MID SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS

1ST SEPTEMBER 2022/2023 ACADEMIC YEAR

DATE: OCTOBER 2022
COURSE CODE: CS101
COURSE TITLE: COMPUTER SCIENCE I
LECTURER’S NAME: FELIX NTI KORANTENG
COURSE OUTLINE QUESTION NO.
(MAIN TOPICS)

MajorTopic-1
Introduction to Computers Q2b, Q4c, Q5a
MajorTopic-2
Evolution of Computers Q1a, Q2a, Q3c
MajorTopic-3
Computer Science as a Discipline Q1c, Q3a,Q4d, Q5d
MajorTopic-4 Q2c, Q3b, Q4a, Q4d,
The Computer System (Hardware)
Q5c
MajorTopic-5 Q1b, Q2d, Q3d, Q4b
The Computer System (Software)
Q5b,
………….

1
 PART A

THREE QUESTIONS ANSWER TWO

Question 1
a) The evolution of the digital computer can be characterized based
on different levels of miniaturization. How has the miniaturization of
computers affected its processing power?

Major Topic Blooms Score

Designation
Evolution of Computers AP 7

b) The operating system performs various functions to ensure

smooth running of the computer. Explain any four (4) of these
functions.
Major Topic Blooms Score
Designation
The Computer System (Software) AP 8

c) As technology advances, our educational systems are constantly

challenged to reconsider how students in the computing disciplines
are trained. Many questions take the form as to whether students
should be trained towards a particular career niche or whether
students should be trained as masters of all major areas. Explain your
position on this topic with four (4) detailed points.
Major Topic Blooms Score
Designation
Computer Science as Discipline AP
2
 10

TOTAL SCORE:25

Question 2

a) Digital computers have changed overtime. The technological

evolution of digital computers can be identified as a progression from
one generation of computers to another. Briefly describe the
generational evolution of the digital computer.
Major Topic Blooms Score
Designation
Evolution of Computers UN 8

b) The premise that computers are everywhere may be generally

regarded as an overstatement. Based on your explanation in Q1 (a)
above, do you think computers are everywhere? Briefly explain your
position while citing three (3) application areas that confirm your
position on the subject.

Major Topic Blooms Score

Designation
Introduction to Computers AP 6

c) Technology wise, optical storage media are different from

magnetic storage in terms of how they store data. Compare optical
storage and magnetic storage in terms of the technologies and the
3
mechanisms they use to store data.

Major Topic Blooms Score

Designation
AN 5
The Computer System (Hardware)

d) Apart from the operating systems, utility programs also assist the
computer with some functions. Explain any three (3) functions of
utility programs

Major Topic Blooms Score

Designation
AN 6
The Computer System (Software)
TOTAL SCORE: 25

Question 3

a) There are principal subdivisions related to task and career choices

in computing. Describe any four (4) of these subdivisions.

Major Topic Blooms Score

Designation
Computer Science as Discipline UN 8

b) Both volatile and non-volatile memories are types of computer

memories accessible to the CPU. While giving an example each, briefly
describe volatile and non-volatile memories. Also, distinguish between

4
volatile and non-volatile memories in terms of their speed and cost.

Major Topic Blooms Score

Designation
The Computer System (Hardware) AN 7

c) There is a general believe that the technology we use today can

directly or indirectly affect future generations. In what three (3) ways
will the computer technology we use today affect future generations?
Major Topic Blooms Score
Designation
Evolution of Computers AN 6

d) The operating system manages the computer resources such that

it performs multitasking and multiprocessing functions. How are
multitasking and multiprocessing functions different?
Major Topic Blooms Score
Designation
The Computer System (Software) 4

TOTAL SCORE:25

5
 PART B

TWO QUESTIONS ANSWER ALL

Question 4
a) The hardware infrastructure of a computer system may be
categorized into different components based on their functions. Using
a hierarchical model and requisite examples, describe at least four (4)
different hardware components based on their functions.

Major Topic Blooms Score

Designation
The Computer System (Hardware) AP 8

b) Every computer goes through a booting process when they are

started or turned on. Provide a summary of the procedure involved in
booting.
Major Topic Blooms Score
Designation
The Computer System (Software) AN 5

c) Many electronic devices have consciously or unconsciously been

referred to as computers. This has created a heated debate on which
devices can be referred to as computers. With your knowledge as a
computer science student, explain in detail any four (4) criteria that
qualify a device to be called a computer.

Major Topic Blooms Score

Designation
6
 Introduction to Computers AN 8

d) Computers are never neutral as they influence human behavior. In

what four (4) ways do you think the evolution of the digital computer
in terms of its processing capabilities is affecting human lives.

Major Topic d Blooms Score

Designation
Evolution of the Computer T UN 4

TOTAL SCORE:25

Question 5

a) Briefly describe any three (3) categories under which computers

may be classified. In your descriptions, also suggest at two (2) real
world examples for the kinds of computers in your descriptions can be
used.
Major Topic Blooms Score
Designation
Introduction to Computers AP 8

b) Software is an integral component of every computer system. Use

hierarchical model to explain the software infrastructure of the
computer. Include a description of each constituent of the model.

Major Topic Blooms Score

Designation
7
 The Computer System (Software) AN 7

c) The Central Processing Unit (CPU) executes both arithmetic and

logical instructions. Briefly explain how the three (3) components of the
CPU would combine to execute a logical instruction.

Major Topic Blooms Score

Designation
The Computer System (Hardware) UN 6

e) Although the principal computing discipline subdivisions differ,

they are also related. Explain two (2) ways in which these computing
discipline subdivisions relate?

Major Topic Blooms Score

Designation
Computer Science as Discipline AN 4

TOTAL SCORE:25