COMPUTER NO:

DEGREE CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT TEST I – July, 2024 2 7 0 0 3 4 0 0

SEM: I BoCS1050 – PRACTICAL USE OF COMPUTER PACKAGES

Time: 3hr 00 Min Max. Marks: 100
Answer All Questions
PART – A (5 x 2 = 10 Marks)

1. DSatabases can be easily edited and stored. List Four features of any Word processor
 Text editing
 Formatting option
 Auto correct
 Documental management
2. What is a spreadsheet?
 This is a software application which allows us to store data in the form of a table for
better efficiency.
3. Briefly explain the term “cell” as it applies to spreadsheets
 A cell is a rectangular area formed by the intersection of row and the column, a cell is
identified the combining the column letter with the row number for example the cell
in column ‘c’ in row ’3’.
4. What is a database?
 A database is a collection of structured data that is stored and organized for efficient
access and retrieval.
5. Briefly explain what a database report is
 A database report is a formatted presentation of the data from a database that provides
structured information for decision making, the database report is specifically meant
to convey information in a way that is easy to understand by human being.

PART – B (4 x 4 = 16 Marks)

6(a) Define and contrast between the terms Formatting text and Editing Text in a word
processor
(OR)
6(b) a company is using a word processor to produce a page advertising their products.
Unfortunately, the information would not fit onto one single page. Which four features
of word could be used to ensure that the advert fits onto one page only?
 Page orientation; switch from portrait landscape orientation to fit many words on the
page, this can accommodate more words and graphs than portrait orientation.
 Font size; reduce the font of the letters to fit more texts on the page, use of the small
font size allows more content to fit.
 Margins; adjusting the margin to minimize the empty spaces around the content.
 Scaling; use the ‘shrinking to fit’ or scale feature to reduce document size in order to
maintain its proportion.
7(a) Describe Two fundamental differences between Word processors and Desk top
publishing packages

(OR)
7(b) Define and contrast between the terms Formatting text and Editing Text in a word
processor
8(a) Provide four problems associated with using spreadsheets
 Data inconsistency and inaccuracies; spreadsheets often involve manual data entry
which can lead to typing error and this can result in incorrect analysis decision and
outcomes.
  Error in calculations and formulas; spreadsheet often make errors in formulas and
calculations which can prone to incorrect results.
 Data insecurity spreadsheet can be easily copied, shared and distributed elsewhere
and it leads to increase in unauthorized access
 No real time update; with spreadsheet team is often operating and making decisions
on outdated or simply inconsistent information infinite versions
(OR)
8(b) Compare and contrast between the terms Formula and Function
9(a) List and briefly explain any four database object
 Tables
 Forms
 Reports
 queries
 Tables; this is the database object that stores data and organized in an arrangement
columns and rows
 Forms; this is the entering of records in the table, edit or delete the exiting records out of
a table.
 Report; it is used in analyzing data or to present it in a certain way in print or in other
format e.g. the use of the report to display calculated totals.
 Queries; it is used in helping the user find and retrieve the data that meets conditions that
you specify e.g. the orders table has the information about the customer
(OR)
9(b) there are many types of database relationships. List and explain at least four of them.
PART – C (2 x 12 = 24 Marks)

10(a) Discuss the common features found in a spreadsheet

Spreadsheet is used for organizing and analyzing data in a tabular format, and some
common features found in the spreadsheet including the following
 Cell; this is a basic building block of a spreadsheet, cells are where data is entered
and stored, each cell is identified by a unique combination the column and the row
number
 Formulas; this allows the user to perform calculations on the data using formulas, this
can be simple arithmetic operations like addition and subtraction or more complex
functions e.g. average.
 Chart and graphs spreadsheet allows the user to create visual representations of the
data using charts and graphs which can help in analyzing trends, patterns and
relationship in the data.
 Import and export; spreadsheet support the importing data from external sources and
export data to different files format this make it easy to receive and give out data to
others.

(OR)
10(b) Explain the following Information Technology terms as they are applied to spreadsheets
Giving examples where appropriate:
(i) Average
(ii) Maximum value
(iii) Minimum value
(iv)Auto sum
(v) Count
(vi)Auto complete
Term is equal two marks)

11(a) Using appropriate examples, explain the various database features

 (OR)
11(b) Compare and contrast between the use of electronic databases and conventional databases
The electronic databases and conventional databases both serve the purpose of storing
and organizing data and both can be used in research, analyzing and decision making, but
there are some key differences between the two, these include

 Electronic database are accessible from anywhere with an internet, while conventional
database are typically stored on physical and on physical servers or computers,
limiting access to the specific location.
 The electronic databases are faster search and retrieval while conventional databases
are slower search and retrieval capabilities.
 Conventional databases are paper based which means are stored physically in file
folders, or in the library, while electronic databases are digitally stored on the
computer.
 Conventional databases are manually through browsing or search while electronic
databases are accessed through software or online platforms.
 In conventional databases, data can be difficult to update or edited, while in electronic