QUESTION 1. IN THE THIRD GENERATION OF COMPUTERS, COMMUNICATION WAS THROUGH THE USE OF PUNCHED CARDS AND PRINTOUTS BUT WAS LATER REPLACED WITH THE USE OF KEYBOARDS AND MONITORS AND AN OPERATING SYSTEM AS AN INTERFACE. EXPLAIN HOW THESE IMPROVED COMPUTING IN GENERAL? [4]

SPEED

Previous generations of computers used to be very slow but those in the immediate generations now have an operating system which is faster.

PORTABILITY

Way back it would be so inconvenient moving around with the computer due to its bulky in size unlike those in the immediate generation which are so portable.

ACCURACY

Later generations of computers now have facilities such as grammar and spelling checks which makes them accuracy than the early computer generations.

MORE POWERFULL AND RELIABLE

Operating system installed in later computer generation is powerful than those which used to be installed earlier.

QUESTION 2. DISTINGUISH BETWEEN EACH OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF MEMORY AND EXPLAIN THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN EACH WOULD BE USED.

I. ROM? II. RAM?

III. CACHE? [6]

ROM

This refers to read only memory. It is non-volatile meaning that data cannot be lost even if the computer system is turned off. Circumstances in which it would be used is on start-up programmes of the computer system. It is also used on saving documents permanently on the computer system.

RAM

This refers to random access memory. It is volatile meaning that data can be lost if the computer system is turned off. This is used on allowing the computer system to read data quickly to run applications. This type of memory also allows reading and writing.

CACHE

This refers to a collection of items of the same type stored in a hidden inaccessible place. Circumstances in which this can be used is when storing data such that future requests for that data can be saved faster. Also on storing data of the same type.

QUESTION 3. LIST FIVE INPUT DEVICES AND FOR EACH DESCRIBE BRIEFLY A TYPICAL APPLICATION WHERE THAT DEVICE WOULD BE MOST SUITABLE? [10]

IMAGE SCANNER

This is an input device which is used when capturing images and translating them into files.

WEBCAM

This is applied when transmitting audio and video.

JOYSTICK

This input device is used when playing games.

KEYBOARD

The keyboard is used when typing, in most cases, documents.

MICROPHONE

This input device is used when converting sound waves into electrical energy variations which may then be amplified, transmitted or recorded.

QUESTION 4. EXPLAIN, GIVING EXAMPLES, HOW THE INTERNET HAS FACILITATED THE FOLLOWING

A. COMMUNICATION? B. EDUCATION? C. COMMERCE? D. ENTERTAINMENT? E. DATA TRANSFER? [20]

COMMUNICATION

The internet has made communication cheaper for example Whatsapp bundles which cost only a dollar per week. Assurance has also been achieved since via platforms such as Skype one is assured that the person he/she is speaking to has clearly got the message. The internet also has enabled a wide range of variety on which on one can choose to communicate through, for example they is Skype, Facebook, Twitter, Viber to mention but a few. More so, with the internet time has been saved since within seconds bulky text messages can be communicated.

EDUCATION

Via the internet, education has now become more accessible through platforms such as Google and YouTube. Also easy learning has been achieved since lecturers can now upload assignments via E-learning facilities. With the internet students can now no-longer buy text books, this however makes it cheaper since costs of buying the books has been minimised. Educational researches also has been made more convenient through the use of the internet.

COMMERCE

The internet has enabled people to purchase goods at the comfort of their homes via on-line buying. Also a lot of time will be saved since one would not need to go to the shopping mall for groceries. A 24 hour service is also guaranteed via the internet meaning that goods or services can be purchased or sold any time any day. On the internet they is also a wide range of goods or services on which customers can choose on.

ENTERTAINMENT

Via the internet one is now able to keep up to date with the latest songs through websites such as waptrick. On-line games are also accessed on the internet which is also another facility. Music videos

and movies are now being easily accessed through YouTube. Also, on the internet one is able to identify upcoming gigs as well as music concerts.

DATA TRANFERE

Via the internet data transfer has become cheap for example the use electronic mail making it cost efficient. Also transference of data has become so quick through the use of the internet whereby data can now be transferred within seconds.