Computer - II : Previous Year Questions (2018)

PART – A

Q1. What is 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.

Q2. What is 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.

Q3. What is Range?

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.

Q4. Name the dos command which is used to show the content of a text file.

Ans. TYPE Command.

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

Ans. In MS-Access, data types define the kind of data a field can store. Here are four commonly used data types:

1. Short Text: Used for alphanumeric characters (names, addresses, etc.). It can store up to 255 characters.
2. Number: Used for mathematical calculations. It stores numeric data that isn't a monetary value.
3. Date/Time: Used specifically for dates and times.
4. Currency: Used for monetary data and prevents rounding off during calculations.

Q6. Define 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. What is TCP/IP?

Ans. TCP/IP, or the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet. TCP/IP can also be used as a communications protocol in a private network (an intranet or an extranet).

It specifies how data is exchanged over the internet by providing end-to-end communications that identify how it should be broken into packets, addressed, transmitted, routed and received at the destination. TCP/IP requires little central management, and it is designed to make networks reliable, with the ability to recover automatically from the failure of any device on the network.

Q8. What are the elements of Multimedia?

Ans. Text, Audio, Graphics, Video, Animation.

Q9. What is DBMS?

Ans. A Database Management System (DBMS) is software that acts as an interface between a user and a database. It allows users to store, retrieve, update, and manage data efficiently while ensuring security and consistency. Think of it as a digital filing cabinet where the software manages how files are tucked away and found.

Q10. Name the Unix command which is used to show the files and directories.

Ans. ls command.

PART – B

Q11. Explain various types of network with suitable diagram.

Ans. Computer networks are categorized based on their geographical scale and the number of devices they connect. Here are the four primary types:

1. PAN (Personal Area Network)

A PAN is the smallest type of network, typically used by a single person within a very small range (about 10 meters). It connects personal devices like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.

Example: Connecting a Bluetooth headset to a phone or syncing a smartwatch.

2. LAN (Local Area Network)

A LAN connects devices within a limited geographical area, such as a single room, a home, or an office building. It offers high data transfer speeds and is usually owned and managed by a single organization.

Example: A school computer lab or a home Wi-Fi network.

3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

A MAN covers a larger area than a LAN but is smaller than a WAN. It typically connects multiple LANs across a city or a large campus.

Example: A cable TV network or a city-wide public Wi-Fi system.

4. WAN (Wide Area Network)

A WAN spans a large physical distance, such as a country, a continent, or even the entire globe. It uses leased telecommunication lines, fiber optics, or satellites to link smaller networks together.

Example: The Internet is the largest and most well-known WAN.

Q12. Explain how to create a publication in Adobe PageMaker.

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.

Creating a New Publication

To start a new document in PageMaker, follow these steps:

1. Open Adobe PageMaker (Start > All Programs > Adobe > PageMaker 7.0).
2. Choose File > New in the menu bar (or press Ctrl + N).
3. The Document Setup dialog box will appear.
4. Enter the appropriate settings for your new document in the Document Setup dialog box.
5. Click on OK.

Now a new document called Untitled - 1 opens on the screen.

A document page is displayed within a dark border. The area outside of the dark border is referred to as the pasteboard. Anything that is placed completely in the pasteboard is not visible when you print the document. You can use the pasteboard to temporarily hold elements while designing your document.

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

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

Q14. Explain various types of Multimedia Applications.

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.

Applications of Multimedia

Nowadays the applications of Multimedia are observed in various fields such as Education, Entertainment, Business and so on. To communicate the message in the form of picture, sound, video, animation is the primary role of multimedia. Some of the application of multimedia are as follows:

1. Business and Engineering

1. Videoconferencing: Enables real-time audio and video communication between distant locations, saving time and money.
2. Marketing: Used to create dynamic advertisements on television and the internet.
3. Engineering: Tools are used for designing and testing new products and components.

2. Entertainment

1. Movies: Multimedia enables special effects and high-action sequences that were previously impossible.
2. Gaming: Provides immersive experiences through 3-D effects and high-quality sound.

3. Education and "Edutainment"

1. Edutainment: A hybrid of education and entertainment that makes learning engaging for students.
2. Interactive Multimedia: Applications that allow users to actively participate rather than being passive recipients of information.

PART – C

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

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.

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.

Q16. What is an Adobe PageMaker? Describe the components of Adobe PageMaker window in detail.

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.

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

Ans. Data transmission mediums, also known as communication channels, are the physical paths through which data is transferred from a transmitter to a receiver. These mediums are broadly categorized into two types: Guided (Bounded) and Unguided (Unbound).

1. Guided Media (Wired)

Guided media use physical cables or wires to direct data signals along a specific path.

• Twisted Pair Cable: Consists of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference (crosstalk).
  • Types: Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) and Shielded Twisted Pair (STP).
  • Common Use: Telephone lines and Ethernet networks (LAN).
• Coaxial Cable: Features a central copper conductor surrounded by an insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer plastic jacket. It offers higher bandwidth than twisted pair.
  • Common Use: Cable TV and high-speed internet.
• Fiber Optic Cable: Transmits data as pulses of light through thin strands of glass or plastic. It uses the principle of Total Internal Reflection.
  • Advantages: Extremely high speed, long-distance transmission, and immune to electrical interference.

2. Unguided Media (Wireless)

Unguided media transmit electromagnetic waves without using a physical conductor. Signals are typically broadcast through air, vacuum, or water.

• Radio Waves: These are omnidirectional electromagnetic waves that can travel long distances and penetrate through walls.
  • Common Use: AM/FM radio, cordless phones.
• Microwaves: These waves travel in straight lines (line-of-sight transmission). They require sender and receiver antennas to be precisely aligned.
  • Common Use: Satellite communication and terrestrial microwave towers.
• Infrared: Uses short-range light waves for data transfer. It cannot penetrate solid objects like walls.
  • Common Use: TV remote controls and wireless mice.
• Bluetooth & Wi-Fi: Modern wireless protocols used for short to medium-range data exchange between devices.

Q18. What is RDBMS? Explain how to create a report in MS-Access.

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.

Components of RDBMS:

1. Tables (Relations): The basic unit of storage. Data is stored in a grid format with horizontal rows and vertical columns.
2. Records (Rows/Tuples): A single entry in a table representing a complete set of information (e.g., one specific student's details).
3. Fields (Columns/Attributes): The smallest unit of data in a table, representing a specific property (e.g., "Student Name" or "Date of Birth").
4. Schema: The logical design or structure of the entire database. It defines how tables are organized and how they relate to each other.
5. Keys:
   • Primary Key: A unique identifier for every record in a table (e.g., Employee ID).
   • Foreign Key: A field in one table that links to the Primary Key of another table, creating a "relationship."

Features of RDBMS:

1. ACID Properties

To ensure reliability, every transaction in an RDBMS must follow these four rules:

1. Atomicity: The "all or nothing" rule. If one part of a transaction fails, the entire transaction is canceled.
2. Consistency: Data must move from one valid state to another, following all predefined rules.
3. Isolation: Transactions occur independently without interfering with each other.
4. Durability: Once a transaction is committed, it remains saved even in the event of a system failure.

2. Data Integrity

RDBMS enforces rules to keep data accurate and reliable:

1. Entity Integrity: No primary key can be NULL (empty).
2. Referential Integrity: Ensures that relationships between tables remain consistent (you can't delete a record if another table depends on it).
3. Domain Integrity: Ensures that the data entered into a field meets specific criteria (e.g., an "Age" column only accepts numbers).

3. Structured Query Language (SQL)

RDBMS uses SQL as a standard language to interact with the database. This allows users to perform complex searches, updates, and administrative tasks using simple, human-readable commands.

4. Normalisation

This is a technique used to reduce data redundancy (duplication). By dividing large tables into smaller ones and linking them via keys, the RDBMS saves storage space and prevents errors during data updates.

5. Multi-User Access and Security

An RDBMS allows multiple users to access the data simultaneously without corruption. It also provides granular security, allowing administrators to control exactly who can view or edit specific tables.

Report in MS Access:

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.

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.