JAMB Computer Science 2014
Questions & Answers

The fetch-decode-execute cycle is the process by which the CPU retrieves an instruction from memory, decodes it, and executes it, enabling program execution.

A trie is ideal for a spell checker as it efficiently stores and retrieves strings, enabling fast prefix-based word lookups.

CMOS stands for Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor, a technology used in chips like those storing BIOS settings.

MATLAB is widely used in scientific computing for numerical analysis, simulations, and data visualization.

Hexadecimal 2F is 2*16 + 15 = 32 + 15 = 47 in decimal.

CouchDB is a document-oriented NoSQL database, storing data as JSON documents, unlike Cassandra, HBase, or MySQL.

HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol, used for transferring web content between clients and servers.

Breadth-First Search (BFS) finds the shortest path in an unweighted graph by exploring nodes level by level.

Quick sort’s worst-case time complexity is O(n^2), occurring when the pivot selection results in highly unbalanced partitions.

A monitor is an output device, displaying data to the user, unlike scanners, mice, or keyboards, which are input devices.

The kernel is the core of an operating system, managing hardware, memory, and processes.

DNS (Domain Name System) resolves domain names (e.g., www.example.com) to IP addresses for network communication.

A surge protector safeguards a computer system from voltage spikes, preventing hardware damage.

C is a procedural programming language, focusing on step-by-step instructions, unlike Haskell, Java, or Prolog.

RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks, used for data redundancy and performance.

Quick Sort selects a pivot and partitions the array into elements smaller and larger than the pivot for sorting.

A default gateway routes traffic from a local network to external networks, typically a router’s IP address.

RAM is a primary storage device, providing fast, volatile memory for active processes, unlike secondary storage like HDD or USB.

RDBMS stands for Relational Database Management System, organizing data into structured tables.

Docker is a containerization platform for packaging applications, unlike Ansible, Terraform, or Puppet, which are automation tools.

A 'do-while' loop executes its code block at least once, then repeats while a condition is true.

Code compilation is handled by compilers, not the operating system, which manages processes, memory, and files.

A CDN distributes web content via geographically dispersed servers, reducing latency and improving access speed.

Ansible is a configuration management tool for automating system setups, unlike Git, Jenkins, or Kubernetes.

Decimal 42 is 2*16 + 10 = 2A in hexadecimal (A represents 10).

WannaCry is a ransomware attack that encrypts files and demands payment, unlike the other options, which are different attack types.

VLAN stands for Virtual Local Area Network, segmenting a physical network into logical networks for security and efficiency.

An adjacency list represents a graph using linked lists, where each vertex points to a list of adjacent vertices.

A 'continue' statement skips the current iteration of a loop and proceeds to the next iteration.

C++ is a compiled language, translated into machine code before execution, unlike interpreted languages like Python, JavaScript, or Ruby.

A repeater amplifies and regenerates network signals to extend the distance of a network.

PNG is a lossless image format, preserving all data without compression loss. JPEG is lossy, discarding data. BMP is lossless but produces large files, and GIF is lossless but limited to 256 colors, making PNG the preferred choice.

A lexical analyzer breaks source code into tokens (e.g., keywords, identifiers) for the compiler’s syntax analysis.

A doubly linked list has nodes with pointers to both the next and previous nodes, allowing bidirectional traversal.

POP3 stands for Post Office Protocol version 3, used for retrieving emails from a server.

TensorFlow is a deep learning framework for building neural networks, unlike Pandas, NumPy, or SciPy, which are data analysis libraries.

The CPU clock generates pulses to synchronize operations, ensuring components work in unison.

RTOS refers to real-time operating systems (e.g., VxWorks, FreeRTOS) designed for time-critical applications with predictable response times, unlike general-purpose systems like Windows 10, Ubuntu, or macOS.

RIP (Routing Information Protocol) is a distance-vector routing protocol for directing network traffic.

Polymorphism allows objects to take multiple forms, enabling flexible and reusable code in object-oriented programming.