JAMB Computer Studies 2025
Questions & Answers

One might mistakenly select the Arithmetic Logic Unit, Cache Memory, or Input/Output Unit, thinking all computer components handle data processing or storage equally. The Control Unit coordinates data flow between memory, CPU, and I/O devices, effectively managing how information moves through the system. Common mistake: confusing the data-routing role of the Control Unit with the computational tasks of the ALU.

A student might miscalculate the powers of two or make arithmetic errors, selecting numbers like 28, 30, or 31. By evaluating the binary expansion as (1 times 2 to the fourth) plus (1 times 2 cubed) plus (1 times 2 squared) plus (0 times 2 to the first) plus (1 times 2 to the zeroth), which equals 16 plus 8 plus 4 plus 0 plus 1, we arrive at the total of 29. Common mistake: incorrectly computing or skipping the positional value of zero-coefficient bits.

A student might guess the first, third, or fourth generation, assuming magnetic storage was standard throughout computing history. Second-generation computers utilized magnetic core memory for faster storage during the period spanning 1956 to 1963. Common mistake: confusing the memory technologies used across different computer generations.

One might mistakenly believe a parameter is used to store permanent data, debug the code, or compile the application. Parameters pass data to functions, enabling variable input processing during execution. Common mistake: confusing function parameters with persistent storage mechanisms or compilation tools.

A student might choose multimedia or design tools like Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft PowerPoint, or VLC Media Player, assuming they represent standard desktop applications. Sage serves specifically as accounting software designed for financial management. Common mistake: confusing general-purpose media and office tools with specialized financial software.

A candidate might mistakenly select binary-based or internal terms like Binary Input/Output Software, Basic Internal Operating System, or Binary Integrated Operating System. BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System, which initializes hardware during boot-up and supports OS runtime services. Common mistake: mixing up the words Basic and Binary or System and Software within the acronym.

One might choose alternative tags such as <image>, <pic>, or <src>, assuming the markup matches standard English words or attribute names directly. The <img> tag inserts images into a webpage, utilizing 'src' as an attribute to point to the file source. Common mistake: using the full word image or src as the tag name instead of the abbreviated img.

A student might incorrectly calculate the division or remainder, leading to options like 27, 29, or 2A. Dividing 40 by 16 yields 2 with a remainder of 8, making the hexadecimal equivalent 28. Common mistake: miscalculating the remainder or confusing decimal values with hexadecimal letter representations.

A student might select objects, event-driven execution, or data encapsulation, which are defining traits of object-oriented rather than procedural paradigms. Procedural languages rely on a sequence of instructions to execute tasks step-by-step. Common mistake: confusing procedural execution steps with object-oriented encapsulation principles.

One might mistakenly think an index is used for permanent data storage, data encryption, or establishing foreign key links between tables. Indexes improve data retrieval speed by enabling quick lookups. Common mistake: confusing performance-enhancing indexes with storage or security features.

A student might select flash drives, RAM, or cache memory, which rely on solid-state or volatile semiconductor technology instead of magnetism. Hard Disk Drives use magnetic storage to retain data. Common mistake: confusing solid-state flash storage with traditional magnetic spinning disks.

A candidate might pick network access, transmission, or authentication terms like Network Access Technology, Node Address Transmission, or Network Authentication Token. NAT stands for Network Address Translation, which maps private IPs to public IPs for internet sharing. Common mistake: confusing translation with general network access or security tokens.

A student might choose loops like while and for, or selection structures like switch, confusing iteration or multi-way branching with basic conditional execution. The if-else statement is a valid conditional structure used to evaluate conditions in Python. Common mistake: confusing conditional evaluation branches with looping constructs.

One might mistakenly believe a firewall stores data, routes data packets, or amplifies signals across a network. Firewalls filter traffic to block unauthorized access, thereby enhancing network security. Common mistake: confusing a security filter with a network router.

A candidate might select printers, speakers, or projectors, which are output hardware rather than entry points for user control. Touchscreens accept input via touch, serving dual input and output roles. Common mistake: confusing touch-based input surfaces with output-only display devices.

A student might pick terms involving data, debugging, or kernels such as System Data Kernel, Software Debugging Kit, or System Development Kernel. SDK stands for Software Development Kit, providing tools for developing platform-specific applications. Common mistake: mixing up development tools with kernel or debugging terminology.

One might choose alternative binary strings like 101101, 101110, or 101111 due to minor addition errors in binary conversion. The hexadecimal value 2C converts to a decimal value of 44, which equals 101100 in binary. Common mistake: miscalculating the binary place values for the hexadecimal digit C.

A student might select data duplication, redundancy, or encryption, assuming these processes protect database integrity. Normalization eliminates redundancy, preventing data anomalies. Common mistake: confusing data redundancy—which causes anomalies—with normalization, which eliminates it.

A candidate might choose shapes representing decisions, processes, or input/output tasks instead of manual operations. Trapezoids denote manual operations in flowcharts. Common mistake: confusing the manual operation trapezoid with rectangular process symbols.

A student might select FTP, HTTP, or SMTP, which handle file transfers, web traffic, or mail without built-in encryption by default. SFTP encrypts file transfers for enhanced security. Common mistake: confusing standard unencrypted file transfer protocols with their secure counterparts.