PPSC Junior Computer Operator (BS-12) Past Paper 2023 – Punjab Public Service Commission (27 August 2023)

A dedicated computer is specifically designed to perform a single function or task continuously. Unlike general-purpose computers that can run multiple applications; these systems are optimized for efficiency; stability; and security in their assigned role. Examples include ATMs; routers; and traffic control systems; where consistency and reliability are more important than flexibility. Because of this specialization; a dedicated computer is highly efficient at its task.

The Internet is a worldwide system of interconnected wide area networks (WANs) that link billions of devices through standardized protocols like TCP/IP. It enables seamless communication; information exchange; and services such as email; web browsing; streaming; and online transactions. By connecting WANs; the Internet functions as a global infrastructure that supports commerce; education; research; and entertainment across every continent.

In Microsoft Word; pressing Ctrl+A highlights the entire content of a document at once. This includes text; tables; and images; allowing quick formatting or deletion. It saves time compared to manual selection with a mouse and is commonly used before applying bulk changes such as font adjustments or alignment.

The shortcut Ctrl+O in Microsoft Word opens the dialog box that allows users to browse and open an existing file from storage. It is one of the most frequently used commands for document management. By contrast; Ctrl+N creates a new document; Ctrl+R is for right alignment; and Ctrl+H activates Find and Replace.

The Backspace key deletes characters positioned immediately to the left of the text cursor. This makes it useful for quick corrections while typing. The Delete key removes characters on the right; Escape cancels operations; and End moves the cursor to the end of the line.

BIOS is short for Basic Input Output System; a firmware stored on the motherboard that initializes hardware when a computer starts. It performs essential checks like memory testing and prepares the system to load the operating system. Without BIOS or its modern replacement UEFI; a computer would not know how to communicate with its hardware.

In Excel; the reference B2

In MS Excel; pressing Enter moves the selection to the cell directly below; making it easier to input data vertically. Tab moves the selection to the next cell horizontally; while Shift+Tab reverses the direction. Ctrl is used only in combination with other keys for advanced shortcuts.

ICT means Information and Communication Technology. It includes computers; mobile phones; the Internet; and related services that enable the storage; retrieval; and sharing of data. ICT is essential in education; healthcare; governance; and business; as it connects people and systems around the globe.

EBCDIC stands for Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code; a character encoding system developed by IBM. It was primarily used in mainframe and midrange computers to represent text in binary form. While ASCII later became the dominant standard; EBCDIC still exists in some legacy systems.

RAM stands for Random Access Memory; a temporary storage area where a computer keeps data and programs in use. Unlike storage devices such as hard drives; RAM is volatile; meaning its contents are lost when power is turned off. More RAM allows smoother multitasking and faster performance.

An optical mouse is a pointing device that uses LED or laser technology to detect movement across surfaces. Unlike older mechanical mice with rolling balls; optical mice provide more accuracy; smoother tracking; and require less maintenance. Many modern versions also work wirelessly; but their underlying technology is optical.

In Microsoft PowerPoint; Ctrl+M inserts a new slide into the presentation. This shortcut helps presenters quickly expand their slide deck without navigating through menus. Ctrl+N opens a new presentation; Ctrl+P is used for printing; and Ctrl+I applies italics.

An Ethernet cable allows a printer to be connected directly to a network; enabling multiple computers to access it without a dedicated host machine. USB is used for single direct connections; while Firewire is mostly obsolete. Network connectivity through Ethernet is standard for office printers.

Email systems allow users to send text; images; audio; video; and documents as attachments. Modern email services support large file transfers and multimedia communication; making them essential tools in business and personal correspondence. Therefore; all listed formats can be transmitted via email.

In Microsoft Word; pressing Ctrl+] increases the font size of the selected text incrementally. This allows quick adjustments without opening the ribbon menu. Ctrl+I is used to italicize text; while Ctrl+Shift+= applies superscript formatting.

ROM; or Read-Only Memory; stores data permanently; even when power is switched off. It typically holds firmware instructions needed to start the computer. Unlike RAM; which is volatile; ROM ensures the system always retains essential startup data.

In Microsoft Word; headers and footers are printed by default on every page of the document. Users can customize settings to display them only on odd; even; or specific pages; but the initial configuration applies them throughout the document.

The shortcut Ctrl+Enter in Word inserts a page break at the cursor location; forcing text to continue on the next page. This is especially useful for separating sections of a document without manually adding blank lines.

DMA means Direct Memory Access; a feature that allows hardware devices to communicate with the system’s memory without constant involvement of the CPU. This increases efficiency when transferring large amounts of data; such as from disks; sound cards; or network devices. By reducing processor overhead; DMA ensures faster input and output operations and smoother multitasking performance.

These are all examples of logic gates; fundamental building blocks of digital circuits. Logic gates process binary inputs (0s and 1s) to produce a specific output based on logical functions. For instance; AND outputs 1 only if all inputs are 1; while NOT inverts the input. Modern processors; memory devices; and controllers all rely on billions of such logic gates to perform operations.

Wi-Fi; Bluetooth; and NFC are all wireless technologies used to connect nearby devices. Wi-Fi generally supports longer ranges and higher speeds; Bluetooth is ideal for medium range with low power consumption; and NFC (Near Field Communication) works at very short distances such as contactless payments. Each has specific use cases but all are considered technologies for connecting nearby devices.

In MS Word; the shortcut Ctrl+E aligns the selected text to the center of the page. It is commonly used for titles and headings. By contrast; Ctrl+L aligns text to the left; Ctrl+R aligns to the right; and Ctrl+M applies indenting. Mastering alignment shortcuts improves formatting speed.

Pressing F5 starts a slide show in PowerPoint from the first slide. This shortcut is particularly useful for presenters to quickly begin their presentation. Shift+F5 can be used to start the slide show from the currently active slide. Other function keys serve roles such as help (F1) and renaming items (F2).

An Excel worksheet is composed of rows and columns that intersect to form cells where data is entered. Rows run horizontally and are labeled with numbers; while columns run vertically and are labeled with letters. Together they make up the grid that is fundamental for organizing data.

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the standard language used to create and design web pages. It defines the structure of content on the web; including headings; paragraphs; links; and images. CSS and JavaScript are often used alongside HTML for styling and interactivity; but HTML is the foundation.

In MS Excel; the Formula Bar displays the contents of the active cell. Whether the cell contains text; numbers; or a formula; the Formula Bar shows the full entry for easier editing. Row headings and task panes serve different purposes like navigation and formatting assistance.

A scanner is a hardware device that captures images; printed text; or drawings and converts them into digital format. It is widely used for archiving documents; image editing; and data entry tasks. Unlike a plotter that prints vector graphics; scanners digitize existing content.

RAM is considered read-write memory because data can be both written to and read from it quickly. This makes it essential for temporary storage of active programs and processes. Unlike ROM; which is permanent and non-volatile; RAM is volatile and clears when power is turned off.

The term soft copy refers to digital output displayed on screens; such as monitors or mobile displays. In contrast; hard copy refers to printed material on paper. Soft copies are easy to edit; transmit; and store electronically; while hard copies are physical and permanent.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) provides internet access by using existing telephone lines to transmit digital signals. It allows simultaneous use of voice and data services. Unlike leased lines that are dedicated and expensive; DSL offers affordable broadband for households and businesses.

Microsoft Word is an application software program designed for word processing. It allows users to create; format; edit; and print documents. While it contains formatting tools and utilities; its primary classification is as an application software.

The keyboard is an input device used for typing and commands; not an output device. Output devices like monitors; printers; and plotters provide visual; printed; or graphical output from the computer to the user.

MS-DOS is a command line interface operating system; requiring users to type commands for file management and program execution. Unlike GUI-based systems; it does not provide icons or windows for interaction. It was widely used before graphical systems like Windows became popular.

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user; commonly through passwords. It ensures that only authorized individuals can access a system or resource. Other forms of authentication include biometric methods and digital certificates; but password authentication remains the most common.

Cropping refers to trimming away the unwanted edges of an image to improve focus; composition; or size. It is one of the most common editing techniques in graphic design; photography; and document preparation.

MS-DOS is a single-user; single-tasking operating system. It can only serve one user at a time and run one program at once. Modern systems like Windows and Linux are multiuser and multitasking; but DOS remained important historically.

An aggregate function performs calculations on a set of values to return a single summarizing value; such as SUM; AVG; COUNT; or MAX. These functions are widely used in databases and spreadsheets for analysis and reporting.

In Microsoft PowerPoint; each presentation page is called a slide. Slides can contain text; images; charts; and multimedia; and they collectively form a presentation. The slide format distinguishes PowerPoint from traditional document pages.

Random access refers to the capability of directly retrieving or writing data from any block on a storage device without going through other data sequentially. This makes devices like RAM and hard disks much faster than sequential devices such as magnetic tapes. Random access provides efficiency and speed; especially in multitasking environments.

Procedural languages such as COBOL; FORTRAN; and BASIC became popular in the third generation of computers; which utilized integrated circuits. These languages allowed programmers to write structured step-by-step instructions; making programming more efficient and readable compared to earlier machine and assembly languages.

In Microsoft Word; pressing the Page Down key moves the cursor one page downward. This helps users quickly navigate large documents without scrolling line by line. The Page Up key works in reverse; moving one page upward.

The Refresh button reloads a webpage; ensuring the latest version of content is displayed. This is particularly useful for dynamic pages like news sites; social media; or dashboards. It is usually represented by a circular arrow in browsers.

Microsoft PowerPoint is the standard application for creating presentations. It allows users to design slides containing text; images; charts; animations; and multimedia. It is widely used in education; business; and professional environments for visual communication.

The Data Bus is the pathway that transfers actual data between the CPU; memory; and other devices. The Address Bus carries memory addresses; while the Control Bus carries control signals. Together they form the system bus; which coordinates the flow of data.

The shortcut Ctrl+Z is universally used to undo the last action in applications like Word; Excel; and PowerPoint. This feature improves productivity by allowing quick corrections without manually reversing each change.

Pressing the Delete key removes highlighted text or objects in most software applications. It provides a direct way to erase selected content. The Backspace key removes characters to the left of the cursor; but Delete applies to selected items.

Excel recognizes data types such as numbers; text (labels); dates; and formulas. There is no separate “Character” data type in Excel; since text is treated as labels or strings. Therefore; option C does not apply.

Email allows sending messages that include text; audio; video; and other attachments. Modern email services integrate seamlessly with cloud storage to support multimedia communication. Although platforms like YouTube focus on video; email remains the multipurpose tool for file and text sharing.

The default page orientation in Microsoft Word is Portrait; where the page is taller than it is wide. Users can change it to Landscape if needed; which is wider than tall; often used for spreadsheets and presentations.

Power-On Self Test (POST) is executed by BIOS when a computer is switched on. It checks essential hardware like RAM; CPU; and storage devices to ensure they are functioning correctly before loading the operating system.

Questionnaires are considered one of the most effective methods of collecting structured data from a large group of people. They help in surveys; research; and customer feedback analysis due to their ability to capture standardized information.

SUM; MAX; and AVG are built-in Excel functions used for calculations. “List” is not a valid Excel function. Lists can exist in spreadsheets; but they are not a recognized function type.

The operating system is a collection of software that manages hardware and provides services for applications. It acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware. Examples include Windows; Linux; and macOS.

Booting is the process where the computer loads the operating system after being powered on. This involves BIOS/UEFI initializing hardware; running POST; and finally loading the OS into memory.

A computer virus is a type of malicious software designed to disrupt; damage; or gain unauthorized access to systems. Viruses spread through files; networks; or email attachments. Antivirus software helps detect and prevent such threats.

A scanner digitizes printed documents into image files that can be stored; edited; or transmitted electronically. Unlike a webcam which captures real-time images; scanners preserve static text or graphics.

Binary code uses two symbols; 0 and 1; to represent all computer data. These bits form the foundation of digital systems; allowing storage; processing; and communication. Complex instructions and data are broken down into binary for execution by hardware.

Pressing F2 allows a user to rename a selected file; folder; or object in Windows. This shortcut is widely used for quick renaming without needing right-click menus. Other keys serve different roles; such as F1 for help; F7 for spelling; and F9 for recalculating in Excel.

The Handout Master in PowerPoint defines the layout of handouts that are printed for an audience. It allows customization of how multiple slides appear per page; including headers; footers; and background styles. This feature ensures professional-looking materials during presentations.

In Excel; a cell is the smallest unit where data is entered. Each cell is identified by the intersection of a row and column; such as B2. Cells can hold text; numbers; or formulas; making them the foundation of spreadsheet operations.

In MS Office applications like Word and PowerPoint; the Insert menu allows users to add pictures; text boxes; charts; tables; and other objects. This menu is central to designing and customizing documents or slides.

A computer requires a program; which is a set of instructions that tells it how to perform tasks. Without software; hardware alone cannot function. Programs are what enable applications; system operations; and user interaction.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is the standard protocol used for sending email messages between servers. While FTP transfers files and TELNET allows remote login; SMTP ensures reliable mail delivery across the Internet.

The Control Panel in Windows provides access to system settings; including date and time configuration. Users can update the clock manually or synchronize with an Internet time server for accuracy.

A user-friendly interface is one that is intuitive; easy to navigate; and requires minimal technical knowledge. It improves user satisfaction and reduces errors. Features such as clear icons; consistent menus; and responsive design contribute to user-friendliness.

The Task Pane in PowerPoint provides quick access to features like slide design; slide layout; and slide transition. Master Slide; however; is managed through the View menu; not the Task Pane.

To open a file; the File menu is used; but since File is not listed among the options here; the correct choice is None of these. The File menu contains commands like Open; Save; and Print.

Spoofing often involves tricking users into revealing passwords or sensitive information by impersonating trusted sources. While hacking is a broader term for unauthorized access; spoofing specifically targets identity deception for data theft.

Main memory in a computer usually refers to RAM (Random Access Memory). It is the primary workspace for programs and data in active use. Unlike hard disks; which are secondary storage; RAM is much faster but volatile.

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology embedded in many gadgets for data transfer. It is commonly used for connecting headphones; keyboards; and file sharing between phones. Wi-Fi and USB serve other connectivity roles; while modems are for internet access.

Cybercrime refers to illegal activities conducted through computers and networks; including hacking; identity theft; online fraud; and spreading malware. As digital systems expand; cybercrime has become a major global challenge requiring advanced security measures.

Data sorting is a process in software like Excel that arranges data in a meaningful order. Businesses use it to analyze customer preferences; sales records; or survey results efficiently; making decision-making easier.

Cookies are small text files stored by a web browser to identify returning users. They save preferences; login information; and browsing activity; enhancing personalization. While useful; cookies also raise privacy concerns.

A system analyst studies requirements and designs the overall structure of a computer program or system. Programmers then implement these designs into code. System analysts bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions.

An operating system is classified as system software; but in the broad classification; it is considered a type of software. It manages hardware and provides a platform for running applications. Examples include Windows; Linux; and macOS.

Pressing F2 allows a user to rename a selected file; folder; or object in Windows. This shortcut is widely used for quick renaming without needing right-click menus. Other keys serve different roles; such as F1 for help; F7 for spelling; and F9 for recalculating in Excel.

The Handout Master in PowerPoint defines the layout of handouts that are printed for an audience. It allows customization of how multiple slides appear per page; including headers; footers; and background styles. This feature ensures professional-looking materials during presentations.

In Excel; a cell is the smallest unit where data is entered. Each cell is identified by the intersection of a row and column; such as B2. Cells can hold text; numbers; or formulas; making them the foundation of spreadsheet operations.

In MS Office applications like Word and PowerPoint; the Insert menu allows users to add pictures; text boxes; charts; tables; and other objects. This menu is central to designing and customizing documents or slides.

A computer requires a program; which is a set of instructions that tells it how to perform tasks. Without software; hardware alone cannot function. Programs are what enable applications; system operations; and user interaction.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is the standard protocol used for sending email messages between servers. While FTP transfers files and TELNET allows remote login; SMTP ensures reliable mail delivery across the Internet.

The Control Panel in Windows provides access to system settings; including date and time configuration. Users can update the clock manually or synchronize with an Internet time server for accuracy.

A user-friendly interface is one that is intuitive; easy to navigate; and requires minimal technical knowledge. It improves user satisfaction and reduces errors. Features such as clear icons; consistent menus; and responsive design contribute to user-friendliness.

The Task Pane in PowerPoint provides quick access to features like slide design; slide layout; and slide transition. Master Slide; however; is managed through the View menu; not the Task Pane.

To open a file; the File menu is used; but since File is not listed among the options here; the correct choice is None of these. The File menu contains commands like Open; Save; and Print.

Spoofing often involves tricking users into revealing passwords or sensitive information by impersonating trusted sources. While hacking is a broader term for unauthorized access; spoofing specifically targets identity deception for data theft.

Main memory in a computer usually refers to RAM (Random Access Memory). It is the primary workspace for programs and data in active use. Unlike hard disks; which are secondary storage; RAM is much faster but volatile.

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology embedded in many gadgets for data transfer. It is commonly used for connecting headphones; keyboards; and file sharing between phones. Wi-Fi and USB serve other connectivity roles; while modems are for internet access.

Cybercrime refers to illegal activities conducted through computers and networks; including hacking; identity theft; online fraud; and spreading malware. As digital systems expand; cybercrime has become a major global challenge requiring advanced security measures.

Data sorting is a process in software like Excel that arranges data in a meaningful order. Businesses use it to analyze customer preferences; sales records; or survey results efficiently; making decision-making easier.

Cookies are small text files stored by a web browser to identify returning users. They save preferences; login information; and browsing activity; enhancing personalization. While useful; cookies also raise privacy concerns.

A system analyst studies requirements and designs the overall structure of a computer program or system. Programmers then implement these designs into code. System analysts bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions.

An operating system is classified as system software; but in the broad classification; it is considered a type of software. It manages hardware and provides a platform for running applications. Examples include Windows; Linux; and macOS.

Fidel Castro served as the Prime Minister and later President of Cuba; leading the country from 1959 to 2008. He was a central figure in the Cuban Revolution and established a one-party socialist state aligned with the Soviet Union. His leadership had a significant influence on Cold War geopolitics; making him one of the most prominent global leaders of the 20th century.

Alexandria is the largest seaport of Egypt; located on the Mediterranean Sea. It has historically been a vital center for trade; culture; and learning; once housing the famous Library of Alexandria. Today it remains a key economic hub for Egypt.

The Pulitzer Prize is a prestigious award in the United States primarily for achievements in journalism; literature; and musical composition. Established in 1917; it recognizes excellence in reporting; commentary; and investigative journalism; making it a benchmark of journalistic integrity.

Alexandria is the largest seaport of Egypt; located on the Mediterranean Sea. It has historically been a vital center for trade; culture; and learning; once housing the famous Library of Alexandria. Today it remains a key economic hub for Egypt.

The Pulitzer Prize is a prestigious award in the United States primarily for achievements in journalism; literature; and musical composition. Established in 1917; it recognizes excellence in reporting; commentary; and investigative journalism; making it a benchmark of journalistic integrity.

Cricket; though widely played around the world; is not an Olympic sport. The Olympic Games feature sports such as swimming; badminton; fencing; athletics; and gymnastics; but cricket has remained outside due to scheduling difficulties and lack of universal participation. However; discussions continue about its possible inclusion in future Games; particularly in the T20 format.

Jamia Millia Islamia is a central university located in Delhi; India. Established in 1920; it became a prominent institution for higher education and research. Over the years; it has gained recognition for its academic excellence; cultural diversity; and historical role in India’s freedom movement.

The Zulu are one of the most prominent tribes of South Africa. Known for their rich cultural heritage; warrior traditions; and historical kingdom under Shaka Zulu; they remain the largest ethnic group in South Africa today. Their language; Zulu; is widely spoken and forms a key part of the nation’s identity.

Ethiopia experienced a devastating famine beginning in 1983; which lasted until 1985. It was caused by drought; political instability; and conflict; leading to severe food shortages and loss of life. International relief efforts highlighted the humanitarian crisis; making it one of the most tragic famines of the late 20th century.

In 1906; a delegation of Muslim leaders met the Viceroy of India at Simla under the leadership of Aga Khan III. This event; known as the Simla Deputation; played a vital role in voicing the political concerns of Muslims and laid the foundation for the establishment of the All India Muslim League.

The Lahore Resolution was passed on 23 March 1940 during the All India Muslim League session held at Minto Park; Lahore. It called for separate states for Muslims in the north-western and eastern zones of India; which ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947.

Khushal Khan Khattak was a 17th-century Pashto poet; warrior; and scholar. Known as the “father of Pashto literature;” he wrote extensively about honor; freedom; and resistance against oppression; making him a symbol of Pashtun identity and pride.

The Khilafat Movement was launched in the early 20th century by leaders such as Maulana Muhammad Ali Johar and Maulana Shaukat Ali. It aimed to protect the Ottoman Caliphate after World War I and mobilized Indian Muslims in support of a pan-Islamic cause; intertwining with India’s independence struggle.

Ophthalmology is the branch of medical science concerned with the study; diagnosis; and treatment of eye disorders. Specialists in this field; known as ophthalmologists; treat conditions ranging from vision problems to serious eye diseases like glaucoma and cataracts.

Soap and detergents work by reducing interfacial tension between water and oil or dirt particles. Their molecules have hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends; which allow them to surround and lift away dirt or grease from fabrics; making cleaning effective in both hard and soft water.

The SI unit of pressure is the Pascal (Pa); defined as one Newton per square meter. It measures the force applied over a unit area. Other commonly used units include atmospheres (atm) and millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Two-digit numbers divisible by 9 start from 18 and end at 99. The sequence is 18; 27; 36; …; 99. This is an arithmetic progression with first term 18; last term 99; and common difference 9. The number of terms is (99−18)/9 + 1 = 10. Therefore; there are 10 such numbers.

To solve; let the increased number be x. Ratio 7

The phrase “Alpha and Omega” originates from the Greek alphabet; where Alpha is the first letter and Omega is the last. It signifies the beginning and the end. The expression is often used metaphorically to describe something complete or eternal. In English literature and religious contexts; it emphasizes comprehensiveness or totality.

The word “modify” means to alter or change something slightly; often to improve or adapt it. Synonyms include adjust; revise; or amend. In English usage; it can refer to grammatical modification; technical adjustments; or general alterations.

The idiom “to poke one’s nose into” means to interfere or show unnecessary curiosity in someone else’s matters. It is considered impolite and conveys the idea of unwanted intrusion. This phrase is commonly used in informal English.

Quarantine refers to a state of isolation imposed to prevent the spread of disease or contamination. The closest synonym is “isolation;” as both describe separation from the general population for safety. This term is widely recognized in health and medical contexts.

The correct option is “was” because the subject “Every worker” is singular. In English grammar; indefinite pronouns like “every” take singular verbs. Therefore; “Every worker was on duty” is the grammatically correct sentence.