Question 1
(a) (i) Define the term computer system.
(ii) List the major components of the computer system and give one example of each.
(b) (i) List two activities involved in transferring data into information.
(ii) Write the following acronyms in full: EDSAC; EDVAC.
Observation
- (i) Computer system is defined as an electronic gadget (components/parts/devices/machine)
which accepts/access data, stores data, manipulates data and produces output using step-by-step instructions.
OR
Computer system is defined as components/parts/devices/machine in hardware and software forms needed to create information that could be stored or used as an output.
OR
Computer system is a functional components/parts/devices/machine that have the hardware, software and user working together for data processing activities thereby producing the output
(ii)
Components of Computer System |
Examples |
System Unit |
|
Peripherals Note: Any external device that provides input to the computer or receives output from the computer is referred to as peripherals |
|
Application Software |
Word processing/spreadsheet/database/desktop publishing/graphics/presentation/web design
Accounting /payroll package/ Educational software/ Simulation software /Business information system software/ Entertainment software/ Multimedia software/Enterprise infrastructure software/Media development software/ product Engineering software. |
System Software |
|
OR
Components of Computer System |
Examples |
HARDWARE |
|
|
|
SOFTWARE |
Word processing/Spreadsheet/Database/Desktop publishing/Graphics/Presentation/Web design
Accounting /payroll package/ Educational software/ Simulation/ Business information system software/ Entertainment/ Multimedia software/Enterprise infrastructure software/Media development software/ Product Engineering software. |
|
|
(b) (i) Activities involved in transferring data into information
- Data capturing/ collection/ gathering/ receiving
- Classification/Sorting
- Coding
- Summarizing
- Input
- Data Processing/calculating /editing
- Validation
- Translating
(ii) (I) EDSAC: Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator
(II) EDVAC: Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer
The question tested candidates’ knowledge of computer system and history of computers.
The chief examiner reported that most candidates demonstrated good knowledge of the areas tested.