W1-2-60-1-6

JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY

UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2023
YEAR 1 SEMESTER 2 EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF
SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE

ICS 2110: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY I

DATE: DECEMBER 2023 TIME:2 HOURS

INSRUCTIONS: Answer question one and any other two questions.

QUESTION ONE:

a) Draw the block diagram of a digital computer and explain the functions of the components
below (8 marks)
i) Arithmetic logic unit
ii) Control unit
iii) Primary storage
iv) Man-machine interfaces

b) Differentiate between
i) System software and application software. (2 marks)
ii) Mainframe and super computers. (2 marks)
iii) Digital and analog computers. (2 marks)
iv) Data and information. (2 marks)

c) Briefly explain any FOUR input devices used in a digital computer system. (4 marks)

d) State and explain three factors to consider when choosing a word processor (6 marks)

e) Carry out the following operations according to the given instructions (4 marks)
i) 5BC16 +1448. (Answer in decimal form)
ii) Convert 10101111002 to the hexadecimal system.
QUESTION TWO

a) Differentiate between the following terms; (4marks)

i) Scanner and printer
ii) File and folder

b) Discuss five major functions of operating system. (5 marks)

c) Outline five advantages of Customized software over general purpose Software (4 marks)
d) Define computer file and outline three types of files. (7 marks)

QUESTION THREE

a) Outline four types of computer registers (4 marks)

b) Outline two types of boot up and three factors that slow up process. (5 marks)
c) You are an IT expert and you have been called upon by an organization to
troubleshoot one of their machines which the mouse is not working. Explain what the shortcuts
listed below perform; (5 marks)

i) ALT + F4
ii) CTRL + C
iii) CTRL + V
iv) CTRL + X
v) CTRL + Z
b) Advise on the factors to consider when purchasing an application software. (6 marks)

QUESTION FOUR

a) i) Explain the term spreadsheet and give examples of spreadsheet programs. (3 marks)
ii) State the steps to be followed in creating a chart in MS Excel. (4 marks)
2
iii) The formula for calculating power in given by P=I R. With an example, explain how you
can apply the formula in Ms Excel. (4 marks)

b) Differentiate between the following terms used in Ms Excel.

i) Cell and Range (2 marks)
ii) Worksheet and work book. (2 marks)

c) Taking into consideration the various facilities offered by spreadsheet programs identify and
briefly explain any THREE areas that a University can apply the program in the processing of
students data. (5 marks)
 MARKING SCHEME
QUESTION ONE:

a)
• ALU: The Arithmetic-Logic unit that performs the computer's computational and logical
functions.
• RAM: Memory; more specifically, the computer's main, or fast, memory, also known as
Random Access Memory (RAM).
• Control Unit: This is a component that directs other components of the computer to
perform certain actions, such as directing the fetching of data or instructions from
memory to be processed by the ALU; and
• Man-machine interfaces; i.e. input and output devices, such as keyboard for input and
display monitor for output.

Block diagram of a Digital Computer

b)

i). System software refers to the program that coordinates the tasks of hardware and programs
and thus, is directly related to computer hardware, while application software refers to
programs that assist a user to carry out a specific task.

ii). A supercomputer is a powerful computer which is used for processing data at the fastest
possible speed. A mainframe is a large computer which is used for calculations dealing with a
huge amount of data. Thus, the primary focus of a supercomputer is speed, whereas for a
mainframe it is to deal with an extensive amount of data.
iii).The basic difference between analog and digital computers is the type of data they
process. Analog computers process analog, i.e. continuously varying, data. Digital computer
process data which is binary, i.e. in the form of 0 and 1.

iv) . Data is the collection of raw facts and figures whereas information is the useful result or
inference etc. obtained after processing some data.

c)

i) Keyboard is a basic input device that is used to enter data into a computer or any other
electronic device by pressing keys.

ii) The mouse is a hand-held input device which is used to move cursor or pointer across the
screen. It is designed to be used on a flat surface and generally has left and right button and a
scroll wheel between them.

iii).The scanner uses the pictures and pages of text as input. It scans the picture or a document.
The scanned picture or document then converted into a digital format or file and is displayed on
the screen as an output.

iv). A digitizer is a hardware device that receives analog information, such as sound or light, and
records it digitally. Usually, the information is stored in a file on a computing device. d).
• The type of operating system installed
• Its user friendliness
• Its formatting and editing features
• Whether it is commercial or open source software

QUESTION TWO
a).
*An operating system manages hardware, runs applications, provides an interface for users,
and stores, retrieves, and manipulates files.
*It manages the hardware and software resources of the system.
*It provides a stable, consistent way for applications to deal with the hardware without having
to know all the details of the hardware.
*System tool (programs) used to monitor computer performance, debug problems, or maintain
parts of the system.
*A set of libraries or functions which may use to perform specific tasks especially relating to
interfacing with computer system components.

b) Advantages of Customized Software

Optimizes Your Business Processes
Each business has its model and in-house processes. Therefore, the software you develop
should align with a specific business model and unique in-house processes and procedures.
Helps You Save on Cost
Designing a custom solution will cost higher than buying a ready-made solution. But it is better
than applying a generic to your business which may be costly in the long-term.
 Offers Competitive Advantage
A custom software solution gives you an edge over your competitors.
First, custom software works to solve your business problems and increase efficiency. So, being
the only company in the industry, using a solution like this gives you a definite advantage.
.Custom Software is Highly Adaptable
The business processes are never static, they change from time to time. You can easily change
the customized software. Integrate the new technologies and processes to the existing software
allowing you to stay abreast with any change in marketing trends.
Offers an Exclusive Solution
What works for one business may not work for the other. For instance, you’ll be following the
different process from other firms in the industry. Developing exclusive software for your
business ensures that it addresses specific activities and procedures as per your requirements.

c). A computer file is a computer resource for recording data in a computer storage device,
primarily identified by its file name.

Three types of files

• Ordinary Files or Simple File: Ordinary Files are used for Storing the information
about the user Programs. Ordinary Files can store the information which contains
text, database, any image or any other type of information.
• Directory files: These are Files that are Stored into the a Particular Directory or Folder,
e.g. a folder named Songs which Contains Many Songs So that all the Files of Songs are
known as Directory Files.
• Special Files: The Special Files are those which are not created by the user and are
necessary to run a System. They are created by the System, e.g. all the Files of an
Operating System or Window, are refers to Special Files.

QUESTION THREE
a). four types of computer registers:
1 Data Register: A register used in microcomputers to temporarily store data being transmitted to or
from a peripheral.
2. Accumulator Register: The accumulator register is located inside the accumulator
register, It is used during arithmetic & logical operations of the accumulator register.
3. Memory Address Register: It stores the address of memory where CPU wants to read
or write data.
4. Memory Buffer Register: This register stores the contents of data or instruction read
from or written in the memory.
5. Program Counter: This register always points or holds the address of next instruction to
be fetched for execution.
6. Instruction Register: Once an instruction is fetched from main memory, it’s stored in
the Instruction register. The control unit takes instruction from the register, decodes &
executes it 7. Stack Control Register: The Stack Control Register is used to manage the stacks in
memory. 8. Flag Register: The Flag register is used to indicate the occurrence of a certain
condition during an operation of the CPU.
9. I/O Address Register: The register is used to specify the address of a particular I/O device.
10.I/O Buffer Register: It’s used for exchanging data between the I/O module & the processor
b).The two types of boot up
1) Hard (Cold) Booting
In this category of booting the computer starts from a completely dead state.
For instance, when the Power Button is pressed, the system starts with its initial state. It reads
all the information that is stored in the Read-Only Memory (ROM) and automatically the
Operating System will be loaded into the system's main memory.
2) Soft (Warm) Booing
In "soft" or "warm" booting, the power is not cut. In some systems, a soft boot may optionally
clear RAM to zero.
Factors that slow down boot up process
• Loading up several partitions of your Hard Drives: If you have several hard drives
partitioned, they might all be loading up and it may take some time depending upon
your computer.
• There may also be a fault with your Hard Drive. The hard drive which is booting may
cause some disturbance due to which the booting up of the computer will be slow.
• The Hard Drive may have not been cleaned up due to which the booting of the
computer will be slow and sluggish.
• improper installation of drives
• Improper partitioning
• Too many startup programs
• Reduced hard drive space and many more.
c) Alt+F4 is a keyboard shortcut often used to close the currently-active window.
Ctrl+C is a keyboard shortcut used to copy highlighted text or other object to the clipboard
in a graphical user environment.
CTRL+V is the keyboard shortcut for Paste in the Microsoft Office Suite.
Control+X is a keyboard shortcut most often used to cut a selected section of text or image.

d) 1. How much does it cost and what is the value?

Pricing is integral to any business decision, but it shouldn’t be the only factor you consider.
2. Whether you will you need to be assisted with its implementation not
If you decide that a more complicated or extensive software is needed, look into what their
. assisted implementation looks like.
3. Is the software company prepared to fix bugs or not
Every software has bugs. When it comes to purchasing the right software for your
company, you need to be aware of the software company’s procedures for fixing those
bugs when they arise.
4. How often do they push updates?
The best software companies are continually updating their product.
5. Whether if the system is customizable enough to meet your needs
Customization, however, is a tradeoff, especially when it comes to your company’s particular
software needs.
6. What kind of support do they offer?
Support can play a huge role in whether a software is a success or failure for your business. You
may need to lean on the software's support team for extra help.
7. What kind of security does the software provide?
The way data is collected, secured, stored, and shared is a crucial part of any software. Make
sure to review the security page for any software you are considering purchasing.

QUESTION FOUR
a) i) A spreadsheet or worksheet is a file made of rows and columns that help sort, organize,
and arrange data efficiently, and calculate numerical data.

Examples of spreadsheet programs: •

Google Sheets - (online and free).
• iWork Numbers - Apple Office Suite.
• LibreOffice -> Calc (free).
• Lotus 1-2-3 (discontinued).
• Lotus Symphony - Spreadsheets.
• Microsoft Excel.
• OpenOffice -> Calc (free).

How to Use the POWER Function in Excel?

Example
Assume you have base numbers from A2:A6 and the power number (exponential numbers)
from B2:B6. Show the power of values in column A by using power numbers in column B.

Apply Power formula in the cell C2

The answer will be:

 Drag and drop the formula to other cells.

The first value is base number 8 is raised to the power number 3. i.e. 8 cube. =8*8*8 = 512.
Secondly, base number 11 is raised to the power number 6, i.e. 11 is multiplied 6 times to
the 11 itself. =11 * 11* 11* 11* 11* 11 = 17, 71,561. b)
i) Cell and Range
A cell is a rectangular box in a worksheet that contains data, while Range is group of cells
. or tables denoted by a colon between the 1st and last cell. ii) Worksheet and work
book.
A worksheet sheet is a single page that contains its own collection of cells to help you
. Organize your data, while a workbook is just like a file or a book, which consists of one or
. more worksheets, having various sorts of related information.