ICT skills help us in the following ways in our day-to-day activities:

1. Communication – They help us communicate with others easily using digital devices like smartphones and laptops.
2. Business – They help us run our business efficiently.
3. Stay connected – They help us stay connected with family and friends through apps and the internet.

Source: Session 1, Basic Computer Operations, Chapter 3

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The answer is directly from the source passage: "ICT skills help us to communicate, run our business and stay connected with our family and friends." For a 2-mark question, listing these three points briefly is sufficient. Examiners look for at least 2–3 valid uses. Avoid writing a long essay; 2–3 crisp points with a one-line explanation each is ideal.

(D) Letters, numbers and special characters

A strong password is a mix of small and capital letters, numbers, and special characters, making it difficult to guess or hack.

Source: Protecting your Data, Chapter 3

The passage clearly states that passwords are hard to hack when they combine small letters, capital letters, numbers, and special characters. Options (A), (B), and (C) are incomplete — only option (D) covers all elements. Always remember this complete combination for any password-related question.

(a) Firewall: A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks to protect the computer from unauthorized access.

(b) Worms: Worms are a type of virus that replicate themselves and spread to all files once they attack a computer. Because they multiply rapidly, they are very difficult to detect and remove.

• Firewall is not directly defined in the source passage, so use standard accepted CBSE definition — examiners expect this term to be defined from general IT knowledge covered in the chapter.
• Worms — copy the key points from the passage: self-replication, spreads to all files, and difficult to remove. These are the exact phrases examiners look for.
• Keep each answer to 1–2 lines for 1 mark each.

(C) .jpg

An image file commonly uses the .jpg extension, while .txt is for text files, .exe for programs, and .mp3 for sound files.

Source: Files and Folders, Chapter 3

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The passage explicitly states: "An image file usually has an extension .jpg while a sound file usually has .mp3." Eliminate distractors: .txt = Notepad/text, .exe = executable/program, .mp3 = audio. For MCQs, always support your choice with a brief reason — it shows understanding and can earn full marks.

Two measures an individual should follow to take care of digital devices:

1. Keep devices away from dust and heat — Avoid leaving devices in the sun and ensure the CPU fan is working to prevent overheating.
2. Unplug the device once fully charged — Leaving a device plugged in after 100% charge can cause it to overheat and stop functioning properly.

Source: Computer Care and Maintenance, Chapter 3

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• This is a 2-mark question, so two clear, distinct points are sufficient — one per mark.
• The examiner looks for practical, relevant measures directly linked to device care.
• Avoid vague answers like "be careful." Use specific actions (unplug after charging, keep away from dust/heat).
• Either measure from the textbook is acceptable — you could also mention using an anti-virus or cleaning the keyboard regularly.

(B) Internet of Things (IoT)

Controlling appliances remotely using an internet-enabled device is an example of the Internet of Things (IoT).

IoT refers to connecting physical devices/appliances to the internet so they can be controlled or monitored remotely. The key clue in the question is "remotely using an internet enabled device" — this points directly to IoT, not AI, CV, or DL. Note: The source passages provided do not cover this topic, but the correct answer is standard CBSE curriculum knowledge.

Two measures to protect data from theft and viruses:

1. Use Strong Passwords: Set passwords that are a mix of capital and small letters, numbers, and special characters (e.g., % # $). This prevents unauthorised persons from accessing your computer.

1. Install Anti-virus and Firewall: Anti-virus software monitors incoming and outgoing data, prevents viruses from entering, and can detect and clean existing viruses.

Source: Protecting your Data, Chapter 3

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• The question asks for any two measures — pick the two easiest to explain clearly; passwords and anti-virus are the most straightforward.
• Each measure should have a name + brief explanation to earn both marks (1 mark each).
• Avoid listing more than two; it wastes time in the exam.
• Key terms to use: unauthorised access, anti-virus, firewall, strong password — these signal correct understanding to the examiner.

Two search engines are Google (www.google.com) and Bing (www.bing.com).

A search engine is a web-based tool used to search for information on the internet. Common examples include Google, Bing, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo. For a 1-mark question, naming any two correct search engines is sufficient. Note: The source passages focus on computer security, so rely on general textbook knowledge for this answer.

(b) Operating System

The most important software in any computer is the Operating System (OS), which starts working as soon as we switch on a computer.

Source: Computer Hardware and Software, Chapter 3

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The passage directly states: "The most important software in any computer is the Operating System (OS). This is the software that starts working as soon as we switch on a computer." Examiners expect you to identify option (b) and may also award marks for writing the full form — OS = Operating System.

Gurmeet should keep the following points in mind to prevent virus infection:

1. Install Anti-virus and Firewall: Anti-virus software monitors data coming in and out of the computer, detects, and cleans any viruses before they can affect the data.

1. Run a Full System Virus Scan Regularly: As part of monthly maintenance, Gurmeet should run a full system virus scan and also check yearly that his anti-virus subscription has not expired and renew it if needed.

Source: Chapter 3, Scanning and Cleaning Viruses / Protecting your Data / Prepare a Maintenance Schedule

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• The examiner expects two distinct, named points — just listing "install antivirus" twice in different words will not fetch both marks.
• Each point should have a brief justification (one line) — that's what earns the mark, not just the heading.
• Both points are directly from the source passages, so stick to these; do not invent points like "don't download pirated software" (not in the passage).

(b) Shortcut Menu

Right-clicking on a file or folder opens the Shortcut Menu, which gives options like 'New Folder', delete, rename, etc.

Source: Creating a Folder (in Ubuntu), Chapter 3

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The passage states: "Right-click and then choose the 'New Folder'" — this context confirms that right-clicking opens a shortcut (context) menu with relevant options. The other options (Main Menu, Back Menu, Front Menu) are not standard or mentioned in the chapter. Examiners expect you to simply identify option (b).

(b) Graphical User Interface

GUI (Graphical User Interface) refers to the visual way users interact with a computer using icons, windows, and menus. "Interface" is the correct term, not "Interaction" or "Upper Interface."