Belvedere Technical Teachers' College

Mechanical Engineering Section

NC3 Computer Applications
First term Open Test 1

25 July 2022

Answer Any Five (5) Questions.

QUESTION 1
Define the following as they are used in Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) [20]

a) Computer
It is an electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary
form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program.

b) CPU
It is the electronic circuitry that executes instructions comprising a computer
program.
c) Network Topology
It is the arrangement of the elements of a communication network.

d) ROMe) Peripheral

f) Keyboard

It is a panel of keys that operate a computer or typewriter.

g) Network
It is a series of interconnected nodes that can transmit, receive and
exchange data, voice and video traffic. Examples of nodes in a network
include servers or modems.

h) Data security

It is the process of safeguarding digital information throughout its entire

life cycle to protect it from corruption, theft, or unauthorized access.

i) Software
It is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate
computers and execute specific tasks. It is 

j) Hardware

It refers to the computer's tangible components or delivery systems that

store and run the written instructions provided by the software.

QUESTION 2

a) You are the IT manager of an organization and you have been tasked to buy a
printer for the organization. State and explain any five (5) factors that you
would consider when buying the printer. [10]
Speed
Paper types-
Buy or lease
Duplex printing- Companies with simple print jobs that only need to
print one-sided documents may not value this feature, but those with
complex design jobs such as booklets and pamphlets may value
duplex printing. 
Should I buy or lease
 b) Name and describe the three (3) major components of the CPU. [9]

arithmatic logic unit (ALU)

control unit (CU)
memory unit

c) How is the memory of a computer measured? [1]

megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB)

QUESTION 3

a) State and explain any five (5) advantages of networking. [10]

 Strengthen business connections. Networking is about sharing, not
taking. ...
 Get fresh ideas. ...
 Raise your profile. ...
 Advance your career. ...
 Get access to job opportunities. ...

b) Discuss any (5) advantages of using computerized data base system within an
organisation. [10]

 Reduced data redundancy.

 Reduced updating errors and increased consistency.
 Greater data integrity and independence from applications programs.
 Improved data access to users through use of host and query languages.
 Improved data security.

QUESTION 4

a) Describe the following input devices and state their appropriate application:
i) MICR

ii) Light pen

iii) Touch sensitive screen iv) Bar Code reader. [12]

b) The use of computers has negative health effects on the users. Outline any
four (4) health effects. [8]

QUESTION 5
 Write brief notes on the following network topologies and provide an illustration:

a) Star

b) Ring

c) Bus

d) Mesh [20]

QUESTION 6

a) Classify each of the following devices under either Input devices or Output device:

i) Scanner =

ii) VDU =

iii) Trackball =

iv) Plotter =

v) Touchpad =

vi) Digital camera =

vii) MICR =
viii) LCD projector =

ix) Speakers =

x) Printer = [10]

b) What is an Operating System?

c) Explain any four (4) functions of the operating system.

Question 4

Explain any four (4) data processing methods stating any two (2) advantages and
two (2) disadvantages for each. [20]

Question 5
a) Define data security. [2]

b) Describe any four requirements for a good computer room environment.

[8]

c) List five symptoms of a computer virus. [5]

d) Computers can affect the health of users. Name any five known side
effects of computers on users. [5]

e) Define data security. [2]

f) Describe any four requirements for a good computer room environment.

[8]

g) List five symptoms of a computer virus. [5]

h) Computers can affect the health of users. Name any five known side
effects of computers on users. [5]

Question 6
 a) Define satellite communications and explain how they work.
[3]

a) State seven advantages of satellite communications [7]

Question 7
a. Give the meaning of the following abbreviations below

i. A.L.U -arithmetic logic unit (1)

ii. -Return Authorization (1)

iii. R.O.M-Read Only Memory (1)

iv. V.D.U-Video Display Unit (1)

v. MS.DOS-Microsoft Disc Operating System (1)

vi. G.I.G.O-Garbage in garbage out (1)

vii. CAD-Computer Aided Design (1)

viii. P.R.O.M -Programmable Read Only Memory (1)
 ix. E.P.R.O.M –ERRASABLE PROGRAM READ ONLY
MEMORY (1)

x. xi. E.A.R.O.M- electrically alterable read-only memory (1)

b) Define satellite communications and explain how it works. [3]

c) State seven advantages of satellite communications. [7]

Question 8
Describe the process of withdrawing money using Automated Teller
Machines (ATM). [10]

Computers are commonly used in shops. Briefly outline their advantages to:

a. The customer [5]

b. Store manager [5]

THE END