20 Must-Know "Distinguish Between" Questions for HSC 12th CS 2026
- 5 days ago
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Mastering the "Distinguish Between" questions is one of the most effective strategies to secure high marks in the Maharashtra HSC 12th Board Computer Science exam. These questions are typically direct, high-scoring, and appear across both Paper I and Paper II.
In this comprehensive guide, we have curated the top 20 must-know comparison topics specifically for your 2026 board preparation. By focusing on these core course and stream details, you can ensure you are well-prepared for the technical nuances of the HSC CS syllabus.
Section 1: Hardware & Microprocessors (CS-2)
The distinction between different hardware components is a staple in Paper II. Understanding these differences helps in grasping the technical stream details of the 8085 and 8086 architectures.
1. RAM vs. ROM
Feature | RAM (Random Access Memory) | ROM (Read Only Memory) |
Full Form | Random Access Memory | Read Only Memory |
Volatility | Volatile (Data lost when power is off) | Non-Volatile (Data retained) |
Usage | Used for temporary data storage during processing | Used for permanent storage (BIOS/Firmware) |
Speed | Faster access speed | Slower than RAM |
2. 8085 vs. 8086 Microprocessor
The 8085 vs 8086 comparison is a high-probability 4-mark question for the 2026 exam.
Data Bus: 8085 has an 8-bit data bus; 8086 has a 16-bit data bus.
Address Bus: 8085 has a 16-bit address bus; 8086 has a 20-bit address bus.
Memory Access: 8085 can access 64 KB; 8086 can access up to 1 MB.
Pipelining: 8086 supports pipelining (Instruction Queue), while 8085 does not.
3. Microprocessor vs. Microcontroller
Microprocessor: Contains only the CPU (requires external RAM, ROM, and I/O).
Microcontroller: Contains CPU, RAM, ROM, and I/O ports on a single chip.
Check out more resources: For a deeper dive into the hardware section, visit the 12th HSC CS-2 Most Important Questions 2026 on College Simplified.
Section 2: Operating Systems & Data Structures (CS-1)
HSC CS Distinguish Between Questions often focus on how an Operating System manages resources.
4. Internal vs. External Fragmentation
Internal: Occurs when allocated memory is slightly larger than the requested memory.
External: Occurs when total free memory is enough for a process, but it is not contiguous.
5. Paging vs. Segmentation
Paging: Divides memory into fixed-size blocks (Pages/Frames).
Segmentation: Divides memory into variable-sized logical units (Segments).
6. LAN vs. WAN
LAN (Local Area Network): High speed, limited geographical area (like a school or office).
WAN (Wide Area Network): Lower speed, spans across cities or countries (like the Internet).
7. Linear vs. Non-Linear Data Structures
Linear: Data elements are arranged in a sequence (e.g., Arrays, Stacks, Queues).
Non-Linear: Data elements are not in a sequence (e.g., Trees, Graphs).
Section 3: Programming Concepts (C++)
Programming comparisons are vital for understanding the Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) stream.
8. Pop vs. OOP (Procedure Oriented vs. Object Oriented)
Pop: Focuses on functions and procedures (e.g., C).
OOP: Focuses on objects and data (e.g., C++, Java).
9. Constructor vs. Destructor
Constructor: Initializes an object; has the same name as the class.
Destructor: Deallocates memory of an object; preceded by a tilde (~) sign.
10. Call by Value vs. Call by Reference
Call by Value: A copy of the value is passed; changes don't affect original data.
Call by Reference: The address is passed; changes directly affect original data.
Exam Tip: For Paper I, ensuring you know the C++ weightage is key. Read the HSC 12th CS-1 Important Questions 2026 to focus your revision.
Additional Top 10 Comparison Topics for 2026
Static vs. Dynamic Binding
Method Overloading vs. Overriding
Public vs. Private Access Specifiers
Star vs. Bus Topology
OSI Model vs. TCP/IP Model
IPv4 vs. IPv6 Addressing
Compiler vs. Interpreter
Hub vs. Switch
Guided vs. Unguided Transmission Media
SRAM vs. DRAM
FAQs: HSC CS Distinguish Between Questions
Q1: How many marks do "Distinguish Between" questions carry in the HSC 2026 exam?
Usually, these questions carry 3 to 4 marks each. Using a table is the best way to secure full marks for the HSC CS Distinguish Between Questions.
Q2: Is the 8085 vs 8086 comparison important for 2026?
Yes, it is one of the most frequently asked questions in CS-2. Ensure you mention the data bus and address bus sizes as primary points.
Q3: Can I write the differences in paragraph form?
While you can, it is highly recommended to use a tabular format for better clarity and higher impressions from the board examiners.
Conclusion
Preparation for the 2026 HSC Computer Science exam becomes much simpler when you break down complex topics into clear, comparative points. Focus on the core differences provided above to build a strong foundation for both your theory and practical assessments.
For more expert guidance on choosing the right stream or understanding college admission processes after your 12th, visit College Simplified for the latest updates.
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