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Cosc 101

This document outlines the COSC 101 examination for first-year students at Chuka University, focusing on computer systems. It includes instructions for answering questions across two sections, covering topics such as memory operations, data encoding, SQL queries, network protocols, and various computing technologies. The exam consists of multiple questions requiring detailed explanations and diagrams related to computer science concepts.

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8 views2 pages

Cosc 101

This document outlines the COSC 101 examination for first-year students at Chuka University, focusing on computer systems. It includes instructions for answering questions across two sections, covering topics such as memory operations, data encoding, SQL queries, network protocols, and various computing technologies. The exam consists of multiple questions requiring detailed explanations and diagrams related to computer science concepts.

Uploaded by

kangethejeff67
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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COSC 101

CHUKA UNIVERSITY

RESIT/SPECIAL EXAMINATIONS
FIRST YEAR EXAMINATION FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE OF BACHELOR
OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
COSC 101: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS
STREAMS: TIME: 2 HOURS
DAY/DATE: TUESDAY 04/05/2021 11.30 A.M – 1.30 P.M
INSTRUCTIONS:

SECTION A: Answer all questions in this section


QUESTION ONE (30 Marks)

a) Describe the purpose of the TWO essential registers in memory read and write
operations. [4 marks]
b) The Program Counter (PC) and Instruction Register (IR) are used in fetching an
instruction for execution. Outline the sequence of events in this case. [4 marks]
c) Any instruction issued by the processor must carry at least two types of information.
Describe this information. [4 marks]
d) Describe data encoding in digital computers highlighting commonly used encoding
schemes. [4 marks]
e) Write a generic query in SQL that retrieves all the records of all students taking
COSC101 from a table named STUDENTS. [3 marks]
f) Differentiate between Functions and Formulas as used in spreadsheet applications giving
an example for each. [4 marks]
g) Differentiate between network Protocols and Topologies as used in computer networks
giving TWO examples for each. [4 marks]
h) Outline any THREE advantages of databases. [3 marks]

SECTION B (Answer any TWO questions from this section)

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COSC 101

Question Two (20 marks)


a) With the aid of a well labeled diagram, explain the Three-Bus data path. [6 marks]
b) Explain any TWO salient features that make word processors effective for the purpose
of creating text files. [4 marks]
c) Discuss the any THREE contributions of high speed computing and computer networks
in national development today. [6 marks]
d) Using example, explain any FOUR commands commonly used in Linux/ Unix
environment for file and directory management. [4 marks]

Question Three (20 marks)

a) Outline the sequence of events in fetching an instruction. [4 marks]


b) Discuss the techniques used in selecting cache blocks in case of cache full. [6 marks]
c) Discuss the various technologies used in making storage media. [6 marks]
d) Outline the sequence of events in handling an interrupt. [4 marks]

Question Four (20 marks)

a) Consider the arithmetic operation Add R1,R2,R0 and the times t0, t1, and t2, where t0< t1< t2.
Show the number of the steps the instruction would take using:
i. One-bus datapath. [3 marks]
ii. Two-bus datapath. [2 marks]
iii. Three-bus datapath. [3 marks]
b) Discuss any THREE objects in Ms. ACCESS used in creating databases. [6 marks]
c) Differentiate between RISC and CISC computer architectures. [6 marks]

Question Five (20 marks)


a) Using a diagram, describe the Direct (Absolute) memory addressing mode. [4 marks]
b) Distinguish between spatial and temporal locality in memory design. [4 marks]
c) Describe the purpose of each general purpose register in a processor. [6 marks]
d) Discuss THREE IT revolutions shaping the world today. [6 marks]
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