2024


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. Explain MICR.

Ans. MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition.

It is a technology used primarily by the banking industry to facilitate the processing of checks and other documents. It involves printing specific characters using magnetic ink, which allows a machine to easily and quickly read and verify the information, such as the bank's routing number, the account number, and the check number.


Q2. Define cache memory.

Ans. Cache memory is a small, high-speed memory that stores frequently used data and instructions to speed up a computer's performance by acting as a buffer between the CPU and the main memory (RAM). When the CPU needs information, it checks the cache first. If the data is there (a "cache hit"), it's retrieved much faster than from RAM, significantly improving system speed.


Q3. 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.


Q4. What is the use of format painter in MS-word?

Ans. The Format Painter tool in MS Word is used to copy the formatting (like font style, size, colour, and paragraph properties) from one piece of text or an object and quickly apply it to another. This helps maintain a consistent look throughout your document.


Q5. Define the Quick Access toolbar

Ans. The Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) is a customizable toolbar located in the title bar (usually above the Ribbon) of Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Its primary purpose is to provide one-click access to the most frequently used commands, such as Save, Undo, Redo, regardless of which Ribbon tab is currently selected.


Q6. Explain the wrap text in a cell.

Ans. The Wrap Text feature in a cell (typically found in spreadsheet software like MS Excel) is a formatting tool that forces long text to display on multiple lines within the same cell. Its main purpose is to ensure that all content remains visible within the cell's fixed column width, automatically adjusting the row height as needed, which improves the document's readability and organization.


Q7. Define slide master.

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.


Q8. What is the difference between BR tag and HR tag?

Ans. The difference is in their function and visual output in an HTML document:

  1. <br> (Break Tag):Inserts a single line break in the text, moving the subsequent content to the next line without creating an extra space or new paragraph. It is purely for vertical spacing.
  2. <hr> (Horizontal Rule Tag):Inserts a thematic break and is typically displayed as a horizontal line across the page. It is used to visually separate sections or a change in topic.


Q9. What is Network 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.

For example, Bus Topology, Ring Topology, Star Topology, etc.


Q10. Explain utility software.

Ans. Utility software is a type of system software designed to analyse, configure, optimize, and maintain a computer system. Its core function is to ensure the smooth, efficient, and secure functioning of the computer's hardware and operating system, often by performing specific maintenance tasks.

Examples: Antivirus programs, Disk Defragmenters, and Backup utilities.


PART – B


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


Q11. What is a Macro in MS-Word? How to create macro by using MS-Word?

Ans. A Macro in MS-Word is a recorded series of commands, keystrokes, and actions that you group together as a single command to automate repetitive tasks. Think of it as a small, personalized program or a sophisticated shortcut. Instead of manually repeating a sequence of actions (like formatting text, inserting a boilerplate table, or setting a specific page layout) every time, you can run the macro with a single click or keyboard shortcut. Macros are typically written in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), which Word's built-in recorder translates your actions into.


The simplest way to create a macro in MS-Word is by using the Macro Recorder. This method captures your mouse clicks and keyboard actions and converts them into VBA code.


1. Enable the Developer Tab (If Not Already Visible)

  1. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon.
  2. In the right column, under Main Tabs, check the box next to Developer.
  3. Click OK.


2. Start Recording the Macro

  1. Go to the View tab or the Developer tab.
  2. Click on Macros > Record Macro .
  3. The Record Macro dialog box will appear.
  4. Macro Name: Enter a short, descriptive name (cannot contain spaces).
  5. Store Macro In: Choose All Documents (Normal.dotm) to use it in all documents, or select the current document to restrict its use.
  6. Assign Macro To: Choose Button (to add to the Quick Access Toolbar) or Keyboard (to assign a shortcut).
  7. Click OK or Assign to close the dialog boxes and begin recording. The cursor will change to an icon resembling a cassette tape, indicating recording is active.


3. Perform the Actions to Record

  1. Execute the exact sequence of commands and keystrokes you want the macro to automate (e.g., set font size to 12, change the font to Times New Roman, and set line spacing to double).
  2. Crucial Tip: Use keyboard shortcuts to select text or move the cursor, as mouse selections are often not reliably recorded.


4. Stop Recording the Macro

  1. Once all necessary steps are complete, go back to the View tab or Developer tab.
  2. Click on Macros > Stop Recording.

The recorded macro is now saved and ready to be run using the assigned button or keyboard shortcut.


Q12. What is the difference between impact and non-impact printer?

Ans. The fundamental difference between impact and non-impact printers lies in their method of transferring ink onto the paper.


Impact Printer:

Impact printers use a direct mechanical force to print, similar to a typewriter.

  1. Mechanism: They use a print head (containing pins or characters) to strike an inked ribbon against the paper, which transfers the ink onto the page through physical contact.
  2. Key Characteristics:
  3. Noise: They are very noisy due to the constant mechanical striking action.
  4. Speed & Quality: They are typically slower and produce lower resolution (dot matrix) prints.
  5. Special Use: They are the only type capable of printing on multi-part forms (carbon copies) because the impact force transfers the impression through multiple layers.
  6. Examples: Dot-Matrix Printers and Daisy-Wheel Printers.


Non-Impact Printer:

Non-impact printers create images on the paper without any physical contact between the printing element and the paper.

  1. Mechanism: They use various methods like spraying ink (Inkjet) or using heat and laser technology (Laser) to deposit ink or toner directly onto the page.
  2. Key Characteristics:
  3. Noise: They are significantly quieter because there is no mechanical striking action.
  4. Speed & Quality: They are generally much faster (especially Laser) and produce high-resolution prints (ideal for graphics and photos).
  5. Consumables: They use liquid ink cartridges or dry toner powder.
  6. Examples: Inkjet Printers, Laser Printers, and Thermal Printers.


Q13. Define the following –

  1. Search Engine
  2. Worksheet and Workbook

Ans.


1. Search Engine: A search engine is a software system designed to help users find information stored on one or more computer systems, most commonly the World Wide Web. It works by using automated programs called web crawlers to discover, index, and categorize content. When a user enters a query, the search engine retrieves and presents a list of the most relevant hyperlinks and information, ranked by complex algorithms.


2. Worksheet and Workbook:

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


Q14. How many different views are there in MS-Power Point?

Ans. Microsoft PowerPoint provides a total of seven primary views, all accessible from the View tab on the Ribbon. Each view is optimized for a specific stage of the presentation development process, from creation to final delivery.


1. Normal View:

  1. This is the default view and the main working area.
  2. It displays three main sections: Slide Thumbnails (on the left), the large Slide Pane (in the centre for editing), and the Notes Pane (at the bottom for speaker notes).


2. Outline View:

  1. This view replaces the Slide Thumbnails pane with an outline of the slide text (titles and main bullet points).
  2. It is ideal for organizing the content flow of the presentation and editing the text quickly without focusing on design.


3. Slide Sorter View:

  1. It displays all slides as small thumbnails arranged in a grid pattern.
  2. This view is excellent for rearranging, duplicating, or deleting multiple slides easily and for applying transitions and timings across the entire presentation.


4. Notes Page View:

  1. It shows a preview of one slide at the top of a page with a large space beneath it for the speaker notes.
  2. This view is used specifically for formatting and printing the speaker notes.


5. Reading View:

  1. This view displays the presentation in a large window, similar to Slide Show View, but keeps the Windows Taskbar and PowerPoint title bar visible.
  2. It's useful for quickly reviewing the presentation with animations and transitions without going full-screen.


6. Slide Show View:

  1. This is the full-screen view used for delivering the presentation to an audience.
  2. It displays the slides exactly as the audience will see them, including all animations, transitions, and timings.


7. Presenter View (Bonus/Advanced):

  1. While technically a feature of Slide Show View, it's a critical view for presenters using dual monitors.
  2. It shows the audience only the current slide on one screen, while the presenter sees the current slide, the next slide, and their private speaker notes on their monitor.


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 the computer system? What is the classification of computer? Explain it.

Ans. A computer system is a set of integrated components, both physical and non-physical, that work together to perform the fundamental operations of computation: input, processing, output, and storage.


It is more than just the computer hardware; a complete system comprises:

  1. Hardware: The physical electronic components (CPU, memory, input/output devices).
  2. Software: The instructions and data that direct the hardware (Operating System, applications).
  3. Users: The people who interact with the system.
  4. Data: The raw facts and figures that the system processes.


The primary function of a computer system is to take raw data as input, process it under the control of a program (software), and convert it into meaningful information as output.


Classification of Computers:

Computers are broadly classified based on three criteria: Type of Data Handled, Purpose, and Size/Capacity.


I. Classification by Type of Data Handled (Technology)

This category distinguishes computers based on how they represent and process data.


1. Analog: Measures and processes continuous physical quantities.

Data Representation: Continuous signals (voltage, pressure, temperature).

Example: Thermometer, Car Speedometer.


2. Digital: Processes information using discrete data, represented in binary digits (0s and 1s).

Data Representation: Discrete or non-continuous values.

Example: Desktop PCs, Smartphones (Most modern computers).


3. Hybrid: Combines features of both Analog and Digital computers.

Data Representation: Converts analogue input into digital form for processing.

Example: ECG machine in hospitals, devices in industrial control systems.


II. Classification by Size and Capacity (Power)

This is the most common classification, focusing on processing power, speed, and size.


1. Supercomputer: The fastest, largest, and most expensive computers. Capable of quadrillions of calculations per second (FLOPS).

Typical Use Case: Weather forecasting, nuclear research, complex scientific simulations.


2. Mainframe: Large, powerful systems designed for massive data processing and high reliability, supporting thousands of users simultaneously.

Typical Use Case: Banking, airline reservation systems, government census data.


3. Minicomputer (Also called Midrange Computers): Multi-user systems, less powerful than mainframes but more powerful than microcomputers.

Typical Use Case: Departmental servers, process control in manufacturing plants.


4. Microcomputer: The most common type (Personal Computers - PCs). Based on a single microprocessor, designed for individual users.

Typical Use Case: Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, and Smartphones.


III. Classification by Purpose

This category looks at whether the computer is designed for a single, specific task or a wide range of tasks.


1. General-Purpose Computers: Designed to perform a wide range of tasks by simply changing the program/software (e.g., word processing, gaming, web browsing).

Example: A personal desktop computer.


2. Special-Purpose Computers: Designed to perform a single, specific task very efficiently. The instructions are usually permanently stored within the device.

Example: Computers in washing machines, GPS systems, or a flight simulator.


Q16. What is protocol in computer networks? Define the different protocols in detail.

Ans. A protocol is a set of rules and guidelines for communicating data. Rules are defined for each step and process during communication between two or more computers. It is a digital language through which we communicate with others on the Internet. They ensure proper information exchange between devices.

Each protocol is defined in different terms and different use with unique name. Message travel from sender to receiver via a medium (The medium is the physical path over which a message travels) using a protocol.


Types of Protocol –

Types of Protocol include: -


1. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) – It is used for communication over a network. In TCP data is broken down into small packets and then sent to the destination. However, IP is making sure packets are transmitted to the right address.


2. IP (Internet Protocol) – It works in conjunction with TCP. It is an addressing protocol that routes and delivers packets to the destination. The IP protocol was developed in 1970s.


3. UDP (User Datagram Protocol) – An alternative communications protocol to Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) used primarily for establishing low-latency and loss-tolerating connections between applications on the internet.


4. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) – File transfer protocol is basically used for transferring files to different networks. There may be a mass of files such as text files, multimedia files, etc. This way of file transfer is quicker than other methods.


5. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) – Simple mail transfer protocol manages the transmission and outgoing mail over the internet.


6. HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) – HTTP is based on client and server model. It is used for making a connection between the web client and web server. HTTP shows information in web pages.


7. Ethernet – Ethernet is most important for LAN communication. It transmits the data in digital packets. If any computer wants to use this protocol they should contain Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). The card is implemented with unique address code fixed in the microchip.


8. Telnet – Telnet is mainly used for the remote login process. The computer which is requesting for a connection, is a local computer and which is accepting the connection, is a remote computer. If you give a command in a local computer, that command is executed in the remote computer. Telnet based on client and server model.


9. Gopher – Gopher is an application layer protocol, which is used for searching and retrieving documents from remote sites.


Q17. What is guided and unguided media? Explain in detail.

Ans. Transmission Medium refers to the physical or wireless channels that carries the data between the sender and the receiver. This includes: -

  1. Guided Media – physical links like twisted-pair cables, coaxial cables, or fibre optic cables.
  2. Unguided Media – wireless channels using electromagnetic waves, such as microwaves, radio waves, satellites or infrared.


1. Wired/Guided Media – 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/Unguided – 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 format cell in Excel? Explain it.

Ans. "Format Cells" refers to the comprehensive process in Microsoft Excel of changing the visual appearance and underlying structure of data within selected cells, without altering the actual value or formula of the data itself.

The primary tool for this is the Format Cells Dialog Box (accessed via Ctrl + 1 or by right-clicking a cell), which provides a centralized location for applying six major types of formatting to make data more readable, professional, and consistent for analysis and presentation.

For example, the number 0.5 can be displayed as 50% (Percentage format) or $0.50 (Currency format), but its internal value remains 0.5.


The Format Cells Dialog Box is divided into six tabs, each controlling a different aspect of the cell's appearance and behaviour:


1. Number Tab

This is the most crucial tab, as it dictates how the numeric or text data within the cell is displayed.


  1. Key Options:
  2. General: The default format; it displays data as entered, with no specific number formatting.
  3. Number: Allows setting the number of decimal places, using a thousand separator (comma style), and defining the display for negative numbers (e.g., red colour, parentheses).
  4. Currency/Accounting: Applies monetary symbols (₹, $) and ensures decimal points and symbols align correctly.
  5. Date/Time: Formats numerical data into recognizable date or time formats (e.g., 11/17/2025 or 17-Nov-25).
  6. Percentage: Multiplies the number by 100 and displays a percent sign (%).
  7. Custom: Allows users to create unique formatting codes for specific needs.


2. Alignment Tab

This tab controls the position and orientation of cell content.


  1. Key Options:
  2. Horizontal/Vertical: Sets the alignment of content within the cell (e.g., Left, Centre, Right, Top, Middle, Bottom).
  3. Text Control: Includes features like Wrap Text (to display long text on multiple lines), Shrink to Fit (to reduce font size until the content fits the cell), and Merge Cells (to combine selected cells into one).
  4. Orientation: Allows text to be rotated at an angle (e.g., 90 degrees for column headers).


3. Font Tab

This tab controls the typographical appearance of the content.


  1. Key Options: Changes the typeface (e.g., Calibri, Arial), size, colour, and applies styles like Bold, Italic, Underline, and Strikethrough.


4. Border Tab

This tab is used to add and customize lines around cells or ranges.


  1. Key Options: Allows selecting the line style (solid, dashed, etc.), colour, and placement of borders (Top, Bottom, Left, Right, Outline, Inside).


5. Fill Tab (Patterns)

This tab controls the background appearance of the cell.


  1. Key Options: Sets the background colour (Fill Colour) and adds patterns and shading effects to the cell for visual emphasis.


6. Protection Tab

This tab controls the security settings of the cell, which only take effect when the entire worksheet is protected.


  1. Key Options:
  2. Locked: Prevents users from editing the cell's contents or formulas. This is enabled by default.
  3. Hidden: Hides the cell's formula from the Formula Bar, even if the cell is selected.