Computer - II : Previous Year Questions (2017)

PART – A

Q1. Define SQL.

Ans. SQL (Structured Query Language) is the standard programming language used to communicate with, manage, and manipulate relational databases. It allows users to perform essential data tasks such as retrieving specific information, updating records, inserting new data, and defining the structure of the database itself.

Q2. Define Multimedia Application.

Ans. Multimedia applications are software programs or systems that integrate multiple forms of media including text, graphics, audio, video, and animation; into a single, often interactive, digital environment designed to convey information or provide entertainment.

Q3. Command used to make new directory in UNIX?

Ans. mkdir command.

Q4. What is Server?

Ans. Servers are typically computers with more processing speed, memory and hard disk space than a regular desktop computer. The network servers run their own operating system that manages the various network tasks as well as services that run on the network. Depending on the need for network storage and services, a single network may only use one or a large number of servers.

Q5. What is Database?

Ans. A database is an organized collection of structured information, or data, typically stored electronically in a computer system, which allows for easy access, management, and updating.

Q6. What is publication?

Ans. In Adobe PageMaker, a publication is the actual electronic file (the document) you create to design and layout content. It acts as a digital canvas where you assemble various elements like text blocks and imported images, to prepare them for professional printing or digital distribution.

Q7. Name any four data types of MS-Excel.

Ans. In MS-Excel, data types (often referred to as cell formats) define the kind of data stored in a cell. Here are four common types:

1. Number: Used for general numerical data, allowing for decimal places and currency formatting.
2. Text: Used for strings of characters, including letters, symbols, and numbers that aren't meant for calculations (like ZIP codes).
3. Date/Time: Used to represent specific dates and times, allowing Excel to perform chronological calculations.
4. Boolean (Logical): Represents logical values, specifically TRUE or FALSE, typically used in formulas and conditional logic.

Q8. Command used to show the content of a text file in MS-DOS?

Ans. TYPE Command.

Q9. 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 organisation's computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems.

Q10. Define 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.

PART – B

Q11. Describe any four topologies with suitable diagram.

Ans. Four topologies:

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. 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.

4. Tree Topology –

Also known as Hierarchical Topology, this is the most common form of network topology in use presently. This topology imitates as extended Star topology and inherits properties of bus topology.

This topology divides the network in to multiple levels/layers of network. Mainly in LANs, a network is bifurcated into three types of network devices. The lowermost is access-layer where computers are attached. The middle layer is known as distribution layer, which works as mediator between upper layer and lower layer. The highest layer is known as core layer, and is central point of the network, i.e. root of the tree from which all nodes fork.

All neighbouring hosts have point-to-point connection between them. Similar to the Bus topology, if the root goes down, then the entire network suffers. Even though it is not the single point of failure. Every connection serves as point of failure, failing of which divides the network into unreachable segment.

Q12. What are the components of a chart? How to insert a chart in an MS-Excel sheet?

Ans. Charts in Microsoft Excel are visual tools that turn numerical data into easy-to-understand graphics. They help users quickly spot patterns, compare values, and track changes over time without reading long tables. Excel offers different chart types, such as column, line, pie, and bar charts, so data can be presented in the most suitable way. Using charts makes data analysis clearer, faster, and more effective.

Components of a Chart:

Components of a chart include: -

1. Chart Area –

• Chart Title: Gives the chart a name, describing the overall topic.
• Plot Area: The rectangular region within the chart that contains the actual data points.

2. Axes and Labels –

• X-axis (Category Axis): The horizontal axis, typically displaying categories of data.
• Y-axis (Value Axis): The vertical axis, showing numerical values.
• Axis Titles: Text that explains what each axis represents.
• Data Labels: Provide additional information, like the exact value, for a data marker.

3. Data Visualisation –

• Data Series: A set of related values that are plotted on the chart, such as all the bars or lines for one category.
• Data Markers: The individual symbols on the chart that represent a single data value (e.g., a bar, dot, or slice of a pie).

4. Supporting Elements –

• Legend: Identifies the colours or patterns used to represent different data series.
• Gridlines: Horizontal or vertical lines extending across the plot area, making it easier to read values.
• Trendlines: Lines added to a chart to show a trend in the data, such as a moving average.

Creating Charts:

Steps to create/insert a chart are as follows: -

1. Make sure the cell range containing the data and labels you want to chart are selected.
2. Click the Insert tab on the Ribbon. In the Charts group, there are several chart types to choose from. Each of the chart types then has several charts to choose from.
3. Click a chart type button in the Charts group. A list of charts for the selected chart type appears.
4. Select the chart you want to use from the list. The chart appears in the worksheet and the Chart Tools appear on the Ribbon. The Chart Tools include three new tabs (Design, Layout and Format) that help you modify and format the chart.

Q13. What do you understand by a network node? Bring out the differences between LAN and WAN.

Ans. In a computer network, a node is any device that is capable of sending or receiving data, to and from other nodes at definite and desired flow rates securely and reliably.

A computer network consists of interconnected nodes which can be printers, computers, or any other devices. Nodes are connected by communication lines, facilitating information exchange and resource sharing.

Differences Between LAN and WAN

Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN) are categorized based on their geographical scale and connectivity methods.

Q14. Explain the features of RDBMS.

Ans. Relational Database Management System is a database management system based on the relational model. It is designed to manage large amounts of data by organizing it into a structured format of tables.

Here are the four key features of RDBMS:

1. Tabular Structure

In RDBMS, data is stored in tables consisting of rows and columns. Each table represents a specific entity, and each row represents a unique record. This structured format makes it easy to visualise and manage data relationships.

2. ACID Properties

To ensure data integrity and reliability, RDBMS follows the ACID model:

1. Atomicity: Ensures a transaction is "all or nothing."
2. Consistency: Ensures data follows all predefined rules and constraints.
3. Isolation: Ensures transactions do not interfere with each other.
4. Durability: Ensures that once a transaction is committed, it remains saved even in a system failure.

3. Use of Primary and Foreign Keys

RDBMS uses Keys to create relationships between tables and ensure data uniqueness:

1. Primary Key: Uniquely identifies each record in a table.
2. Foreign Key: A field in one table that links to the primary key of another table, establishing a relationship between them.

4. Support for Structured Query Language (SQL)

RDBMS uses SQL as the standard language for interacting with the database. It allows users to perform tasks such as:

1. Creating and modifying table structures.
2. Inserting, updating, and deleting records.
3. Running complex queries to fetch specific information.

PART – C

Q15. Describe Database Management System and its functionalities. Explain the components of MS-Access window.

Ans. Microsoft Access is a Database Management System (DBMS) that integrates the relational Microsoft Jet Database Engine with a graphical user interface (GUI) and various software-development tools. It is primarily used to develop application software and is a staple for data architects, software developers, and power users.

Major Components of MS Access

A database document in Access stores and accesses data through several key components:

1. Tables: The core where all data is stored in rows (records) and columns (fields).
2. Queries: Tools used to filter, calculate, sort, and update data to produce a specific calculated output.
3. Relationships: The connections established between multiple tables (e.g., One-to-One, One-to-Many, or Many-to-Many).
4. Forms: User interfaces created to make entering, modifying, and viewing data easier and more consistent.
5. Reports: Formatted summaries of data used for review, analysis, and printing.
6. Macros: Tools that automate repetitive tasks by assigning predefined actions.
7. Modules: Collections of predefined instructions written by programmers that can be used throughout the database.

Basic Objects of a Database

Access databases are primarily composed of four basic objects that allow users to manage data effectively:

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.

Functionalities:

1) Creating and Managing Tables

Methods for Creating a Table

Access offers several ways to initiate a new table:

1. Datasheet View: Create a table by directly entering data into a blank grid.
2. Design View: Allows for detailed definition of field names, data types, and descriptions before entering data.
3. Table Wizard: A guided process for table creation.
4. Import/Link Table: Create a table by bringing in data from external sources like Excel, XML files, or other Access databases.
   • Importing: Creates a local copy of the data; changes to the source do not affect the Access table.
   • Linking: Creates a live link; changes in either the source or the Access table are reflected in both.

Setting Data Types

Every field in a table must have a designated data type, which dictates what kind of information it can hold:

• Text: The default for general text or numbers not used for math (e.g., phone numbers).
• Number: For values requiring calculations (e.g., quantities).
• Currency: Automatically formats numbers for regional currency.
• Date & Time: Provides a calendar picker for easy entry.
• Yes/No: Inserts a checkbox for boolean values.
• Memo: For large amounts of formatted text (e.g., long descriptions).
• Attachment: For attaching files like images.
• Hyperlink: For website URLs or email addresses.

Naming and Renaming Fields

• In Datasheet View: Right-click the column heading and select Rename Field.
• In Design View: Click the cell in the Field Name column and edit the text.

Entering, Saving, and Closing Records

• Entering Records: Open the table in Datasheet view, click the first cell of the first row, type your data, and use the Tab key to move to the next field.
• Saving: Click the Save button on the Quick Access Toolbar; if it's a new table, you will be prompted to name it and define a Primary Key.
• Closing: Go to File > Close; Access will prompt you to save any unsaved changes before closing the table window.

Adding Validation Rules

Validation ensures that the data entered meets specific criteria.

1. Open the table in Design View.
2. Select the field you wish to validate (e.g., "Price").
3. In the Field Properties section below, locate the Validation Rule box and type the rule (e.g., >0 to prevent negative prices).
4. In the Validation Text box, type the error message you want to appear if the rule is violated.
5. Save the table to apply the validation.

2) Modifying a Table

Field Management

• Rearranging Fields: In Datasheet view, hover over the bottom border of a field header until a four-sided arrow appears, then click and drag the field to its new position.
• Adding Fields: Click the "Click to Add" header in Datasheet view, select the data type, and type the new field name.
• Deleting Fields: In Design view, select the field and press DEL, or use the Delete Rows button on the Ribbon.

Layout Adjustments

• Changing Column Width: Click and drag the right border of the column header, or right-click the header and select Column Width to enter a specific value.
• Hiding/Unhiding: Right-click a column heading and select Hide Fields. To restore them, select Unhide Fields and check the desired columns in the popup.
• Freezing Fields: Right-click the rightmost column you want to stay visible and select Freeze Fields. This keeps selected columns on the left while you scroll through others.

Editing and Selecting

• Editing Records: Navigate to the record, click the cell (a pencil icon will appear), type the new info, and click outside the row to save. You can also use Find and Replace for bulk changes.
• Selecting Multiple Fields: Click the first field header, hold the [Shift] key, and click the last field header to select a contiguous block.

3) Reports

Creating and Designing Reports

• The Report Tool: This is the fastest method. Select the table or query in the Navigation Pane and click Create > Report. Access immediately generates a formatted summary of all fields.
• Designing: While the tool creates a quick version, you can modify the appearance, layout, and sorting in Layout View or Design View to make it more professional.

Moving a Report to MS Word

You can export an Access report to Microsoft Word to perform further formatting or include it in a larger document.

1. Select the report you wish to export in Access.
2. Go to the External Data tab.
3. In the Export group, click More and select Word from the drop-down.
4. In the "Export - RTF File" window, browse to choose a save location.
5. Click OK; the report will be saved in Rich Text Format (RTF), and Access will typically open the Word document automatically once finished.

Q16. Describe Adobe PageMaker and its features. Differentiate between internal and external commands of MS-DOS.

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.

Components of Adobe PageMaker

The main components of a window PageMaker are Title Bar, Menu Bar, Toolbar, Ruler, Scroll Bars and Text Area.

1. Title Bar – it is the topmost part of the window. It shows the name of the software and the name of the document at the left, and the control buttons (Minimize, Maximize and Close) at the right.
2. Menu Bar – it contains the following menus: File, Edit, Layout, Type, Element, Utilities, View, Window, Help. When you click on a menu item, a pulldown menu appears. There may be sub-menus under certain options in pull-down menus.
3. Toolbar – if you place the mouse pointer on a button in the Toolbar, a short text will appear as its description called “Tool Tip”.
4. Ruler – there are two ruler bars. One is at the top and other is at the left side.
5. Scroll Bars – scrolling is the process of moving up and down or left and right through the document window. There are two scrollbars namely Vertical and Horizontal scroll bars for scrolling the document vertically or horizontally.

Features of Adobe PageMaker:

1. Master Pages: Allows users to create a consistent layout (like headers, footers, or page numbers) that is automatically applied to all pages in a document.
2. Threaded Text Blocks: Text can flow across different columns or pages; if you edit text in one block, the rest of the story automatically adjusts throughout the document.
3. Control Palette: A floating toolbar that provides quick access to character formatting, paragraph styles, and object positioning.
4. Importing Graphics: Supports the integration of various file formats (EPS, TIFF, JPEG) directly into the layout.
5. Story Editor: A built-in word processor mode that allows for fast text editing without the distraction of layout elements.

Internal vs. External Commands in MS-DOS

MS-DOS commands are categorized based on where they are stored and how they are loaded into the computer's memory.

Q17. What is Range? Differentiate between function and formula in MS-Excel.

Ans. A Range in MS Excel is a selection of two or more cells (e.g., A1:A5 or A1:C3). For E.g.: A1:C5 refers to all cells from column A to C and rows 1 to 5.

Difference between Function and Formula:

While both are used to perform calculations, they differ in their complexity and structure.

Q18. What is computer network? Describe various types of network topologies.

Ans. Networking means connecting two or more computers at dispersed locations to exchange information. A system of interconnected computers and computerized peripherals such as printers is called computer network. This interconnection among computers facilitates information sharing among them. Computers may connect to each other by either wired or wireless media.

Network Criteria:

A network must be able to meet a certain number of criteria. The most important of these are performance, reliability, and security.

1. Performance - Performance can be measured in many ways, including transit time and response time. Transit time is the amount of time required for a message to travel from one device to another. Response time is the elapsed time between an inquiry and a response. The performance of a network depends on a number of factors, including the number of users, the type of transmission medium, the capabilities of the connected hardware, and the efficiency of the software. Performance is often evaluated by two networking metrics: throughput and delay. We often need more throughputs and less delay. However, these two criteria are often contradictory. If we try to send more data to the network, we may increase throughput but we increase the delay because of traffic congestion in the network.
2. Reliability - In addition to accuracy of delivery, network reliability is measured by the frequency of failure, the time it takes a link to recover from a failure, and the network's robustness in a catastrophe.
3. Security - Network security issues include protecting data from unauthorized access, protecting data from damage and development, and implementing policies and procedures for recovery from breaches and data losses.

Network Topologies:

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.

Types of Network Topology –

Various types of network topologies include: -

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:

• Layer-1 device such as hub or repeater
• Layer-2 device such as switch or bridge
• 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.

5. Mesh Topology –

In this type of topology, a host is connected to one or multiple hosts. This topology has hosts in point-to-point connection with every other host or may also have hosts which are in point-to point connection to few hosts only.

Hosts in Mesh topology also work as relay for other hosts which do not have direct point-to point links.

Mesh technology comes into two types:

• Full Mesh: All hosts have a point-to-point connection to every other host in the network. Thus for every new host n(n-1)/2 connections are required. It provides the most reliable network structure among all network topologies.
• Partially Mesh: Not all hosts have point-to-point connection to every other host. Hosts connect to each other in some arbitrarily fashion. This topology exists where we need to provide reliability to some hosts out of all.

6. Tree Topology –

Also known as Hierarchical Topology, this is the most common form of network topology in use presently. This topology imitates as extended Star topology and inherits properties of bus topology.

This topology divides the network in to multiple levels/layers of network. Mainly in LANs, a network is bifurcated into three types of network devices. The lowermost is access-layer where computers are attached. The middle layer is known as distribution layer, which works as mediator between upper layer and lower layer. The highest layer is known as core layer, and is central point of the network, i.e. root of the tree from which all nodes fork.

All neighbouring hosts have point-to-point connection between them. Similar to the Bus topology, if the root goes down, then the entire network suffers. Even though it is not the single point of failure. Every connection serves as point of failure, failing of which divides the network into unreachable segment.

7. Daisy Chain –

This topology connects all the hosts in a linear fashion. Similar to Ring topology, all hosts are connected to two hosts only, except the end hosts. Means, if the end hosts in daisy chain are connected then it represents Ring topology.

Each link in daisy chain topology represents single point of failure. Every link failure splits the network into two segments. Every intermediate host works as relay for its immediate hosts.

8. Hybrid Topology –

A network structure whose design contains more than one topology is said to be hybrid topology. Hybrid topology inherits merits and demerits of all the incorporating topologies.

The combining topologies may contain attributes of Star, Ring, Bus, and Daisy-chain topologies. Most WANs are connected by means of Dual-Ring topology and networks connected to them are mostly Star topology networks. Internet is the best example of largest Hybrid topology.