Computer - I : Previous Year Questions (2019)

2019

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 Master Slide?

Ans. A Master Slide (or Slide Master) is the top slide in a presentation's hierarchy that stores information about the theme and layout of the presentation, including the background, font styles, placeholder sizes and positions, and colour scheme. It acts as a global design template so that any changes made to the Master Slide are automatically applied to every slide based on that master, ensuring consistency throughout the presentation.

Q2. What is Chart in MS-Excel?

Ans. A Chart in MS-Excel is a graphical representation of data from a worksheet. It is a powerful tool used to visualize numerical data in formats like bars, lines, or slices, making it much easier to analyse, understand, and compare trends and patterns at a glance.

Q3. What is Spreadsheet?

Ans. An electronic spreadsheet is a computer program that organizes data in a grid of rows and columns, allowing users to store, analyse, and calculate numerical and textual information using formulas and functions. These digital worksheets act as interactive tables for managing large datasets and performing complex analyses.

Common examples include: Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.

Q4. What is Word Processor?

Ans. A Word Processor is an application software used for creating, editing, formatting, and printing text documents. It provides tools to easily manipulate text, adjust the layout, and enhance the document with features like images and tables (e.g., Microsoft Word).

Q5. Mention any four data types used in MS-Excel.

Ans. The four primary data types used in MS-Excel are:

1. Number: Any numerical value, including integers, decimals, currency, and percentages. (e.g., 100, 3.14, $5.00)
2. Text: Any string of characters, including letters, symbols, or numbers that won't be used in calculations (like an ID number or phone number). (e.g., "Product Name", A123)
3. Date/Time: Values formatted to represent specific dates and times. (e.g., 17-Nov-2025, 1:30 PM)
4. Logical (Boolean):The result of a test or comparison, which can only be TRUE or FALSE.

Q6. Define Animation.

Ans. An animation effect is a pre-set visual effect that can be applied to the text or objects in a slide. During the slide show, the slide appears on the screen one after the other.

Various animation styles available in PowerPoint are Fly In, Float In, Wipe, None etc.

Q7. What is the role of System Administrator?

Ans. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks. They organize, install, and support an organization's computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems.

Q8. Define the elements of Data Communication.

Ans. The five essential elements of Data Communication are:

1. Sender (Source):The device that originates the data message.
2. Receiver (Destination):The device that accepts the message.
3. Medium (Transmission Medium):The physical path used for data transfer.
4. Message: The actual data or information being communicated.
5. Protocol: A set of rules that govern and define how data is transmitted and received.

Q9. What is the role of Protocol?

Ans. A set of rules that govern the communication process. Protocols define the format, timing, sequencing, and error-control procedures for the data exchange. They are essential for ensuring that the sender and receiver can understand each other. A common example is the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).

Q10. Name any two Input Devices.

Ans. Keyboard and Microphone.

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 network connections.

Ans. The various types of network connections are broadly categorized based on the transmission medium (wired or wireless) and the geographic area they cover (scope).

1. Based on Transmission Medium

A. Wired Connections

Wired connections use physical cables to transfer data, offering a dedicated and often more reliable link.

1. Ethernet: The most common standard for wired Local Area Networks (LANs). It uses twisted-pair cables (like Cat5e or Cat6) to connect devices to routers or switches, offering high speed, stability, and lower latency.
2. Fiber Optic: Uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data via pulses of light. This provides the highest bandwidth and fastest speeds over long distances, making it ideal for large-scale data transfer and the internet backbone.
3. Coaxial Cable: A cable with a central conductor surrounded by an insulator and a braided shield. It is commonly used for cable television and was historically used in certain types of LANs.

B. Wireless Connections

Wireless connections use radio waves (or sometimes infrared) to transmit data through the air, providing flexibility and mobility.

1. Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity): The standard for a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). It uses radio waves to connect devices to a wireless router or access point. It offers convenience and mobility but can be subject to interference and generally has a lower speed and higher latency than a comparable wired connection.
2. Cellular: Technologies like 4G and 5G use cell towers to provide network access to mobile devices over a wide area. They enable internet access on the go.
3. Bluetooth: A short-range wireless technology used to create a Personal Area Network (PAN) for connecting nearby devices like headsets, keyboards, and printers.

2. Based on Geographical Area (Scope)

1. PAN (Personal Area Network): Connects devices within the range of an individual (typically up to 10 meters).
2. Example: Connecting a Bluetooth headset to a smartphone.

1. LAN (Local Area Network): Connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area (e.g., a home, office building, or school). It is characterized by high data transfer rates.
2. Example: All computers in a single-floor office connected via Ethernet.

1. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Connects LANs over a city-wide area. It is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, often connecting multiple branch offices within a single city.
2. Example: A cable TV network spanning a city.

1. WAN (Wide Area Network): Connects networks over a large geographical area, such as across states, countries, or even the globe. The Internet is the largest WAN.
2. Example: Connecting a company's headquarters in New York with its branch office in London.

Q12. Differentiate between System and Application Software.

Ans. The fundamental difference between System Software and Application Software lies in their purpose and function within a computer system.

Q13. Differentiate between function and formula in MS-Excel.

Ans. While both Formulas and Functions are used in MS-Excel for calculations, they represent two distinct concepts. A Formula is the core expression, and a Function is a predefined tool used within that expression.

Q14. Explain the layout of an HTML document.

Ans. A typical HTML document will have the following structure:

Document declaration tag

<html>

<head>

Document header related tags

</head>

<body>

Document body related tags

</body>

</html>

Basic Structure of an HTML Document:

In its simplest form, following is an example of an HTML document:

<!DOCTYPE html>

<html>

<head>

<title>This is document title</title>

</head>

<body>

<h1>This is a heading</h1>

<p>Document content goes here.....</p>

</body>

</html>

Note: HTML is not case sensitive. <HTML> and <html>, both are same.

PART – C

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

Q15. Describe the various types of networks with suitable diagram.

Ans. A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.

Depending upon the geographical area covered by a network, it is classified as:

1. Local Area Network (LAN)
2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
4. Personal Area Network (PAN)
5. Wireless Network
6. Inter Network

1. Local Area Network (LAN) –

1. A LAN is a network that is used for communicating among computer devices, usually within an office building or home.
2. LAN’s enable the sharing of resources such as files or hardware devices that may be needed by multiple users.
3. It is limited in size, typically spanning a few hundred meters, and no more than a mile.
4. Requires little wiring, typically a single cable connecting to each device.
5. Has lower cost compared to MAN’s or WAN’s.
6. LAN’s can be either wired or wireless. Twisted pair, coax or fibre optic cable can be used in wired LAN’s.
7. Every LAN uses a protocol – a set of rules that governs how packets are configured and transmitted.
8. Nodes in a LAN are linked together with a certain topology. These topologies include: Bus, Ring and Star topologies.
9. LANs are capable of very high transmission rates (100s Mb/s to G b/s).

Applications of LAN:

Some common applications of LAN are: -

1. Connected Devices (Home Network) - Smartphones, computers, smart TVs, and printers can all communicate with each other and share an internet connection within a single home. Smart home devices like lights, thermostats, and security cameras are connected to the home LAN. 

1. Resource Sharing (Office Network) - LANs enable employees to share expensive resources like laser printers, software licenses, and network servers. They facilitate file sharing, centralized data storage, and access to local applications, improving teamwork and productivity. 

1. Resource Access (Education Network) - LANs connect classrooms, libraries, and administrative offices to share educational materials, databases, and internet access. They provide a high-speed backbone for universities and schools to serve thousands of users and devices. 

Advantages of LAN:

1. Speed
2. Cost
3. Security
4. E-mail
5. Resource Sharing

Disadvantages of LAN:

1. Expensive to Install
2. Requires Administrative Time
3. File Server May Fail
4. Cables May Break

2. Metropolitan Area (MAN) –

1. A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a large computer network that usually spans a city or a large campus.
2. A MAN is optimized for a larger geographical area than a LAN, ranging from several blocks of buildings to entire cities.
3. A MAN might be owned and operated by a single organization, but it usually will be used by many individuals and organizations.
4. A MAN often acts as a high speed network to allow sharing of regional resources.
5. A MAN typically covers an area of between 5 and 50 km diameter.
6. Examples of MAN: Telephone company network that provides a high speed DSL to customers and cable TV network.

Applications of MAN:

Some common applications of MAN are: -

1. Connecting Businesses and Branches - Businesses use MANs to connect their various offices, stores, and data centres within a metropolitan area, facilitating efficient data transfer, communication, and resource sharing.

1. City-Wide Connectivity - MANs provide high-speed internet and connectivity services to residents and businesses within a metropolitan area. 

1. Government and Public Services - They are used by government agencies for public safety, traffic management, communication between departments, and sharing administrative data, enhancing city services. 

Advantages of MAN:

1. High speed data transfer
2. Centralised Management
3. Enhanced Security
4. Cost effective
5. Scalability
6. Resource Sharing

Disadvantages of MAN:

1. High setup cost
2. Complex maintenance
3. Vulnerability to attacks
4. Performance issues due to network congestion, latency, or bandwidth limitations.
5. Interoperability issues

3. Wide Area Network (WAN) –

1. WAN covers a large geographic area such as country, continent or even whole of the world.
2. A WAN is two or more LANs connected together. The LANs can be many miles apart. To cover great distances, WANs may transmit data over leased high-speed phone lines or wireless links such as satellites.
3. Multiple LANs can be connected together using devices such as bridges, routers, or gateways, which enable them to share data.
4. The world's most popular WAN is the Internet.

Applications of WAN:

Some common applications of WAN are: -

1. Intra Company Communication and Resource Sharing - WANs allow employees in different offices to communicate via email, instant messaging, and video conferencing. Employees can access shared resources like printers, file servers, and databases across different locations. 

1. Connecting Remote Employees - WANs enable employees working remotely (e.g., from home or on the road) to securely access company resources and applications. VPNs create secure connections over the public internet, allowing remote users to connect to the company's private network. 

1. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity - WANs allow businesses to back up data to offsite locations, ensuring data availability in case of a disaster. If a local office experiences a disruption, employees can relocate to a different site and continue working using the WAN to access resources.

Advantages of WAN:

1. Global Reach
2. Centralised Data
3. Real-Time Communication
4. Resource Sharing
5. Scalability
6. Disaster Recovery
7. Remote Access and Flexibility

Disadvantages of WAN:

1. High Setup and Maintenance Costs
2. Slower Speed and Higher Latency
3. Potential for Network Congestion
4. Difficult Troubleshooting
5. Increased Vulnerability to Attacks

4. Personal Area Network (PAN) –

1. A PAN is a network that is used for communicating among computers and computer devices (including telephones) in close proximity of around a few meters within a room.
2.  It can be used for communicating between the devices themselves, or for connecting to a larger network such as the internet.
3. PAN’s can be wired or wireless.
4. A personal area network (PAN) is a computer network used for communication among computer devices, including telephones and personal digital assistants, in proximity to an individual's body.
5. The devices may or may not belong to the person in question. The reach of a PAN is typically a few meters.

Applications of PAN:

Some applications of PAN are: -

1. Wearable Technology - Syncing smartwatches and fitness trackers to smartphones to monitor health and activity. 

1. IN-Car Systems - Linking a smartphone to the vehicle's audio and communication system for hands-free calling and music. 

1. Data Sharing - Transferring files or information between a smartphone and a tablet or laptop. 

1. Entertainment - Connecting a gaming console or PC to wireless headphones for a personal audio experience. 

Advantages of PAN:

1. Low energy consumption
2. Cost effective
3. High security
4. Ease of use and set up
5. Portability and mobility

Disadvantages of PAN:

1. Limited Range
2. Slow speeds
3. Bandwidth division
4. Compatibility issues

5. Wireless Network –

It is the fastest growing segment of computer. They are becoming very important in our daily life because wind connections are not possible in cars or aeroplane. We can access Internet at any place avoiding wire related troubles. These can be used also when the telephone systems get destroyed due to some calamity/disaster. WANs are really important now-a-days.

6. Inter Network –

When we connect two or more networks then they are called internetwork or internet. We can join two or more individual networks to form an internetwork through devices like routers gateways or bridges.

Q16. What is an Operating System? Describe any one popular Operating System in detail.

Ans. Operating System is a collection of special programs, which directly controls the computer. Its main purpose is to increase the efficiency of the computer system.

1. The first program that loads on a computer when we switch it on is called its operating system.
2. It is a program that acts as an interface between the software and computer hardware.
3. It is a specialised set of programs that manages the overall functioning of the computer and its resources.
4. It controls and monitors the execution of other programs and applications.

Functions of an operating system are as follows: -

1. Processor Management – Operating System manages the working of a processor by allocating various jobs to it. It ensures that each process and application receives enough time by the processor to function properly.

2. Memory Management – Operating system manages the sharing of the internal memory (RAM, Cache etc.) among the multiple applications to ensure the proper execution of every process.

3. Device Management – Operating System controls the working of all input and output (I/O) devices. It receives  the request from these devices, performs the specific tasks, and communicate back to the requesting processor.

4. File Management – Operating System keeps a track of the information regarding the creation, deletion, transfer, copy, and storage of files in an organised way. It also maintains the integrity of the data stored in those files, including directory structure.

5. Security – Operating system provides various techniques that ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the user data. It is done using passwords, usernames, and firewall.

6. Error Detection – Operating System checks the system time to time from any kind of external threat or malicious software activity. It also checks the hardware for any type of damage, and displays appropriate alerts to the users.

7. Job Scheduling – In a multi-tasking operating system where multiple programs run at the same time, the operating system determines which application should run and in what order. It also checks how much time should be allocated to each application.

A popular operating system:

The most widely used operating system for desktop and laptop computers is Microsoft Windows. Its latest version, Windows 11, offers a comprehensive blend of visual refinement, productivity tools, and modern integration.

It functions as the interface between the computer hardware and the user/applications, managing all system resources to enable smooth and efficient operation.

Key Features and Functionality:

1. Graphical User Interface (GUI):

1. Windows pioneered the popular WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointer) model, replacing the older, text-based Command Line Interface (CLI).
2. This visual environment makes the system intuitive and easy to use for non-technical users, allowing tasks like opening programs, managing files, and navigating the system by clicking icons and menus.

2. Process Management (Multitasking):

1. Windows supports pre-emptive multitasking, which means the operating system controls how the CPU time is shared among different running programs (processes).
2. This allows the user to run multiple applications simultaneously (e.g., browse the web, type a document, and stream music), with the OS ensuring each process gets adequate CPU time and preventing any single application from monopolizing the resources.

3. Memory Management:

1. The OS manages the computer's Main Memory (RAM), allocating space to processes and reclaiming it when the process terminates.
2. It uses Virtual Memory, a technique where a portion of the hard disk is temporarily used as if it were RAM. This allows the system to run programs larger than the physical RAM available, improving system efficiency.

4. File Management:

1. Windows uses a hierarchical file system (like NTFS or FAT32) to organize data into files and directories (folders), making it easy to store, locate, and retrieve information.
2. It controls file access, including the ability to create, delete, rename, copy, and move files, and manages how these files are mapped onto the secondary storage devices (hard drives/SSDs).

5. Device Management:

1. The OS controls and coordinates the use of Input/Output (I/O) devices like the keyboard, mouse, printer, and external storage.
2. It uses Device Drivers—special software components—to communicate with the specific hardware, providing a uniform interface for applications to access any device without needing to know the complex hardware details.

6. Security and User Accounts:

1. Windows supports multi-user environments with User Accounts and access control lists (ACLs), which ensure that different users on the same machine cannot access or modify each other's data without permission.
2. It includes built-in security features like Windows Defender (antivirus/firewall) and User Account Control (UAC) to protect the system from unauthorized changes and malware.

In summary, Windows' popularity stems from its robust resource management capabilities combined with an extremely user-friendly GUI, making complex computer operations accessible to a global audience.

Q17. Describe the mediums of Data Communication with suitable diagram.

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.

Q18. What is Mail Merge? Explain how to perform Mail Merge Operation.

Ans. Mail Merging is the process of combining a main document (template) with a data source to generate personalised documents such as letters, envelopes, or labels.

Mail merge letters are used to send the same or similar documents to many different people. Since they contain the recipient’s name, address, and other information, mail merge letters feel more personal than letters that aren’t specifically addressed to anyone.

Setting Up Main Document:

All mail merges in Word require two files: a main document and a data source. The main document contains the text that is the same in all of the merged documents.

Steps to set up main document include: -

1. Open MS Word and create a new document.
2. Go to the ‘Mailings’ Tab.
3. Choose “Start Mail Merge”. A list of document types appears (letter, envelope, label etc.).
4. Select the type of main document you wish to use for the mail merge.

You’ve successfully set up the main document.

Creating Data Source:

The data source provides the information that is unique in mail merge. It provides the information that is unique to each recipient, such as their name and address.

Steps to create Data Source include: -

1. In the “Mailings Tab”, click on “Select Recipients”.
2. Choose “Use an existing list” or “Type a new list”.
3. Enter or import data for your recipients.

You’ve successfully created the data source.

Merging a Document:

1. In the “Mailings Tab”, select “Insert Merge Field” to insert fields from your data source into the main document.