WAEC SSCE - Data Processing - 2017

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Storing data across several sites would not improve the performance of a parallel database system. Parallel database systems use multiple processors to handle large amounts of data simultaneously, and typically have multiple nodes or sites where data can be stored. Building indexes, deleting unwanted data, and evaluating queries are all operations that can help improve the performance of a parallel database system. However, storing data across several sites could potentially introduce more communication overhead and slow down the system, unless proper distributed database techniques are used to manage the data effectively. Therefore, storing data across several sites would not necessarily improve the performance of a parallel database system.

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The device that sends information to the CPU is the input device. Input devices are used to send data and commands to the computer system. Examples of input devices include the keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, and camera. They allow the user to interact with the computer and send information to the CPU for processing.

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To convert a number in base 4 to base 2, we first need to convert it to base 10, and then from base 10 to base 2. To convert 4\(_2\) to base 10, we start from the rightmost digit and multiply each digit by the corresponding power of 4 and then add the results. 4\(_2\) = 4 x 2\(^0\) = 4 Now that we have converted 4\(_2\) to base 10 and found that it equals 4, we can convert it to base 2. To do this, we divide 4 by 2 and keep track of the remainders until we get a quotient of 0. Then we write the remainders in reverse order to get the base 2 equivalent. 4 / 2 = 2 remainder 0 2 / 2 = 1 remainder 0 1 / 2 = 0 remainder 1 The remainders in reverse order are 1 0 0, which gives us the base 2 equivalent of 4\(_2\): 4\(_2\) = 100\(_2\) Therefore, the answer is 100.

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The procedure that is not for information processing is segregation. Segregation refers to the act of separating or dividing information into different groups or categories based on certain criteria. This can be a part of the organization process, which involves arranging information in a logical and systematic manner. On the other hand, organization, interpretation, and collation are all important procedures in information processing. Organization involves arranging data in a logical order or structure, which makes it easier to access and analyze. Interpretation involves making sense of the data by analyzing, explaining or drawing conclusions from it. Collation involves bringing together data from different sources and combining them into a single unified document or report. Therefore, segregation is not a procedure for information processing, while organization, interpretation, and collation are all important parts of the process.

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MICR is used to read codes on bank cheques. The Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) technology is a specialized form of optical character recognition (OCR) used to read information printed with magnetic ink. The ink used in MICR characters is specially designed to be read by machines that use magnetic fields to detect and decipher the characters, such as those found on bank cheques. This technology allows for faster and more accurate processing of cheque information, reducing errors and fraud.

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Holding down the Ctrl key would select non-contiguous cells in a worksheet. To select non-contiguous cells, you would click on one cell to start, hold down the Ctrl key, and then click on each additional cell that you want to select. This allows you to select multiple cells that are not adjacent to each other. Holding down the Shift key selects a range of cells that are adjacent to each other. Holding down the Alt key does not have any special selection function, and holding down the Ctrl+Shift key also selects a range of cells but includes non-adjacent cells in between the starting and ending cell.

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Information transmission medium from location P to location Q in space is called wireless transmission. This refers to the process of transmitting information between two or more points that are not connected by any physical medium, such as cables or wires. Instead, information is transmitted through the air using electromagnetic waves. Examples of wireless transmission include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks. In contrast, wired transmission involves using physical cables or wires to transmit information between locations. Cabled transmission and asynchronous transmission are specific types of wired transmission.

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Magazines and brochures are typically produced using graphics software. Graphics software allows designers to create and manipulate images, typography, and layout to produce visually appealing documents such as magazines and brochures. The software provides a range of tools for editing and creating graphics, including drawing tools, image editing tools, and text tools. It also allows designers to work with multiple layers, which can help them create complex designs. Overall, graphics software is an essential tool for producing high-quality, visually appealing print materials such as magazines and brochures.

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A computer professional who studies an existing system with a view to evolving a computer-based system from it is called a system analyst. The system analyst is responsible for analyzing an existing system, identifying its strengths and weaknesses, and developing solutions to improve its functionality. They work with end-users, stakeholders, and developers to design and implement computer-based systems that meet the needs of the organization. The system analyst must have a deep understanding of both the business processes and the technical aspects of the system to ensure that the new system meets the requirements of the organization.

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The gap between ownership, access, and benefits from computer and its applications is termed digital divide. This refers to the unequal distribution of technological resources, skills, and opportunities among different groups of people, such as those living in developed and developing countries, or those from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The digital divide can lead to disparities in education, employment, and economic opportunities, and can contribute to the marginalization of certain groups in society. Efforts are being made to bridge the digital divide through initiatives such as improving access to technology, providing digital skills training, and promoting digital inclusion policies.

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In e-mail context, bcc stands for "blind carbon copy." When sending an email, the "To" field is where you put the primary recipients, while the "Cc" (carbon copy) field is where you put the secondary recipients who are being copied on the message. The "Bcc" (blind carbon copy) field is used for recipients who should receive the message, but whose identities should be kept hidden from other recipients in the "To" and "Cc" fields. This is commonly used when sending an email to a large group of people where you want to protect the privacy of everyone's email address.

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Maintaining the value and content of data refers to the data integrity. Data integrity is the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data over its entire lifecycle. It ensures that the data remains intact and unchanged from its original form throughout its storage, processing, and transmission. Any alteration or modification in the data should be authorized and tracked to maintain data integrity. Data integrity is critical in ensuring the reliability and usefulness of data for decision-making, analysis, and other purposes. It is an essential aspect of data management and security. Therefore, the correct label for the question is "integrity."

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One of the characteristic features of the second generation computer is the presence of transistors. Second generation computers were developed in the late 1950s to the mid-1960s and were an improvement over the first generation computers. The second generation computers used transistors instead of vacuum tubes, which were used in the first generation computers. The transistor is a semiconductor device that can amplify electronic signals and switch them on and off, and is smaller, more efficient, and more reliable than vacuum tubes. The use of transistors made computers faster, smaller, more reliable, and more affordable, leading to the development of more powerful and versatile computers.

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The basic criterion for classifying a network is the geographical scope. Geographical scope refers to the geographical area covered by the network. Networks can be classified into four categories based on their geographical scope: Local Area Networks (LAN), Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), and Global Area Networks (GAN). - LAN covers a small geographical area like a home, office, or building. - MAN covers a larger area like a city or a town. - WAN covers a wide area like a country or multiple countries. - GAN covers a global area like the internet. Therefore, the geographical scope of a network is the most basic criterion for its classification.

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The most appropriate tool to use for evoking synonyms of a certain word during word processing is a Thesaurus. A Thesaurus is a tool that helps users find synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings) of a particular word. It is especially useful for improving the vocabulary of a document or finding a more appropriate word to use in a sentence.

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Cleaning the screen with a wet cloth is not a good computer maintenance practice. Using a wet cloth can damage the screen and lead to permanent marks or even cause a short circuit. It is recommended to use a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth to clean the screen. The other options listed are good maintenance practices that help to prevent damage and improve the performance of the computer.

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Blower is one of the tools used to maintain the computer. A blower is a device that is used to blow away dust or dirt from the computer components. It is essential to remove dust and dirt from the computer, as it can cause overheating, which can lead to hardware damage and failure. The blower can be used to blow out the dust and dirt from the computer's keyboard, vents, ports, and other components.

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MS Access is an example of a relational model database management system (DBMS). In a relational model, data is organized into tables, with each table consisting of rows (records) and columns (fields). Relationships between tables are defined based on common fields, and data can be queried, sorted, and filtered using Structured Query Language (SQL) commands. MS Access allows users to create and manipulate relational databases through a graphical user interface, making it easier to design, maintain, and query databases.

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The safety measure in the computer laboratory is illumination. Adequate illumination in the computer laboratory helps to reduce eye strain and fatigue, as well as prevent accidents and errors that can be caused by poor visibility. It also helps to create a more comfortable and productive environment for users. Eating in the computer laboratory is not allowed as it can lead to spillage of food or drinks on the computer systems, which can damage them. Opening the monitor by unauthorized persons is also not allowed as it can lead to electrocution or damage to the monitor. Poor ventilation in the computer laboratory can also be dangerous as it can cause overheating of the computer systems, which can damage them or even cause a fire.

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The correct answer is "Fiire optics". Fire optics is not a type of wireless transmission, as it involves transmitting data using light through fiber optic cables, which is a wired transmission method. The other options, Bluetooth, Infrared, and WiFi, are all types of wireless transmission methods that allow communication between devices without the need for physical cables. Bluetooth uses short-range radio waves, infrared uses infrared light waves, and WiFi uses radio waves to transmit data wirelessly.

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Commonly accepted practices, rules or methods in computing are called "standards". Standards are established to ensure compatibility, interoperability, and quality of hardware, software, and data. They can cover a wide range of areas, such as programming languages, file formats, network protocols, security measures, and accessibility guidelines. Standards are often developed and maintained by industry organizations or government agencies, and they may be voluntary or mandatory depending on the context. Adhering to standards can help promote efficiency, consistency, and reliability in computing systems and applications.

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An internet-based system that allows people from different geographical locations to have in-person meetings is called a "voice conferencing system." It allows participants to communicate with each other through audio and video channels in real-time, enabling remote collaboration and decision-making. Participants can see and hear each other as if they were in the same room, making it an effective tool for businesses, education, and personal communication. It requires an internet connection and a compatible device like a computer or a smartphone with a microphone and a camera.

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The correct order of the phases when a database recovery manager is invoked after a crash is: I. Analysis - where the recovery manager examines the log to determine which transactions were incomplete at the time of the crash and which updates were made by these transactions before the crash. II. Redo - where the recovery manager applies the updates that were made by incomplete transactions before the crash and updates the database to reflect these changes. III. Undo - where the recovery manager rolls back transactions that were incomplete at the time of the crash and undoes the updates made by these transactions. Therefore, the correct order is III, II, I.

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During presentation, slide transition can be activated by a mouse click. When giving a presentation in PowerPoint, you can set up slide transitions to occur automatically after a certain period of time or on mouse click. By default, slide transitions occur on mouse click, which means that the next slide in the presentation is shown when the presenter clicks the mouse button. This allows the presenter to control the pace of the presentation and move to the next slide when they are ready. Other options like right-click, mouse drag, or double-click may have specific functions, but they are not used to activate slide transitions during presentation.

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The option that is not an effect of a computer virus is "It distorts the computer screen". Computer viruses are malicious software programs that can infect a computer and cause various negative effects. These effects include interfering with computer operation, damaging the computer, and corrupting data. However, distorting the computer screen is not a common effect of computer viruses. This type of effect is more likely caused by hardware problems or issues with the graphics card or display settings.

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The symbols B, I, and U are commonly used buttons found on the formatting bar in word processing applications. These buttons allow users to apply various formatting styles to selected text, such as bold, italic, and underline. The formatting bar is usually located at the top of the document window and provides quick access to commonly used formatting options.

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Data that has been processed, organized, or structured into a form that is meaningful and useful is referred to as information. This implies that raw data has been transformed into a more meaningful form through processing, analysis, and interpretation. Information can be used for decision-making, problem-solving, and knowledge acquisition, making it an essential resource for individuals and organizations. Therefore, the correct answer is "information."

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Dropping liquids in the computer room is not a safety measure to be observed when using the computer. This is because liquids can cause damage to the computer's internal components and can also pose a safety risk, such as the risk of electrical shock. On the other hand, the other options listed are safety measures to be observed when using the computer. Using an anti-glare protector can help reduce eye strain and fatigue, maintaining a proper sitting posture can help prevent back and neck pain, and keeping the environment dust-free can prevent damage to the computer's internal components.

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The correct answer is "design". When creating a website, the planning and creation phase is called web design. During this process, designers use various software tools to plan and create the website's layout, structure, and user interface. The design phase also includes selecting fonts, colors, and images to create a visually appealing website. Once the design is complete, the website can be built, published, and maintained.

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The file organization that would require that all the five (5) records be read before the 6th record is written is "Sequential access file". In a sequential access file, the records are arranged in a sequential order, and the access to the records is done sequentially one after the other, starting from the first record. Therefore, to write the 6th record, all the previous records must be read first, and the write operation can only be performed at the end of the file. This makes it time-consuming and inefficient for applications that require frequent insertions and deletions. On the other hand, in a direct-access file, random access file, and index sequential file, the records can be accessed randomly, allowing for faster read and write operations.

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Compaq is not an antivirus software, it is a brand of computer hardware. Therefore, Compaq is the option that is not an antivirus.

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To secure data online, all of the following measures can be used: Password, Encryption, and Personal Identification Number (PIN). These measures help to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, theft or hacking. - Passwords are commonly used to restrict access to online accounts, devices or networks by allowing only those who have the correct password to gain access. Passwords are usually a combination of letters, numbers and symbols that are difficult to guess. - Encryption is the process of converting plain text into a code that is difficult to decipher without the correct key or password. Encrypted data is protected from unauthorized access or tampering. - Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a numeric password that is commonly used to access bank accounts, credit/debit cards or mobile devices. PINs provide an additional layer of security and make it more difficult for someone to gain access to personal information. Therefore, the correct option is (D) I, II, and III.

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This question tests basic classification of computers, the meaning of ICT, and its social impact.

(a) Four classes of computer based on size. In order of decreasing size and processing power:

• Supercomputer: the largest and fastest, used for weather forecasting and scientific research.
• Mainframe computer: large, serving many users at once in banks and government offices.
• Minicomputer (midrange): medium-sized, used by small organisations.
• Microcomputer: the smallest, such as desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

(b) Information and Communication Technology (ICT). ICT is the use of computers, telecommunication systems and other electronic devices to capture, process, store, retrieve and transmit information. It combines computing (Information Technology) with communication technologies such as the Internet, telephony and networking.

(c) Three ways ICT has impacted on society.

• Communication: people now communicate instantly across the world through email, social media and video calls.
• Education: ICT enables e-learning, online research and access to vast digital libraries.
• Commerce and employment: e-commerce and e-banking allow buying, selling and money transfer online, while creating new ICT jobs (though also displacing some manual jobs).

Examination reminder: when asked to classify by size, do not mix in classification by type (digital, analog, hybrid) or by purpose - the examiner wants supercomputer, mainframe, mini and micro.

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This scenario tests knowledge of web platforms, ICT professionals, software and computer networks.

(a) Platform. Mr Okafor can achieve his aim through a website (a web-based platform / web portal) accessible over the Internet, which lets him publish information, monitor branch sales online and interact with customers.

(b) Professional to design it. A web designer / web developer (a website programmer) should be hired to build the platform.

(c) Two software packages to create the platform.

• A web-authoring/design package such as Adobe Dreamweaver (or a content-management system such as WordPress).
• A web browser for testing, together with a scripting/programming environment (for example an HTML/CSS editor with a language such as PHP or JavaScript).

(d)(i) Type of network to connect offices within the same headquarters building: a Local Area Network (LAN), because all the offices are confined to one site.

(d)(ii) Three reasons to support the LAN.

• It allows sharing of resources such as printers and files among the offices.
• It enables fast communication and data exchange between staff.
• It provides centralised control and security, and reduces cost by sharing equipment.

(e) Two transmission media for the LAN: twisted-pair (UTP) cable and coaxial cable (fibre-optic cable is also acceptable); a wireless medium such as Wi-Fi/radio waves is another option.

Examination reminder: the key word in (d) is "within the headquarters in Abuja" (one location) - that signals a LAN. Monitoring branches "across Nigeria" over the Internet is what makes a website the right platform in (a).

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This question tests computer ethics and safe conduct in the computer room and laboratory.

(a)(i) Computer ethics. Computer ethics is the set of moral principles and rules that govern the acceptable and responsible use of computers and information, guiding what a user should or should not do (for example respecting privacy, avoiding piracy and not spreading malware).

(a)(ii) Three computer-room management ethics.

• Do not eat or drink near the computers.
• Respect other users' privacy and do not tamper with or copy their files without permission.
• Shut down systems properly and keep the room tidy after use (do not install or delete software without authorisation).

(b) Five laboratory rules and regulations.

• Do not bring food or drinks into the laboratory.
• Keep the laboratory clean and free of dust.
• Do not switch on or off any equipment without permission.
• Handle all equipment and cables carefully to avoid damage or electric shock.
• Scan any removable storage device for viruses before use, and log off/shut down properly before leaving.

Examination reminder: distinguish ethics (moral conduct, such as respecting privacy and not pirating software) from safety rules (physical protection, such as no liquids and careful handling); the parts of this question ask for both.

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This question tests understanding of software maintenance and its types.

(a) Software maintenance. Software maintenance is the process of modifying and updating a software product after it has been delivered and put into use, in order to correct faults, improve performance, or adapt it to a changed environment.

(b) Four types of software maintenance.

• Corrective maintenance: fixing errors or bugs discovered while the software is in use.
• Adaptive maintenance: changing the software so it keeps working when the environment changes (new hardware, new operating system).
• Perfective maintenance: improving performance or adding new features requested by users.
• Preventive maintenance: making changes to prevent future problems and make the software easier to maintain.

(c) Four importances of software maintenance.

• It corrects errors and keeps the software working reliably.
• It keeps the software up to date with new hardware, operating systems and user needs.
• It improves performance, security and usability.
• It extends the useful life of the software and protects the investment made in it.

Examination reminder: match the type to its purpose - "fixing bugs" is corrective, "coping with a new environment" is adaptive, "adding improvements" is perfective, and "preventing future faults" is preventive.