Unit 1: Introduction to Computers

Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each)

  1. Define a computer. What is the IPO (Input-Process-Output) cycle?

  2. Differentiate between analog and digital computers.

  3. List five characteristics of computers.

  4. What are the five generations of computers? Name the technology used in each.

  5. Classify computers by size: microcomputer, minicomputer, mainframe, and supercomputer.

Long Answer Questions (5-8 marks each)

  1. Describe the five components of a computer system: Hardware, Software, Data, Procedures, and People. Explain how they work together. (8 marks)

  2. Explain the four primary functions of a computer: Input, Processing, Output, and Storage. Give examples of devices for each function. (6 marks)

  3. Trace the evolution of computers through five generations. Discuss the key technology and characteristics of each generation. (8 marks)

Unit 2: Information Systems in Business

Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each)

  1. What is an Information System? List its components.

  2. Define digital transformation. Why is it important for businesses?

  3. Explain the relationship between data, information, and knowledge.

  4. List three types of business information systems.

  5. What is e-business? How does it differ from e-commerce?

Long Answer Questions (5-8 marks each)

  1. Discuss the role and importance of IT in modern business. Include examples from different industries. (8 marks)

  2. Explain the evolution of information systems: from data processing to modern enterprise systems. (6 marks)

  3. Describe the impact of IT on organizational structure, operations, and competitive advantage. (6 marks)

Unit 3: CPU, Memory, and Hardware

Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each)

  1. What is a CPU? What are its main components?

  2. Differentiate between RAM and ROM.

  3. Explain the memory hierarchy. List the levels from fastest to slowest.

  4. What is a motherboard? List three components found on it.

  5. Compare HDD and SSD storage devices.

  6. List five input devices and five output devices.

Long Answer Questions (5-8 marks each)

  1. Describe the architecture of a CPU including ALU, Control Unit, and Registers. Explain how they work together to execute instructions. (8 marks)

  2. Compare different types of memory: SRAM, DRAM, and their variations. When is each type used? (6 marks)

  3. Explain the different types of storage devices: magnetic, optical, and solid-state. Discuss their advantages and disadvantages. (6 marks)

  4. Describe various input and output devices. Categorize them and explain their functions. (6 marks)

Unit 4: Software

Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each)

  1. Define software. Distinguish between system software and application software.

  2. What is an operating system? List its main functions.

  3. What are programming languages? Give examples of low-level and high-level languages.

  4. Explain the difference between proprietary and open-source software.

  5. What is utility software? Give three examples.

Long Answer Questions (5-8 marks each)

  1. Compare system software and application software. Provide examples of each and explain their roles in a computer system. (8 marks)

  2. Describe the functions of an operating system: process management, memory management, file management, and device management. (6 marks)

  3. Discuss the evolution of programming languages from machine language to modern high-level languages. (6 marks)

  4. Explain how organizations decide between building custom software vs. buying off-the-shelf solutions. What factors should they consider? (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. Explain structured vs. unstructured data with examples.

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

  5. Define Big Data. What are its characteristics?

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. Discuss the importance of databases in business. How do organizations use databases for decision-making? (6 marks)

  4. Explain Big Data and its applications in business. What technologies are used to manage Big Data? (5 marks)

Case Study Questions

Case Study 1: Hardware Selection (10 marks)

A startup company needs to purchase computers for their new office with 20 employees.

a) What factors should they consider when selecting computer hardware? (3 marks) b) Recommend appropriate configurations for different roles: executives, developers, and administrative staff. (4 marks) c) Should they choose desktops or laptops? Justify your answer. (3 marks)

Case Study 2: Database Implementation (10 marks)

A retail store currently uses spreadsheets to manage inventory and sales but is facing data management issues.

a) What problems are they likely facing with the spreadsheet approach? (3 marks) b) How would a database system solve these problems? (4 marks) c) What steps should they follow to implement a database system? (3 marks)

Answer Guidelines

Unit 1-2 Key Points

  • IPO cycle: Input → Processing → Output (+ Storage)
  • Computer generations: Vacuum tubes → Transistors → ICs → Microprocessors → AI
  • IS components: Hardware, Software, Data, Procedures, People

Unit 3-4 Key Points

  • CPU components: ALU, Control Unit, Registers
  • Memory hierarchy: Registers → Cache → RAM → SSD → HDD
  • OS functions: Process, Memory, File, Device management

Unit 5 Key Points

  • Database advantages: Data integrity, security, reduced redundancy, concurrent access
  • Relational concepts: Tables, rows, columns, keys, relationships
  • SQL components: DDL, DML, DCL, TCL