WAEC Data Processing 2018 past questions

Checked by the Skolra question team · Last updated 15 October 2026

Ten questions from the 2018 WAEC Data Processing paper, with answers and explanations. We hold 40 questions from this paper, and the Skolra app has all of them.

WAEC Data Processing 2018 questions and answers

1. 1.A good computer maintenance practice entails
   1. A
      Ignoring all software updates
   2. B
      Regularly updating software and cleaning the system
      Correct
   3. C
      Overloading the power socket with many devices
   4. D
      Exposing the computer to dust and moisture
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   Answer: B

   Good maintenance practice involves regular cleaning and keeping software updated, unlike exposure to dust/moisture, overloading sockets, or ignoring updates which damage the system.
2. 2.The following are primary sources of information except
   1. A
      Textbook
      Correct
   2. B
      Original survey data
   3. C
      Eyewitness account
   4. D
      Personal interview
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   Answer: A

   Eyewitness accounts, personal interviews and original survey data are primary sources obtained firsthand; a textbook summarizes and interprets existing information, making it a secondary source.
3. 3.One advantage of indexed sequential file organization is that
   1. A
      It cannot be updated once created
   2. B
      It requires no index to locate records
   3. C
      It prevents any form of direct access
   4. D
      It allows both sequential and direct access to records
      Correct
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   Answer: D

   Indexed sequential file organization keeps records in sequence but also maintains an index, so records can be accessed sequentially or directly.
4. 4.Microprocessor was used as the main electronic component of the
   1. A
      Fourth generation computers
      Correct
   2. B
      First generation computers
   3. C
      Second generation computers
   4. D
      Third generation computers
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   Answer: A

   The microprocessor, which integrates the CPU onto a single chip, was the defining electronic component of fourth generation computers.
5. 5.While typing, a series of letters were highlighted and the keyboard key combination "Ctrl + B" was executed, the highlighted letters would be
   1. A
      Underlined
   2. B
      Deleted
   3. C
      Bolded
      Correct
   4. D
      Italicized
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   Answer: C

   The keyboard shortcut Ctrl + B applies bold formatting to highlighted text in word processors like Microsoft Word.
6. 6.The ICT application which helps to resolve road congestion at junctions is
   1. A
      Traffic light control system
      Correct
   2. B
      Teleconferencing
   3. C
      E-learning platform
   4. D
      E-commerce
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   Answer: A

   ICT-based traffic light control systems manage vehicle flow at junctions, helping to resolve road congestion.
7. 7.Identify an operating system from the following software
   1. A
      Microsoft Word
   2. B
      Microsoft Windows
      Correct
   3. C
      Microsoft Excel
   4. D
      CorelDraw
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   Answer: B

   Microsoft Windows is an operating system that manages hardware and software resources; the other options are application programs that run on top of an operating system.
8. 8.The main components of the central processing unit (CPU) of the computer are
   1. A
      Hard disk and RAM
   2. B
      Monitor and keyboard
   3. C
      Printer and scanner
   4. D
      Control unit and Arithmetic/Logic unit
      Correct
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   Answer: D

   The CPU's main components are the Control Unit, which directs operations, and the Arithmetic/Logic Unit, which performs calculations and logical comparisons.
9. 9.The proactive maintenance of computer equipment before a fault or failure occurs is called
   1. A
      Corrective maintenance
   2. B
      Preventive maintenance
      Correct
   3. C
      Emergency maintenance
   4. D
      Remedial maintenance
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   Answer: B

   Preventive maintenance is carried out proactively on a schedule to stop faults from occurring, unlike corrective or remedial maintenance which happens after a fault.
10. 10.Which of the following programs is a computer virus
    1. A
       Windows Media Player
    2. B
       I Love You
       Correct
    3. C
       Microsoft Word
    4. D
       CorelDraw
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer: B

    'I Love You' is a well-known computer worm/virus from the early 2000s; the other options are legitimate application software.

The questions come from past JAMB, WAEC and NECO papers. We use software to help write the answer options and explanations, and every answer is checked twice before it goes on the site. How we check

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Practise all 40 questions we hold from the 2018 paper, on a timed CBT screen

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