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451/1
COMPUTER STUDIES
PAPER 1
(THEORY)
MARCH/APRIL 2025
TIME: 2 ½ HRS

MOKASA EVALUATION EXAMINATION

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
(K.C.S.E)

Instructions to candidates
1. This paper consists of TWO sections; A and B
2. Answer all questions in sections A.
3. Answer question 16 and any other THREE questions from section B.

FOR EXAMINERS USE ONLY

SECTION QUESTION ACTUAL SCORE

A 1 – 15

16

B 17

18

19

20

TOTAL MARKS
100

This paper consists of 15 printed pages.

Candidates should check to ensure that all pages are printed as indicated and that no question is missing.

MOKASA 1 EXAMINATION
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 SECTION A (40 MARKS)
ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION

1. State One technological difference between third generation and fifth generation of computers.
(1 Mark)
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2. When buying computer software, one can buy either single purpose or integrated software, state Two
advantages of using integrated software. (2 Marks)
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3. a) Describe interrupt handling as used in operating system. (2 Marks)

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b) Differentiate between single user and multiuser operating system. (2 Marks)

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4. a) List four examples of word processor software (2 Marks)

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 b) List Two types of files in mail-merging (1Mark)
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5. Describe the following as used in windows operating system (4 Marks)

i. Disk formatting
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ii. Disk partitioning

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6. Differentiate between workbook and worksheet (2 Marks)

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7. The worksheet below contains information on student’s shopping list. Use it to answer the questions
that follows.
A B C D
1 Item description No. of items Cost per item Total cost
2 Books 10 50 500
3 Calculators 2 500 1000
4 Soap 3 200 600
5 Sugar 2 180 360
6 Pens 5 40 200
7

i. Write a formula to get the number of items bought which are greater or equal to 5. (2 Marks)

ii. Based on the cost of the items bought, write a formula that can be used to output the comments based
on the following details. (2 Marks)

Cost of item comment

>=500 Most expensive
>=400 Expensive
<400 Moderate

8. Application software includes programs like word processor, spreadsheet, desktop publishing and
database. Each of the packages has unique features. List Two database objects used when manipulating
a database. (2 Marks)
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9. Differentiate between One to One and One to Many relationships as used in databases (2 Marks)
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10. a) List Four types of publications that can be designed using desktop publishing program. (2 Marks)
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b) Distinguish between tracking and kerning (2 Marks)
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11. Apart from internet service provider, state any other Two internet connectivity requirements needed by
form four students to enable them do online assessment examination. (2 Marks)
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12. Distinguish between Cc and Bcc as used in e-mail (2 Marks)
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13. State Two disadvantages of using an e-mail (2 Marks)
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14. Distinguish between insert mode and type over mode as used in data entry. (2 Marks)
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15. Explain the following types of computer crimes: 4 Marks
i. Piracy
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ii. Fraud
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SECTION B (60 MARKS)

Answer question 16 and any other THREE questions from this section B
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16. (a) Differentiate between source code and object code as used in programming. (2 Marks)
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(b) Define the following types of errors (2 Marks)

i. Syntax errors
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ii. Logical errors
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c) To qualify for a national ID, an applicant must be 18 yrs or above. 50 citizens applied for the ID.
Draw a flowchart that would read the name and age of an applicant and display the names of those
who qualify for the ID. An applicant who will not qualify should display the comment “under age “.
(9 Marks)

d) List Two control structures used in your flowchart (2 Marks)

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17. a) Using four- bit two’s complement notation, perform the following arithmetic: (3 Marks)

i) 1012 - 1112

ii) Convert the following decimal fraction to binary giving your answer in using 8-bit notation.
43.12510 (3 Marks)

b) i. State Three roles of a network administrator. (3 Marks)

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 ii. When constructing a computer laboratory, it is advisable to ensure it meets all the requirements for
safety of users and the computers. State the effect of the following on computers: (2 Marks)

a) Unstable power supply

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b) Rain water leaking through the roof (2 Mark)
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c) Victory school intends to buy a printer for producing school fees payment receipts for parents in
triplicates using carbon papers.
i. Which printer would one advice the school to buy? (1 Mark)
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ii. Give a reason for your answer. (1 Mark)
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18. a) Describe the following guides as used in desktop publishing (4 Marks)
i. Ruler guides
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ii. Margin guides
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 b) State Four advantages of using a word processor over manual typewriter when creating
documents for use in a big organization. (4 Marks)

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c) State Four operations that may be performed on a file by an operating system. (2 Marks)
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d) Describe the following types of cell referencing as used in spreadsheet: (4 Marks)

i. Absolute cell referencing
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ii. Relative cell referencing
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iii. Write the following acronyms in full: (1 Mark)
CMOS
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ASCII
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 19. a) Explain three modes of data communication (3 Marks)
i. Simplex
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ii. Half duplex
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iii. Full duplex
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b) Describe the following terminologies used in data communication: (4 Marks)

i. Attenuation
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ii. Modulation
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c) State two advantages of star topology. (2 Marks)
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 d) Files in storage devices can be organized serially, sequentially or randomly for ease of access. State
Three disadvantages of sequential file organization. (3 Marks)
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e) Explain the following terms as used in internet and e-mail: 3Marks
i. Login
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ii. Sign up
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iii. Surf
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20. i) Differentiate between private and confidential data used in data security and control. (4 Marks)
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ii) State Three signs of a computer infected with a virus. (3 Marks)
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 ii) State Two functions of networking operating system other than providing network security.
(2 Marks)
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b) Explain the following internet services: (4 Marks)
i. E-commerce
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ii. E- learning
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c) Jane was printing a document but the printer did not produce any printout. Give Two possible
reasons for this. (2 Marks)
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MOKASA 1 EXAMINATION
2025