2022


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 C.P.U.?

Ans. C.P.U is often referred to as the “brain” of the computer. Its main function is to fetch, decode, and execute program instructions by performing arithmetic, logical, and input/output operations, managing all the processes that make the computer work.


Q2. Name two output devices.

Ans. Monitor and Printer.


Q3. What is G.U.I.?

Ans. A GUI (Graphical User Interface) allows users to interact with computers and electronic devices through visual elements like icons, buttons, and menus, rather than typing commands. This makes devices more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience by offering an intuitive, point-and-click experience for performing tasks and navigating systems.


Q4. What do you mean by Templates?

Ans. Templates refer to pre-designed documents or files that serve as a starting point for a new document. They include formatting, styles etc. Templates can save time and ensure consistency in document design.


Q5. How to create table in MS-Word?

Ans. Steps to create a table include: -

  1. Click on Insert Tab.
  2. Choose Table from Tables Group and select number of rows and columns.

You can also draw table using ‘Draw Table Option’ and then create it accordingly.


Q6. How many Rows and Columns in Spread - Sheet?

Ans. A worksheet contains 1,048,576 rows and 16,384 columns.


Q7. Write full name of HTML.

Ans. The full name of HTML is HyperText Markup Language.


Q8. What is W.W.W.?

Ans. The full form of W.W.W. is the World Wide Web.

It is an information system of interconnected public documents and resources (web pages) that is accessed via the Internet using a web browser and the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP).


Q9. Write modes of Data Communication.

Ans. The three main modes of Data Communication are:

  1. Simplex: Data flows in one direction only.
  2. Half-Duplex: Data flows in both directions, but only one direction at a time.
  3. Full-Duplex: Data flows in both directions simultaneously.


Q10. What is Communication Protocol?

Ans. A Communication Protocol is a standardized set of rules and conventions that dictate how two or more electronic devices or systems must format, transmit, and receive data in order to successfully communicate across a network. It defines the syntax, semantics, and synchronization necessary for reliable and orderly data exchange (e.g., HTTP, TCP/IP).


PART – B


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


Q11. Write Input Devices of a Computer.

Ans. Input Devices are hardware components that allow a user to enter data and instructions into a computer system for processing. They act as a bridge, translating human-readable information (like movement, text, or sound) into a digital signal that the CPU can understand and process.


Here are four common and essential types of input devices:


1. Keyboard

  1. Function: The most common text-entry device, based on the layout of a typewriter.
  2. Role: Used to input alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers), symbols, and to issue commands using special keys (like Function keys, Ctrl, Alt).
  3. Example: QWERTY Keyboard.


2. Mouse (Pointing Device)

  1. Function: A handheld device used to control the position of a pointer (cursor) on the screen.
  2. Role: Used for graphical input, allowing users to select icons, open files, draw, and navigate the Graphical User Interface (GUI) through actions like clicking, double-clicking, and dragging.
  3. Example: Optical Mouse, Trackpad, Trackball.


3. Scanner

  1. Function: A device that converts physical documents or images into a digital format.
  2. Role: Captures an image of a paper document and digitizes it, allowing it to be stored, edited, and manipulated by the computer.
  3. Example: Flatbed Scanner, Handheld Scanner.


4. Microphone (Mic)

  1. Function: A device that converts sound waves into electrical signals, which the computer converts into digital audio data.
  2. Role: Used for voice input (e.g., voice chat, video conferencing), recording music, and issuing commands through voice recognition software.
  3. Example: USB Microphone, Headset Microphone.


Other Common Examples include:

  1. Webcam: Captures video and still images.
  2. Joystick/Game Controllers: Used for gaming input.
  3. Touch Screen: Acts as both an input and output device, detecting the point of contact on the display.


Q12. What is Windows Explorer?

Ans. Windows Explorer, now called File Explorer, is the file management application in Microsoft Windows that allows you to access, view, organize, and manage all the files and folders on your computer through a graphical interface. It was introduced in Windows 95 and is used to perform tasks such as copying, moving, deleting, and renaming files, as well as navigating your computer's file system. 

Its key components include: file and folder hierarchy, address bar, search bar, title bar, navigation pane, library pane, details pane.


Key Functions and Features


1. File System Navigation:

  1. It allows users to navigate the hierarchical structure of the file system (drives, folders, and sub-folders).
  2. It typically displays a tree structure in the left pane (the Navigation Pane) showing the computer's organization, and the contents of the currently selected location in the main right pane.


2. File and Folder Operations:

  1. It facilitates all essential file management tasks using a visual interface, including:
  2. Creating, renaming, deleting, copying, and moving files and folders.
  3. Opening programs and documents by double-clicking.
  4. Searching for files by name, type, date, or content.


3. Resource Management:

  1. Explorer is the gateway to all available storage locations on the computer. It displays:
  2. Local drives (Hard Disk Drives, SSDs).
  3. Removable media (USB drives, DVDs).
  4. Network locations and shared folders.
  5. Cloud storage services like OneDrive.


4. Interface Shell:

  1. Beyond just managing files, the Explorer process (explorer.exe) also controls the overall Windows desktop environment, including the display of the Desktop, Taskbar, and Start Menu. It acts as the primary shell through which the user interacts with the operating system.


Q13. What is Function in MS-Excel?

Ans. A Function in MS-Excel is a predefined, built-in formula that performs specific calculations using a particular set of input values, known as arguments.

Functions are designed to simplify and speed up complex or repetitive calculations that would otherwise require long, manually written formulas.


Key Characteristics


1. Structure: Every function follows a specific syntax:

  1. It must be part of a formula that starts with an equal sign ($=$).
  2. It is followed by the Function Name (e.g., SUM, AVERAGE).
  3. The arguments are enclosed in parentheses ( ) immediately following the name.

Syntax Example: =FUNCTION_NAME(argument1, argument2, ...)


2. Arguments: Arguments are the inputs that the function requires to perform its calculation. These can be numbers, cell references, ranges, text, logical values, or even other functions (nested functions). The type and number of required arguments depend on the specific function.


3. Categories: Excel groups its functions into various categories based on their purpose, making them easier to find:

  1. Math & Trig:(e.g., SUM, ROUND)
  2. Statistical: (e.g., AVERAGE, COUNT)
  3. Logical: (e.g., IF, AND)
  4. Financial: (e.g., PMT, PV)
  5. Text: (e.g., LEFT, CONCAT)


Example:

  1. SUM (Adds all the numbers in a range of cells): =SUM(A1:A5)
  2. AVERAGE (Calculates the arithmetic mean of a set of numbers): =AVERAGE(B1, B2, B3)


Q14. Explain Topology.

Ans. A Network Topology is the arrangement with which computer systems or network devices are connected to each other. Topologies may define both physical and logical aspect of the network. Both logical and physical topologies could be same or different in a same network.


Various types of topologies are as follows:


1. Point-to-Point Topology –

Point-to-point networks contains exactly two hosts such as computer, switches or routers, servers connected back to back using a single piece of cable. Often, the receiving end of one host is connected to sending end of the other and vice-versa. If the hosts are connected point-to-point logically, then may have multiple intermediate devices. But the end hosts are unaware of underlying network and see each other as if they are connected directly.


2. Bus Topology –

In case of Bus topology, all devices share single communication line or cable. Bus topology may have problem while multiple hosts sending data at the same time. Therefore, Bus topology either uses CSMA/CD technology or recognizes one host as Bus Master to solve the issue. It is one of the simple forms of networking where a failure of a device does not affect the other devices. But failure of the shared communication line can make all other devices stop functioning. Both ends of the shared channel have line terminator. The data is sent in only one direction and as soon as it reaches the extreme end, the terminator removes the data from the line.


3. Star Topology –

All hosts in Star topology are connected to a central device, known as hub device, using a point to-point connection. That is, there exists a point to point connection between hosts and hub. The hub device can be any of the following:

  1. Layer-1 device such as hub or repeater
  2. Layer-2 device such as switch or bridge
  3. Layer-3 device such as router or gateway


As in Bus topology, hub acts as single point of failure. If hub fails, connectivity of all hosts to all other hosts fails. Every communication between hosts, takes place through only the hub. Star topology is not expensive as to connect one more host, only one cable is required and configuration is simple.


4. Ring Topology –

In ring topology, each host machine connects to exactly two other machines, creating a circular network structure. When one host tries to communicate or send message to a host which is not adjacent to it, the data travels through all intermediate hosts. To connect one more host in the existing structure, the administrator may need only one more extra cable. Failure of any host results in failure of the whole ring. Thus, every connection in the ring is a point of failure. There are methods which employ one more backup ring.


PART – C


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


Q15. What is Hardware and Software in Computer? Explain in detail.

Ans. A computer system is fundamentally composed of two main components: Hardware and Software. They are interdependent; neither can function effectively without the other.


1. Hardware

Hardware refers to the physical, tangible components of a computer system. These are the parts you can see and touch. It provides the mechanical and electronic platform necessary for the system to operate.


Key Characteristics:

  1. Tangible: Exists in a physical form.
  2. Permanent: Generally, once built, its function is fixed (e.g., a monitor is always a monitor).
  3. Electronic/Mechanical: Performs the actual physical work of computation.
  4. Non-functional Alone: Cannot perform any useful task without instructions (software).


Categories of Hardware:


  1. Input Devices - Used to feed data and instructions into the computer. Example: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone.


  1. Output Devices - Used to display or communicate the processed data (results) to the user. Example: Monitor, Printer, Speakers, Projector.


  1. Processing Devices - The "brain" that executes instructions and performs calculations. Example: CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).


  1. Storage Devices - Used to hold data and programs permanently or temporarily. Example: RAM (Random Access Memory), Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD).


2. Software

Software refers to the intangible sets of instructions, data, or programs that are used to operate computers and execute specific tasks. It tells the hardware what to do and how to do it.


Key Characteristics:

  1. Intangible: Cannot be physically touched.
  2. Flexible: Can be easily modified, updated, or replaced.
  3. Logical: Provides the logic and procedures for task execution.
  4. Functional: Makes the computer useful by providing the instructions for tasks.


Categories of Software:


  1. System Software - Controls and manages the fundamental operations of the hardware and provides a platform for application software. Example: Operating System (Windows, macOS), Device Drivers, Utility Programs.


  1. Application Software - Programs designed to perform specific tasks or functions for the end-user. Example: MS Word, Web Browsers (Chrome), Photo Editors (Photoshop), Games.


  1. Programming Software - Tools used by developers to write, test, and debug other software. Example: Compilers, Interpreters, Debuggers.


3. The Interdependence

Hardware and Software are in a symbiotic relationship:


  1. Hardware is the vehicle; Software is the fuel and the driver.
  2. Software cannot be executed without hardware (a physical machine to run on).
  3. Hardware is useless without software to provide the instructions.


For instance, to view a document:

  1. Software (MS Word) receives an instruction from the user (via the Input Hardware—the mouse click).
  2. The System Software (OS) tells the Processing Hardware (CPU) to execute the MS Word instructions.
  3. The result (the document) is displayed on the Output Hardware (the monitor).


Q16. Explain Mail - Merge in MS - Word.

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.


Q17. What is Information System? Explain levels of 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.


5 Core Components of an Information System:

  1. Hardware: The physical equipment (computers, servers, networking devices).
  2. Software: The programs used to manipulate and process data (OS, application programs).
  3. Data: The raw facts and figures that the system collects and processes.
  4. Procedures: The rules and policies that govern how the system is used by people.
  5. People: The end-users, IT specialists, and managers who interact with the system.


Information systems are structured in an organization according to the hierarchy of management and the type of decisions they need to support.


1. Operational Level: Transaction Processing System (TPS)

  1. Focus: Routine, daily business transactions.
  2. Function: Records and processes elementary activities (e.g., sales, deposits, payroll, shipping). It is the primary source of data for all higher-level systems.
  3. Output: Detailed reports, lists, and summary documents.
  4. Users: Operational managers, clerks, and frontline staff.
  5. Example: A Point-of-Sale (POS) system recording every customer purchase.


2. Management Level: Management Information System (MIS) & Decision Support System (DSS)

This level is served by two main types of systems:


A. Management Information System (MIS)

  1. Focus: Monitoring and controlling operations.
  2. Function: Takes structured data from the TPS and aggregates it to generate periodic performance reports for middle managers.
  3. Output: Summary reports, exception reports (highlighting deviations), and dashboards showing performance metrics.
  4. Users: Middle Managers (e.g., Sales Managers, Inventory Managers).
  5. Example: A monthly report summarizing sales performance by region and comparing it to budget forecasts.


B. Decision Support System (DSS)

  1. Focus: Analysing complex, non-routine problems.
  2. Function: Provides analytical and modelling capabilities to help managers analyze "what-if" scenarios, forecast results, and explore different options. It integrates data from both internal (TPS/MIS) and external sources.
  3. Output: Interactive data analysis, forecasts, and model simulation results.
  4. Users: Senior Managers, Analysts, and other professionals.
  5. Example: A system used to model the impact of a price change on projected sales volume.


3. Strategic Level: Executive Support System (ESS)

  1. Focus: Long-term planning and competitive strategy.
  2. Function: Provides a high-level, summarized view of the organization's key performance indicators (KPIs) and incorporates a significant amount of external information (e.g., market trends, competitor analysis).
  3. Output: Highly visual, summarized dashboards and drill-down capabilities for quick decision support.
  4. Users: Executive Leadership (CEO, CFO, COO).
  5. Example: An interactive dashboard showing the company’s market share evolution over the last five years relative to its main competitors.


Q18. Write short notes on the following:

  1. Internet
  2. MS-Excel

Ans.


Internet:

Internet is a short-form for “Interconnected Network”.

Internet can be referred to as a massive network of networks; a networking infrastructure. It connects millions of computers globally, forming a network in which any computer can communicate with any other computer, as long as they both are connected to the Internet. These interconnected computer systems work by sending data by way of a particular form of packet switching which is known as the IP or Internet Protocol. The internet uses TCP/IP to transmit data via various types of media.


Applications of Internet:

The Internet supports diverse applications, such as:


1. Communication –

  1. Email: Sending and receiving messages between users globally.
  2. Chat and Voice Communication: Real-time messaging and voice calls, including internet telephony.
  3. Video Conferencing: Communicating with multiple people using voice and video streams simultaneously.


2. Information and Research –

  1. Web Browsing: Accessing vast amounts of linked information, documents, and resources through the World Wide Web.
  2. Online Search: Using search engines to quickly find relevant information on any topic.
  3. File Transfer: Copying and accessing files and programs on remote computers.


3. E-Commerce and Finance –

  1. Online Shopping: Purchasing products and services from various retailers online.
  2. Online Banking: Managing bank accounts, making payments, and conducting financial transactions over the internet.


4. Entertainment –

  1. Streaming Media: Accessing and watching videos and listening to music online.
  2. Online Gaming: Playing interactive video games with other users.


5. Social Networking –

  1. Social Media Platforms: Connecting with others, sharing updates, and forming online communities.


6. Education and Health –

  1. Online Learning: Accessing educational materials, taking online courses, and participating in virtual classrooms.
  2. Health Information and Services: Obtaining health information, accessing telemedicine services, and using wearable devices for fitness and health monitoring.


7. Other Applications –

  1. Job Search: Finding and applying for job opportunities online.
  2. Travel: Planning and booking trips, finding travel information, and using navigation services.
  3. Smart Devices: Internet-connected devices in homes, cities, and industries, such as smart grids and smart homes.


Services of Internet:

Services of Internet are as follows: -


1. Communication –

  1. Email is the most important service available on Internet for communication.
  2. The concept of sending electronic text messages between parties in a way analogous to mailing letters or memos predates the creation of internet.
  3. Pictures, documents, and other files are sent as email attachments.
  4. Emails can be cc-ed to multiple email addresses.


2. Internet Telephony –

  1. It is another common communication service made possible by the creation of internet.
  2. VOIP stands for Voice-Over-Internet Protocol, referring to protocol that underlines all internet communication.


3. Data Transfer –

  1. File sharing is an example of transferring large amounts of data across the internet.
  2. A computer file can be emailed to customers, colleagues, and fiends as an attachment.
  3. It can be uploaded to a website or FTP server for easy download by others.
  4. Some examples of file sharing are: FTP, TELNET (Remote Computing).


4. Information –

  1. Internet and WWW terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings.
  2. WWW is a global connection of documents, images and resources interconnected by hyperlinks and URLs.
  3.  HTTP is the primary protocol for accessing the WWW, but there are numerous other communication protocols over the internet.
  4. Internet is a vast network that connects heterogeneous computer networks globally.
  5. These networks exchange information using common standards and protocol.


MS - Excel:

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application for creating tables to store, organize, and analyse numerical and statistical data using formulas and functions. It features a grid of cells organized in rows and columns, where data can be entered and manipulated to perform calculations, create charts, and visualize information.


Starting MS Excel:

Steps to start MS Excel include: -

  1. Click the Start Button.
  2. Type “Excel” in the Search Bar.
  3. Click on “Microsoft Excel”.

You’ve successfully started MS Excel.


Components:

Some basic components of MS Excel are as follows: -


1. Workbook - The entire Excel file that contains one or more worksheets (like a notebook). By default, there are three worksheets in a workbook.


2. Worksheet - A single "page" or tab inside the workbook where you enter and work with data. A worksheet contains 1,048,576 rows and 16,384 columns.


3. Cell - A small box where a row and a column intersect — where you enter data (e.g., A1).


4. Row - Horizontal lines in the worksheet, numbered (1, 2, 3…).


5. Column - Vertical lines in the worksheet, labelled with letters (A, B, C…).


6. Cell Address - The unique name of a cell based on its column and row (e.g., B4).


7. Formula Bar - The area above the worksheet where you can enter or view data/formulas in the selected cell.


8. Name Box - Displays the address (or name) of the currently selected cell.


9. Ribbon - The toolbar at the top of Excel that contains tabs and buttons for commands (like Home, Insert, etc.).


10. Quick Access Toolbar - A small toolbar above the Ribbon with common commands like Save, Undo, Redo.


11. Worksheet Tabs - Tabs at the bottom that let you switch between different sheets in your workbook.


12. Status Bar - Found at the bottom, it shows information like the average, sum, or count of selected cells.


13. Scroll Bars - Used to move up/down or left/right through the worksheet.


14. Zoom Control - Located at the bottom-right corner, it lets you zoom in or out of the worksheet.


15. File Tab - Clicking this opens options like New, Open, Save, Print, and Excel settings.