Computer - II : Previous Year Questions (2020)

PART – A

Q1. What is the role of repeater?

Ans. A repeater is a dynamic network device used to reproduce the signals when they transmit over a greater distance so that the signal’s strength remains equal. It can be used to create an Ethernet network. A repeater that occurs as the first layer of the OSI layer is the physical layer.

Q2. What is an Operating System?

Ans. Operating System is a collection of special programs, which directly controls the computer. Its main purpose is to increase the efficiency of the computer system. The first program that loads on a computer when we switch it on is called its operating system.

It is a program that acts as an interface between the software and computer hardware. It is a specialised set of programs that manages the overall functioning of the computer and its resources; it controls and monitors the execution of other programs and applications.

Q3. What is Chart in MS-Excel?

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.

Q4. What is SEQUEL?

Ans. SEQUEL (Structured English Query Language) was the original name for SQL (Structured Query Language). SQL 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.

Q5. What is ESS?

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.

Q6. What is Network?

Ans. A network consists of two or more computers or devices linked together through communication channels (such as cables or Wi-Fi) to share resources, exchange files, and allow electronic communication.

Q7. Which mode of data communication is used in Telephonic Conversation?

Ans. Full-Duplex.

Q8. What is Data Validation in a table?

Ans. Data Validation is a feature in database and spreadsheet software that ensures the accuracy and integrity of data by restricting what can be entered into a specific cell or field.

Q9. Which topology have highest reliability?

Ans. Mesh Topology.

Q10. What do you understand by publication in Adobe Page Maker?

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.

PART – B

Q11. Explain 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.

Q12. Describe the types of networks 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.

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 the components of Multimedia in detail.

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.

PART – C

Q15. Elaborate the mediums of Data Communication 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.

Q16. What is Multimedia? Describe the various 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.

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.

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.

Multimedia in Foreign Language Learning

Multimedia creates a rich, interactive environment that simulates real-life language use, through features like native speaker conversations, visual context, and interactive exercises, ultimately enhancing comprehension, pronunciation, and fluency. It addresses all four core skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Key Benefits in Language Acquisition

1. Natural Exposure: Podcasts and online news provide exposure to native accents and colloquialisms.
2. Visual Context: Images and videos provide cues that help learners understand new vocabulary and cultural nuances.
3. Pronunciation Mastery: Audio clips allow learners to mimic native speakers, while speech recognition software provides instant feedback.
4. Adaptive Learning: Digital tools allow students to adjust the pace and difficulty level to suit their individual needs.

Essential Tools

1. Language Apps: Feature gamified elements and flashcards.
2. VR/AR: Immersive environments for practicing speaking in simulated real-world scenarios.
3. Exchange Platforms: Video call services that connect learners directly with native speakers globally.

Q17. Explain any five 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.

Q18. Describe MS-DOS and its features. Write down 10 commands of each internal and external DOS commands with syntax.

Ans. MS-DOS is a non-graphical, command-line operating system derived from 86-DOS. It was the primary operating system for IBM PC-compatible personal computers during the 1980s and early 1990s. Unlike modern operating systems, it uses a Command Line Interface (CLI), meaning users interact with the computer by typing specific instructions at a prompt

Key Features of MS-DOS

1. Single-Tasking: It can only run one program or process at a time.
2. Single-User: It is designed for one person to use the machine at a time.
3. Command Line Interface: It lacks a GUI (Graphical User Interface); everything is text-based.
4. File Management: Uses a 16-bit File Allocation Table (FAT16) and follows the "8.3" filename convention (8 characters for the name, 3 for the extension).
5. Device Management: Controls hardware components like disks, keyboards, and printers through system calls.

Internal DOS Commands

Internal commands are built directly into the Command Interpreter (COMMAND.COM). They are loaded into RAM when the system boots and do not require external files to run.

External DOS Commands

External commands are not stored in COMMAND.COM. They exist as separate executable files (usually .COM, .EXE, or .SYS) on the disk and must be loaded into memory only when needed.