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IT, Computers & Emerging Tech — UPSC Prelims Science & Environment previous year questions

19 solved previous year questions on IT, Computers & Emerging Tech, papers from 2002 to 2022, drawn from UPSC CSE Prelims, State PCS, UPPCS. Each carries the printed answer key and the explanation from the source compilation.

1. #1UPSC CSE Prelims 2022
   With reference to "Software as a Service (Saa consider the following statements:14. 1. Saas buyers can customise the user interface and can change data fields. 2. Saas users can access their data through their mobile devices. 3. Outlook, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail are forms ofWhich of the statements given above are correct?
   • A1 and 2 only
   • B2 and 3 only
   • C1 and 3 only
   • D1, 2 and 3
   Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3
   Explanation

   Option d is the correct is a software licensing allows access to software on a subscription basis l is correct: Today's web-based software is to be modified for specific business uses but users. Buyers can customize the user to change the look and feel of the program, as well specific areas, such as data fields, to alter appears. Several business process features can also off and on at 2 is correct: allows each user to via the Internet. The user need not install on his/her computer. Thus users can access their mobile devices. allows users to software through a web browser from multiple or she can have remote desktop software and can 3 is correct: Outlook, Hotmail or Yahoo! forms of With these services, a user log into over the Internet, often from a web browser. software is located on the service provider's your messages are stored there as well. You can email and stored messages from a

2. #2UPSC CSE Prelims 2019
   Consider the following statements: A digital signature is- l. an electronic record that identifies the certifying authority issuing it. 2. used to serve as a proof of identity of an individual to access information or server on the Internet. 3. an electronic method of signing an electronic document and ensuring that the original content is unchanged. of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • A1 only
   • B2 and 3 only
   • C3 only
   • D1, 2 and 3
   Answer: (C) 3 only
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct l is incorrect: A digital signature is not record that identifies the certifying it. That is a digital certificate, which is a A digital certificate is a document that public key of a person or entity, along with and is signed by a trusted third party ( authority) to verify its 2 is incorrect: A digital signature is not serve as a proof of identity of an individual to or server on the Internet. That is a authentication, which may or may not involve Authentication is the process of verifying of a user or system, while digital signatures are a ensuring the integrity and non-repudiation of a 3 is correct: A digital signature is an of signing an electronic document and the original content is unchanged. Important Tips Working of Digital Signature: A digital signature is created by applying a mathematical function (called a hash function) to the document, which produce

3. #3UPSC CSE Prelims 2018
   Consider the following pairs:65. 1. Belle Artificial Intelligence experiment 2. Blockchain Digital/ Cryptocurrency technology 3. Particle PhysicsWhich of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
   • A1 and 3 only
   • B2 only
   • C2 and 3 only
   • D1, 2 and 3 66
   Answer: (B) 2 only
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct l is incorrectly matched: The Belle a particle physics experiment that aims to study of B mesons and other particles using a high luminosity electron-positron collider. It does not intelligence, which is the simulation of processes by 2 is correctly matched: Blockchain technology digital ledger that records transactions and data in and secure way, and is often associated such as Bitcoin. Cryptocurrencies or virtual currencies that use cryptography to verify 3 is incorrectly matched: is a tool that can modify DNA sequences by inserting or deleting genes. It is not related to which is the study of the fundamental matter and their interactions

4. #4Previous year
   The device by which data are transferred by telephone with the help of binary signals is- [. (Mains) 2007)
   • AModem
   • BAnalog
   • CMonitor
   • DO.C.R
   Answer: (A) Modem
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct modem is a device that converts signals produced by of device (such as a computer) to a form another (such as a telephone) and that is used transmit and receive information between computers A modem can modulate and demodulate to and from analog signals, which are suitable over telephone lines. The word modem is of modulator and demodulator. Modems are by the maximum amount of data they can send given unit of time, usually expressed in bits per or megabits per second (Mbit/s)

5. #5UPPCS 2002
   An electronic diode using a semiconductor nanopartide material synthesised by microorganisms has been E f l recently fabricated by Indian scientists for the first time, having utility in device miniaturization. The organism used is a/an
   • AVirus
   • BBacteria
   • CYeast
   • DProtozoa
   Answer: (C) Yeast
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct 2002, Indian scientists fabricated the first using a semiconductor nanopartide material Ii by microorganisms. The organism used was Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Yeasts are fungi that and can reproduce both sexually and are used in a variety of industrial processes, baking, and biofuel production. The semiconductor nanoparticles by microorganisms is new field of research. However, it has the revolutionize the electronics industry. are very small, and they can be have specific properties. This makes them ideal for miniaturized electronic l. Solution: Option a is the correct have been used for the detection of landmines due ability to sense the chemicals present in have trained bees to associate the scent with food, and trained bees tend to cluster where landmines are buried. Drones are then used the bees' movements, and computer analysis of helps locate potential land

6. #6UPSC CAPF 2015
   Which of the following memories must he refreshed many times per second?
   • ADynamic RAM
   • BEPROM
   • CROM
   • DStatic RAM
   Answer: (A) Dynamic RAM
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct RAM is a type of computer memory that bit of data in a separate capacitor within an The charge in the capacitor gradually leaks therefore, the data needs to he refreshed or times per second to maintain its integrity. If is not refreshed, it will be lost (Erasable Programmable Read-Only (Read-Only Memory), and Static RAM (SRAM) do frequent refreshing like DRAM. Important Tips Advantages and disadvantages of DRAM Advantages The main advantages of DRAM include the following: Its design is simple, only requiring one transistor. The cost is low in comparison to alternative types of memory such as SRAM. It provides higher density levels. More data can be stored using DRAM. Memory can be refreshed and deleted while a program is running. Disadvantages The main disadvantages of DRAM include the following: Memory is Volatile. Power consumption is high relative to other opti

7. #7CGPSC 2021
   What is Distributed Denial of Service attack?
   • AA computer game
   • BA cyber attack
   • CA military attack system
   • DNone of these
   Answer: (B) A cyber attack
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct Distributed Denial of Service attack is a type that aims to disrupt the normal a targeted server, service or network by overwhelming a large amount of Internet traffic from multiple Google Attack, 2020 was the largest attack reaching a size of 2.54 Tbps. The attackers packets to flood Google's services with traffic web servers

8. #8State PCS 2021
   A database that contains the names and address of various hosts on internet is called
   • ADomain Name Service
   • BDomain Name System
   • CDNS File System
   • DNone of the above
   Answer: (B) Domain Name System
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct Name System (DNS) is a database that holds all internet's IP addresses and translates domain IP addresses so browsers can load internet is a system that translates human-readable (such as www.example.com) into addresses (such as 192.168.1.1) so that web browsers internet resources

9. #9State PCS 2013
   Which type of computer could be found in a digital watch?
   • AMainframe
   • BSupercomputer
   • CNotebook computer
   • DEmbedded computer
   Answer: (D) Embedded computer
   Explanation

   Option d is the correct computer could be found in a digital watch. computer is a computer system that has a within a larger device or system. It is embedded as part of a complete device often including electrical hardware and mechanical parts. are typically used in devices that perform such as digital watches, MP3 players, home traffic lights, and medical imaging systems. are usually small-sized, compact, and they often have microcontrollers or microprocessors main components

10. #10State PCS 2013
    Who among the following is considered as the inventor of the World Wide Web (WWW)?
    • AEdward Kasner
    • BBill Gates
    • CTim Berners-Lee
    • DVinod Dham
    Answer: (C) Tim Berners-Lee
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct Berners-Lee is an English computer scientist the World Wide Web in 1989, while working He proposed a "universal linked information several concepts and technologies, such as and HTTP. He also developed the first web server browser. He is the founder and director of the Web Consortium which oversees the of the Web

11. #11UKPSC 2010
    A network of networks is simply called
    • AExtranet
    • BIntranet
    • CWebnet
    • DInternet
    Answer: (D) Internet
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct Internet is a global network of computers that are by cables and telephone lines making among them. It can be defined as a network because it is a worldwide collection of which are able to exchange information other in a very fast manner. A network of networks called an internetwork, or simply the internet. Important Tips Extranet: An extranet is an organization's private network and its available only for selected users. It's a way to connect to third parties like vendors, customers, and partners in a secure and controlled way. Intranet: An intranet is a kind of private network. For example, an intranet is used by different organizations and only members/staff of that organization have access to this. Webnet: Webnet is a wire mesh fabricated out of woven stainless-steel strands. It is weather resistant, extremely robust and requires virtually no maintenance

12. #12Practice set
    With reference to the Geographic Information System (GIS), consider the following statements: 1. It is a computer-based system to record, store and analyse data related to positions on Earth's surfaces. 2. It can be helpful in city administration and property tax assessment. 3. It is among the cheapest way of data aggregation and assessment for efficient decision making.How many of the statements given above are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (B) Only two
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct 1 is correct: A geographic information is a computer based system for capturing, and displaying data related to positions surface. GIS can show many different kinds of one map, such as streets, buildings, and vegetation. people to more easily see, analyse, and and 2 is correct: GIS aids in the property tax revenue and city administration a platform that spatially interconnects related data, such as the number of storeys building, the total structured area of each plot areas, locality details, and municipal 3 is incorrect: Information from GIS is and provides users with better assessment With the availability of detailed and specific making has improved. However, GIS technology costly technology to install. The GIS setup is additional cost is imputed on training and

13. #13Practice set
    Many supermarkets offer free loyalty cards to customers that give them access to reduced prices not available to nonmembers. The cards make it easy for stores to track who is buying what, when they are buying it and at what price. After analysing the data, stores can then use this data to offer customers coupons targeted to their buying habits and decide when to put items on sale ot when to sell them at full price. 65.Which of the following terms describes this process to obtain useful information?
    • ABig Data
    • BData mining
    • CArtificial intelligence
    • DCloud Computing
    Answer: (B) Data mining
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct mining is a process used by companies to turn into useful information. By using software to look in large batches of data, businesses can learn their customers to develop more effective increase sales and decrease costs

14. #14Practice set
    With reference to the use of various emerging technologies in agriculture, consider the following statements: 1. Blockchain technology can be used for digitization of land records. 2. Internet of Things can be used to monitor soil conditions. 3. Artificial Intelligence can be used to predict weather, sowing time and irrigation schedule.How many of the above statements are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (C) All three
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct 1 is correct. Blockchain technology of tamper proof ledger-based data storage. it can be used for digitization of land their management. States like Andhra Pradesh have started using blockchain for this. proof land records aid in contract farming. Statement 2 is correct. Internet of Things allow use of drones and satellite imagery for monitoring of like moisture and temperature. The Internet uses a network of sensors, electrical systems, to track various parameters in real time under observation. Data relating to these used in decision 3 is correct. Machine learning and can be used for predictive agricultural to predict on weather, sowing time, irrigation Microsoft has built an AI app for projects in which recommends farmers on sowing date, seed treatment, manure use, pest

15. #15Practice set
    Consider the following statements about Kamikaze Drones: 1. They are unmanned aerial vehicles that are designed to collide with their target. 2. They are also known as Loitering Munitions. 3. Kamikaze drones are much more expensive than cruise missile.How many of the statements given above are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (B) Only two
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct recent years, there has been an increase in the use drones in conflicts, including in the ongoing Russia and l is correct: Kamikaze drones, also known drones, are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed to collide with their targets. They are explosive warheads and can be remotely operated to fly to a specific 2 is correct: Kamikaze drones are also known munitions. This is because they can fly around for an extended period of time, waiting for a appear. They are equipped with sensors that allow identify and track targets and can be directed to 3 is incorrect: Kamikaze drones are and cheaper than traditional cruise missiles often built from off-the-shelf commercial can be equipped with explosives or other types and can be remotely controlled or programmed seek out and attack a target

16. #16Practice set
    "It is a quantum mechanical phenomenon. In these, two subatomic particles can be intimately linked to each other even if separated by billions of light-years of space. Despite their vast separation, a change induced in one will affect the other:' Which of the following phenomenon is mentioned in the above passage?
    • AQuantum Superposition
    • BQuantum Entanglement
    • CQuantum Interference
    • DQuantum Chaos
    Answer: (B) Quantum Entanglement
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct Entanglement is a quantum In these two subatomic particles can linked to each other even if separated by light-years of space. Despite their vast separation, induced in one will affect the other. In principle, place two entangled particles on opposite ends of and still have this instantaneous knowledge, to violate the limit of the speed of light. Important Tips The principle of quantum superposition states that a quantum particle can exists in 2 distinct locations at the same time. According to this theory, an quantum particle can exist simultaneously in multiple states, unless the operation of measurement is made. Quantum interference is when subatomic particles interact with and influence themselves and other particles while in a probabilistic superposition state. It can influence the probability of the outcomes when the quantum state is measured. Quantum chaos

17. #17Full-length test
    With reference to the technology of Quantum Internet, consider the following statements: 1. It is a system of interconnected quantum computers that uses radio waves to transmit data. 2. It will provide higher security for information exchange between its users compared to classical internet.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • A1 only
    • B2 only
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (B) 2 only
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct 1 is incorrect: The quantum internet is system of interconnected quantum uses quantum signals or Q-bits to send information data rather than radio correct: The quantum internet will level of security for information exchange users, thanks to the principles of quantum govern quantum communication. Certain properties allow for the creation of quantum keys that can to encrypt information in a way that is Important Tips How is Quantum internet different from normal internet?

18. #18Full-length test
    Which of the following statements is correct about the 'splinternet'?
    • AIt is a new cryptocurrency used in the international market
    • BIt is a satellite which provides internet to remote locations
    • CIt refers to the fragmentation of the internet to create an alternative cyberspace
    • DIt is a used to steal private information ofinternet users
    Answer: (C) It refers to the fragmentation of the internet to create an alternative cyberspace
    Explanation

    Option is the correct is defined as the balkanization of the nations try to preserve their sovereign identities interests. The splinternet, where cyberspace and regulated by different countries is becoming in the modern world. Example: China's Great mash-up of a real firewall and government policies, to data and is heavily surveilled by the state biggest impact of splinternet is in limiting access and data to citizens. These rules also lead to in costs of businesses and may force some to move out country altogether

19. #19Full-length test
    In the context of cyber security, the term "Blue Bugging" is related to
    • Aa software bug that activates the antilock braking system (ABS) in internet enabled Self Driving Cars
    • Bgammg unauthorised access over Bluetooth enabled devices
    • Creconnaissance technology used to observe the movement of Submarines in the Oceans
    • Dan advanced phishing method used exclusively to steal Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
    Answer: (B) gammg unauthorised access over Bluetooth enabled devices
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct b is correct: The Blue Bugging is a form of lets attackers access a device through its connection. Once a device or phone is a hacker can listen to the calls, read and and steal and modify Bluebugging attacks to happen the device's be in discoverable mode. The hacker tries to pair device via Bluetooth. Once a connection is can install malware in the compromised device unauthorised access to it. Bluebugging can a Bluetooth enabled device is within a of the a is incorrect. Blue bugging necessarily of bluetooth as a media to hack the this statement is c is incorrect: Blue bugging is not a to observe the movement of submarines in In fact SONAR is a technique that uses sound measure distances, communicate with or detect or under the surface of the water, such as d is incorrect: Bluebugging is not a used exclusively to steal Non-Fungible NFTs are unique cryptographic to

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