Data Processing Paper 2, WASSCE (SC), 2021

Question 4

 

   A certain business centre provides computer and internet services to the public. The owner is concerned that there is no restraint on consumption of food and drinks by the customers and also about possible health hazards to the computer users.
(a)       Give two safety precautions that must be put in place to protect the workstations in the business centre from foods and drinks
(b)        State two ways the computers can be maintained to ensure efficiency in serving the customers.
(c)        (i)         Name three possible health risks to the customers while using the
computers in the centre.
(ii)       How can the risks in 4(c)(i) be reduced?

The question tested the candidates’ knowledge on computer ethics as it applies to real life situation.

Observation

 

   The expected answer is:

(a) Safety Precautions for workstations

      • Providing keyboard cover
      • Providing monitor cover
      • Providing space for refreshment
      • Providing system unit cover                                               

       

      (b) Maintenance for efficiency

      • General cleaning
      • Battery changing and replacement for laptops
      • Use of UPS/surge protectors/inverters for desktops
      • DVD/CD drive lens cleaning
      • Use of utility programs to maintain the system
      • Crash and data recovery practices
      • Restriction in the use of movable devices                           

 

(c) Health of customers

(i)Possible health risks

        • Eye strain/vision problem
        • Back ache/body ache
        • Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
        • Radiation      

         

                                                              

        (ii)Ways of reducing the risks in (c) (i)

                 Eye strain/vision problem can be reduced by:

        • use of antiglare screens
        • proper illumination of the room
        • looking away from the monitor
        • adjusting the monitor                                                

                   Back ache/body ache can be reduced by:

        • use of adjustable chairs (ergonomic chairs)
        • placing tables at correct height
        • positioning monitors at proper level  

                  Repetitive Strain Injury can be reduced by:

        • wearing wrist rests
        • using special keyboards
        • taking breaks from data entry activity 

                 Radiation can be reduced by:

        • use of heat absorber
        • keep your laptop off your lap
        • ground the laptop
        • reduce WiFi usage           

                                               

It was reported that most of the candidates who attempted this question demonstrated poor knowledge of computer ethics.