WAEC SSCE - Data Processing - 2015

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The operation of checking input data against specified criteria is referred to as data validation. Data validation is an important step in data processing to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the data. This process involves checking the input data to make sure it meets certain criteria, such as range, format, and consistency, among others. Data validation helps to reduce errors and inconsistencies that may arise from incorrect or incomplete data.

Maelezo ya Majibu

"Classification" is not a source of data collection. Observation involves the gathering of data by observing a phenomenon or behavior, while interviews involve asking questions to individuals or groups to collect information. Questionnaires involve the use of written or printed questions to collect data from individuals, while classification is the process of arranging objects, people, or data into categories based on their common characteristics. Therefore, classification is not a source of data collection but rather a technique used to organize collected data.

Maelezo ya Majibu

A file kept in case of an accident or natural disaster is called a "back-up." A backup is a copy of important data or information that is stored separately from the original. This copy is used to restore the original in the event of a loss, such as due to a system crash, data corruption, or accidental deletion. Having a backup ensures that data can be recovered quickly and efficiently, reducing the impact of any disruption to normal operations.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option is "they represent numbers through a string of binary digits". Digital computers are electronic devices that operate on digital data, which is represented as a string of binary digits (bits), each of which can take one of two values, 0 or 1. These bits are processed by the computer's central processing unit (CPU) using logical operations, and the resulting output is also in digital form. This makes digital computers suitable for a wide range of applications, from simple calculations to complex data processing and storage. The other options mentioned are not true for all digital computers. While some older computers used magnetic core memory, modern computers use other types of memory such as solid-state drives. Digital computers can process both continuous and discrete data, but they represent all data as a string of binary digits. Finally, while digital computers are used extensively in scientific applications, they are also used in many other areas such as business, entertainment, and education.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The option that is not a safety equipment in a computer laboratory is "metal detector". A metal detector is not directly related to the safety of the computer laboratory or its equipment. A metal detector is used to detect metal objects and is commonly used in security screening at places like airports, schools or public events. However, surge protectors, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers are all important safety equipment that should be present in a computer laboratory. Surge protectors are used to protect electronic devices from power surges, while smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are used to detect and prevent fires in the laboratory.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct answer is: "bank notes counter." A bank notes counter is a mechanical device used to count paper currency, and it does not involve the use of computers. The other options listed are all applications of computers. Point of sale terminals and ATMs rely on computers to process transactions and manage account information, while traffic lights control systems use computer algorithms to manage the timing and coordination of traffic signals.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp are examples of social media. Social media is an online platform that allows users to create, share or exchange information, ideas, and content with others who have similar interests, hobbies, or experiences. Social media platforms provide various features such as messaging, posting, commenting, sharing, and liking, which allow users to engage with each other and create social connections.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The term "destructive software" generally refers to software designed to harm or damage computer systems or data. Among the options listed, all except "drivers" are examples of destructive software. Drivers are software components that facilitate communication between the operating system and hardware devices. Worms, trojan horses, and logic bombs, on the other hand, are all types of malicious software that can cause various forms of damage to a computer system or its data. Worms are self-replicating programs that spread across networks and can consume resources or carry out other malicious actions. Trojan horses are programs that appear to be harmless but actually contain malicious code. Logic bombs are code segments that are triggered to execute specific actions when a certain condition is met, often causing damage or destruction to data.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The set of rules that govern the exchange of information over a network is called protocols. These protocols define how data is transmitted, received, and processed across the network. They also ensure that the data is transmitted in a reliable, secure, and efficient manner. Different types of protocols are used for different purposes, such as routing data over the network, establishing and terminating connections, and controlling data flow. Some examples of network protocols include TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, and SMTP.

Maelezo ya Majibu

A program developed to protect the computer from malicious software is referred to as an "antivirus". Antivirus software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malware infections on a computer system. It can scan the computer's files, programs, and memory for signs of viruses, worms, Trojans, and other forms of malware, and can also provide real-time protection by monitoring incoming data for malware threats. Antivirus software is an important tool in keeping a computer system secure and protected from cyber threats.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The drawing tool that would create special effects for texts is "Word Art". Word Art allows users to create stylized text with special effects such as shadows, reflections, beveling, and 3D rotation. It is often used to make titles, headings, or logos stand out in a document or presentation.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Planning and creating websites are stages in web design. Web design involves the process of designing and creating websites, including layout, color schemes, typography, and other design elements. The planning stage involves defining the website's purpose, target audience, and goals, as well as outlining the website's structure and content. The creation stage involves using various design tools and technologies to develop the website's look and feel, such as graphic design software, HTML, and CSS. Overall, web design plays a crucial role in creating a visually appealing and functional website that meets the needs of its users.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The spreadsheet symbol used to convert a number to a label is the apostrophe sign ('), also known as a single quote. When a number is preceded by an apostrophe in a cell, the cell format is automatically changed to text format, and the number is displayed as a label. This is useful when working with numbers that should not be used in calculations, such as phone numbers or product codes, and you want to make sure they are not accidentally modified by the spreadsheet program.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Selecting the close option from the file menu drop-down dialogue box would not close the MS Word application. When a user selects the close option from the file menu drop-down dialogue box, it only closes the current document that is open in the application but leaves the MS Word application itself still running in the background. On the other hand, pressing the Alt + F4 keys or clicking the X button on the title bar or choosing exit from the file menu drop-down box, all of these options close both the current document and the MS Word application itself.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Electronic data processing (EDP) is the use of computers to store, process, and analyze data. The advantages of EDP are numerous and varied, but one disadvantage is hacking. Hacking can be defined as gaining unauthorized access to a computer system for the purpose of stealing, altering, or destroying data. The advantages of EDP include automatic processing, which reduces the need for manual labor and reduces the chance of errors, fast and reliable processing, which allows for quick and accurate analysis of large amounts of data, and storage capacity, which enables large amounts of data to be stored in a relatively small space. Therefore, the correct answer is (B) hacking, which is not an advantage of EDP but rather a disadvantage.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Among the options provided, "data recovery" is not a preventive maintenance measure. Preventive maintenance measures are steps taken to prevent or minimize the occurrence of faults or problems in a system. Regular update of the operating system ensures that the system is up to date with the latest security patches and bug fixes, which helps prevent security vulnerabilities and system crashes. Proper shutdown of the system helps prevent data corruption and hardware failure. The use of uninterrupted power supply (UPS) helps protect the system from power surges and sudden power outages, which can cause data loss or hardware damage. Data recovery, on the other hand, is a corrective measure taken after data loss has already occurred. It involves recovering lost or damaged data from backup or other recovery methods. While important, data recovery is not a preventive maintenance measure, as it does not prevent the loss of data in the first place.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The study of the effect of interaction between the computer and human users is referred to as computer ergonomics. It involves designing computer systems and devices that are comfortable, efficient, and safe for humans to use. This field of study focuses on the relationship between people and technology and how to create computer systems that are user-friendly and promote productivity while minimizing the risk of injury and strain caused by prolonged use.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Information transmission by television is classified as multimedia transmission. This is because television provides transmission of various types of media such as audio, video, and text simultaneously. It allows for the transmission of information in multiple formats through a single channel or medium. The multimedia nature of television enables the broadcasting of news, entertainment, education, and other types of content, making it a versatile and widely used medium for information transmission.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Data integration, as it is not a security measure. Data integration refers to the process of combining data from different sources and presenting it as a unified view. Encryption, Personal Identification Number, and username and passwords are all security measures used to protect data in a database. Encryption is the process of converting data into a code to prevent unauthorized access, while Personal Identification Number and username and passwords are used for authentication and access control.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Dr. Herman Hollerith invented the punch card machine. He was an American inventor who created the first automatic tabulating machine in 1890, which used punched cards to quickly and accurately process data. The machine was used for the US Census, and its success led to the founding of the Tabulating Machine Company, which eventually became IBM.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The property of a system software that enables it to execute more than one program at a time is referred to as "multitasking". Multitasking is a feature of the operating system that allows multiple programs to run simultaneously on a computer system, sharing the resources of the system such as CPU time, memory, and input/output devices. This enables users to perform multiple tasks at the same time without the need to wait for one task to finish before starting another. In multitasking, the operating system schedules the execution of the programs in such a way that each program gets a fair share of the resources and the overall performance of the system is optimized.

Maelezo ya Majibu

A transmission medium is a path through which data is transmitted from one device to another. Among the given options, modem is not a transmission medium. A modem is a device that modulates and demodulates signals for transmitting data over communication lines. The other options, twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and wireless, are all examples of transmission media used in computer networking.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Companies that provide internet access are referred to as internet service providers (ISPs). They offer different types of internet connections, such as broadband, fiber optic, cable, and satellite, to customers in exchange for a monthly fee. ISPs maintain the infrastructure that allows users to connect to the internet, providing a gateway to the World Wide Web and other online services. Some ISPs are also responsible for managing the network infrastructure and may be referred to as network service providers (NSPs) or internet network operators (INOs), while fixed network operators typically refer to companies that own and maintain the physical infrastructure, such as phone lines or fiber optic cables.

Maelezo ya Majibu

This question tests core database concepts, what a database management system does, and how data can be lost and protected.

(a)(i) Database

A database is an organised collection of related data stored together so that it can be easily accessed, managed, and updated. For example, a school's student records kept in structured tables form a database.

(a)(ii) Database management system (DBMS)

A database management system is the software that allows users to create, store, retrieve, update, and control access to a database. Examples are Microsoft Access, MySQL, and Oracle.

(b) Three functions of a database management system

• Data storage, retrieval and update: it lets users add, read, change, and delete records.
• Data security and access control: it uses passwords and user rights to control who can view or edit data.
• Backup and recovery: it keeps copies of the data and can restore them after a failure.

(Other valid functions: enforcing data integrity, allowing multiple users to share data concurrently, providing query facilities.)

(c) Two ways through which data can be destroyed

• Virus or malware attack that corrupts or deletes files.
• Accidental or deliberate deletion/overwriting by a user (human error or sabotage). (Hardware failure, fire, power surge, and theft are also acceptable.)

(d) Three precautionary measures to prevent data loss

• Take regular backups and store copies in a separate, safe location.
• Install and update antivirus software to guard against malware.
• Use access controls (passwords and user rights) so only authorised people can change data.

(Other valid measures: use an uninterruptible power supply against power failure, keep the system physically secure, and avoid opening suspicious files/attachments.)

Examination reminder: keep the difference clear: a database is the stored data, while a DBMS is the software used to manage that data. Marks are lost when the two are confused.

Maelezo ya Majibu

None

Maelezo ya Majibu

This question tests data security concepts, risk assessment, access control in databases, and the duties of a database administrator.

(a)(i) Data security

Data security is the protection of data from unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction, so that its confidentiality, integrity, and availability are preserved.

(a)(ii) Data risk assessment

Data risk assessment is the process of identifying the threats and vulnerabilities that could affect an organisation's data, judging how likely each is and how much harm it would cause, so that suitable safeguards can be chosen.

(b)(i) Access control

Access control is the security mechanism that decides and enforces who is allowed to view or use data and resources, and what actions (read, write, modify, delete) each user may perform.

(b)(ii) Access control methods in database security

• Discretionary Access Control (DAC): the owner of the data grants or revokes access rights to other users.
• Mandatory Access Control (MAC): access is decided by fixed security classifications/labels set by the system, not by individual owners.
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): permissions are assigned to roles, and users gain access according to the role they hold.

(Authentication methods such as passwords and biometrics support these controls.)

(c) Three roles of a database administrator (DBA)

• Managing security and access: creating user accounts and granting or revoking privileges to protect the data.
• Performing backup and recovery: keeping copies of the database and restoring it after failure.
• Maintaining and tuning the database: monitoring performance, controlling storage, and keeping data integrity (other valid roles: installing/upgrading the DBMS, designing the database structure).

Examination reminder: keep the terms distinct: data security is the overall protection, risk assessment is judging the threats beforehand, and access control is the specific mechanism that limits who can do what.

Maelezo ya Majibu

This question tests what an application package is, the uses of common packages, the benefits of a presentation package, and good practice when building a PowerPoint presentation.

(a)(i) Application package

An application package is a ready-made program (or set of programs) developed to perform a specific type of user task, sold or supplied for general use rather than written for one organisation only. Examples are Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

(a)(ii) One use each of any four application packages

(b) Two benefits of a presentation package

• It lets you present information attractively and clearly using slides that combine text, images, and multimedia.
• It supports and organises a speaker, allowing points to be revealed one at a time and reused or edited easily for later presentations.

(c) Three guidelines for creating a good MS PowerPoint presentation

• Keep each slide simple and uncluttered: use short bullet points, not long paragraphs (follow a rule such as few lines per slide).
• Use a large, readable font and good colour contrast between text and background so the audience can read from a distance.
• Keep the design consistent (same theme, fonts, and layout) and use images or animation only where they add meaning, not as distraction.

Examination reminder: when asked for guidelines, give practical design rules (readability, brevity, consistency), not just "make it nice"; each specific, distinct point earns a mark.