PSC Computer Operator Written Exam Question Paper 2079/11/29

PSC
Competitive Written Examination for The Post of Nepal Miscellaneous Service, Gazette First Class, Computer Operator (Technical) 2079-11-29

Time: 2 Hours 15 Minutes Full Mark: 100
Paper: Second
Subject: Service Related

The answers to the following questions should be written in separate answer sheets according to section.

Section-A
1. What is computer? Differentiate between Analog and Digital Computer.
Computer

A computer is an electronic calculating and data processing machine that accept data, process them and gives out meaningful result.
Works on IPO cycle (Input>Process>Output)

Differences between Analog and Digital computer

Parameter	Analog Computer	Digital Computer
Definition	Computer that works on continuously variable data	Computer that works on discrete data based on binary digit
Uses	Used to measure physical quantities	Used to process input data
Complexity	Complex to use	Easy to use
Reliability	Lower reliability	Higher reliability
Accuracy	Lower accuracy in output	Higher accuracy in output
Speed	Faster	Slower
Example	Analog balance, analog clock	Desktop, laptop, digital clock

2. Explain the concept of RAM and Cache Memory. Write the types of cache memory.
RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is primary memory of computer.
It holds operating system, application program and data currently being used.
It is the memory directly accessible by CPU.
It is volatile in nature as data that resides in RAM gets lost if power supply it off.
RAM can be defined with different names users' memory, working memory, read/write memory, temporary memory, internal memory.

Cache Memory

Cache memory is the intermediate memory which lies between CPU and main memory of computer.
It is fast accessible memory.
It is used to reduce the average time to access data from the main memory.
It compensates speed differences of CPU and main memory.
It is also called buffer memory. There are different levels of cache memory (L1 to L6).

Types of cache memory
L1 Cache

Smallest and fastest cache (usually 16 KB - 128 KB)
Located within the CPU core.
Stores critical and frequently used data.
Very low latency but limited size.

L2 Cache

Larger than L1 (usually 128 KB - 1 MB)
May be inside or outside the CPU core.
Slower than L1 but still faster than RAM.

L3 Cache

Shared among multiple CPU core.
Larger (typically 2 MB - 64 MB or more)
Slower than L2, but still much faster than RAM.

L4 Cache

Not common in all system.
Used in high performance CPU.
Can be shared across multiple processors or exist a separate line.
Larger but slower compared to L3.

3. What is a control panel in windows operating system? List down the tasks that you can perform through control panel.
Control Panel
The control panel in windows operating system is a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows user to view and adjust system setting and controls.

Function of control panel

Add or remove hardware to computer.
Add or remove application to computer.
Control user accounts.
Change network settings.
Set security options to computer.
Add/remove language.
Change setting of peripheral device like mouse, keyboard, printer etc.

4. What is mail merge? List the steps followed in creating a mail merge document.
Mail Merge

Mail merge is a feature of MS word to merge multiple recipients with single mail or letter.
Mail merge can be defined as the process of creating same letter or document for different recipient.
Mail means letter and merge means to combine. Hence, mail merge is the process of combining name of different recipients to single letter. It enables user to create similar letter or document to multiple recipients.

List the steps followed in creating a mail merge document
Answer - PSC Computer Operator 2079/05/24, Question No. 4

5. What do you mean by relative reference and absolute reference in MS Excel sheet? Explain with example.
Relative Cell Reference

Cell reference that gets changed when formula is copied or dragged from one cell to another.
Copied formula is changed relative to the position of the cell containing formula.
Default referencing method.
Simply denoted by column alphabet and row number. Example, A5

Absolute Cell Reference

Cell reference that locks both row and column hence remains constant when formula is copied or dragged from one cell to another.
Also called fixed cell reference.
Denoted by dollar ($) sign before column alphabet and row number. Example, $A$5

6. What do you mean by file and folder? Write the types of file and file extensions.
File

A collection of related data or program records stored as a unit with a single file.
A container in a computer system for storing information.
An object on a computer that stores data, information, setting or commands.

Folder

A folder is a virtual container used to store and organize file on a computer.
Folders can contain files and other folders, called sub folder.
They help keep your data organized and are shown with a folder icon in windows.

Types of files

Data file - Collection of data that is used by computer program.
Program file - Collection of instructions to perform specific task.
Information file - Collection of information produced by computer as output which can be used by use for future reference.
System file - Special program files needed to start or boot computer. They are:
- MSDOS.SYS: It controls and provides OS interface.
- COMMAND.COM: It interprets the user command. It stores the command needed to perform different tasks.
- IO.SYS: It controls the input and output.

File extension

A file extension is the set of letters after a dot (.) at the end of a file name.
It tells the computer what type of file it is, and which program can be open it.
Changing the file extension can affect how the file works or make it unreadable.

Some types of file extension

Document file extension - .doc/.docx, .pdf, .txt
Image file extension - .jpg/.jpeg, .png, .gif
Audio file extension - .mp3, .wav
Video file extension - .mp4, .avi
Program/executable file extension - .exe, .bat, .msi etc.

7. What is operating system? Describe its functions and classifications.
Operating System

Operating system is a system software.
It provides interface to user to communicate with computer hardware.
It provides platform to other application software.
Without operating system, we cannot run or operate computer.

Function of Operating System
Answer - PSC Computer Operator 2079/05/24, Question No. 3

Types of Operating System

Based on Interface

CLI (Command Line Interface) - Works with commands. e.g., DOS
GUI (Graphical User Interface) - Works with graphics or symbol. e.g., Windows

Based on User

Single User - One user can work at a time. e.g. DOS, Windows
Multiuser - More than one user can work at a time. e.g., Unix, Linux

Based on Operation

Single Task - Only one task can run at a time. e.g. DOS
Multi Task - More than one task can run at a time. e.g. Windows

Some other types of operating system

Batch operating system - Similar jobs are grouped together into batch which are performed one by one.
Distributed operating system - Uses multiple CPU to serve multiple users. Data processing jobs are distributed among the processors.
Network operating system - Runs on a server and has capability to manage data, users, groups, security, applications and other networking functions.
Real time operating system - The time interval is required to process and respond to input is very small.
Embedded operating system - Embedded to device that is designed to perform a specific task for a particular device.

8. Define database. What are the various services provided by DBMS? Explain various data types used in MS Access.
Database

The collection of organized interrelated data to any purpose is called database.
Database is used to store, organize, extract and update data.

Various services provided by DBMS

Data storage - Manages storage of data
Data retrieval - Allows querying and fetching data
Security - Protects data with access control
Integrity - Maintains data correctness
Backup and recovery - Restores data after failure

Various data type used in MS-Access

Short text - Formerly known as 'text' which stores alphanumeric value up to 255 characters.
Long text - Formerly known as 'memo' which stores alphanumeric up to 65535 characters.
Number - Stores numeric value with size 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 bytes.
Large Number - Numeric data with size 8 bytes, supported by SQL.
Date/Time - Date/Time with size 8 bytes.
Extended Date/Time - Date/Time with size 42 bytes, supported by SQL.
Currency - Monetary data with 8 bytes.
AutoNumber - Unique sequential or random number generated by MS-Access with size 4 bytes.
Yes/No - Stores Boolean (true/false) data with size 1 bit, stores numeric value 0 for false, and -1 for true.
OLE Object - Picture, sound or object with size up to 1 GB.
Hyperlink - Link to email, URL or file in local network, up to 2048 characters.
Attachment - Attaches any document or file in the table, upto 2 GB.
Calculated - Expression that uses data from other fields.
Lookup Wizard - Displays data from another table in list box or combo box with size 4 bytes.

Section-B
9. What is presentation system? Differentiate between animation and transaction in PowerPoint presentation.
Presentation System

Application software that is used to create visual presentation composed of series of slides.
To convey message present, share data or information related to any topic.
E.g. Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slide etc.

Difference between Custom animation and Slide transition

Custom Animation	Slide Transition
Animation effect given to object on a slide.	Animation effect given to slide of presentation.
Used to draw attention of audience.	Used to change slide.
Focuses on each bullet on slide.	Introduce new slide.
On slide can have different custom animation for different object.	One slide can have only one transition.

10. What is social media? How can government organization utilize social media platforms to improve service delivery? Explain
Social media
Social media is an interactive digital channel for sharing information, ideas, interests, and other forms of expression. It uses website and application that focus on communication, community-based input, interaction, content-sharing and collaboration.

Uses of social media in government organization

Can share information in crisis.
Can use expert to share health, science and expert information.
Create an open channel for citizen interaction and engagement.
Can be touch with day-to-day problem of citizen.
Provides quick way to message to target audience.

11. Provide a comparison between Hub, Switch and Router.
Hub

Definition - A basic networking device that connects multiple devices in a LAN and broadcast data to all connected ports.
Function - Data is sent to every device.
Limitation - No traffic management, more collisions.
Replaced by - Switches in modern networks.

Switch

Definition - A switch is a network device that connects multiple devices within a LAN.
Function - It uses MAC addresses to forward data only to the intended recipient, reducing network traffic.
Works at - Data link layer

Rouer

Definition - A device that connects multiple networks together.
Function - Routes data packet based on IP addresses, provides NAT and sometimes DHCP.
Works at - Network layer (Layer 3)
Example - Home, Wi-Fi router

12. What is the use of firewall in network security? Differentiate IDS and IPS in network security management.
Firewall

Special type of network security device or program which monitor and filters incoming and outgoing data in computer network.
A cyber-security tool that filters network traffic and prevents malicious attack.

Uses of firewall in network security

Protects against hackers and malware
Blocks unauthorized access
Secure sensitive data
Controls website and services access
Enables secure remote access (VPN)
Monitors and logs network activity

Differentiate between IDS and IPS in network security

Feature	IDS (Intrusion Detection System)	IPS (Intrusion Prevention System)
Function	Detects threats and sends alert	Detects and blocks threat
Response type	Passive	Active
Traffic control	Monitors traffic only	Control and block malicious traffic
Placement	Outside the traffic path	In line with traffic
Real time action	No real time prevention	Provides real time prevention
Risk level	Higher risk	Lower risk

13. What is BIOS? Explain the major features and setting available in BIOS.
BIOS
BIOS (Basic Input Output System) are firmware stored on the motherboard that starts when the computer is powered on. It checks (POST) and loads the operating system.

Major features of BIOS

POST - Checks hardware at startup
Bootstrap Loader - Loads the operating system
BIOS Setup Utility - Allows user to configure system setting
CMOS Support - Stores BIOS settings
BIOS driver - Provides basic hardware control before OS loads

Major setting available in BIOS

Boot order - Set priority of boot
System Time/Date - Adjust clock and calendar
CPU and RAM setting - Configure processor and memory
SATA Mode - Set AHCI or RAID for drives
Secure Boot - Enable/disable UEFI security
Hardware monitor - View temperature, fan speed etc.
Password setup - Add BIOS or boot password
Power options - Manage power-saving feature
Peripheral settings - Control on board devices like USB, audio

14. State the roles of Department of Information Technology.
Department of Information Technology
The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) is a government body responsible for promoting, regulating and managing the development and implementation of IT policies, infrastructure, and services in a country or region.

Role of DoIT

Formulates IT policies
Implements e-Governance projects
Develop IT infrastructure
Promotes digital literacy
Supports other govt. departments
Sets IT standards and regulations
Encourage IT innovation and research
Monitors IT project performance
Conducts training and awareness

15. In today's world, what are the various types of security threats to the systems, data and network? Describe the safeguard and prevention mechanism that need to be implemented in order to be safe from them.
Various types of security threat
Answer - PSC Computer Operator 2079/05/24, Question No. 13

Safeguard and prevention mechanism that need to be implemented in order to be safe from threat

Use anti-malware and antivirus software
Do not use pirated software
Do not open suspicious email
Keep windows up to date
Scan computer regularly
Set up security setting on browser
Scan removable disk before use
Do not visit untrusted website
Turn on firewall

16. Mention any 5 strategies about how they contribute to achieve the objective of ICT Policy, 2072.
Objectives of ICT Policy, 2072

To empowered and facilitate Nepal's participation in the Global knowledge society
To promote transparency, efficiency, inclusiveness and participation in government through utilization of ICT.
To promote ICT to further productivity in national economy.
To promote research and innovation on ICT.
To create favorable environment for public private partnership in development of ICT.
To increase ICT infrastructure capacity.

-The End-

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