Unit 4: Computer Networks

Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each)

  1. Define computer network. What are its benefits?

  2. Differentiate between LAN, MAN, and WAN.

  3. What is a network topology? List three types.

  4. Explain the difference between wired and wireless networks.

  5. What is an IP address? Differentiate between IPv4 and IPv6.

  6. Define static and dynamic IP addressing.

  7. What is a firewall? How does it protect networks?

Long Answer Questions (5-8 marks each)

  1. Describe different types of networks: PAN, LAN, CAN, MAN, and WAN. Compare their characteristics and applications. (8 marks)

  2. Explain common network topologies: Bus, Star, Ring, and Mesh. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of each. (6 marks)

  3. Describe data transmission media: twisted pair, coaxial cable, fiber optic, and wireless. Compare their characteristics. (6 marks)

  4. Discuss network security measures: firewalls, VPNs, encryption, and access controls. How do they protect business networks? (6 marks)

  5. Explain network protocols and their functions. Include TCP/IP, HTTP, and DNS. (5 marks)

Unit 5: Databases

Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each)

  1. What is a database? How does it differ from a file system?

  2. Define DBMS. List three benefits of using a DBMS.

  3. Distinguish between structured and unstructured data.

  4. What is a relational database? Explain with an example.

  5. What is SQL? What are its main components?

  6. Define Big Data. What are its characteristics?

  7. What is data security? Why is it important?

Long Answer Questions (5-8 marks each)

  1. Compare the file system approach with the database approach. What problems of file systems do databases solve? (8 marks)

  2. Describe the relational database model. Explain concepts like tables, rows, columns, primary keys, and foreign keys. (6 marks)

  3. Explain Database Management Systems (DBMS): types, components, and functions. (6 marks)

  4. Discuss Big Data: sources, characteristics, technologies, and business applications. (6 marks)

  5. Describe data security and ethics in business. Include privacy, access controls, and regulatory compliance. (5 marks)

Unit 6: Computer Tools for Business

Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each)

  1. What is a spreadsheet? List three business uses.

  2. Define data visualization. Why is it important?

  3. What are collaboration tools? Give three examples.

  4. Explain the purpose of business reporting tools.

  5. What is business analytics? How does it differ from business intelligence?

  6. List three project management tools and their features.

Long Answer Questions (5-8 marks each)

  1. Describe the use of spreadsheets in business: data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting. Include examples of functions and features. (8 marks)

  2. Explain data visualization tools and techniques. How do they help business decision-making? Include examples like charts, dashboards, and Power BI. (6 marks)

  3. Discuss collaboration tools in modern business: document sharing, video conferencing, and project management. How have they changed work practices? (6 marks)

  4. Describe the use of analytics tools in business: financial analysis, market analysis, and performance tracking. (6 marks)

  5. Explain scheduling and monitoring tools for business operations. Include project management, time tracking, and workflow automation. (5 marks)

Case Study Questions

Case Study 1: Network Setup for a Small Business (10 marks)

A small business with 25 employees needs to set up a computer network.

a) What type of network would you recommend? What topology? (3 marks) b) What networking equipment would they need? (3 marks) c) What security measures should they implement? (4 marks)

Case Study 2: Database Implementation (10 marks)

A retail company wants to implement a database system to manage inventory, sales, and customers.

a) What tables would you recommend for their database? (3 marks) b) What are the benefits they would get from a database vs. spreadsheets? (4 marks) c) What data security measures should they implement? (3 marks)

Case Study 3: Business Tools Integration (10 marks)

A growing company struggles with information silos and inefficient communication.

a) What collaboration tools would you recommend? (3 marks) b) How should they implement data visualization for management reporting? (4 marks) c) What analytics capabilities would help them make better decisions? (3 marks)

Comprehensive Essay Questions (15 marks each)

  1. “IT infrastructure is the backbone of modern business operations.” Discuss this statement with reference to hardware, networks, and business tools. Provide examples from Nepal’s business context.

  2. Describe how a small business can leverage IT tools for competitive advantage. Include databases, networks, collaboration tools, and analytics.

  3. Discuss the challenges and opportunities of IT adoption for small businesses in Nepal. What barriers exist and how can they be overcome?

Answer Guidelines

Unit 4 Key Points

  • Network types: PAN (personal), LAN (local), CAN (campus), MAN (city), WAN (wide)
  • Topologies: Star (central hub), Bus (single cable), Ring (circular), Mesh (interconnected)
  • Security measures: Firewalls, VPNs, Encryption, Access controls

Unit 5 Key Points

  • Database advantages: Data integrity, reduced redundancy, concurrent access, security
  • Relational concepts: Tables, Rows (records), Columns (fields), Keys (primary/foreign)
  • Big Data characteristics: Volume, Velocity, Variety, Veracity, Value

Unit 6 Key Points

  • Spreadsheet uses: Financial modeling, Data analysis, Reporting, Budgeting
  • Visualization tools: Excel charts, Power BI, Tableau, Google Data Studio
  • Collaboration tools: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, Asana