Computer Studies Paper 2, WASSCE (SC), 2017

Question 5

 

(a)  In a tabular form, state two differences between random access memory and read only memory.
(b)  State four characteristics of windows operating system environment.
(c)  List two examples of utility programs.

 

Observation

   

 

  • DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RAM AND ROM

S/N

RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (RAM)

READ ONLY MEMORY (ROM)

1

Volatile

Non-volatile

2

Content of RAM can be read, changed or added

 Content of ROM can only be read but cannot be changed or added to

3

RAM chips are relatively expensive

ROM chips are relatively less expensive

4

 RAM chips are slow

ROM chips are fast

5

RAM is often installed with large storage

Storage capacity of ROM installed in a computer is much lesser

6

RAM stores all the applications and data when the computer is running

ROM usually stores instructions that are required for starting (booting) the computer

7

RAM chips are bigger in size

ROM chips are smaller in size

8

Processor can directly access the content of RAM

Content of ROM are usually first transferred to RAM and then accessed by processor. This is done in order to be able to access ROM content at a faster speed

 

  • CHARACTERISTICS OF WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM
  • It is a multi-tasking environment
  • It is a user-friendly environment
  • It has usual interactive capabilities
  • It has object linking and embedment
  • It has icons which represents commands
  • Windows enhances easy file transfer
  • Ease of access of files, folders etc.
  • It has good security (password/encryption)  features
  • Windows operating system promotes system upgrade 
  • It enables easy searching /organizing of files and folders
  • System activities can be monitored easily
  • Default setting can be adjusted /customized
  • Windows promotes remote desktop connection by entering the IP address of the other computer
  • Time sharing
  • Abstraction
  • Memory management
  • Multi-user environment

 

  • EXAMPLES OF UTILITY PROGRAMS

  • Editor
  • Anti-virus
  • Disk defragmenter
  • Disk clean-up
  • Registry cleaner
  • Scan disk
  • Device drivers
  • Firmware

550

Backup software

The question required candidates to differentiate between Random Access Memory and Read Only Memory, state characteristics of windows Operating system and list examples of utility program.

A good number of the candidates attempted the question correctly.