Ics2301:Computer Programming Question Paper
Ics2301:Computer Programming
Course:Bachelor Of Computer Science
Institution: Meru University Of Science And Technology question papers
Exam Year:2013
QUESTION ONE 30 MARKS
a. Define the following system terms: i. Thread (2 Marks) ii. Process (2 Marks) iii. Process state (2 Marks) iv. Abstraction (2 Marks) v. Multiprogramming (2 Marks) b. What are the similarities between firmware and operating systems? (4 Marks) c. What are the differences between firmware and operating systems? (4 Marks) d. Explain the meaning and usage of the term “chunk”. (3 Marks) e. Group the various computing architecture generations in terms of software, hardware, users and methodologies over the following historical eras: i. Mainframe era (3 Marks) ii. Minicomputer era (3 Marks) iii. Microcomputer era. (3 Marks)
QUESTION TWO 20 MARKS
a. Distinguish between memory allocation and de-allocation. (4 Marks) b. In the windows API, what is the work of the following: i. File objects (2 Marks) ii. File handles (2 Marks) iii. File pointers (2 Marks) c. List and explain the three main roles played by an operating system. (3 Marks) d. A process goes through a series of five discrete process states. Identify and explain them. (5 Marks) e. Explain the usage of arrays in memory management. (2 Marks)
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QUESTION THREE 20 MARKS
a. In an operating system, what role does the file system play? (3 Marks) b. Compare the following file systems in terms of min and max volume, cluster and file size. i. NTFS (3 Marks) ii. FAT32 (3 Marks) iii. FAT16 (3 Marks) c. Give the meaning of the following: i. A volume (2 Marks) ii. A file (2 Marks) iii. A directory (2 Marks) iv. Partition (2 Marks)
QUESTION FOUR 20 MARKS
a. Briefly explain the concept of stepwise refinement and give examples of usage. (4 Marks) b. How is stepwise refinement implemented in systems programming. (2 Marks) c. What is the meaning of the term “program function” (2 Marks) d. Discuss the benefits of program functions. (6 Marks) e. Distinguish between an algorithm and pseudo code. (4 Marks) f. Define the term kernel. (2 Marks)
QUESTION FIVE 20 MARKS
a. Support or challenge the following statement, “a string is a data type”. (3 Marks) b. Use a diagram to explain how an integer 10 can be declared and stored in memory. (3 Marks) c. Outline the role of an operating systems in regard to: i. File management (5 Marks) ii. Process management (5 Marks) d. Give a brief history of the Unix Operating System and its relationship with the C language. (4 Marks)
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