Question 1

List some of the cloud-based services that you are using at present.

Accepted Answer

Cloud-based services commonly used include email services like Gmail, cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox, streaming services like Netflix, online office suites like Microsoft Office 365, and social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These services are accessed over the internet and provide storage, computing, or application services without the need for local installation. — Cloud-based services are applications or resources made available to users on demand via the internet from a cloud computing provider's servers. Examples include email, file storage, and streaming services.

Question 2

What do you understand by the Internet of Things? List some of its potential applications.

Accepted Answer

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet. Potential applications include smart homes (e.g., smart thermostats, lighting), healthcare (remote patient monitoring), smart cities (traffic management, waste management), agriculture (soil sensors, irrigation control), and industrial automation. — IoT enables devices to collect and share data, improving efficiency, automation, and decision-making across various domains.

Question 3

Write a short note on the following:
a) Cloud computing
b) Big data and its characteristics

Accepted Answer

a) Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the internet (“the cloud”) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale.

b) Big data refers to extremely large data sets that may be analyzed computationally to reveal patterns, trends, and associations. Its main characteristics are often described as the 5 Vs: Volume (large amounts of data), Velocity (speed of data in and out), Variety (different types of data), Veracity (uncertainty of data), and Value (usefulness of data). — Cloud computing provides on-demand access to computing resources. Big data involves handling and analyzing large and complex data sets with specific characteristics.

Question 4

Explain the following along with their applications.
a) Artificial Intelligence
b) Machine Learning

Accepted Answer

a) Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. Applications include speech recognition, natural language processing, robotics, expert systems, and autonomous vehicles.

b) Machine Learning (ML) is a subset of AI that enables systems to learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. Applications include recommendation systems, fraud detection, image and speech recognition, and predictive analytics. — AI encompasses a broad range of technologies that mimic human intelligence, while ML focuses on algorithms that learn from data to make decisions or predictions.

Question 5

Differentiate between cloud computing and grid computing with suitable examples.

Accepted Answer

Cloud computing provides on-demand access to shared computing resources over the internet, allowing users to use services like storage, applications, and servers without managing the underlying infrastructure. Example: Using Google Drive for storage.

Grid computing involves a distributed architecture of large numbers of computers connected to solve a complex problem by dividing it into smaller tasks. Example: SETI@home project that uses volunteer computers to analyze radio signals for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Key differences:
- Cloud computing is service-oriented; grid computing is resource-oriented.
- Cloud computing resources are virtualized; grid computing resources are heterogeneous and geographically dispersed.
- Cloud computing is managed by providers; grid computing is often collaborative among multiple organizations. — Cloud computing focuses on providing scalable services to users, while grid computing focuses on pooling resources to solve large computational problems.

Question 6

Justify the following statement-
'Storage of data is cost effective and time saving in cloud computing.'

Accepted Answer

Cloud computing offers scalable storage solutions where users pay only for the storage they use, eliminating the need for investing in expensive hardware. Data can be accessed anytime and anywhere via the internet, reducing time spent on data retrieval and management. Cloud providers also handle maintenance, backups, and security, further saving time and cost for users. — The pay-as-you-go model and remote accessibility make cloud storage economical and efficient compared to traditional storage methods.

Question 7

What is on-demand service? How it is provided in cloud computing?

Accepted Answer

On-demand service refers to the ability to access computing resources as needed, without human interaction with service providers. In cloud computing, on-demand services are provided through self-service portals or APIs where users can provision resources like storage, processing power, or applications instantly and scale them up or down based on their requirements. — Cloud computing platforms automate resource allocation, enabling users to get services immediately when required, enhancing flexibility and efficiency.

Question 8

Write examples of the following:
a) Government provided cloud computing platform
b) Large scale private cloud service providers and the services they provide

Accepted Answer

a) Government provided cloud computing platform example: 'MeghRaj' is an Indian government cloud initiative providing cloud services to government departments.

b) Large scale private cloud service providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS) offering services like EC2 (virtual servers), S3 (storage), and Lambda (serverless computing); Microsoft Azure providing virtual machines, databases, and AI services; Google Cloud Platform offering compute engine, storage, and big data analytics. — Governments often create cloud platforms for public sector use, while private companies provide cloud services commercially to a wide range of customers.

Question 9

A company interested in cloud computing is looking for a provider who offers a set of basic services such as virtual server provisioning and on-demand storage that can be combined into a platform for deploying and running customised applications. What type of cloud computing model fits these requirements?
a) Platform as a Service
b) Software as a Service
c) Infrastructure as a Service

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is a) Platform as a Service (PaaS).

Explanation: PaaS provides a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications without dealing with the underlying infrastructure. It includes virtual server provisioning and storage that can be combined to deploy customized applications. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides basic infrastructure like virtual machines and storage but does not provide the platform for application deployment. Software as a Service (SaaS) delivers ready-to-use software applications. — PaaS fits the requirement as it offers a platform with basic services like virtual servers and storage for deploying applications.

Question 10

Which is not one of the features of IoT devices?
a) Remotely controllable
b) Programmable
c) Can turn themselves off if necessary
d) All of the above

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is c) Can turn themselves off if necessary.

Explanation: IoT devices are typically remotely controllable and programmable. However, the ability to turn themselves off automatically is not a standard feature of all IoT devices. Options a) and b) are features of IoT devices. Option d) 'All of the above' is incorrect because c) is not a typical feature. — IoT devices are designed to be remotely managed and programmed but do not inherently have the feature to autonomously turn themselves off.

Question 11

If Government plans to make a smart school by applying IoT concepts, how can each of the following be implemented in order to transform a school into IoT enabled smart school?
a) e-textbooks
b) Smart boards
c) Online tests
d) Wifi sensors on classrooms doors
e) Sensors in buses to monitor their location
f) Wearables (watches or smart belts) for attendance monitoring

Accepted Answer

a) E-textbooks can be provided on tablets or computers allowing interactive learning and easy updates.

b) Smart boards can replace traditional blackboards, enabling interactive lessons and multimedia presentations.

c) Online tests can be conducted using IoT-enabled devices to facilitate instant evaluation and feedback.

d) Wifi sensors on classroom doors can monitor entry and exit, enhancing security and attendance tracking.

e) Sensors in buses can provide real-time location tracking for safety and scheduling.

f) Wearables like smart watches or belts can automatically record attendance by detecting presence in classrooms. — Each IoT component adds automation, monitoring, and interactivity to improve the educational environment and management.

Question 12

Five friends plan to try a startup. However, they have a limited budget and limited computer infrastructure. How can they avail the benefits of cloud services to launch their startup?

Accepted Answer

The friends can use cloud services to access computing resources on a pay-as-you-go basis, avoiding the need to invest in expensive hardware. They can use cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure to host their applications, store data, and use development tools. This allows scalability, flexibility, and cost savings, enabling them to focus on their business rather than infrastructure. — Cloud computing provides startups with affordable access to IT resources, reducing upfront costs and enabling rapid deployment.

Question 13

Governments provide various scholarships to students of different classes. Prepare a report on how blockchain technology can be used to promote accountability, transparency and efficiency in distribution of scholarships?

Accepted Answer

Blockchain technology can be used to create a decentralized and tamper-proof ledger for scholarship distribution. Each transaction (scholarship grant) is recorded transparently and immutably, ensuring that funds are allocated correctly and reaching the intended recipients. Smart contracts can automate eligibility verification and fund disbursement, reducing delays and human errors. This promotes accountability by making the process auditable and transparent to all stakeholders. — Blockchain's features of decentralization, immutability, and automation enhance trust and efficiency in scholarship management.

Question 14

How IoT and WoT are related?

Accepted Answer

IoT (Internet of Things) refers to the network of physical devices connected to the internet to collect and exchange data. WoT (Web of Things) is an extension of IoT that uses web standards and protocols to enable interoperability and easier integration of IoT devices and services over the web. WoT makes IoT devices accessible and controllable via web technologies. — WoT builds on IoT by applying web technologies to improve device communication and integration.

Question 15

Match the following:

|  Column A | Column B  |
| --- | --- |
|  You got a reminder to take medication | Smart Parking  |
|  You got a sms alert that you forgot to lock the door | Smart Wearable  |
|  You got the sms alert that parking space is available near your block | Home Automation  |
|  You turned off your LED TV from your wrist watch | Smart Health  |

Accepted Answer

Correct matching:
- You got a reminder to take medication → Smart Wearable
- You got a sms alert that you forgot to lock the door → Home Automation
- You got the sms alert that parking space is available near your block → Smart Parking
- You turned off your LED TV from your wrist watch → Smart Health

Explanation:
- Medication reminders are typically provided by smart wearable devices.
- SMS alerts about door locking relate to home automation systems.
- Parking space alerts correspond to smart parking systems.
- Controlling LED TV from wrist watch relates to smart health or wearable device controlling appliances. — Matching is based on the typical application domain of each smart technology.

Emerging Chapter Trends

Emerging Chapter Trends — Study Notes

2.1 INTRODUCTION TO EMERGING TRENDS

2.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

2.2.1 Machine Learning

Practice Questions — Emerging Chapter Trends

All 8 Chapters in Informatics Practices