WAEC SSCE - Data Processing - 2021 (Essay and Test of Practical Work)

Answer Details

This question tests disk and data-management terms and the uses of the ATM.

(a) Definitions.

• (i) Disk formatting: the process of preparing a storage disk for use by organising it into tracks and sectors and setting up a file system, which erases any existing data on it.
• (ii) Data backup: making and keeping an extra copy of data on another storage medium so that it can be recovered if the original is lost, corrupted or damaged.
• (iii) Virus scan: the process by which antivirus software examines files, storage devices or memory to detect, and then remove or quarantine, computer viruses and other malware.

(b) Four uses of the Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

• Withdrawing cash from an account.
• Checking the account balance.
• Transferring money between accounts.
• Paying bills and buying airtime (also requesting a mini statement or changing the PIN).

Examination reminder: keep the definitions distinct - formatting prepares/erases a disk, backup duplicates data for safety, and a virus scan detects and removes malware.

Answer Details

(a) Two safety precautions that can be put in place to protect workstations from foods and drinks are:

Precaution I: The business center can implement a strict no food or drink policy in the vicinity of the workstations. This can be communicated to customers through visible signs and reminders.

Precaution II: The business center can provide designated areas away from the workstations for customers to consume their food and drinks. This will help prevent spillage and other accidents that may damage the workstations.

(b) Two ways the computers can be maintained to ensure efficiency in serving customers are:

Maintenance I: Regular cleaning of computer hardware, such as keyboards and mice, to prevent the buildup of dust and debris that can affect performance.

Maintenance II: Ensuring that computer software is up to date with the latest updates and patches to fix any security vulnerabilities and improve performance.

(c)(i) Three possible health risks to customers while using computers in the center are:

• Risk I: Eye strain and fatigue from staring at the computer screen for extended periods of time.
• Risk II: Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) from frequent typing and mouse usage.
• Risk III: Exposure to germs and bacteria on computer hardware and surfaces.

(ii) Three ways the risks in (c)(i) can be reduced are:

• Solution I: The business center can encourage customers to take regular breaks from computer usage to reduce eye strain and fatigue.
• Solution II: Providing ergonomic keyboards, mice, and chairs that are designed to reduce the risk of RSI can help reduce the incidence of these injuries.
• Solution III: Regular cleaning and disinfecting of computer hardware and surfaces can help reduce the spread of germs and bacteria. The business center can also provide hand sanitizers and encourage customers to wash their hands before and after using the computers.

Answer Details

(b) Examples of spreadsheet applications:

1. Microsoft Excel
2. Lotus 1-2-3
3. Google Sheets

Answer Details

This question tests ways of classifying computers, the digital/analog distinction, ICT impact and transmission media.

(a)(i) Three ways of classifying computers.

• By size (supercomputer, mainframe, mini, micro).
• By type/data handled (digital, analog, hybrid).
• By purpose (general-purpose and special-purpose).

(a)(ii) Digital versus analog computers. A digital computer works with discrete data represented as digits (binary 0s and 1s) and gives exact, countable results (for example a desktop PC). An analog computer works with continuous physical quantities that vary smoothly, such as voltage, temperature or pressure, and measures rather than counts (for example a mercury thermometer or a speedometer). In short, digital counts discrete values while analog measures continuous values.

(b) Three positive impacts of ICT on society.

• Faster and easier communication (email, video calls, social media).
• Improved access to education and information through the Internet.
• Efficiency in business, banking and government services (e-commerce, e-banking).

(c) Two types of information transmission medium. Guided (wired) media such as twisted-pair, coaxial or fibre-optic cable, and unguided (wireless) media such as radio waves, microwaves or infrared.

Examination reminder: the digital/analog difference is discrete vs continuous data; and transmission media split neatly into guided (cable) and unguided (wireless).