Computer - II : Previous Year Questions (2026)

PART – A

Q1. What is WAN in computer network?

Ans. WAN stands for 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.

Q2. What is Unix?

Ans. UNIX is a powerful, multi-user, and multi-tasking operating system that has served as the blueprint for much of modern computing (including Linux and MacOS).

Q3. Define repeaters.

Ans. A repeater is a Layer 1 (Physical Layer) network device used to regenerate electronic, optical, or wireless signals. When data transmits over long distances, signals degrade and weaken (attenuation). A repeater receives these fading signals, cleans them of noise, reconstructs them, and retransmits them at their original strength to extend the maximum distance of a network segment.

Q4. 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.

Q5. What is worksheet in MS Excel?

Ans. An electronic spreadsheet / worksheet 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 analysis.

Common examples include: Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.

Q6. What is Data Communication?

Ans. Data communication is the exchange of data between two devices via some form of transmission medium (such as a wire, coaxial cable, or fiber optics). It involves the precise transfer of digital information using electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signals.

Q7. How to create table in database?

Ans. A table is created in a database using the CREATE TABLE statement, which defines the table name, its columns, and the data types for each column.

Q8. Name topology which is having highest reliability and why?

Ans. Mesh topology has the highest reliability. It uses a point-to-point connection, meaning every device is directly connected to every other device. If one cable or node breaks, data traffic is instantly rerouted through an alternative path, ensuring the network never goes down.

Q9. Name two components of multimedia.

Ans. Two core components of multimedia are Text and Images.

Q10. Define Publication in Adobe PageMaker.

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. In Microsoft Access, a relational database is composed of four primary objects used to collect, manage, and present data:

1. Tables – A table is the foundational heart of the database where all raw data resides. Data is structured in a grid of vertical columns (called fields) and horizontal rows (called records). For example, a Law Firm database might have a table specifically for “Client Information” and another for “Case Records.”
2. Queries – Queries functions like detailed questions asked of the database to extract specific information. Instead of looking at a massive table, a query filters the data based on precise conditions. For example, a lawyer can run a query to display only clients who have active cases in a specific court.
3. Forms – Forms act as easy-to-use visual guides for data entry and viewing. Instead of typing data directly into a messy table grid, forms provide a clean user interface with text boxes and buttons. This ensures data is entered correctly and prevents user errors.
4. Reports – Reports are used to present database information in a visually appealing, professional, and printable format. Reports organize and summarize data so it can be shared with clients, senior partners, or presented in court (e.g., generating an automated monthly billing report).

Q12. Describe the different types of topologies with suitable example.

Ans. A Network Topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement in which computer systems, cables, and other networking devices are connected to one another.

Types of Network Topology

The five primary types of network topologies, along with real-world examples, are:

1. Bus Topology – All network devices share a single main communication cable (called the backbone). It is easy and cheap to install, but a break in the main cable takes down the entire network.

Example: An older coaxial cable television system inside a residential building, where a single line feeds multiple television sets.

2. Star Topology – All computers are connected to a central device (like a hub or switch) via dedicated cables. If one computer's cable breaks, only that computer loses connection. However, if the central device fails, the whole network goes down.

Example: A standard office Local Area Network (LAN) or a university computer lab, where all desktop computers link back to a central network switch

3. Ring Topology – Each computer connects to exactly two neighbouring devices, forming a continuous circular loop. Data travels in one direction. A single break in the loop disrupts the entire network unless a backup ring is used.

Example: High-speed automation systems in industrial factories or Token Ring setups used in older legacy banking networks.

4. Mesh Topology – Devices are interconnected with multiple redundant paths. In a Full Mesh, every single device is connected to every other device, offering the highest reliability because data can always be rerouted if a cable fails.

Example: The Internet or critical military communication systems, where communication must never fail even if parts of the network are destroyed.

5. Tree Topology – A hierarchical structure that combines elements of Star and Bus topologies. It organizes network devices into layers (like a root and branches), such as an access layer, distribution layer, and a central core layer.

Example: A large university network or multi-story corporate office, where individual department networks (stars) branch out from a main backbone system.

Q13. Explain any four functions in MS Excel with example.

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. 

Four essential functions in MS Excel, along with their examples, are:

1. SUM Function: Adds all the numbers in a specified range of cells.

Syntax: =SUM(range)

Example: If cells A1, A2, and A3 contain the numbers 10, 20, and 30 respectively, the formula =SUM(A1:A3) will return 60.

2. AVERAGE Function: Calculates the arithmetic mean of a group of numbers.

Syntax: =AVERAGE(range)

Example: If a student's marks in three subjects are stored in cells B1 (70), B2 (80), and B3 (90), the formula =AVERAGE(B1:B3) will return 80.

3. IF Function: Checks whether a specific condition is met and returns one value if TRUE, and another value if FALSE.

Syntax: =IF(condition, value_if_true, value_if_false)

Example: To check if a law student passed an exam (where the passing mark is 50) based on a score in cell C1, you can write:

=IF(C1>=50, "Pass", "Fail")

If C1 contains 65, the cell will display Pass.

4. CONCATENATE / CONCAT Function: Joins two or more text strings together into a single cell.

Syntax: =CONCATENATE(text1, text2, ...)

Example: If cell D1 contains the first name “Rahul” and cell E1 contains the last name “Sharma”, the formula =CONCATENATE(D1, “ “, E1) will combine them and return “Rahul Sharma”.

Q14. Explain the multimedia components 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: .docx and .txt, .pdf.

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: VLC Media Player 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 Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge.

Common extensions include: .jpg, .png, .gif

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.

Common extension includes: .gif

Software: Adobe Animate, Blender

PART – C

Q15. 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: .docx and .txt, .pdf.

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: VLC Media Player 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 Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge.

Common extensions include: .jpg, .png, .gif

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.

Common extension includes: .gif

Software: Adobe Animate, Blender

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.

Q16. Explain different types of Computer Network Technology in detail.

Ans. Computer networking refers to the practice of connecting two or more computers or electronic devices (nodes) together for the purpose of sharing resources, exchanging files, or allowing electronic communications. These connections are established using either wired media (like Ethernet cables) or wireless media (like Wi-Fi).

In a network, devices use a set of common communication protocols to transmit data over digital interconnections. This system allows for the centralized management of data, increased storage capacity, and efficient resource sharing (such as printers and internet connections).

Classification by Geographical Area:

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.

Classification by Topology:

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.

Classification by Network Architecture:

1. Client-Server Network: A powerful central computer (server) provides resources to less powerful computers (clients).
2. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network: Every computer has equal status and shares resources directly without a central server.

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. 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.

2. 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.

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. 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.

5. 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.

Note: - Please draw diagrams for the same.

Q18. Describe MS DOS with its features. Write down 8 commands of DOS with example.

Ans. MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) is a single-user, single-tasking, character-based operating system introduced by Microsoft in 1981 for IBM-compatible personal computers. It utilizes a Command Line Interface (CLI), requiring the user to type explicit text strings via a keyboard rather than interacting with graphical icons or mouse pointers.

Architecturally, MS-DOS acts as an intermediary layer between software applications and the computer's underlying hardware components. It relies on a three-tier system architecture to initialize and drive the PC hardware:

1. IO.SYS (Input/Output System): The core interface that interacts directly with the computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), managing fundamental hardware peripherals like the keyboard, screen, and storage disk drives.
2. MSDOS.SYS (The Kernel): The central brain of the operating system. It handles high-level processing logic, application execution, memory management, and file system coordination.
3. COMMAND.COM (The Command Interpreter): The user-facing shell interface. It displays the system prompt (e.g., C:\>), reads human-typed text strings, translates them into machine-executable instructions, and hands them over to the Kernel for processing.

Features of MS-DOS

1. Command Line Interface (CLI): It features a strict text-only environment with a complete absence of graphical elements (no icons, windows, or animations). Peripherals like mice are not natively supported; operations are purely keyboard-driven.
2. Single-User Environment: The operating system is designed to accommodate only one human operator at any given time. It lacks multi-user authentication, user profiles, or network-level access control.
3. Single-Tasking Processing: It has no multitasking capability. The CPU can execute exactly one process or program at a time. The active task must fully terminate and yield control back to COMMAND.COM before a second task can begin.
4. FAT File System Management: It introduces and manages data utilizing the FAT (File Allocation Table) file system architecture. It organizes data logically into an explicit hierarchical tree structure consisting of a Root Directory and nested Subdirectories.
5. Low System Resource Footprint: Designed during an era of highly constrained hardware capabilities, MS-DOS is exceptionally lightweight. It operates completely within the traditional 640 KB conventional memory boundary of System RAM.

Classification of System Commands

MS-DOS commands are strictly classified into two categories based on their persistence, memory utilization, and storage location:

A. Internal Commands

Internal commands are permanently embedded inside the text of the primary command interpreter file (COMMAND.COM). The moment the computer completes its booting cycle; these commands are automatically loaded directly into the computer's volatile internal memory (RAM).

They are always ready for immediate execution at the command prompt. They do not require any secondary files to be stored on the disk, making them highly efficient and independent.

B. External Commands

External commands are independent utility software programs that do not reside within COMMAND.COM. Instead, they are stored as distinct, individual files on the physical disk drive.

These files carry either a .COM or .EXE file extension. When an external command is typed, the system must manually search the disk directory, find the corresponding execution file, and load it into RAM before running it. They are strictly version-dependent; attempting to run an external file from a different version of DOS will prompt an "Incorrect DOS Version" system error.

DOS Commands