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IT 402 · Class 10 Employability Skills
CBSE CLASS 10 · ICT SKILLS-II · UNIT 3

Master every
question.

Complete board-oriented question bank with precise, value-point answers based on the NCERT Class 10 Employability Skills syllabus and official CBSE Sample Question Papers. Organized for 1-mark, 2-mark, and 4-mark exam preparation.

NCERT Solutions CBSE SQP Integrated 1, 2 & 4 Mark Answers
EXAM STRATEGY & MARKING GUIDE

How to write high-scoring answers.

CBSE awards marks strictly for technical accuracy, appropriate terminology, and structured bullet points. When writing answers, follow this standard pattern:

  • 1-Mark Questions (VSA): Write direct, one-sentence definitions or exact technical terms. Avoid vague explanations.
  • 2-Mark Questions (SA): State the definition plus two distinct value points or a clear real-world example.
  • 4-Mark Questions (LA / Case Studies): Divide your response into four clearly numbered headings or bullet points explaining the core mechanism.
Board-Writing Vocabulary: Ensure your answers use correct curriculum terms: Operating System, BIOS, POST, Booting, Volatile RAM, Non-volatile ROM, Secondary Storage, Hierarchical File Structure, Disk Cleanup, SPAM, Malware, Worms, Trojan Horse, Phishing, Firewall, and Encryption.
SECTION A · VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (1 MARK)

Definitions and Core Technical Facts.

Basics & Mobile Technologies
  1. What does the acronym ICT stand for?
    Answer: ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology. It refers to all tools, methods, and concepts used to store, record, and transmit digital information.
  2. What is a mobile app?
    Answer: A mobile app (application) is a specialized software program designed to run on handheld mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
  3. What is the purpose of the status bar on a mobile device?
    Answer: The status bar, located at the top of the mobile screen, displays system status indicators such as battery level, network signal strength, active Wi-Fi, and time.
  4. Which touch gesture is used to zoom in or zoom out of photos and maps?
    Answer: The Pinch gesture (pinching two fingers together to zoom out, or spreading them apart to zoom in).
  5. What is the difference between Tap and Long Press (Touch & Hold)?
    Answer: A Tap quickly opens or selects an item, whereas a Long Press opens contextual options like rename, delete, or share.
Hardware, Operating Systems & Booting
  1. When Ayaan switches on his computer, a particular software starts running automatically and manages all the hardware and other software. Which software is this?
    Answer: Operating System (OS). (Direct question from the CBSE Sample Question Paper).
  2. What does BIOS stand for, and where is it stored?
    Answer: BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It is permanently stored in the non-volatile ROM (Read-Only Memory) chip on the motherboard.
  3. What is POST in the computer startup process?
    Answer: POST stands for Power-On Self-Test. It is an automated diagnostic test run by BIOS during booting to verify that internal hardware (RAM, keyboard, drives) is operational.
  4. Why is RAM called volatile memory?
    Answer: RAM is called volatile because it requires continuous electrical power to retain data; all unsaved contents are immediately lost when the computer is turned off.
  5. Name the port used to transmit uncompressed high-definition video and audio to monitors and projectors.
    Answer: HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port.
Files, Internet & Security
  1. What is a file extension? Give one example.
    Answer: A file extension is a 3- or 4-letter suffix following the period in a filename that tells the OS the file type and which app opens it (e.g., .odt for LibreOffice Writer).
  2. Which keyboard shortcut is used to permanently delete a file without sending it to the Recycle Bin or Trash?
    Answer: Shift + Delete.
  3. What is SPAM in email communication?
    Answer: SPAM refers to unsolicited, bulk commercial or promotional emails sent over the internet to large numbers of users without their consent.
  4. In email addressing, what does Bcc stand for?
    Answer: Bcc stands for Blind Carbon Copy. Recipients entered in Bcc receive the email privately without their addresses being visible to other recipients.
  5. What does the padlock symbol and 'https://' indicate in a web browser's address bar?
    Answer: It indicates that data transmitted between the web browser and website server is encrypted and protected by a secure SSL/TLS certificate.
  6. What is software piracy?
    Answer: Software piracy is the unauthorized copying, distribution, downloading, or commercial use of copyrighted software without a legal license.
SECTION B · SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (2 MARKS)

Explain in 20–30 Words.

Operating Systems & Hardware
  1. Differentiate between hardware and software with two examples of each.
    Answer: Hardware consists of the physical, tangible parts of a computer that can be touched (e.g., keyboard, hard disk). Software refers to the set of programs and instructions that tell hardware how to function and cannot be physically touched (e.g., Ubuntu OS, LibreOffice Calc).
  2. State any two vital functions performed by an Operating System.
    Answer: 1. Hardware & Resource Management: It allocates CPU time, main memory, and peripheral devices to running tasks.
    2. User Interface: It provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) enabling users to run applications, browse files, and input commands easily.
  3. Explain the difference between primary memory (RAM) and secondary memory (Storage).
    Answer: RAM (Primary) is high-speed, temporary, volatile memory directly accessed by the CPU to hold currently active data. Secondary memory (Storage) like Hard Disks or SSDs is non-volatile, high-capacity storage used to retain files and software permanently.
  4. Explain the role of the Ethernet (RJ-45) port and USB port in a desktop computer.
    Answer: The Ethernet port connects a network cable for reliable, high-speed wired internet or local network connectivity. The USB port is a universal interface used to connect external peripherals like keyboards, mice, flash drives, and printers.
File Management & Computer Maintenance
  1. Differentiate between Copying a file and Moving a file.
    Answer: Copying (Ctrl+C → Ctrl+V) duplicates the selected file in a new destination while retaining the original file in its initial location. Moving (Ctrl+X → Ctrl+V) cuts the file from its current directory and relocates it entirely to the new folder.
  2. Why is it important to perform regular disk cleanup on a computer?
    Answer: Over time, computers accumulate temporary files, cached web data, and residual installation logs that consume hard disk space. Running Disk Cleanup purges these unneeded files, freeing up storage and improving overall system speed.
  3. State two physical care guidelines to protect a computer keyboard from damage.
    Answer: 1. Never eat food or snacks over the keyboard, as food crumbs can fall between keys and damage internal switches.
    2. Clean the keyboard regularly using a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust without dislodging keycaps.
  4. Why should laptops never be used while resting on soft blankets or cushions?
    Answer: Soft surfaces like blankets and pillows block the air intake and exhaust vents on the bottom and sides of the laptop. This traps internal heat, causing thermal throttling, system freezes, and permanent processor damage.
Security & Data Protection
  1. Sara is worried about her personal and work data being stolen or infected by viruses. What steps can she take to protect her data effectively?
    Answer: (From CBSE Sample Question Paper):
    1. Install reputable antivirus software and enable real-time updates and scheduled system scans.
    2. Protect her accounts with strong, unpredictable passwords and lock her workstation when stepping away.
    3. Enable a system firewall and take regular backups of critical files to an external drive.
  2. Differentiate between a Computer Worm and a Trojan Horse.
    Answer: A Worm is a self-replicating malware program that spreads across computer networks automatically without human intervention, consuming bandwidth. A Trojan Horse disguises itself as legitimate software (like a game or utility) to trick users into installing it, secretly stealing data or creating backdoors.
  3. What is Phishing? How can students recognize a phishing attempt?
    Answer: Phishing is an online scam where cybercriminals send fraudulent emails or messages impersonating trusted institutions (banks, exam boards) to steal passwords or credit card PINs. It can be recognized by urgent threats, fake web links, and requests for private security credentials.
  4. What is a Firewall and how does it safeguard computer systems?
    Answer: A firewall is a network security barrier (hardware or software) that monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic. It blocks unauthorized access, hackers, and malicious packets based on predetermined security rules.
SECTION C · DESCRIPTIVE & CASE STUDY QUESTIONS (4 MARKS)

Detailed Explanations in 50–80 Words.

Comprehensive Value-Point Answers
  1. Describe the complete booting sequence of a computer from the moment the power button is pressed until the desktop appears.
    Answer Guide (4 Key Stages):
    1. Power Activation: Pressing the power switch signals the Power Supply Unit (PSU) to distribute stable electric voltage to the motherboard, processor, and peripheral components.
    2. BIOS Initiation: The CPU immediately executes the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) firmware stored permanently in ROM.
    3. Power-On Self-Test (POST): BIOS conducts POST diagnostics, checking critical hardware components (RAM chips, system clock, keyboard connection, and boot drives). If any hardware is malfunctioning, beep codes or error messages are emitted.
    4. OS Kernel Loading & Authentication: Upon a successful self-test, BIOS reads the bootloader from the primary storage drive, loads the Operating System into RAM, and presents the user login or desktop screen.
  2. Explain the five key families of keys found on a standard computer keyboard and give the function of each.
    Answer Guide (5 Key Categories):
    1. Function Keys (F1–F12): Located across the top row; programmed to execute dedicated software shortcuts (e.g., F1 displays Help documentation, F5 refreshes a webpage).
    2. Control Keys: Includes Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Spacebar, Caps Lock, and Tab; used in combination with other keys to perform command shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+S saves a file).
    3. Enter / Return Key: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the next line during typing or confirms selected dialog commands.
    4. Navigation Keys: Includes Up/Down/Left/Right arrows, Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down; used to move the insertion point smoothly across documents and web pages.
    5. Command / Editing Keys: Includes Backspace (removes characters to the left of the cursor), Delete (removes characters to the right), and Insert (toggles overwrite mode).
  3. Prepare a comprehensive Computer Maintenance Schedule categorized into Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly tasks for a school computer lab.
    Answer Guide:
    • Daily Maintenance: Clean unneeded emails from the inbox, save downloaded student projects into designated subject folders, close all active applications properly, and shut down computers through the OS menu.
    • Weekly Maintenance: Gently wipe monitor screens with a soft microfiber cloth, dust keyboards with a soft brush, clean optical mice surfaces, and back up essential student work to a local server or pen drive.
    • Monthly Maintenance: Empty the Recycle Bin/Trash, clear residual setup files from the Downloads folder, run the Disk Cleanup utility to delete temporary files, and perform a full antivirus malware scan.
    • Yearly / Periodic Maintenance: Install operating system service updates, renew commercial antivirus licenses, check internal cooling fans for dust clogging, and organize hardware cable routing to avoid electrical hazards.
  4. Explain four distinct types of threats to computers and digital data, and detail the protective measures against each.
    Answer Guide:
    1. Physical & Identity Theft: Physical theft involves hardware stealing; identity theft involves cybercriminals stealing personal credentials (like banking passwords or Aadhaar/PAN details) to impersonate victims. Defense: Keep laptops secured, use strong alphanumeric passwords, and never share login credentials.
    2. Malware (Viruses, Worms, Trojans): Malicious code that corrupts files, slows processing, or opens system backdoors. Defense: Install certified antivirus software and keep definition databases continuously updated.
    3. Phishing & Online Scams: Deceptive emails or messages that mimic official banks or exam portals to harvest login passwords. Defense: Verify that the website address begins with https:// with a padlock icon, and never click unverified links.
    4. Data Loss due to Hardware Crash: Hard drives can suffer physical or sector failure, destroying irreplaceable academic work. Defense: Maintain regular secondary backups on external drives or cloud storage.
  5. Write an instructional guide for Class 10 students on creating a professional, secure password and protecting their online identity.
    Answer Guide:
    1. Password Length & Complexity: Passwords must contain a minimum of 8 to 12 characters, combining uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols (e.g., Tr@1n#402!Pass).
    2. Avoid Obvious Information: Never use common words, pet names, birth dates, phone numbers, or sequences like 123456 or password.
    3. Account Segregation: Never use the same password across multiple platforms (e.g., student portal, personal email, social media).
    4. Session Security: Always log out or lock the workstation (Windows key + L) when stepping away in public computer labs, and never select "Remember Password" on shared devices.
Self-Evaluation Checklist: When writing descriptive answers, ensure you have clearly defined the concept, provided at least two distinct technical characteristics, and cited a relevant real-world computing example.
IT 402 Employability Skills · Class 10 · Unit 3: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills – II
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