WAEC SSCE - Data Processing - 2020

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One characteristic of a dirty mouse is that the pointer moves erratically. A mouse that is dirty, for example one with a dirty or clogged optical sensor, can cause the pointer to move erratically or not move smoothly across the screen. This can make it difficult for the user to accurately control the pointer and perform tasks on the computer. A dirty mouse can also cause other issues such as not being recognized by the system or causing the pointer to change appearance. Therefore, one of the signs that a mouse may be dirty is if the pointer moves erratically on the screen.

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Any activity carried out to protect the user from hazards while using the computer is called safety measures. Safety measures refer to the steps taken to ensure that the use of a computer or any related technology is safe and does not result in harm to the user. This can include physical safety measures such as making sure the computer is properly set up to avoid strain on the user's neck, eyes, and hands, as well as preventing electric shock or fire hazards. It can also include digital safety measures, such as protecting the user's personal information and ensuring that the user is protected from viruses, malware, and other online threats. Therefore, safety measures refer to the overall protection of the user from any potential hazards while using the computer.

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The software that replicates itself without being executed by the user is called a worm. A worm is a type of malware that is designed to spread from one computer to another by creating copies of itself and spreading them through networks or the internet. Unlike viruses, worms do not require a host program or file to spread, and they can replicate and spread automatically without any user intervention. Once a worm infects a system, it can perform a variety of malicious actions, such as stealing data, damaging files, or creating backdoors for attackers to exploit. In summary, a worm is the software that replicates itself without being executed by the user. The other options, Trojan, Plug-ins, and Driver, are different types of software with different functionalities.

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One responsible way of using the computer is to practice ethical behavior. Ethical behavior refers to a set of moral principles that govern an individual's conduct in society. When using a computer, ethical behavior entails using the computer in a responsible and legal manner, respecting the privacy and rights of others, and protecting the computer system from harm. This includes using licensed software and not engaging in software piracy, which is the illegal copying or distribution of copyrighted software. It also means avoiding phishing and pharming, which are malicious practices that involve tricking individuals into revealing their personal information, such as usernames and passwords, through fake websites or emails. Moreover, ethical behavior includes ethical hacking, which is the practice of using hacking techniques for legal and ethical purposes, such as identifying and fixing security vulnerabilities in computer systems. By practicing ethical behavior when using a computer, individuals can protect themselves and others from harm, respect the rights of others, and contribute to a safer and more secure online environment. It is important to note that ethical behavior is not only responsible but also required by law.

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Graphics can be captured using various devices such as webcams, scanners, digital cameras, and even smartphones. These devices are equipped with sensors that can capture images and convert them into digital format. However, a joystick is not a device used to capture graphics. Joysticks are typically used as input devices for gaming or controlling certain applications on a computer. They do not have sensors or cameras that can capture images. In summary, while webcams, scanners, digital cameras, and smartphones can all be used to capture graphics, a joystick is not a device used for this purpose.

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The option that is not a medium of information transmission is the television set. While it is true that a television set can display information that is transmitted through various mediums such as cable, satellite, and wireless transmission, the television set itself is not a medium of transmission. A cable is a physical wire or bundle of wires that transmit electrical signals carrying information. Satellite transmission uses signals sent from a satellite in space to receive and transmit data. Wireless transmission, on the other hand, uses electromagnetic waves to send and receive information without the use of physical wires. In summary, a television set is a device that displays information that is transmitted through various mediums, but it is not a medium of transmission itself.

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The symbols dialog box in MS Word is located in the "Insert" menu. The "Insert" menu contains a variety of tools and options for adding different types of content to your document, including text, images, tables, and symbols. The symbols dialog box allows you to insert special characters and symbols, such as mathematical symbols, currency symbols, and special punctuation marks, into your document. To access the symbols dialog box, you would go to the "Insert" menu, select the "Symbols" option, and then choose the symbol you want to insert from the list of available symbols. This feature can be useful for adding specific symbols or characters that are not easily accessible from the keyboard.

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Connecting all the devices in a network can offer several benefits to a company. One factor that can motivate a company to connect its devices in a network is to provide efficient services. When all the devices are connected to a network, they can share data and resources such as printers, scanners, and files more easily and quickly. This can help to streamline daily operations, reduce delays and errors, and ultimately provide better and more efficient services to customers. In addition to providing efficient services, connecting devices in a network can also help to save running costs. With a network, the company can centralize its resources, which can reduce the number of devices needed and the associated costs such as maintenance and electricity. For example, instead of having a separate printer for each computer, the company can connect a single printer to the network and share it among all the devices. While sharing software is also a potential benefit of connecting devices in a network, it is not the main factor that motivates companies to do so. Additionally, using a wireless connection is not necessarily a factor that motivates a company to connect its devices in a network as wired connections are often faster and more reliable for business operations. In summary, connecting all devices in a network can offer several benefits to a company, including providing efficient services and saving running costs.

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The process of copying data or information from the internet to a personal computer is known as downloading. When you download something from the internet, you are essentially copying it from a remote server or website to your own computer. This can include a variety of different types of files, such as images, videos, music, software, or documents. Once the download is complete, you can access the file on your own computer and use it as needed. Downloading is an important aspect of using the internet and allows you to access and save information that you find online for later use.

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The "merge" button in a spreadsheet application is used to combine two or more cells into a single cell. When you merge cells, the content from the selected cells will be combined into one cell, and the other cells will be deleted. This feature can be useful for creating a table with merged headers or for combining cells to create a larger cell for entering text or data. By merging cells, you can create a larger space for entering data and make your spreadsheet more visually appealing.

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Slide layout is a pre-designed template that determines the arrangement of different objects on a slide in a presentation. The slide layout provides a consistent and organized structure to the content being presented. Out of the options given, "Animations" is the object that is not located on the slide layout. Animations are the effects applied to text, images, and other objects to create movement and visual interest in a presentation. They are not part of the slide layout because they are applied after the layout has been set. The other objects mentioned in the options - "Charts", "Lists", and "Titles" - are all commonly found on slide layouts. Charts are used to visually represent data, lists are used to organize information in a bullet or numbered list format, and titles are the main headings or titles of a slide. In summary, animations are not part of the slide layout because they are applied after the layout has been set, while charts, lists, and titles are common objects that can be found on slide layouts.

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A teacher computed the average score of students in a given test by taking the sum of all the scores obtained by the students and dividing it by the total number of students who took the test. This calculation gives the average score of the students, which is a numerical representation of their performance on the test. The average score is a piece of information that can be used to assess the overall performance of the students on the test. In this context, the terms record, information, data, and file are not accurate substitutes for the concept of computing an average score.

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Pressing the key combination Ctrl + J on a selected text in a Microsoft Word document would justify the paragraph. When text is justified, it aligns to both the left and right margins of the page. This creates a clean and uniform appearance, especially when working with large blocks of text. The keyboard shortcut Ctrl + J is a quick and efficient way to justify a paragraph in a Word document, rather than manually adjusting the margins or using the paragraph dialog box. The terms "align the text", "deselect the text", and "juxtapose the text" do not accurately describe the action performed by the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + J.

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One disadvantage of electronic data processing is vulnerability to attack. Electronic data processing refers to the use of computers to process and store data. While this method offers many advantages such as fast processing and effective storage of data, it also comes with certain disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages is the vulnerability to attack. As data is stored and transmitted electronically, it becomes vulnerable to hacking, viruses, and other types of cyber-attacks. If an attacker gains access to a system, they can steal, modify, or delete sensitive data, causing significant damage to individuals or organizations. To mitigate this risk, it is essential to implement robust security measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption. It is also important to train employees on cybersecurity best practices and to regularly update software and security protocols to ensure maximum protection against attacks. In summary, electronic data processing is vulnerable to attack, and it is important to implement proper security measures to mitigate this risk.

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If cell A20 in MS Excel contains the value 5, then the formula "A=A20^3" will return a value equal to 125. The "^" symbol in Excel represents an exponentiation operator, which means it raises the value of the number to the power of the number specified after the operator. In this case, the formula "A=A20^3" is saying that the value of A is equal to the value of cell A20 raised to the power of 3. So, A20 = 5, and 5 raised to the power of 3 (or 5 cubed) is 125. Therefore, if cell A20 in MS Excel contains the value 5, then the formula "A=A20^3" will return a value of 125.

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In order to protect a computer on the World Wide Web from threats, the user should implement an internet security software. The internet is a vast network that connects computers and devices around the world, making it easy for users to access information and communicate with each other. However, it also exposes computers to a wide range of threats, such as viruses, malware, and hacking attempts. An internet security software helps protect a computer from these threats by monitoring internet traffic, identifying potential threats, and blocking them before they can cause damage. It can also provide features such as firewall protection, anti-phishing, anti-spam, and anti-spyware to further enhance the computer's security. While installing the latest operating system version and a single user antivirus software can also help protect a computer from threats, they may not provide the comprehensive protection that an internet security software can offer. Deploying an online transaction application, on the other hand, is not necessarily related to protecting a computer from threats, as it is more related to managing online transactions. In summary, implementing an internet security software is an effective way to protect a computer on the World Wide Web from threats.

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The file organization that has a reference which identifies a record in relation to other records is called an indexed file organization. In this type of file organization, records are arranged in a specific order based on a key field. Each record in the file is assigned a unique key value that is used as a reference for retrieving the record. An index is created for the key field to speed up the searching process. This index is a separate file that contains a list of key values and the corresponding record addresses. When a search request is made for a specific record, the index is searched first to locate the record quickly. Once the record is located in the index, the system retrieves the actual record using the address information stored in the index. Indexed file organization is widely used in database systems as it provides faster access to records, particularly in large datasets. It also helps to improve the performance of the database system by reducing the time required to search for records. In summary, indexed file organization is a technique used to organize records in a file based on a key field, and it uses an index to quickly locate records.

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The statement "select * from Marksheet" in a table called "Marksheet" will display all the records in the table, including the ID, Name, Score and Grade columns. This means that all the information stored in the table will be displayed, including the ID, Name, Score and Grade of each record.

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Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) is a technology used to recognize characters printed with magnetic ink. The characters are usually printed in a unique font called E-13B, which is easily recognizable by MICR devices. MICR technology is commonly used on bank cheques, where it is used to read the MICR line at the bottom of the cheque. This line contains important information such as the bank routing number, account number, and cheque number. MICR technology allows banks to quickly and accurately process cheques, reducing the risk of errors and fraud. While MICR technology could potentially be used in other applications, such as large data capturing machines, it is not commonly used in these contexts. MICR technology is not used in voice recognition devices or mobile devices, as these technologies rely on different methods of input and output.

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The source of information that is received by the user in visual mode only is a photograph. A photograph is a visual image that can convey information without the use of words or sounds. Unlike television, radio, and computers, photographs do not have the ability to transmit audio or textual information. Instead, they rely solely on the visual content captured within the image to communicate information to the viewer. This makes photographs an effective means of conveying information that is primarily visual in nature, such as the appearance of a product or a scene in nature.

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One advantage of the first generation computers is processing speed. The first generation of computers used vacuum tubes as their main electronic component. Although vacuum tube technology was large, expensive, and produced a lot of heat, it allowed computers to perform calculations much faster than was previously possible. This increased processing speed allowed first-generation computers to process data much more quickly than earlier mechanical or electro-mechanical computers. The increased processing speed of first-generation computers made them useful for a variety of applications, such as scientific research, military operations, and business accounting. These computers could perform calculations and process data much more quickly and efficiently than their predecessors, which helped to increase productivity and improve decision-making. In summary, the processing speed is one of the advantages of the first generation computers. The other options, portability, heating effect, and burglar-proof, are not associated with the first generation computers.

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The relationship that describes a customer having multiple phone numbers is the "One-to-many" relationship. This is because one customer can have many phone numbers, but each phone number belongs to only one customer. To put it simply, imagine a customer as a parent and phone numbers as their children. One parent can have many children, but each child belongs to only one parent. In the same way, one customer can have multiple phone numbers, but each phone number belongs to only one customer. Therefore, the relationship between customers and their phone numbers is a one-to-many relationship.

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The file organization method that allows records to be accessed in any sequence is called a random file organization. In this type of file organization, records are stored in no particular order, and each record is assigned a physical address or location. This address is used to retrieve the record when needed. Random file organization allows direct access to a record by specifying its physical location or address. This is achieved by using the record's address as the key for retrieving the record. With random file organization, records can be accessed in any sequence and can be added, deleted, or modified without affecting the sequence of other records in the file. Random file organization is commonly used in databases where there is a need for fast retrieval of records based on specific search criteria. It is suitable for applications that require frequent updating of records and allows for efficient access to specific records without having to scan through the entire file. In summary, random file organization is a method of organizing records in a file where records are stored in no particular order and are accessed by their physical location. It provides fast and direct access to records and allows records to be added, deleted, or modified without affecting the sequence of other records in the file.

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Isopropyl alcohol is the substance used for cleaning the mouse ball. A mouse ball is a small ball located at the bottom of a mechanical computer mouse that moves when the mouse is moved. Over time, the ball can pick up dust, dirt, and other debris, which can interfere with the movement of the mouse and affect its accuracy. To clean the mouse ball, it is important to use a substance that can effectively remove any debris without damaging the ball or other components of the mouse. Isopropyl alcohol is a good choice because it is a solvent that can dissolve dirt and grime without leaving any residue or damaging the surface of the mouse ball. To clean the mouse ball with isopropyl alcohol, first, unplug the mouse from the computer and remove the ball from the bottom of the mouse. Soak the ball in isopropyl alcohol for a few minutes, then wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Let the ball dry completely before putting it back into the mouse and plugging it back in. In summary, isopropyl alcohol is the substance used for cleaning the mouse ball. The other options, distilled water, engine oil, and kerosene, are not suitable for cleaning the mouse ball and may cause damage to the mouse or other components.

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In the hexadecimal system, each digit represents a value from 0 to 15. When we reach a value of 10, we use letters to represent the remaining values until 15. The letters used are A, B, C, D, E, and F, which correspond to the decimal values 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, respectively. Therefore, in the hexadecimal system, D represents the decimal value 13.

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One similarity between the internet and intranet is that they both use similar technologies to transfer information between computers. However, the main difference between them is that the internet is a global network of computers that is open to the public, while an intranet is a private network of computers used within an organization or company. Therefore, while the internet is accessible to anyone with an internet connection, an intranet is only accessible to authorized personnel within the organization.

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Graphical User Interface (GUI) is considered user-friendly because it makes it easier for users to operate and understand a system. GUIs provide visual elements, such as icons and menus, that are familiar to users and enable them to interact with the system without the need for complex commands or programming knowledge. Additionally, GUIs often display all the actions available to the user for easy access, which can increase efficiency and productivity. However, one thing that does not make GUIs user-friendly is when they compel the user to learn all the commands before operating the system. This approach can be time-consuming and difficult for users, especially those who are not familiar with the system. Therefore, GUIs are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, so that users can quickly and easily access the features and functions they need.

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The tools listed in the options are all related to computer security and protection against malware and viruses, except for "Trojan horse". A Trojan horse is a type of malware that disguises itself as a legitimate file or program, but when executed, it can damage or steal data from the computer system. It is a form of virus and therefore, it is not a tool used for protecting the computer against virus attacks. On the other hand, Avast anti-malware, Kaspersky, and Norton are all anti-virus software programs that are designed to protect the computer against various types of malware, including viruses, trojan horses, and other types of malicious software. These software programs provide real-time protection by scanning files and programs for any signs of malware and removing them before they can infect the computer. In summary, while Avast anti-malware, Kaspersky, and Norton are tools used for protecting the computer against virus attacks, Trojan horse is a type of virus and not a tool for protecting against virus attacks.

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As a database administrator, your main responsibility is to ensure the smooth functioning of a database system. This involves various tasks such as creating, modifying and deleting databases, managing user accounts and privileges, monitoring performance, and optimizing the database for better efficiency. However, one of the tasks that a database administrator does not perform is network maintenance. This task is usually the responsibility of the network administrator, who is responsible for maintaining the network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and firewalls. Database administrators are primarily responsible for ensuring the integrity and security of the data stored in the database. This includes performing regular backups and setting up data recovery procedures in case of any data loss or corruption. They are also responsible for managing user authentication and access control to ensure that only authorized users can access the data. In summary, the database administrator's main responsibility is to manage the database system and ensure its smooth functioning, including data backup and recovery, user authentication, and performance optimization. However, network maintenance is not typically a responsibility of a database administrator.

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This question tests understanding of functions and cell referencing in Microsoft Excel.

(a) A function in MS Excel. A function is a built-in, predefined formula that performs a specific calculation on given values (called arguments) and returns a result, for example \( =SUM(A1:A10) \) adds the values in the range.

(b) Two categories of functions. Examples include mathematical/arithmetic functions (such as SUM, PRODUCT) and statistical functions (such as AVERAGE, MAX, MIN, COUNT). Other acceptable categories are logical (IF, AND), date and time, and text functions.

(c) Cell referencing. Cell referencing is the way of identifying and using a cell (or range of cells) in a formula by its address, that is its column letter and row number, such as B4 or A1:A10, so that the formula uses the value stored there.

(d)(i) and (ii) Two types of cell referencing, with an example of each.

• Relative referencing: the reference changes automatically when the formula is copied to another cell. Example: \( =A1+B1 \).
• Absolute referencing: the reference is fixed with dollar signs and does not change when copied. Example: \( =\$A\$1+B1 \).

(A third type, mixed referencing, fixes only the row or only the column, e.g. \( =A\$1 \) or \( =\$A1 \).)

Examination reminder: the dollar sign is what makes a reference absolute; without it a reference is relative and will shift when the formula is filled or copied.

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This question tests keyboard shortcuts, search-engine syntax, and the difference between LAN and WAN.

(a) Keyboard shortcuts.

• (i) Rotate an object in CorelDraw: click the object twice to get the rotation handles (Alt + F8 opens the Transformation/Rotate docker where the rotation angle is entered).
• (ii) Position an object in CorelDraw: Alt + F7 opens the Position (Transformation) docker used to move the object to an exact position.
• (iii) Navigate to cell A1 in an Excel worksheet: press Ctrl + Home.

(b) The plus sign (+) in search text. Placing a plus sign before a word tells the search engine that the word must be included in every result, narrowing the search to pages that contain that exact term.

(c) LAN versus WAN (with diagrams).

Simple sketches you should draw: a LAN as a few computers linked to one central switch/hub in a single room; a WAN as two or more such LANs in different towns joined by routers and a long-distance link (for example over the Internet).

Examination reminder: the single most important difference is geographical coverage - LAN is confined to one site, WAN spans large distances. The exam expects a labelled sketch, so always draw and label the nodes and the connecting link.

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This scenario tests knowledge of the services, devices and software of a computer business centre and of protecting a computer from infected removable media.

(a) Three computer services in the business centre.

• Typesetting/word processing and printing of documents.
• Internet browsing and email services.
• Photocopying, scanning and lamination (also computer training).

(b) Three devices required. A computer (PC), a printer, and a scanner (a photocopier, UPS or modem/router are also acceptable).

(c) Two application software needed. A word processor (for example Microsoft Word) and a web browser (for example Google Chrome); a spreadsheet or graphics package is also acceptable.

(d) Two precautions when accepting documents on movable devices.

• Install and keep an up-to-date antivirus program, and scan every flash drive or memory card for viruses before opening its files.
• Disable autorun/autoplay for removable media (and enable a firewall), so that malware cannot launch automatically when a device is plugged in.

Examination reminder: the danger from customers' movable devices is malware; the correct precautions are antivirus scanning and disabling autorun, not physical handling.

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This scenario tests the merits and demerits of distributed databases and the reasons for laboratory air-conditioning and a UPS.

(a)(i) Three importances of a distributed database.

• Data can be stored close to where it is used, giving faster local access at each campus.
• It is more reliable: if one site fails, the other site can still operate, so there is no single point of total failure.
• It allows data sharing between the campuses while still permitting local control, and it grows easily as more sites are added.

(a)(ii) Three disadvantages of using computer processing of information.

• High cost of buying, maintaining and securing the equipment and software.
• Risk of data loss or breach through system failure, hacking or viruses.
• It can lead to job losses/over-dependence, and needs trained staff and constant power.

(b)(i) Two reasons for installing air conditioners. To keep the equipment cool and prevent overheating that damages components, and to control humidity and dust, providing a comfortable environment for users and stable operation.

(b)(ii) Two reasons for installing a UPS (uninterruptible power supply). To provide backup power so the computers keep running during a power cut, and to protect equipment and unsaved data from sudden power failure and voltage fluctuations by allowing a safe, orderly shutdown.

Examination reminder: tie each reason to a consequence - air conditioning prevents overheating; a UPS prevents data loss and damage from power cuts. State the benefit, not just the device.