Bbt 2102:Fundamentals Of Computer System Question Paper
Bbt 2102:Fundamentals Of Computer System
Course:Bachelor Of Business Information Technology
Institution: Meru University Of Science And Technology question papers
Exam Year:2010
(a) Highlight the key characteristics that marked the fourth generation computer (1975 -
1989) (6 Marks)
(b) Cynthia realized that the coming up of a new university carried with it business
opportunities like typing students projects and developing software for the university
among other. She decided to buy a suitable computer and approached you for advice.
Kindly advice her on the factors to consider. (6 Marks)
(c) Compare and contrast manual and electronic spreadsheets. (4 Marks)
(d) Distinguish between the following terms
(i) RAM and ROM
(ii) Registers and Cache memory
(iii) Internet and Extranet (6 Marks)
(e) Briefly describe any two types of interfaces provided by operating systems.
(4 Marks)
(f) System software consist of programs that co-ordinate the activities of hardware and other
programs. Identify four common types of systems software. (4 Marks)
QUESTION TWO – (20 MARKS)
(a) Briefly describe the third computer generation programming language giving its
advantages and disadvantages. (4 Marks)
(b) Validation checks are attempts to build into the computer program powers of judgment so
that incorrect items of data are detected and reported. Describe any six. (6 Marks)
(c) The file organization refers to the physical arrangement of data on the backing storage
devices such as tape and disks. Briefly distinguish between Serial Organization and
Sequential Organization giving there advantages and disadvantages. (6 Marks)
(d) Choice of printers is influenced by different factors. Explain any FOUR of these factors.
(4 Marks)
QUESTION THREE – (20 MARKS)
(a) The direction in which data flows along transmission media is classified into three types.
Explain the three types of transmission direction. (6 Marks)
(b) Describe the advantages and disadvantages of developing tailor made software instead of
buying ready made. (6 Marks)
(c) Name and describe the factors affecting the speed and performance of a microprocessor.
(4 Marks)
(d) Explain four factors to consider when selecting a secondary storage unit. (4 Marks)
QUESTION FOUR – (20 MARKS)
(a) Draw a block diagram to illustrate the basic organization of a computer system and
explain the functions of the various units. (6 Marks)
(b) Carry out the following conversions:
(i) A2C.F316 = ?10
(ii) ACB14 = ?8
(iii) 43.765610 = ?16 (6 Marks)
(c) Identify the essential techniques for using a mouse. (4 Marks)
(d) Highlight four factors that determine the selection of a computer screen. (4 Marks)
QUESTION FIVE – (20 MARKS)
(a) Perform the following calculations:
(i) Subtract 23410 from 58810 in binary form using complementary method.
(ii) Divide 01101112 by 01112
(iii) Subtract 0110112 from 110112 using 2’s complement method. (6 Marks)
(b) Outline the main steps involved in execution of an instruction by a computer’s CPU.
(4 Marks)
(c) Name four commonly used registers and briefly describe the function of each.
(4 Marks)
(d) Discuss three main functions performed by operating systems. (6 Marks)
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