Computer - I : Previous Year Questions (2018)

2018

Time: 3 Hours

Max Marks: 50

PART – A

Answer the following questions in one sentence each. Each question carries 1 mark. (10 x 1 = 10)

Q1. What is Instruction Set?

Ans. A Instruction Set (or Instruction Set Architecture - ISA) is a complete set of commands or operations (instructions) that a specific Central Processing Unit (CPU) or processor can understand and execute.

Q2. Define OOPs.

Ans. OOPs (Object-Oriented Programming) is a programming paradigm that organizes software design around data (objects) rather than functions and logic, using concepts like classes, inheritance, and encapsulation.

Q3. What is Information System?

Ans. An Information system is a combination of hardware and software and telecommunication networks that people build to collect, create and distribute useful data, typically in an organization. It defines the flow of information within the system. The objective of an information system is to provide appropriate information to the user, to gather the data, process the data and communicate information to the user of the system.

Q4. Name any two email protocols.

Ans. Two common email protocols are SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) for sending emails and IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) or POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3) for receiving emails. 

Q5. What is Network Hub?

Ans. A hub is a physical layer networking device which is used to connect multiple devices in a network. They are generally used to connect computers in a LAN.

A hub has many ports in it. A computer which intends to be connected to the network is plugged into one of these ports. When a data frame arrives at a port, it is broadcast to every other port, without considering whether it is destined for a particular destination or not.

Q6. Define Anchor Tag.

Ans. An Anchor Tag (< a >) is an HTML element used to create a hyperlink, allowing users to navigate from one web page or document to another, or to a different section within the same page.

Q7. What is macro in MS-Excel?

Ans. A macro in MS-Excel is a series of recorded commands, clicks, and keystrokes that can be saved and run later to automate a repetitive task or sequence of actions with a single execution.

Q8. Define template in PowerPoint.

Ans. A template in PowerPoint is a pre-designed pattern or blueprint of a presentation that includes specific layouts, fonts, colour schemes, background styles, and placeholder text, providing a consistent and professional starting point for creating new slides.

Q9. What is Thesaurus?

Ans. A Thesaurus in a computer application (like a word processor) is a software tool that provides a list of synonyms (words with similar meanings) and sometimes antonyms (words with opposite meanings) for a selected word.

Q10. Define Program.

Ans. A Program (or computer program) is a set of sequential instructions written in a programming language that tells a computer how to perform a specific task or operation.

PART – B

Answer the following questions in 4-5 lines each. Each question carries 4 marks. (4 x 4 = 16)

Q11. Explain various types of Internet Connections.

Ans. The various types of internet connections primarily differ in the physical medium they use to transmit data and the speed/reliability they offer.

1. Fiber Optic Internet (FTTH - Fiber to the Home)

1. Medium: Uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data as light signals.
2. Features: Currently the fastest and most reliable connection, offering symmetrical speeds (equal upload and download). It is highly resistant to interference.

2. Cable Internet

1. Medium: Uses the same coaxial cables that deliver cable television.
2. Features: Provides fast speeds, often up to 1 Gbps. However, the bandwidth is shared among neighbors, which can lead to slowdowns during peak usage hours.

3. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

1. Medium: Uses the existing copper telephone lines already installed in homes.
2. Features: A widely available and generally reliable option. Its main drawback is that speed decreases significantly the further the location is from the provider's central office.

4. Satellite Internet

1. Medium: Transmits signals to and from a dish on Earth to a satellite orbiting the planet.
2. Features: Best for remote or rural areas where wired connections are unavailable. It is generally the slowest due to high latency (delay) and can be affected by severe weather.

5. Mobile/Cellular Internet (4G/5G)

1. Medium: Uses radio waves transmitted via cellular towers.
2. Features: Provides internet access to mobile devices and can be used for fixed wireless home internet. 5G is the latest generation, offering very high speeds and low latency, making it competitive with traditional broadband in some areas.

Q12. Differentiate between Absolute and Relative Reference.

Ans. The primary difference between absolute and relative references in MS Excel is how they behave when a formula is copied or filled to other cells.  

Q13. Compare the important characteristics of Satellite Communication and OFC.

Ans.

Q14. What is Chart? How to create a chart with and without using a wizard?

Ans. A Chart (or Graph) is a graphical representation of data, typically numerical data, in a worksheet. Its purpose is to present information in a visual format that makes it easier to understand, analyse, and compare trends, patterns, and relationships within large sets of data more quickly than by looking at the raw numbers.

Common types include Bar Charts, Line Charts, Pie Charts, and Column Charts.

1. Creating a Chart Without a Wizard (Quick Method)

This is the fastest method, utilizing modern software's ability to automatically guess the appropriate chart type and settings.

i. Select Data: Highlight the range of cells that contains the data (including the column and row headings) you want to visualize.

ii. Use Shortcut/Insert: Press the keyboard shortcut key (e.g., Alt + F1 in Excel) or navigate to the Insert tab on the Ribbon.

iii. Choose Chart: Click on the specific chart icon (e.g., Column, Line, Pie) you want.

iv. Result: The chart is immediately created and embedded on the current worksheet with default formatting. You then customize it using the Chart Tools/Design/Format tabs.

2. Creating a Chart Using a Wizard (Step-by-Step Method)

The Chart Wizard (or the modern equivalent, Recommended Charts or Chart Dialogue Box) is a set of guided steps that allows the user to precisely control every aspect of the chart creation process.

i. Select Data: Highlight the range of data cells you wish to use.

ii. Start Wizard: Go to the Insert tab and select an option like Recommended Charts or All Charts.

iii. Step 1: Chart Type: Choose the desired Chart Type (e.g., Column, Line) and a specific subtype.

iv. Step 2: Source Data: Review and confirm the Data Range and specify if the data series should be plotted by Rows or Columns.

v. Step 3: Chart Options: Add essential elements like the Chart Title, Axis Titles (X and Y axes), Legend position, and Gridlines.

vi. Step 4: Chart Location: Specify whether the chart should be inserted as an Embedded Object on the current sheet or placed on a New Sheet (Chart Sheet).

vii. Finish: Click Finish (or OK) to generate the customized chart.

PART – C

Answer the following questions in 400 words each. Attempt any three. Each question carries 8 marks. (3 x 8 = 24)

Q15. Write down the steps for the following:

1. How to perform unlock operation on a cell?
2. How to protect a worksheet?
3. How to insert caption in your image?
4. How to create cross-referencing in word 2013?

Ans.

1. How to Perform Unlock Operation on a Cell:

By default, all cells in an Excel worksheet are set to be Locked. The lock only takes effect after you protect the worksheet. To allow specific cells to be edited while the rest of the sheet is protected, you must unlock them first.

1. Select Cells: Select the specific cell(s) or range of cells you wish to unlock.
2. Open Format Cells: Right-click the selected cells and choose Format Cells, or press the shortcut key Ctrl + 1.
3. Go to Protection Tab: In the Format Cells dialog box, click on the Protection tab.
4. Unlock: Uncheck the box next to Locked.
5. Confirm: Click OK.
6. Apply Protection (Crucial Step): The cells are now unlocked, but the change will only take effect when you Protect the Worksheet.

2. How to protect a worksheet:

Protecting a worksheet prevents users from making accidental or unauthorized changes to the contents, structure, or formatting of the sheet.

1. Go to Review Tab: Click on the Review tab on the Ribbon.
2. Select Protect Sheet: In the Protect group, click the Protect Sheet button.
3. Set Options: A dialog box will appear. You can:
4. Set a Password (optional but recommended) to unprotect the sheet.
5. Specify Actions Allowed: Check the boxes for the actions you want users to be able to perform (e.g., Select unlocked cells, Format cells).
6. Confirm: Click OK. If you entered a password, you will be prompted to re-enter it for confirmation.

3. How to insert a caption in your image:

Inserting a caption provides a title and sequence number for a figure or image, which is essential for professional documents and creating a Table of Figures.

1. Select Image: Click on the image or figure in your document to select it.
2. Right-Click: Right-click the selected image.
3. Insert Caption: Choose Insert Caption... from the context menu.
4. Customize Caption: In the Caption dialog box:
5. The Caption text box shows the default caption (e.g., Figure 1). You can type your descriptive text after the automatically generated label and number.
6. Use the Label dropdown to choose the type of item (e.g., Figure, Table, Equation).
7. Use Numbering... to change the format or include chapter numbers.
8. Confirm: Click OK. The caption will appear below the image.

4. How to create cross-referencing in word 2013:

Cross-referencing allows you to link to other parts of the document, such as a specific heading, table, or figure, making the reference dynamic. If the destination item number/page changes, the cross-reference automatically updates.

1. Ensure Destinations Exist: Make sure the item you want to refer to (e.g., Figure 1, Table 2, Heading 3) is already created in your document and is properly formatted (e.g., using Word's built-in styles or captions).
2. Place Cursor: Move the cursor to the exact spot in the text where you want to insert the reference (e.g., "See Figure...").
3. Go to References Tab: Click on the References tab on the Ribbon.
4. Cross-Reference Button: In the Captions group, click the Cross-reference button.
5. Set Reference Type: In the dialog box:
6. In the Reference type dropdown, select the category of the item you want to refer to (e.g., Figure, Heading, Table).
7. Set Insert As: In the Insert reference to dropdown, select what information you want to display (e.g., Only label and number, Page number, Heading number).
8. Select Item: From the list below, click on the specific item you want to reference (e.g., "Figure 1: Sales Trends").
9. Insert: Click Insert, and then Close the dialog box. The dynamic reference is now in your document.

Q16. Explain about the different types of transmission media in computer networks.

Communication medium refers to the physical channel through which data is sent and received. The speed of data transmission or data rate depends upon the type of medium being used in the network.

Mediums of data communication can be classified as Wired and Wireless: -

1. Wired – it is the transmission used in which signals are confined to a specific path using wires or cables. It is also referred to as Guided or Bounded Transmission media. Its features include:

1. High Speed
2. Secure
3. Used for comparatively shorter distances

Types of Wired Media are as follows: -

a. Twisted Pair Cable – It consists of 2 separately insulated conductor wires wound about each other. Generally, several such pairs are bundled together in a protective sheath. They are the most widely used Transmission Media.

Twisted pair is of two types:

i. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) – This type of cable has the ability to block interference and does not depend on a physical shield for this purpose. It is used for telephonic applications.

Its advantages include:

1. Cheap
2. Easy to install
3. High speed capacity

Its disadvantages include:

1. Susceptible to external interference
2. Lower capacity and performance in comparison to STP
3. Short distance transmission due to attenuation

ii. Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) – This type of cable consists of a special jacket to block external interference. It is used in fast-data-rate Ethernet and in voice and data channels of telephone lines.

Its advantages include:

1. Better performance at a higher data rate in comparison to UTP
2. Eliminates crosstalk
3. Comparatively faster

Its disadvantages include:

1. Comparatively difficult to install and manufacture
2. More expensive
3. Bulky

b. Coaxial Cable – it is called coaxial as it contains two conductors that are parallel to each other. It is surrounded by PVC installations.

There are two types of coaxial cables: Baseband (dedicated cable bandwidth) and Broadband (cable bandwidth is split into several ranges). Cable TVs and analogue television networks widely use Coaxial cables.

Advantages of Coaxial Cable include:

1. Bandwidth is high.
2. Much higher noise immunity.
3. Data transmission without distortion.
4. Inexpensive.

Disadvantages of Coaxial Cable include:

1. Difficult to install.
2. Single cable failure can fail entire network.

c. Optical Fibre – these are similar to coaxial cable. It uses electric signals to transmit data. It has bandwidth more than 2 GBPS. It is used for transmission of large volumes of data.

Advantages of Optical Fibre include:

1. High Quality Transmission
2. High Speed
3. Used for both analogue and digital signals
4. No electromagnetic interference

Disadvantages of Optical Fibre include:

1. It is expensive.
2. Difficult to install.
3. Maintenance is expensive.
4. Unidirectional, i.e., will need another fibre, if we need bidirectional communication.

2. Wireless – wireless media send the data through air, which is available to everyone who has a device capable of receiving them. media. No physical medium is required for the transmission of electromagnetic signals. It is also referred to as Unguided or Unbounded Transmission media.

Its features include:

1. Signal is broadcasted through air
2. Less Secure
3. Used for larger distances

Types of wireless media are as follows: -

a. Microwaves – It is a line of sight transmission i.e. the sending and receiving antennas need to be properly aligned with each other. The distance covered by the signal is directly proportional to the height of the antenna. Frequency Range: 1GHz – 300GHz. These are majorly used for mobile phone communication and television distribution.

b. Radio Waves – These are easy to generate and can penetrate through buildings. The sending and receiving antennas need not be aligned. Frequency Range: 3 KHz – 1GHz. AM and FM radios and cordless phones use Radio waves for transmission. Further Categorized as: Terrestrial and Satellite.

c. Infrared – Infrared waves are used for very short distance communication. They cannot penetrate through obstacles. This prevents interference between systems. Frequency Range: 300GHz – 400THz. It is used in TV remotes, wireless mouse, keyboard, printer, etc.

Q17. Describe the development of programming languages and classify them based on their structures and their applications.

Ans. A language is a system of communication. A programming language is a formal constructed language designed to communicate instruction to a machine, particularly a computer. In the earlier computers, low level languages like machine language and assembly language were used. Nowadays, high level languages are used.

Evolution of Programming Language:

Evolution of programming language can be seen as: -

1. First Generation (1940-50) –
2. Machine Language

1. Second Generation (1950-58) –
2. Assembly Language

1. Third Generation (1958-85) –
2. COBOL
3. FORTRAN
4. BASIC
5. PL/I

1. Fourth Generation (1985 onwards) –
2. C
3. C++
4. ALGOL
5. Oracle
6. Java
7. SQL

Low Level Languages:

Low level languages can be classified as: -

1. Machine Language –

All digital computers work on the basics of binary numbers (0 and 1). The instructions given in binary numbers, which the computer understands are called the ‘machine Code’ or ‘Machine Language’. Machine language is the basic language but programming in this language is very difficult and time consuming. It is the only language which the computer understands without translation. Programmes written in machine language can only be used on the computer model for which that language is written. That’s why this language is called machine-oriented. It is rarely used for programming nowadays.

Merits of Machine Language –

1. Efficient use of storage: language instructions and their storage in computer memory can be controlled.
2. Instructions of a machine language program are immediately executable. They require no compilation or translation steps.
3. Machine language instructions can be used to manipulate the individual bits in a byte of computer storage.

Demerits of Machine Language –

1. Machine language is machine dependent.
2. Although easily used by the computer, a machine language is difficult to program. It is necessary for the programmer either to memorise the dozens of code numbers for the commands in the machine’s instructions set or to constantly refer to a reference card.
3. It is difficult to correct or modify machine language programs. To locate errors is about as tedious as writing them initially.

2. Assembly Language –

The language which substitutes letters and symbols for the numbers in the machine program is called an ‘assembly language’ or ‘symbolic language’.

Assembly Code / Symbolic Programs: a program written in symbolic language that uses symbols instead of numbers is called an ‘assembly code’.

Assembler: the translator program that translates an assembly code into the computer’s machine code is called an assembler. It is a system program which is supplied by the computer manufacturer. It is called ‘assembler’ because in addition to translating the assembly code into machine code, it also assembles the machine code into the main memory of the computer.

Source Program: a symbolic program written by a programmer in assembly language is called source program.

Object Program: after the source program has been converted into machine language by an assembler, it is referred to as an object program.

Merits of Assembly Language:

1. It is not required to keep track of memory locations.
2. It is efficient in terms of execution and main memory usage.
3. Revision of complete program is quite easy.
4. Requires fewer instructions to accomplish the same result.
5. Assembly language programs are easier for people to modify than machine language program.

Demerits of Assembly Language:

1. Programs cannot be executed on small size computers.
2. It takes longer to code because of the more complex nature of language.
3. Lack of portability of programs between computers of different makes.

High Level Languages:

High level languages were developed to overcome the limitations of low level languages. They are not machine dependent. They are problem oriented. Instructions given in high level languages are known as statements. BASIC, PASCAL, ALGOL, C are the primary high level languages.

High level languages can be classified as: -

1. ALGOL (Algorithmic Language)
2. BASIC (Beginners All Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code)
3. FORTRAN (Formula Translations)
4. COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language)
5. PL/1 (Programming Language/1)
6. C Language

Merits of High Level Languages –

1. Machine Independence: high level languages are machine independent. There is no need of rewriting programs if computers are changed or used of another manufacturer.

2. Easy to learn and use: very similar to languages normally used by us in our day to day life.

3. Fewer Errors: since the programmer need not write all the small steps carried out by the computer, he is much less likely to make an error.

4. It is more user friendly.

Demerits of High Level languages –

1. Lack of Flexibility: because of automatic features of high level languages and not under the control of programmer, they are less flexible than assembly languages.

2. Slow functioning: runs slower due to generality of statements. These are machine independent.

3. Lower Efficiency: as high level languages take more time to run and require more main storage, they are less efficient in the use of CPU and other facilities.

Object Oriented Languages:

Object-oriented languages are programming languages that follow the object-oriented programming (OOP) paradigm. This paradigm centres around the concept of "objects," which are instances of "classes." Objects encapsulate both data (attributes) and the functions that operate on that data (methods).

Fourth generation languages are non-procedural and object oriented in which the programmer has to instruct what to do and what not to do. With the help of these languages, programs can be developed easily.

Common Object Oriented Languages are –

1. C++: this language is developed from C language. It was developed in 1983. Although it is an object oriented language, still it has the attributes for structured programming.

2. JAVA: it was developed by Sun Micro Systems of USA. It is mostly used for internet applications. It requires JAVA compiler in the computer.

3. Oracle: it was developed by Oracle Corporation, USA. It is a non-procedural language related to RDBM (Relational Database Management System). SQL (Structured Query Language is used in Oracle.

4. SQL (Structured Query Language): it is used for database packages like Oracle, Sybase etc. it allows the easy access of the required data from database. Database editing, updating, management has been made quite easy through SQL.

Q18. Explain various types of Information systems.

Ans. An Information system is a combination of hardware and software and telecommunication networks that people build to collect, create and distribute useful data, typically in an organization. It defines the flow of information within the system. The objective of an information system is to provide appropriate information to the user, to gather the data, process the data and communicate information to the user of the system.

Components of the information system are as follows: 

1. Computer Hardware:

Physical equipment used for input, output and processing. The hardware structure depends upon the type and size of the organization. It consists of an input and an output device, operating system, processor, and media devices. This also includes computer peripheral devices. 

2. Computer Software:

The programs/ application program used to control and coordinate the hardware components. It is used for analysing and processing of the data. These programs include a set of instruction used for processing information. 

Software is further classified into 3 types: 

1. System Software
2. Application Software
3. Procedures

3. Databases:

Data are the raw facts and figures that are unorganized that are later processed to generate information. Software is used for organizing and serving data to the user, managing physical storage of media and virtual resources. As the hardware can’t work without software the same as software needs data for processing. Data are managed using Database management system. Database software is used for efficient access for required data, and to manage knowledge bases. 

4. Network: 

Networks resources refer to the telecommunication networks like the intranet, extranet and the internet. These resources facilitate the flow of information in the organization. Networks consists of both the physical devices such as networks cards, routers, hubs and cables and software such as operating systems, web servers, data servers and application servers. Telecommunications networks consist of computers, communications processors, and other devices interconnected by communications media and controlled by software. Networks include communication media, and Network Support.

5. Human Resources:

It is associated with the manpower required to run and manage the system. People are the end user of the information system, end-user use information produced for their own purpose, the main purpose of the information system is to benefit the end user. The end user can be accountants, engineers, salespersons, customers, clerks, or managers etc. People are also responsible to develop and operate information systems. They include systems analysts, computer operators, programmers, and other clerical IS personnel, and managerial techniques.

Levels of Information System:

A typical organization is divided into operational, middle, and upper level. The information requirements for users at each level differ. Towards that end, there are number of information systems that support each level in an organization.

Organizational levels and information requirements:

Understanding the various levels of an organization is essential to understand the information required by the users who operate at their respective levels.

1. Operational Management Level –

1. The operational level is concerned with performing day to day business transactions of the organization.
2. Examples of users at this level of management include cashiers at a point of sale, bank tellers, nurses in a hospital, customer care staff, etc.
3. Users at this level use make structured decisions. This means that they have defined rules that guides them while making decisions.

2. Tactical Management Level –

1. This organization level is dominated by middle-level managers, heads of departments, supervisors, etc. The users at this level usually oversee the activities of the users at the operational management level.
2. Tactical users make semi-structured decisions. The decisions are partly based on set guidelines and judgmental calls.
3. As an example, a tactical manager can check the credit limit and payments history of a customer and decide to make an exception to raise the credit limit for a particular customer.
4. The decision is partly structured in the sense that the tactical manager has to use existing information to identify a payments history that benefits the organization and an allowed increase percentage.

3. Strategic Management Level –

This is the most senior level in an organization. The users at this level make unstructured decisions. Senior level managers are concerned with the long-term planning of the organization. They use information from tactical managers and external data to guide them when making unstructured decisions.

Types of Information System:

Information Systems are classified by organisational levels, mode of data processing, system objectives and type of support provided.

Following are the types of information system:

1. Transaction Processing System (TPS) –

1. Transaction Processing System are information system that processes data resulting from the occurrences of business transactions.
2. Their objectives are to provide transaction in order to update records and generate reports i.e., to perform store keeping function.
3. The transaction is performed in two ways: Batching processing and Online transaction processing.
4. Example: Bill system, payroll system, Stock control system.

2. Management Information System (MIS) –

1. Management Information System is designed to take relatively raw data available through a Transaction Processing System and convert them into a summarized and aggregated form for the manager, usually in a report format. It reports tending to be used by middle management and operational supervisors.
2. Many different types of report are produced in MIS. Some of the reports are a summary report, on-demand report, ad-hoc reports and an exception report.
3. Example: Sales management systems, Human resource management system.

3. Decision Support System (DSS) –

1. Decision Support System is an interactive information system that provides information, models and data manipulation tools to help in making the decision in a semi-structured and unstructured situation.
2. Decision Support System comprises tools and techniques to help in gathering relevant information and analyse the options and alternatives, the end user is more involved in creating DSS than an MIS.
3. Example: Financial planning systems, Bank loan management systems.

4. Expert System –

1. Expert systems include expertise in order to aid managers in diagnosing problems or in problem-solving. These systems are based on the principles of artificial intelligence research.
2. Experts Systems is a knowledge-based information system. It uses its knowledge about a specific area to act as an expert consultant to users.
3. Knowledgebase and software modules are the components of an expert system. These modules perform inference on the knowledge and offer answers to a user’s question.