Computer - II : Previous Year Questions (2016)

PART – A

Q1. Define Adobe PagaMaker.

Ans. Adobe PageMaker 7.0 is a sophisticated page layout software used to design and produce documents for printing. It is versatile enough to create anything from a simple business card to a complex, multi-page book. It allows users to:

• Position text and graphics with precision.
• Create professional newsletters, brochures, and reports.
• Integrate elements from other software (like MS Word or Excel) into a single layout.

Q2. Define RDBMS.

Ans. A Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) is a database type that stores data in tables so it can be used in relation to other datasets. Most business databases today are relational rather than flat-file or hierarchical. In an RDBMS, tables are often referred to as "relations". Data is organized into horizontal records (rows) and vertical fields (columns). RDBMS systems are capable of handling massive amounts of data and complex queries.

Q3. Command used to show the content of a text file in M.S.-DOS?

Ans. TYPE Command.

Q4. What is Tree Topology?

Ans. Tree Topology is a hierarchical network structure that combines the characteristics of Bus and Star topologies. In this layout, a central "root" node (usually a high-end switch or server) is connected to one or more secondary nodes, which then branch out to further levels, resembling the branches of a tree. It is often referred to as a Hierarchical Topology.

Q5. What are the basic objects of RDBMS?

Ans. Basic objects of RDBMS:

1. Tables: The heart of the database where all raw data resides.
2. Forms: Act as easy-to-use guides for entering data correctly into one or more related tables.
3. Queries: Function like detailed questions asked of the database to find specific information based on search conditions.
4. Reports: Used to present database components in a visually appealing, easy-to-read, and printable format.

Q6. What is Bridge?

Ans. Bridges are used to connect two subnetworks that use interchangeable protocols. It combines two LANs to form an extended LAN. The main difference between the bridge and repeater is that the bridge has a penetrating efficiency.

Q7. Define Network Applications.

Ans. Network Applications are software programs or services that run on a computer or device and require a network connection (such as the Internet or a Local Area Network) to communicate with other computers and perform their functions.

Common examples include Web Browsers, Email Clients (like Outlook), and Instant Messaging apps (like WhatsApp).

Q8. What is report in M.S.-Access?

Ans. In Microsoft Access, a Report is a database object used to format, calculate, summarize, and present your data in a professional, printable layout.

While Forms are generally used for data entry, Reports are used for data output. They take the raw data from your tables or queries and turn it into organized information.

Q9. 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.

Q10. Command used to show the files in UNIX?

Ans. ls command.

PART – B

Q11. What is function? Explain various types of functions.

Ans. In MS Excel, a function is a predefined formula that performs a specific calculation or operation using arguments (inputs) and returns a single output value. Excel offers a vast library of functions categorized by type, such as mathematical, statistical, logical, and text functions, to help automate complex calculations and data manipulation. 

Types of functions in MS Excel:

MS Excel provides a variety of functions. Some relevant categories of functions include: -

1. Text Functions –

• UPPER() – Converts text to uppercase (e.g., case names).
• LOWER() – Converts text to lowercase.
• PROPER() – Capitalizes the first letter of each word.
• CONCAT() or TEXTJOIN() – Combine text from multiple cells.
• LEFT(), RIGHT(), MID() – Extract parts of text (e.g., dates or codes).
• LEN() – Counts characters in a text.
• TRIM() – Removes extra spaces.

2. Date and Time Functions –

• TODAY() – Returns current date (auto-updated).
• NOW() – Returns current date and time.
• DATEDIF() – Calculates difference between two dates (e.g., days until a deadline).
• DAY(), MONTH(), YEAR() – Extracts parts of a date.

3. Lookup and Reference Functions –

• VLOOKUP() – Searches for a value in a table vertically.
• HLOOKUP() – Searches horizontally.
• XLOOKUP() – A modern and flexible lookup tool.
• INDEX() – Returns a value at a given position.
• MATCH() – Finds the position of an item in a range.

4. Mathematical Functions –

• SUM() – Adds numbers.
• AVERAGE() – Finds the mean.
• COUNT() – Counts numeric entries.
• COUNTA() – Counts all non-empty entries.
• ROUND() – Rounds numbers.

5. Logical Functions –

• IF() – Returns values based on a condition.
• AND() / OR() – Combines multiple conditions.
• NOT() – Reverses a logical value.
• IFERROR() – Handles errors in formulas.

6. Information Functions –

• ISBLANK() – Checks if a cell is empty.
• ISNUMBER() – Checks if the value is a number.
• ISTEXT() – Checks if the value is text.

Syntax:

The basic syntax order for a function in Microsoft Excel follows a specific structure: -

1. Equal Sign (=): All formulas and functions in Excel begin with an equal sign. This tells Excel that the following characters constitute a calculation or a function.
2. Function Name: Immediately after the equal sign, the name of the function is entered. For example, SUM, AVERAGE, IF, VLOOKUP, etc.
3. Opening Parenthesis ((): After the function name, an opening parenthesis is required to enclose the arguments of the function.
4. Arguments: Arguments provide the input or information that the function needs to perform its calculation. These can be:

• Cell references: e.g., A1, B5:B10.
• Ranges: e.g., A1:C5.
• Values/Constants: e.g., 10, "Text".

5. Closing Parenthesis ()): After all arguments have been entered, a closing parenthesis is required to complete the function's syntax.

Example:

To sum the values in cells A1 through A5:

=SUM(A1:A5)

Q12. Differentiate between the DOS and UNIX operating system.

Ans. While both are foundational operating systems, they were designed with very different philosophies. MS-DOS was built for standalone personal computers, while UNIX was built for powerful, shared systems.

Here are the primary differences:

1. User Capability - MS-DOS is a single-user and single-tasking operating system. Only one person can use the computer at a time, and only one program can run in the foreground. Whereas, UNIX is a multi-user and multi-tasking operating system. Many users can log in simultaneously, and the system can handle hundreds of background processes at once.

2. Interface and Commands - MS-DOS uses a Command Line Interface (CLI) that is not case-sensitive (e.g., DIR and dir are the same). It uses backslashes (\) for file paths. Whereas, UNIX uses a highly flexible CLI (the Shell) that is strictly case-sensitive (e.g., ls and LS are different). It uses forward slashes (/) for file paths.

3. Security and Permissions - MS-DOS offers very minimal security. Since it was designed for personal use, any user has full access to all files and system resources. Whereas, UNIX is built with robust security. Every file and directory has specific "Read, Write, and Execute" permissions assigned to the Owner, Group, and Others.

4. Hardware and Portability - MS-DOS was written primarily in Assembly language, making it dependent on the Intel x86 architecture. It was not easily portable to different types of hardware. Whereas, UNIX was written in the C programming language. This makes it highly portable; the code can be compiled and run on almost any hardware, from tiny embedded devices to massive supercomputers.

Q13. What is Multimedia? Explain its components.

Ans. The term Multimedia is a linguistic blend of two words: "Multi," meaning many, and "Media," referring to the material or medium through which information is transmitted or sent. It is defined as the integration of various media elements, such as text, graphics, audio, and video, to present information in a more effective, engaging, and attractive manner.

Components of Multimedia

Multimedia is comprised of five primary elements that work in synergy to represent data:

1. Text

The most common medium for representing information It is primarily utilised for titles, headlines, and navigation menus.

Common extensions include .DOC and .TXT.

Software: Microsoft Word, Notepad, and WordPad.

2. Audio

Encompasses speech and music to increase the "understandability" and clarity of concepts. The MP3 format is the industry standard for storing compressed sound and music.

Software: QuickTime, RealPlayer, and Windows Media Player.

3. Graphics

The foundation of every multimedia presentation, making concepts more presentable and professional. Often viewed via Windows Picture viewer or web browsers like Internet Explorer.

Software: Adobe Photoshop is a leading tool for editing graphics to make them more attractive.

4. Video

A combination of moving pictures with synchronized sound. It is considered the most effective way to communicate, as it saves time and enhances presentation. The MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group) format is widely used for video files.

5. Animation

The process of altering images in a sequence so they appear as moving pictures to the human eye. It shows a specific number of frames per second to produce the effect of motion.

Q14. Differentiate between Optical Fibre Cable and Twisted Pair Cable.

Ans. The primary difference between Optical Fibre and Twisted Pair cables lies in the medium used to transmit data: one uses light, while the other uses electrical pulses.

Here are the key differences:

1. Transmission Medium - Twisted Pair Cable transmits data using electrical signals over copper wires. The wires are twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). Whereas, Optical Fibre Cable transmits data as light pulses through thin strands of glass or plastic. It uses the principle of Total Internal Reflection.

2. Bandwidth and Speed - Twisted Pair Cable offers lower bandwidth. While modern versions (like Cat6a) can reach 10 Gbps, they are generally slower and more limited over long distances. Whereas, Optical Fibre Cable provides significantly higher bandwidth and data speeds (ranging from 10 Gbps to several Terabits per second).

3. Interference and Reliability - Twisted Pair Cable is susceptible to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) from nearby power lines or machinery. Whereas, Optical Fibre Cable is completely immune to EMI and RFI because glass does not conduct electricity. This makes it much more reliable in industrial environments.

4. Distance and Cost - Twisted Pair Cable is effective for short distances (up to 100 meters). It is inexpensive and easy to install, making it ideal for local office networks (LANs). Whereas, Optical Fibre Cable can transmit data over very long distances (tens of kilometers) without significant signal loss. However, it is more expensive and requires specialized equipment for installation.

PART – C

Q15. What is 'Record' in M.S.-Access? Explain how to design a Query and a Report using Wizard?

Ans. In Microsoft Access, a Record (also known as a Row) represents a single, complete unit of information within a table. While a "Field" (column) defines a specific category of data (like Last Name), a Record contains all the data for one specific entity.

For example, in a "Students" table, one record would contain the ID, Name, Age, and Address for one specific student.

Designing a Query using the Query Wizard

A Query allows you to retrieve specific data from one or more tables based on conditions. The Simple Query Wizard is the easiest way to build one.

Steps:

1. Open the Wizard: Go to the Create tab on the Ribbon and click Query Wizard.
2. Select Query Type: Choose Simple Query Wizard and click OK.
3. Select Fields: Use the drop-down menu to select the table or query you want to pull data from. Move the fields you want to see from the "Available Fields" box to the "Selected Fields" box using the > button. Click Next.
4. Detail or Summary: If your data includes numbers, the wizard may ask if you want a Detail (shows every record) or Summary (calculates sums/averages) view. Choose Detail and click Next.
5. Title and Finish: Give your query a name (e.g., Current_Student_List) and click Finish. The query will run and display your results.

Designing a Report using the Report Wizard

A Report is used to format and summarize data for printing. The Report Wizard provides more flexibility than the basic "Report" button.

Steps:

1. Start the Wizard: Go to the Create tab and click Report Wizard.
2. Choose Data Source: Select the Table or Query that contains the data you want to print. Move the desired fields to the right and click Next.
3. Grouping: (Optional) Choose if you want to group the data by a specific field (e.g., grouping employees by Department). Click Next.
4. Sorting: Choose up to four fields to sort the data (e.g., sorting by Last Name alphabetically). Click Next.
5. Layout & Orientation: Select the layout (Columnar, Tabular, or Justified) and page orientation (Portrait or Landscape). Click Next.
6. Title and Preview: Enter a title for the report and select Preview the report to see how it looks. Click Finish.

Q16. Describe UNIX and its features. Write any ten commands of UNIX with syntax.

Ans. UNIX is a powerful, multi-user, and multi-tasking operating system originally developed in the 1960s at AT&T Bell Labs. It was designed to be small, flexible, and used by programmers rather than just clerical workers. It is known for its "modular" design, where complex tasks are achieved by connecting small, simple utilities.

Features of UNIX:

1. Multi-user & Multi-tasking: Multiple users can log in simultaneously, and each user can run multiple programs at the same time.
2. Hierarchical File System: It organizes data in a tree-like structure where everything (including hardware) is treated as a file.
3. Portability: Written in the C language, UNIX can be easily moved (ported) to different hardware platforms.
4. Shell Interface: It provides a command-line interpreter (Shell) that allows users to communicate with the Kernel efficiently.
5. Security: It uses a strict system of file permissions (Read, Write, Execute) and ownership to protect data.
6. Piping and Redirection: Users can send the output of one command as input to another using the | symbol.

Ten Essential UNIX Commands:

Q17. Explain data communication systems with suitable diagrams. Describe various modes of data communication.

Ans. A Data Communication System is the collection of hardware and software designed to transfer information from one location to another. For communication to occur, the entities must be part of a communication system made up of a specific set of components.

Components of a Data Communication System

Every data communication system consists of five fundamental components:

1. Message: The information or data to be communicated. It can consist of text, numbers, pictures, audio, or video.
2. Sender: The device that sends the data message. It can be a computer, workstation, telephone handset, or video camera.
3. Receiver: The device that receives the message.
4. Transmission Medium: The physical path by which a message travels from sender to receiver. This can be wired (twisted pair, coaxial cable, fiber optics) or wireless (radio waves, microwaves).
5. Protocol: A set of rules that govern data communication. It represents an agreement between the communicating devices. Without a protocol, two devices may be connected but not communicating, like a person speaking French to someone who only understands Hindi.

Modes of Data Communication

Transmission mode (also known as data communication mode) refers to the direction of signal flow between two linked devices. There are three primary modes:

A. Simplex Mode

In Simplex mode, the communication is unidirectional, like a one-way street. Only one of the two devices on a link can transmit; the other can only receive.

Example: A keyboard (can only introduce input) and a traditional monitor (can only accept output).

B. Half-Duplex Mode

In Half-Duplex mode, each station can both transmit and receive, but not at the same time. When one device is sending, the other can only receive, and vice versa. It is like a one-lane bridge where traffic can go in both directions, but only one way at a time.

Example: A Walkie-talkie. One person must finish speaking and say "over" before the other can respond.

C. Full-Duplex Mode

In Full-Duplex mode (or simply duplex), both stations can transmit and receive simultaneously. Signals going in one direction share the capacity of the link with signals going in the other direction. This is like a two-way street where traffic flows in both directions at the same time.

Example: A telephone network. Both parties can talk and hear each other at the same time.

Q18. Describe ESS and its features. Explain all the components of M.S.-Excel.

Ans. An Executive Support System (ESS) is a specialized type of Decision Support System (DSS) designed to assist top-level executives in making non-routine, strategic decisions. Unlike standard management systems that focus on daily operations, an ESS provides a broad overview of the entire organization and its external environment.

Key Features of ESS

1. Strategic Support: Focused on long-range planning and tracking the overall health of the organization rather than individual transactions.
2. User-Friendly Interface: Since executives may not have technical expertise, ESS uses high-level graphical interfaces, dashboards, and touch-sensitive screens.
3. Drill-Down Capability: This allows users to start with a summarized "big picture" view and click through to see more detailed, underlying data if a specific metric looks concerning.
4. External Integration: ESS pulls data from external sources (such as stock market trends, competitor news, and government regulations) as well as internal data.
5. Predictive Analysis: They often include tools for trend analysis and "what-if" scenarios to forecast future outcomes based on current strategic choices.

Components of Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet application used for data entry, calculation, and analysis. Its interface is composed of several key elements designed to manage data efficiently.

1. The Ribbon

Located at the top, the Ribbon is the primary navigation panel. It is organized into Tabs (e.g., Home, Insert, Formulas), Groups (e.g., Font, Alignment), and Commands (the specific buttons used to perform actions).

2. Title Bar and Quick Access Toolbar

• Title Bar: Displays the name of the current workbook.
• Quick Access Toolbar: A customizable toolbar that contains a set of commands independent of the tab on the ribbon that is currently displayed (e.g., Save, Undo, Redo).

3. Name Box and Formula Bar

• Name Box: Displays the address of the active cell (e.g., A1). It can also be used to navigate to a specific cell or name a range of cells.
• Formula Bar: Located next to the Name Box, this is where you enter or edit data and formulas. If a cell contains a formula, the cell displays the result, while the Formula Bar displays the actual formula.

4. The Worksheet Area (Grid)

This is the main workspace consisting of:

• Columns: Vertical sections identified by letters (A, B, C...).
• Rows: Horizontal sections identified by numbers (1, 2, 3...).
• Cells: The intersection of a row and a column. Each cell is a unique storage unit for data.
• Active Cell: The cell currently selected, highlighted by a thick green border.

5. Sheet Tabs and Navigation

Located at the bottom of the screen, these allow you to switch between different worksheets within a single workbook. You can add, rename, or delete sheets here.

6. Status Bar

Located at the very bottom, it displays information about the current state of the worksheet (e.g., Ready, Enter). It also shows quick calculations like Sum, Average, and Count when multiple cells containing numbers are selected.

7. Scroll Bars

Horizontal and vertical scroll bars allow you to navigate through large amounts of data that do not fit on a single screen.