Q1. Explain the various types of information systems.

Briefly explain the importance of

information systems for business.

Answer:

Information Systems (IS) are tools used to collect, process, store, and distribute information
to support decision-making and coordination in an organization.

Types of Information Systems:

1. Transaction Processing System (TPS):

• Handles daily routine transactions.

• Example: Billing systems, payroll processing.

2. Management Information System (MIS):

• Provides periodic reports to managers.

• Example: Sales reports, financial summaries.

3. Decision Support System (DSS):

• Assists in complex decision-making.

• Uses data modeling and analysis tools.

• Example: Budget forecasting system.

4. Executive Information System (EIS):

• High-level dashboards for top management.

• Example: Graphical views of business KPIs.

5. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP):

• Integrates all departments (HR, finance, inventory) into a single system.

• Example: SAP, Oracle ERP.

Importance in Business:

• Enhances decision-making.

• Increases operational efficiency.

• Promotes better coordination between departments.

• Supports automation and reduces errors.

Q2. Explain the following with examples:

(a) Plastic Money

(b) Mail Merge in Microsoft Word

Answer:

(a) Plastic Money:

• Refers to cards used for cashless transactions.

• Includes debit cards, credit cards, prepaid cards, and smart cards.

• Helps reduce the need to carry physical cash.

• Example: Visa debit card, RuPay card, MasterCard.

(b) Mail Merge in MS Word:

• A feature used to send personalized documents to many people using a single

template.

• Combines a Word file with a data source (like Excel).

• Commonly used for letters, invitations, or envelopes.

Steps:
 1. Prepare the main document (letter).

2. Connect to recipient data list.

3. Insert merge fields (like Name, Address).

4. Preview and print/send.

Q3. What is cyber security with respect to business? Discuss with examples any two key IT
security principles.

Answer:

Cybersecurity refers to protecting business systems, networks, and data from unauthorized
access, attacks, or damage.

Importance in Business:

• Safeguards sensitive customer data (e.g., credit card info).

• Maintains trust and business continuity.

Key IT Security Principles:

1. Confidentiality:

• Ensures that only authorized people can access sensitive data.

• Example: Password-protected files and encrypted emails.

2. Integrity:

• Ensures data is accurate and not altered by unauthorized users.

• Example: Checksums, digital signatures to detect tampering.

Other principles include Availability, Authentication, and Non-repudiation.

Q4. What is an operating system? Briefly discuss the purpose and the important functions of
an operating system.

Answer:

An Operating System (OS) is system software that acts as an interface between user and
computer hardware. It manages resources and enables other software to function.

Purpose of OS:

• Makes the computer user-friendly.

• Manages system resources efficiently.

Functions of an Operating System:

1. Process Management:

• Controls the execution of processes (programs in execution).

2. Memory Management:

• Allocates and tracks memory for active programs.

3. File Management:

• Organizes, stores, and retrieves data on disk.

4. Device Management:

• Controls input/output devices (keyboard, printer).

5. User Interface:

• Provides GUI or command-line interface.

Examples: Windows, Linux, macOS.

Q5. What is a computer network? Briefly discuss the various types of computer networks
(PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN, HAN). Also, compare Internet, Intranet, and Extranet.

Answer:

A Computer Network is a group of computers connected together to share resources like

files, internet, and printers.

Types of Networks:

1. PAN (Personal Area Network):

• Short-range, e.g., Bluetooth between phone and laptop.

2. LAN (Local Area Network):

• Covers small area like office or building.

3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network):

• Covers city or large campus, e.g., university network.

4. WAN (Wide Area Network):

• Spans countries/continents, e.g., the internet.

5. HAN (Home Area Network):

• Used in homes to connect devices like smart TVs, printers.

Internet vs Intranet vs Extranet:

Feature Internet Intranet Extranet

Access Public Private (within organization) Private (external partners)

Users Anyone Employees Employees + Vendors/Clients

Example Google HR portal of a company Vendor login portal

Here are five additional past-year IGNOU BCOS-183 questions (from 2021–
2022) with model answers. Perfect for expanding your practice beyond earlier
topics!

Q6. Compare a computer with a smartphone. Classify computers

based on purpose, size & capacity, and data handling.

Answer:

Feature Computer Smartphone

Purpose Designed for complex tasks and Portability and daily use
heavy computing

Size & Capacity Larger with more storage (GB–TB) Compact with less memory (GB
range)

Data Handling Handles large datasets and high- Suitable for light apps, emails, etc.
speed processing

Classification of Computers:

Purpose: General-purpose (PC), special-purpose (embedded systems)

Size/Capacity: Microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframes,
supercomputers
Data Handling: Analog, digital, and hybrid computers

Q7. Explain with examples: (a) Google Drive (b) Google Suite
Answer:

Google Drive: Cloud storage service by Google for saving files online (docs,
photos) and syncing across devices.
Google Suite (now Google Workspace): A collection of cloud apps—Gmail,
Docs, Sheets, Slides—integrated for real-time collaboration and
productivity ().

Q8. Discuss hardware and software components of a computer

system. Also, define a computer network and list its types.

Answer:

Hardware: CPU, RAM, storage drives, input/output devices, motherboard.

Software:

System Software: Operating systems

Application Software: MS Office, browsers
Utility Software: Antivirus, disk utilities

Computer Network: Interlinked computers that share data and resources.

Types:

PAN: Personal devices (e.g. phone–earbuds)

LAN: Office/home networks
MAN: Campus or city-wide
WAN: Global connections like the internet

Q9. “A computer is a programmable electronic device…” Elucidate.

Also explain the generations of computers.
Answer:
 Definition: A device that accepts input, processes data via instructions,
and outputs results electronically.
Generations:

1. Vacuum tubes (large, slow)

2. Transistors (smaller, faster)
3. ICs (compact, multi-tasking)
4. Microprocessors (PCs)
5. AI-based systems

Q10. Explain multimedia. What are its advantages and business

applications?

Answer:

Multimedia: Combines text, images, audio, video, and animation for

interactive communication.
Advantages:

Enhanced engagement
Improved understanding
Catered to different learning styles

Business Uses:

Marketing (videos, banners)

E-learning modules
Interactive presentations and product demos