such as a title, text, picture, table or chart. It indicates where the content should go and helps maintain the slide layout and consistent formatting.
Question 5(b)
Explain one circumstance that would necessitate an organisation to use a mail merge feature in a word processing program.
(2 marks)
Answer
When an organisation must send the same standard letter to many recipients while changing details such as each recipient’s name and address, mail merge combines one main document with a recipient data source to produce individually addressed copies efficiently.
Question 6
The management of a company intends to acquire application software to support the company’s operations. Outline four factors to consider when acquiring the application software.
(4 marks)
Answer
- Suitability: whether the functions meet the company’s actual operating requirements.
- Compatibility: whether it works with the existing hardware, operating system and required file formats.
- Total cost: purchase or subscription, licensing, installation, training and maintenance costs.
- Usability and support: whether staff can learn it and reliable documentation, updates and technical help are available.
Question 7
A secretary is required to set page formats in a word processor document. Outline four examples of such page formats the secretary is likely to set.
(4 marks)
Answer
- Paper size, such as A4.
- Page orientation, such as portrait or landscape.
- Top, bottom, left and right page margins.
- Headers and footers, including page numbering.
Figure 1 is a spreadsheet extract used to compute sales of animals in Kiura Farm. Use it to answer the questions that follow.
Question 8(a)
(a) State four formats that have been applied to the worksheet.
(2 marks)
Answer
- Bold text is applied to the farm title and column headings.
- Cell borders separate the entries.
- The farm title is centred across the heading area.
- The prices use a thousands separator and two decimal places.
Question 8(b)
(b) Write a formula that would be used in cell D3 to compute the total sales for cows.
(2 marks)
Answer
Enter =B3*C3 in D3.
| Step | Working | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity sold | B3 | 30 cows |
| Price per cow | C3 | KSh 55,000.00 |
| Total sales | =B3*C3 = 30 × 55,000 | KSh 1,650,000.00 |
Question 9(a)
(a) State four examples of web browsers used in the internet.
(2 marks)
Answer
- Mozilla Firefox.
- Google Chrome.
- Microsoft Edge.
- Apple Safari.
Question 9(b)
(b) Explain the function of a search engine as used in the internet.
(2 marks)
Answer
A search engine indexes online content and allows users to search it using keywords or queries. It returns a list of relevant results with links to the pages or resources that may answer the user’s query.
Question 10
With the aid of a diagram, describe a Local Area Network as used in computers.
(4 marks)
Answer
A Local Area Network (LAN) connects computers and other devices within a limited area, such as one office, laboratory or building, so that they can exchange data and share resources such as a printer or files. The diagram shows a wired LAN in one office: computers and a shared printer connect to a switch.
