JAMB Computer Studies 2016
Questions & Answers

One might incorrectly select arithmetic results, input/output data, or memory allocation thinking of general register storage. The program counter stores the address of the next instruction in the fetch-decode-execute cycle. Common mistake: Confusing the instruction address with actual data values inside the CPU.

A student might mistakenly choose Queue, Tree, or Graph while thinking about data organization generally. A stack uses LIFO to manage browser history, enabling back navigation. Common mistake: Mixing up FIFO queues with LIFO stacks when considering web navigation mechanics.

Candidates could mistakenly pick System Runtime Memory, Sequential Read Module, or Synchronized Rapid Memory due to plausible-sounding terminology. SRAM stands for Static Random Access Memory, which is a fast, volatile memory used in cache. Common mistake: Confusing static RAM terminology with dynamic or secondary storage terms.

One might mistakenly choose Python, JavaScript, or PHP because they are popular programming languages. C offers low-level control and efficiency for embedded systems. Common mistake: Choosing high-level interpreted languages over low-level languages suited for hardware constraints.

A student might mistakenly select 1D, 1F, or 20 through incorrect base conversion math. Binary 11110 equals 30 decimal, which translates to 1E hexadecimal (1*16 + 14). Common mistake: Making calculation errors when converting binary values into hexadecimal notation.

Learners might mistakenly pick MongoDB, Redis, or SQLite, which represent document, key-value, or relational databases respectively. Cassandra is a wide-column NoSQL database for large-scale data. Common mistake: Grouping all NoSQL databases together without recognizing wide-column architectures like Cassandra.

It is easy to mistakenly select Computer Graphics Integration, Centralized Gateway Instruction, or Coded Graphical Interface based on acronym guessing. CGI enables web servers to interface with external applications, standing for Common Gateway Interface. Common mistake: Assuming CGI refers to visual graphics rather than server-side interfaces.

Students might mistakenly choose Kruskal’s, Binary Search, or Insertion Sort, which handle minimum spanning trees, searching, or sorting instead. Ford-Fulkerson finds maximum flow using augmenting paths. Common mistake: Confusing graph flow algorithms with minimum spanning tree algorithms.

One might mistakenly choose O(1), O(n^2), or O(log n) when guessing traversal efficiencies. DFS uses O(n) space for the recursion stack. Common mistake: Underestimating the memory overhead required by recursive stack frames in depth-first search.

A student might mistakenly select a Printer, Monitor, or Speaker, which are standard output peripherals. Fingerprint scanners capture biological data for authentication. Common mistake: Confusing general computer peripherals with specialized biometric input technology.

Candidates could mistakenly choose to increase processor speed, compile programs, or design interfaces. Virtual memory extends RAM using hard drive space. Common mistake: Believing virtual memory accelerates processor speeds rather than expanding available working memory.

One might mistakenly select FTP, HTTP, or SMTP, which handle file transfers, web pages, and email respectively. NTP synchronizes clocks across networks. Common mistake: Confusing time synchronization protocols with standard file or web transfer protocols.

It is plausible to mistakenly think the power supply cools the system, stores data, or manages networks. It converts AC to DC for component power. Common mistake: Confusing the power supply unit's electrical conversion role with cooling fans.

Learners might mistakenly pick C++, Java, or Python, which are imperative or object-oriented languages. SQL specifies data retrieval without procedural details, making it declarative. Common mistake: Failing to distinguish between procedural programming languages and declarative query languages.

A student might mistakenly choose System Storage Device, Sequential Storage Disk, or Static System Drive by guessing alternative expansions. SSD uses flash memory for fast storage, standing for Solid State Drive. Common mistake: Substituting standard drive terminology into the correct acronym.

Students might mistakenly select Bubble Sort, Merge Sort, or Quick Sort while thinking of alternative sorting methods. Selection Sort picks the smallest element each iteration. Common mistake: Confusing the element-selection mechanism of selection sort with partitioning or merging strategies.

Students might mistakenly choose C or D because storing packets and assigning IP addresses are common networking tasks handled by other devices like routers or switches, making them sound plausible. By looking at the core function of safeguarding digital environments, we see that network defense relies on stopping illicit entries. Therefore, security is maintained when unauthorized traffic is blocked. Common mistake: Confusing a security gateway with a router that assigns IP addresses.

Students might select A, B, or D because RAM, SSDs, and cache are all common hardware components involved in data storage or memory. However, considering the hierarchy of data preservation, memory tiers move from fast volatile memory to massive long-term repositories. Archival storage requirements point specifically to this high-capacity, long-term medium. Common mistake: Confusing internal volatile memory or solid-state drives with archival media.

A student might incorrectly choose B, C, or D because terms like remote, system, or service sound like they fit a networking protocol context. If we examine how distributed software systems communicate over the web, they rely on a particular architectural design. This design governs how web applications interact using stateless operations. Common mistake: Confusing this architecture style with unrelated telecommunication terminals.

A student could mistakenly choose B, C, or D because Docker, Jenkins, and Kubernetes are all major tools used in modern software development and deployment pipelines. However, when evaluating systems built specifically for handling immense workloads, a dedicated distributed platform is required. Efficiency in managing massive datasets is achieved through this specific platform. Common mistake: Confusing a data framework with container orchestration tools like Kubernetes.