Introduction to Computers

Time allocated (18 Lessons)

Specific Objectives Ares where computers are used
By the end of the topic the learner should be able Definition of a computer laboratory
to: Safety precautions and practices in a computer
1. Define a computer laboratory
2. State the different parts of a computer  Behavior
3. Explain how computers have developed  Handling of materials and equipment
4. Classify the various types of computers  Fire
5. Identify areas where computers are used  Cabling
6. Define a computer laboratory  Stable power supply
7. State the safety precautions and practices in  Burglar proofing
a computer laboratory  Ventilation
8. Demonstrate basic hands-on skills on the use  Lab layout
of a computer  Dust/damp control
 Lighting
Content  Standard furniture
Definition of a computer
Parts of a computer Hand-on skills
Development of computers
 Start-up, restarting and shut down (booting)
Classification of computers
 Keyboard layout
1. Physical size
 Practical keyboard and mouse skills
2. Functionality
3. Purpose

Name four toggle keys on a standard computer keyboard (2mks)

[Q8_Section_A_2009]
State two reasons why it is necessary to use standard furniture in a computer laboratory. (2mks)
[Q12_Section_A_2010]
The text box below was composed using a word processor. The current cursor position is between the
words “is” and “an”.

Computer security is an increasingly important

consideration. From authentication…

Describe what happens to the text in the box above when each of the following keyboard keys are
pressed. (3mks)
(a) Tab
(b) Enter
(c) Home
[Q1_Section_A_2011]
State four characteristics, which makes computers better than human beings. (4mks)

Page 1 of 11
 [Q2_Section_A_2011]
State three risks posed by improper cabling in a computer laboratory. (3mks)
[Q4_Section_A_2013]
Explain two health issues that could arise from the use of an unsuitable computer desk. (4mks)
[Q2_Section_A_2014]
State two circumstances under which warm booting of a computer may be necessary. (2mks)
[Q1_Section_A_2015]
State two advantages of using portable computers. (2mks)
[Q4_Section_A_2015]
State three possible causes of fire outbreak in a computer laboratory (3mks)
[Q7_Section_A_2015]
State the functions of each of the following keys on the computer keyboard: (2mks)
(a) backspace;
(b) insert (ins).
[Q7_Section_A_2016]
State three features of fifth generation computers. 3mks
[Q2_Section_A_2017]
State three characteristics of mainframe computers. 3mks
[Q4_Section_A_2017]
A computer technician has observed a lot of dust on computers in the computer laboratory.
State three precautions that need to be put in place to avoid this. 3mks
[Q7_Section_A_2017]
(c) A computer laboratory experiences power supply problems. Describe three power
related problems that should be addressed. 6mks
[Q18_Section_B_2017]
State two reasons for the increased use of laptop computers in government offices. 2mks
[Q1_Section_A_2018]
State three measures that should be put in place in a computer laboratory to safeguard users’
health. 3mks
[Q3_Section_A_2018]
State the hardware technological differences between the second generation and the third-
generation computers. 2mks
[Q1_Section_A_2019]

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State two ways of ensuring proper ventilation in a computer room. 2mks
[Q2_Section_A_2019]
(a) Explain the term toggle key as used in computer keyboard. 2mks
(b) List examples of toggle keys on a computer keyboard. 2mks
[Q9_Section_A_2019]
State three functions of Un-interruptible Power Supply (UPS). 3mks
[Q12_Section_A_2019]
(b) State the function of each of the following computer keyboard keys:
(i). Caps Lock 1mk
(ii). Shift 1m
(iii). Home 1mk
[Q19_Section_B_2019]
(a) Explain three ways through which computer components in a computer laboratory can be
protected against theft 6mks

[Q20_Section_B_2020]

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 Computer Systems
Time allocated (49 Lessons)
Specific Objectives 1. Printers (impact, non impact)
By the end of the topic the learner should be 2. Plotters
able to:
1. describe a computer system Secondary/auxiliary storage devices and media
2. explain the functional organization of Fixed e.g. hard disk
elements of a computer system Removable e.g.
3. describe input devices of a computer system 1. Floppy disks
4. describe the central processing unit (CPU) 2. Tape
5. describe the output devices of a computer 3. Optical disks (CR-R, WORM, CD-RW, DVDs)
system 4. Zip disks
6. describe the types of secondary storage
devices and media Power and interface cables
7. distinguish between power and interface Power cable
cables Parallel cable
8. explain basic computer set-up and cabling Serial cable
9. distinguish between system software and
application software Basic computer setup and cabling
10. evaluate the criteria for selecting a computer Connecting basic computer components
system Connecting other computer peripherals

Content Classification of Software

Description of a computer system Purpose
Functional organization of the elements of a System software
computer system 1. Firmware
Hardware 2. Networking software
Software 3. Operating system
Live-ware 4. Utilities
Application software
Input devices 2
Keying devices Acquisition
Pointing devices 1. Standard software
Scanning devices 2. User developed (in-house)
Speech recognition devices
Other digital devices Criteria for selecting a computer system
(specifications)
Central processing unit Hardware considerations
Control unit 1. Processor speed
Arithmetic and logic unit(ALU) 2. Memory capacity
Memory 3. Warranty
Processors 4. Upgradeability
1. Types 5. User needs
2. Clock speeds 6. Cost
7. Portability
Output devices 8. Other considerations
Soft copy output devices e.g. Software considerations
1. Visual Display Unit – Liquid Crystal display 1. Authenticity
(LCD), flat panel, cathode ray tube (CRT) 2. User needs
2. Sound output 3. User friendliness
3. Light emitting 4. System requirements
Hard copy output devices e.g. 5. Cost

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6. Compatibility
7. Portability
8. Documentation
9. Other software considerations

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 Review Questions from 2009 - 2019
With reference to quality of print, noise level and cost, compare a dot matrix with a laser printer (3mks)
[Q2_Section_A_2009]
(a) Name two types of buses found on the computer motherboard (2mks)
(b) State the purpose of each of the types of buses named in (a) above (2mks)
[Q6_Section_A_2009]
(a) Study the following diagram and answer the questions that follow

(a) From the diagram:

(i). Name two devices that are used for long-term storage (2mks)
(ii). Name three peripherals shown on the diagram that are used for input (3mks)
(iii). Name two other devices that a computer Aided Design (CAD) user might wish to add to the
set- up above (2mks)
(b) A customer wishes to purchase a computer system. The customer can buy a word processor,
spreadsheet, database and a drawing package separately or as an integrated package. State three
advantages why many computer users prefer integrated packages to separate packages. (3mks)
[Q19_Section_B_2009]
Give two reasons why the use of fingerprints and voice input can be used as reliable forms of security in
computer systems. 2mks
[Q8_Section_A_2010]
State the purpose of each of the following memories in a computer system. 2mks
(a) RAM
(b) Hard disk
[Q9_Section_A_2010]
Give three reasons why primary storage devices are not used for secondary storage. 3mks
[Q3_Section_A_2011]

Page 6 of 11
Asha has a hardware shop and lately, she is finding the task of managing daily sales in the shop
overwhelming.
(a) State a retail system that she should acquire. 1mk
(b) State two input devices that are used in retail systems. 1mk
(c) Apart from enhancing the speed of operation, state two other benefits that Asha will gain
from using such a system. 2mks
[Q4_Section_A_2011]
1. The accounts department of a secondary school is using a system that generates invoices that are
printed in triplicate using carbon papers.
(a) Name one type of printer suitable for this task. 1mk
(b) Give a reason for your answer in (a) above. 1mk
[Q5_Section_A_2011]

State the importance of considering the following factors when acquiring a software.
(a) Warranty 1mk
(b) Portability 1mk
[Q14_Section_A_2011]

1. State two functions of the control unit of a computer. 2mks

[Q1_Section_A_2012]
2. (a) Differentiate between hardware and software portability. 2mks
(b) State two disadvantages of CD-ROM over magnetic disks. 2mks
[Q2_Section_A_2012]

When purchasing a computer, the clock speed, RAM size, Hard disk size and monitor size are
often quoted. State the unit of measuring: 2mks
[Q5_Section_A_2012]

Write each of the following acronyms in full as used in computing. 2mks

(a) CAD
(b) DVD
(c) WORM
(d) POS
[Q1_Section_A_2013]

A computer is idle but the hard disk light is blinking, indicating some activity. State two possible
causes of this. 2mks
[Q13_Section_A_2013]

Describe compatibility as a factor to consider when purchasing a computer. 2mks

[Q14_Section_A_2013]

Identify the appropriate output device for the production of each of the following:
(a) receipts where carbon copies are required; 1mk
(b) an architectural drawing where precision is required; 1mk

Page 7 of 11
 (c) output where the user is visually impaired. 1mk
[Q15_Section_A_2013]

Figure 4 shows an advert placed in a newspaper. Use it to answer the questions that follow.

NEW ARRIVALS – LAPTOP COMPUTER

HDD Windows 8
300 GB Home Edition
RAM Free Suite

CALL 0622 405405

512 MB  Word processor
Ksh 48,000

Clock Speed  Spreadsheet

2.3GHz x 2  DTP
Optical Drive  Presentation
DVD  Internet browser
Screen  Email
17 inches Keyboard, Mouse, Modem
Parallel port USB, serial
OTHER PCs AVAILABLE

(a) (i) Define a laptop computer. 1mk

(ii) The screen is said to be 17 inches. Explain what this means. 2mks
(b) State one advantage of having each of the following provided with a laptop.
(i) modem 1mk
(ii) USB 1mk
(iii) free suite. 1mk
(c) State the software package in the free suite which is most suitable for each of the following:
(i) Computing budgets. 1mk
(ii) Creating documents. 1mk
(iii) Designing of brochures. 1mk
(iv) Records management. 1mk
[Q18_Section_B_2013]

State one function for each of the following elements of a computer system:
(a) Hardware 1mk
(b) Software 1mk
(c) Liveware 1mk
[Q1_Section_A_2014]

Page 8 of 11
List the two categories of system software. 1mk
[Q3_Section_A_2014]
Explain two contents of a warranty that should be considered when purchasing computer
hardware. 4mks
[Q4_Section_A_2014]
List four devices that use scanning technology that would be used to capture data directly from
the source. 2mks
[Q13_Section_A_2014]
State three benefits of using optical magnetic reader to register candidates for an examination
3mks
[Q8_Section_A_2015]

List four factors to be considered when acquiring a printer 4mks

[Q9_Section_A_2015]

State three circumstances under which voice input would be preferred over other methods of
data capture 3mks
[Q10_Section_A_2015]

Identify the appropriate computer output device suitable for each of the following tasks:
(a) generating receipts where carbon copies are required; 1mk
(b) an architectural drawing where precision is required; 1mk
(c) producing document output for a visually impaired person. 1mk
[Q2_Section_A_2016]

(a) Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a computer system and its peripheral devices. Use
it and answer the questions that follow.

(i). Name two devices that may be used for storing data for a long duration. (2mks)
(ii). Name three peripheral devices that are used for input. (3mks)
(iii). Name two other devices that a Computer Aided Design (CAD) user might wish to add to
the set up above in order to perform his tasks effectively. (2mks)
(b) A customer wishes to purchase a computer system. The customer can buy word processor,
spreadsheet, database, and a drawing package separately or as an integrated package. State three
reasons why the customer would prefer an integrated package to separate packages (3mks)

Page 9 of 11
 [Q19_Section_A_2016]
State the meaning of the term computer software. 2mks
[Q1_Section_A_2017]
The management of an organization intends to purchase a printer. State three factors that they
should consider during the purchase. 3mks
[Q5_Section_A_2017]
Describe each of the following computer cables:
(a) Parallel cables; 2mks
(b) Serial cables; 2mks
[Q6_Section_A_2017]
Explain two problems associated with the computer hard disk. 4mks
[Q10_Section_A_2017]
State three ways in which barcode readers may be used in schools. 3mks

[Q4_Section_A_2018]
State three advantages of the flat panel monitors over cathode ray tube monitors as used in
computers. 3mks

[Q5_Section_A_2018]
State three possible reasons for the extinction of daisy wheel printers in the market. 3mks

[Q6_Section_A_2018]
A law firm prefers to use hard copy output over soft copy output when handling documents for
legal matters. State two reasons for this preference. 2mks

[Q8_Section_A_2018]
Differentiate between a line printer and a page printer as used in computers. 2mks

[Q6_Section_A_2019]
State four factors to consider when selecting an input device for use in a computer room.4mks
[Q11_Section_A_2019]

List four input devices used to capture data by way of scanning. 2mks
[Q1_Section_A_2020]

Differentiate between a computer power cable and a computer interface cable. 2mks
[Q3_Section_A_2020]

Explain two computer hardware features that may be considered when selecting a laptop
computer to be used when developing a KCSE computer studies project. 4mks
[Q4_Section_A_2020]

(a) State the unit of measure for each of the following quantities in a computer:

Page 10 of 11
 (i). Processor speed; 1mk
(ii). Memory capacity; 1mk
(iii). Data transmission speed. 1mk
[Q19_Section_B_2020]

Page 11 of 11