WAEC SSCE - Data Processing - 2016 (Essay and Test of Practical Work)

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(a)(i) Information transmission is the process of sending information (a message) from one point (the source) to another point (the destination) through a communication channel. The sender encodes the message into a signal, the signal travels along a transmission medium, and the receiver decodes the signal back into the original message.

A simple diagram of information transmission:

As shown above, the source/sender encodes the message into a signal; the transmission medium (channel) carries the signal to the far end; and the receiver/destination decodes the signal back into the original information.

(ii) One example of information transmission is sending an SMS text message over a GSM network (other valid examples include receiving radio or DSTV signals, printing a document, and classroom instruction).

(b)

(i) An example of a single-user single-tasking operating system is MS-DOS (also PC-DOS or Palm OS).

(ii) An example of a single-user multitasking operating system is Microsoft Windows (also Mac OS).

(iii) An example of a multi-user operating system is UNIX (also Linux, Xenix or VMS).

(c) Four features of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) are:

1. Windows - rectangular on-screen areas in which programs and documents are displayed, allowing several tasks to be viewed at once.
2. Icons - small pictures that represent files, folders, programs or commands, selected by clicking.
3. Menus - lists of commands or options from which the user chooses, removing the need to memorise typed commands.
4. Pointing device (mouse) - a point-and-click device used to move the on-screen pointer and select items.

(These four features are often remembered by the acronym WIMP: Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointer.)

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(a) Information processing is the manipulation of data or information using a computer or other electronic devices. It involves the input, processing, output, and storage of data. (b) The four steps involved in information processing are: 1. Input: This is the process of gathering and entering data into a computer or other electronic device. Input can be done through various methods, such as keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, or camera. 2. Processing: This is the stage where the computer or device analyzes, organizes, and manipulates the input data using algorithms and programming logic. Processing can involve tasks such as calculations, sorting, filtering, or searching for specific information. 3. Output: This is the stage where the processed data is presented to the user in a readable and usable format. Output can be in various forms, such as text, graphics, images, or sound. 4. Storage: This is the stage where the processed data is saved and stored for later use. Storage can be done on various devices, such as hard drives, flash drives, or cloud storage. (c) Three advantages of using computers for information processing are: 1. Speed: Computers can process large amounts of data quickly and efficiently, saving time and increasing productivity. 2. Accuracy: Computers are less prone to errors than manual processing, ensuring data accuracy and reducing the risk of mistakes. 3. Accessibility: Computers allow for easy and quick access to information, making it easier to share and collaborate with others. (d) Three disadvantages of using computers for information processing are: 1. Dependence: When relying on computers for information processing, there is a risk of system failure, which can lead to loss of data and disruption of work. 2. Security: Storing and processing sensitive information on computers can make it vulnerable to cyber-attacks and data breaches. 3. Cost: Computers and software required for information processing can be expensive, and ongoing maintenance and upgrades can add to the overall cost.

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(a) Data handling refers to the process of managing and processing data or information using various tools, techniques, and methods. (b) There are two main ways of handling data: 1. Manual data handling: This involves the use of paper-based systems, such as filing cabinets, folders, and index cards, to store, organize, and retrieve data. It also involves manual processing methods, such as counting, sorting, and analyzing data by hand. 2. Electronic data handling: This involves the use of computer-based systems, such as databases, spreadsheets, and data analytics software, to store, process, and analyze data. It also involves automated processing methods, such as using algorithms and machine learning to analyze and interpret data. (c) Four factors to consider when handling data electronically are: 1. Data security: It is important to ensure that data is stored and processed securely to prevent unauthorized access, theft, or loss. This can be achieved by implementing security measures such as encryption, access controls, and backups. 2. Data quality: It is important to ensure that data is accurate, complete, and consistent. This can be achieved by implementing data validation and verification processes, and by training staff on data entry and management best practices. 3. Data privacy: It is important to comply with data protection laws and regulations to protect the privacy of individuals whose data is being processed. This can be achieved by implementing policies and procedures for data collection, use, and sharing. 4. Data accessibility: It is important to ensure that data is easily accessible to authorized users when they need it. This can be achieved by implementing data sharing and collaboration tools, and by providing training and support to staff on how to access and use data.

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(a) Four qualities of a good computer professional are: 1. Technical expertise: A good computer professional should have a strong technical background and be knowledgeable in various areas such as programming languages, networking, databases, cybersecurity, and hardware. 2. Problem-solving skills: Computer professionals should be able to identify, analyze, and solve complex problems related to computer systems, software, and hardware. 3. Communication skills: Good computer professionals should be able to communicate technical information in a clear and understandable manner to non-technical people. 4. Adaptability: With technology constantly evolving, computer professionals must be adaptable and able to learn new skills and technologies quickly. (b) Four computer professional bodies in Nigeria are: 1. Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) 2. Nigerian Computer Society (NCS) 3. Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN) 4. Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) (c) (i) WiFi: WiFi stands for Wireless Fidelity. It is a technology that allows electronic devices to connect to the internet or other devices wirelessly using radio waves. It is commonly used in homes, businesses, and public places to provide wireless internet access. (ii) GUI: GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. It is a visual way for users to interact with software or electronic devices, allowing users to perform tasks by clicking on buttons, icons, and menus instead of typing commands. GUIs make it easier for non-technical users to use computers and software. Examples of GUIs include Windows, MacOS, and Android operating systems.

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(a) Steps for carrying out the following operations: (i) Creating a folder on the desktop: 1. Right-click on the desktop. 2. Select "New". 3. Select "Folder". 4. A new folder will be created on the desktop. (ii) Giving name to the folder: 1. Click on the newly created folder to select it. 2. Right-click on the folder and select "Rename". 3. Type the desired name for the folder and press "Enter" or click outside the folder to save the name. (iii) Sending a file from "My Documents" folder into the folder created in (i): 1. Open the "My Documents" folder. 2. Select the file you want to move to the newly created folder. 3. Click and hold the left mouse button on the file, drag it to the newly created folder on the desktop, and release the mouse button. (iv) Changing the name of the folder in (ii) to "RESULTS": 1. Click on the folder to select it. 2. Right-click on the folder and select "Rename". 3. Type "RESULTS" as the new name for the folder and press "Enter" or click outside the folder to save the name. (b) Answers to the questions: (i) The appropriate data type for: - Date of Birth: "*" which means "Date/Time" data type. - Fees Fields: "*" which means "Number" data type. (ii) Procedure to create a table with the fields as given above using design view and set the primary key and maximum character limit for fields: I. Open MS Access and click on "Blank Database". II. Name the database and select the location to save it. III. Click "Create". IV. Click on "Create" in the "Tables" section. V. Select "Design View" and click "OK". VI. In the first column, type "Full Name" and select "Text" as the data type. VII. In the second column, type "Mat. No." and select "Text" as the data type. VIII. In the third column, type "Date of Birth" and select "*" as the data type. IX. In the fourth column, type "Fees" and select "*" as the data type. X. In the fifth column, type "Address" and select "Memo" as the data type. XI. To set the Mat. No. field as the primary key, click on the field and then click on "Primary Key" in the "Design" tab. XII. To set the Full Name field to a maximum of 50 characters, click on the field and then set the "Field Size" property to "50" in the "Design" tab. Explanation: MS Access is a database management system that allows users to create and manage databases. To create a table with the given fields in design view, we first need to create a new database and then create a new table in the "Tables" section. We then select "Design View" to define the table structure and specify the data types for each field. Finally, we can set the primary key and maximum character limit for the fields by clicking on the respective fields and modifying their properties in the "Design" tab.

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This question tests two practical skills: writing spreadsheet formulas/functions in a program such as Microsoft Excel, and identifying the parts of a presentation program (Microsoft PowerPoint) from a screenshot. The exact cell addresses depend on the layout of the spreadsheet supplied in your paper, so match the column and row letters below to the actual positions of the names and subjects in your sheet.

Part (a): spreadsheet formulas

• (i) Total score in Mathematics. A total is a sum of a column (or row) of marks. If the Mathematics scores for all candidates run from cell C2 to C7, the formula is \( =SUM(C2:C7) \). Every spreadsheet formula must begin with an equals sign.
• (ii) Paul's average of four subjects (two possible formulas). Suppose Paul's four subject marks are in cells B2, C2, D2 and E2. You may use the dedicated function \( =AVERAGE(B2:E2) \), or compute it manually as \( =(B2+C2+D2+E2)/4 \). Both give the same result.
• (iii) Highest score in English. The function that returns the largest value in a range is MAX, for example \( =MAX(D2:D7) \).
• (iv) Vera's total in all subjects, result in H8. Click the cell H8, type an equals sign, then use the SUM function on Vera's row of subject marks, e.g. type \( =SUM(B8:G8) \) and press Enter. The total appears in H8.
• (v) Pass/fail on an average pass mark of 60. Use the IF function to test Etta's average. If Etta's average is in cell I6, then \( =IF(I6>=60,\text{"Passed"},\text{"Failed"}) \). The condition returns "Passed" when the average is 60 or more, otherwise "Failed".

Part (b): the application in the diagram

• (i) The application shown is a presentation program, Microsoft PowerPoint (the give-away is the slide, slide pane and the Insert tab).
• (ii) One use: to design and deliver a slide show for lectures, seminars or business presentations.
• (iii) To launch from a desktop shortcut: point to the PowerPoint shortcut icon on the desktop and double-click it (or right-click and select Open).
• (iv) Default slide: the Title slide (containing a title and subtitle placeholder).
• (v) and (vi) depend on the specific part labelled I in your diagram; a very common labelled control is Save, whose keyboard shortcut is Ctrl + S. Read the label in your paper before answering.
• (vii) Three functions of the Insert tab: insert a picture/image, insert a table, and insert a new slide (also shapes, charts, header and footer, or a text box).

Examination reminder: every spreadsheet entry that computes a value must start with \( = \), and you must quote a cell range (like C2:C7) not the words. Because the actual cell addresses come from the printed sheet, always substitute the real column letters and row numbers shown in your question.