BT-205 Basic Computer Engineering - Jun 2024 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 7 Marks
   aExplain the organization of computer with help of block diagram.
   How to answer

   • Draw block diagram showing Input Unit, CPU (ALU, Control Unit, Registers), Memory Unit (Primary and Secondary), and Output Unit.
   • Explain function of Input and Output devices.
   • Describe role of Central Processing Unit (CPU) including ALU and Control Unit.
   • Detail memory organization and flow of data/control signals.
2. 7 Marks
   bGive examples of basic mathematical functions in Excel such as SUM, AVERAGE and MAX.
   How to answer

   • Explain SUM function syntax: =SUM(range), with a practical example.
   • Explain AVERAGE function syntax: =AVERAGE(range), with an example.
   • Explain MAX function syntax: =MAX(range), with an example demonstrating finding highest value.
3. 7 Marks
   aHow do you insert headers and footers into a Word document? What content can be included in headers and footers? Discuss.
   How to answer

   • Steps to insert header and footer via Insert tab -> Header & Footer group.
   • Alternative method: double clicking the top or bottom margin.
   • Types of content allowed: page numbers, document title, date/time, author name, file path, logos/images.
   • Options such as Different First Page and Different Odd & Even Pages.
4. 7 Marks
   bWhat is Microsoft Office and what is its primary purpose?
   How to answer

   • Definition of Microsoft Office as an integrated productivity software suite.
   • Primary purpose: word processing, spreadsheet management, presentation creation, and email communication.
   • Brief overview of core applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook.
5. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the generation computers.
   How to answer

   • First Generation: Vacuum tubes, machine language, large size, high power.
   • Second Generation: Transistors, assembly language, smaller, faster.
   • Third Generation: Integrated Circuits (ICs), high-level languages, keyboards/monitors.
   • Fourth Generation: VLSI/microprocessors, personal computers, internet.
   • Fifth Generation: ULSI, artificial intelligence, parallel processing.
6. 7 Marks
   bWhat are the principles of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)?
   How to answer

   • State and define the four core pillars/principles of OOP.
   • Encapsulation: bundling data and methods, data hiding.
   • Abstraction: hiding internal implementation details.
   • Inheritance: deriving new classes from existing ones, reusability.
   • Polymorphism: ability to take multiple forms (overloading and overriding).
7. 7 Marks
   aWhat is the difference between single inheritance and multiple inheritance?
   How to answer

   • Definition of single inheritance: one derived class inherits from only one base class.
   • Definition of multiple inheritance: one derived class inherits from two or more base classes.
   • Provide diagrammatic representation for both.
   • Mention ambiguity problems (such as the Diamond Problem) in multiple inheritance.
8. 7 Marks
   bExplain the concept of operator overloading with an example.
   How to answer

   • Definition: giving special meaning to existing C++ operators when applied to user-defined data types.
   • Syntax of operator function: `return_type operator op(arguments)`.
   • Code example (e.g., overloading `+` operator for adding two Complex numbers or Points).
   • Rules/restrictions for operator overloading (e.g., cannot change precedence, cannot overload `.` or `sizeof`).
9. 7 Marks
   aWhat is operator overloading and why is it useful in C++?
   How to answer

   • Definition of operator overloading as a form of compile-time polymorphism.
   • Reasons for usefulness: improves code readability, intuitive syntax, allows user-defined types to behave like built-in types.
   • Examples of use cases: Vector/Matrix arithmetic, Complex numbers, String concatenation.
10. 7 Marks
    bExplain the difference between one-dimensional and multi-dimensional arrays.
    How to answer

    • Definition and syntax of 1D array (single index, linear sequence).
    • Definition and syntax of multi-dimensional array (2 or more indices, matrix/table form).
    • Comparison table based on syntax, indexing, and memory access.
    • Examples of declaration and initialization for both.
11. 7 Marks
    aExplain the concept of cloud computing and its relationship to the Internet.
    How to answer

    • Definition of cloud computing: delivery of computing services over the internet on-demand.
    • Service models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS.
    • Deployment models: Public, Private, Hybrid.
    • Relationship to the Internet: Internet acts as the transport backbone enabling access to remote cloud resources.
12. 7 Marks
    bWhat role do social media platforms play in e-commerce marketing and customer engagement?
    How to answer

    • Brand awareness and reach through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.
    • Direct customer engagement, feedback, and real-time support.
    • Targeted advertising and customer data analytics.
    • Social commerce features: direct purchasing via shop buttons and influencer marketing.
13. 7 Marks
    aExplain common types of cyber threats, such as malware, phishing and Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks.
    How to answer

    • Define Malware: viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware.
    • Define Phishing: fraudulent communications attempting to steal sensitive data (passwords, credit cards).
    • Define Denial-of-Service (DoS) and DDoS: overwhelming system resources to make services unavailable to legitimate users.
    • Mention preventive measures for each threat.
14. 7 Marks
    bWhat is a database transaction and why is it important in maintaining data integrity?
    How to answer

    • Definition of a database transaction: a logical unit of database operations treated as a single indivisible task.
    • ACID properties: Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability.
    • Importance in data integrity: preventing inconsistent states during concurrent access or system crashes (rollback and commit).
15. 14 Marks
    Write short note : i) DDL and DML Commands ii) Remote Sensing and GIS iii) I/O Device
    How to answer

    • DDL & DML: Define Data Definition Language (CREATE, ALTER, DROP) and Data Manipulation Language (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE).
    • Remote Sensing & GIS: Concept of gathering data from distance (satellites) and Geographical Information System for capturing, storing, and analyzing spatial data.
    • I/O Device: Function of peripheral devices for input (keyboard, mouse, scanner) and output (monitor, printer).