CHUKA UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
EXAMINATION FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF LAW
COSC 103: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
STREAMS: TIME: 2 HOURS
Candidate’s Instructions
Answer Question One and any other two questions
Do not write on this question paper
Question One Compulsory (30 marks)
(a). Explain the difference between a computer processor and a word processing application.
(2 marks)
(b). Define the following terms: (3 marks)
(i) Bit
(ii) Application software
(iii) Server computer
(c). State the use of the following keyboard shortcuts. (3 marks)
(i) CTRL + F
(ii) CTRL + X
(iii) CTRL + Y
(d). Explain three measures a computer user is required to take to ensure security of data
stored in a computer system. (3 marks)
(e). Jane an office assistant came to office on a Monday morning only for a desktop computer
to start and hang. She tried to click anywhere on the screen to no avail. Frustrated, Jane
called the computer specialist for help. In your opinion, explain what could have gone
wrong in Jane’s computer and what the computer specialist would do to restore normal
operations for Jane’s computer. (3 marks)
(f). In another incidence, Jane saved an excel document she was working on in a hurry one
evening so as not to be late in catching a bus to town. The following day, Jane struggles
to locate where the file was saved so as to open and continue with work. Advice Jane on
how to go about finding her excel document. (3 marks)
(g). Explain three differences between Random Access memory (RAM) and Hard disk in a
computer system. (3 marks)
(h). Explain three roles of the operating system software in a computer system. (3 marks)
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(i). Convert 49310 to its binary equivalent. (3 marks)
(j). Write the Microsoft formula and function to perform the following: (4 marks)
(i) Get average of the cells C3, C4, C5, and C6
(ii) Get the total of the cells C3, B3, D3, E3, F3 and G3
Question Two (20 marks)
(a). Discuss four signs that show that a computer may be infected by a virus. (4 marks)
(b). All web browsers provide users with a variety of tools that enable them to navigate
through complex collections of web pages. State any two and explain the function for
each.
(4 marks)
(c). Perform the following number conversions. (6 marks)
(i). 100111.0112 to decimal equivalent
(ii). F3716 to its binary equivalent
(d). Fred is the head of a local Network consulting company. His company has won a
contract to design and develop a network for a middle level college in Chuka. Explain
three advantages the college will gain by implementing the network. (6 marks)
Question Three (20 marks)
(a). Explain the difference between impact and non-impact printers. (3 marks)
(b). Suppose a client approaches you for advice on acquiring a printer for the office, explain
three issues the client will consider in acquiring the printer. (3 marks)
(c). Discuss two advantages of using Microsoft PowerPoint over Microsoft word in creating
a presentation for a large group of people. (4 marks)
(d). Catherine was working on a presentation created using a presentation program and
wished to insert a slide between slides 3 and 4. Outline the steps she would follow to
achieve her objective. (4 marks)
(e). Explain three advantages of electronic spreadsheets over manual filing systems
(6 marks)
Question Four (20 marks)
(a). Differentiate between intranet and extranet. (4 marks)
(b). Explain four types of network topologies. (4 marks)
(c). Explain the classification of computers according to their technology, purpose and size.
(6 marks)
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(d). State the THREE broad classifications of Information security threats and discuss
threats that falls under each category. (6 marks)
Question Five (20 marks)
(a) Explain two uses of the log in prompt for user name and password in email services.
(2 marks)
(b) Using a well labeled diagram, discuss the five major hardware units in a computer system.
Show how they interact. (6 marks)
(c) Use the MS Excel sheet shown below to answer the questions that follow:
(i) Explain the possible causes of errors in the cells G4, E9, and F3. (6
marks)
(ii) Write a function to round the average score in cell F4 to 2 digits. (2
marks)
(iii) Using the grading system provided above, explain whether to get the average grade
of student you will use a simple IF function or embedded IF functions. (2 marks)
(iv) Write a formula to calculate the total score of Bob. (2
marks)
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