Computer Studies Paper 2, WASSCE (SC), 2017

Question 4

 

(a)  Convert 10110112 to its hexadecimal equivalent.
(b)  State one difference between a hacker and a scammer.
(c)  Identify the parts labeled A, B, C and D on the keyboard shown below.     


Observation

 

(a)        First method

First converting 10110112 to Base ten:
10110112         =          1x26 + 0x25 + 1x24 + 1x23 + 0x22 + 1x21 + 1x20
=          1x64 + 0x32 + 1x16 + 1x8+ 0x4 +1x2 + 1x1
=          64 + 0 + 16 + 8 + 0 + 2 + 1
=          9110                                                                                                      

            Then converting 9110 to Hexadecimal:


DIVIDEND

DIVISOR

REMINDER

16

91

 

16

5

11

16

0

5

                                                                                                                                   
Therefore 9110 =         5(11)16
=          5B16                                                   
                       
OR
Second method

            Using BCD digits equivalent conversion to Base 16

10110112 is equivalent to:                   0101    1011               
Conversion to Hexadecimal equivalent:                     516       B16                                       
Final answer:                           5B16   
(b)
A hacker is a person who gains unauthorized access to computer systems through user's account with the aim of stealing or altering data or having other bad intentions.

A scammer is a person who gains unauthorized access to user's account by sending unwanted or inappropriate electronic mail to multiple recipients with the intention to deceive.
OR
They are programmers who havebackend technical knowledge of any software and uses such to break into computer systems of unsuspecting client.

A scammer ensures that his victim remotely gain access to his computer and then uses the confidence tricks to later defraud the unsuspecting client for technical support.
OR
Hackers are also called black hats or crackers with malicious intentions, to steal, exploit, and sell data.

A scammer makes use of windows tools and System directories as tools for their malicious activities. Elderly people, illiterate computer users and free-software patronize are mostly victims of scammers.

(c)        PARTS OF COMPUTER KEYBOARD

            A         -           Function Keys                                                                        
B         -           Alphanumeric Keys                                                               
C         -           Cursor Control Keys/Arrow keys                                          
D         -           Numeric Keypad       

Candidates were required to convert a number from binary to hexadecimal, state a difference between a hacker and a scammer and also identify parts of a keyboard.

Most of the candidates answered the question correctly.