MCQs on Computer Fundamentals [Set – 4] 1. What type of software manages and controls hardware components in a computer? A) Application SoftwareB) System SoftwareC) Utility SoftwareD) Development Software Show Answer Correct Answer: B) System SoftwareExplanation: System software, including the operating system, manages and controls hardware components in a computer, enabling the system to function and run application software. 2. What type of network topology uses a central hub or switch to connect all devices? A) Mesh TopologyB) Star TopologyC) Ring TopologyD) Bus Topology Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Star TopologyExplanation: In star topology, all devices are connected to a central hub or switch. This setup simplifies network management and troubleshooting and isolates network failures to individual connections. 3. What is the main function of a bus protocol? A) Data encryptionB) Power managementC) System coolingD) Communication standards Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Communication standardsExplanation: A bus protocol sets the rules for communication between components, ensuring proper data transfer rates and synchronization. 4. Which data structure allows efficient hierarchical data management? A) ArrayB) Linked ListC) Binary Search TreeD) Stack Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Binary Search TreeExplanation: A Binary Search Tree (BST) allows efficient hierarchical data management with quick search, insertion, and deletion. 5. What distinguishes synchronous from asynchronous data transmission? A) Clock signalB) SpeedC) BandwidthD) Network type Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Clock signalExplanation: Synchronous transmission uses a clock signal for timing, whereas asynchronous transmission relies on start and stop bits. 6. What does pipelining in CPU architecture do? A) Execute instructions in stagesB) Increase clock speedC) Improve network bandwidthD) Manage system memory Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Execute instructions in stagesExplanation: Pipelining breaks down instruction execution into stages, allowing multiple instructions to be processed simultaneously. 7. Why is DRAM preferred over SRAM for large memory applications? A) Faster speedB) Higher density and lower costC) More reliabilityD) Lower power consumption Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Higher density and lower costExplanation: DRAM offers higher storage density and lower cost per bit, making it suitable for large-scale memory needs despite being slower than SRAM. 8. What is the purpose of virtual memory? A) Increase RAM capacityB) Manage hardware componentsC) Speed up CPU processingD) Use disk storage as additional RAM Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Use disk storage as additional RAMExplanation: Virtual memory uses disk space to simulate additional RAM, allowing for more processes to run simultaneously. 9. Which RAID level provides redundancy and performance with parity? A) RAID 0B) RAID 1C) RAID 5D) RAID 10 Show Answer Correct Answer: C) RAID 5Explanation: RAID 5 stripes data with parity across multiple disks, providing both redundancy and improved performance. 10. What does a gateway do in a network? A) Connects different networksB) Provides wireless accessC) Manages data compressionD) Increases bandwidth Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Connects different networksExplanation: A gateway connects and translates between different network types, enabling communication across various protocols. 11. What is “latency” in computing? A) Data loss rateB) Processing speedC) Delay in data transferD) Memory capacity Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Delay in data transferExplanation: Latency refers to the delay experienced in data transfer between two points in a network or system. 12. What does “bus width” determine in a computer system? A) Number of CPUsB) Data transfer speedC) RAM capacityD) Storage size Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Data transfer speedExplanation: Bus width defines the amount of data that can be transferred in parallel, affecting the data transfer speed of the system. 13. Which type of memory is non-volatile and can be electrically erased and reprogrammed? A) RAMB) ROMC) EEPROMD) Cache Show Answer Correct Answer: C) EEPROMExplanation: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) is non-volatile memory that can be erased and reprogrammed electronically. 14. Which hardware component is responsible for converting digital signals to analog signals? A) ModemB) RouterC) Network Interface CardD) Switch Show Answer Correct Answer: A) ModemExplanation: A modem converts digital signals from a computer to analog signals for transmission over telephone lines or other analog communication channels. 15. What is a “flip-flop” used for in digital circuits? A) Data storageB) Arithmetic operationsC) Data transmissionD) Power management Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Data storageExplanation: A flip-flop is a digital circuit used for storing a single bit of data, acting as a basic memory unit in digital electronics. 16. What is the role of “bus arbitration” in a computer system? A) To prioritize tasks in the operating system schedulerB) To manage access to shared communication lines among devicesC) To facilitate data transfer between the CPU and the hard driveD) To monitor and control the power supply of system components Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To manage access to shared communication lines among devicesExplanation: Bus arbitration is the process of determining which device gets control of the bus when multiple devices request access, ensuring orderly communication in a computer system. 17. What is the primary function of an “interrupt service routine” (ISR)? A) Manage network protocolsB) Handle and respond to interruptsC) Store frequently accessed dataD) Control the system’s cooling system Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Handle and respond to interruptsExplanation: An Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) handles and responds to interrupts, allowing the CPU to address urgent tasks promptly. 18. What type of computer architecture is described by the term “RISC”? A) Reduced Instruction Set ComputerB) Randomly Integrated System ControllerC) Reliable Internal Storage ComponentD) Reconfigurable Integrated Service Circuit Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Reduced Instruction Set ComputerExplanation: RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture focuses on a small set of instructions, allowing for faster execution of operations. 19. What is the main benefit of “direct memory access” (DMA)? A) Reduces CPU workload for memory operationsB) Increases network speedC) Enhances graphics processingD) Improves power efficiency Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Reduces CPU workload for memory operationsExplanation: DMA allows peripheral devices to access memory directly without CPU intervention, reducing the CPU’s workload and improving overall system performance. 20. What does “dynamic RAM” (DRAM) require to retain data? A) Continuous power supplyB) Periodic refreshing of dataC) High-speed data transferD) Multiple cache layers Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Periodic refreshing of dataExplanation: Dynamic RAM (DRAM) requires periodic refreshing to retain data, as it stores

MCQs on Computer Fundamentals [Set – 3] 1. Which type of computer architecture uses a single processor to perform all tasks? A) Parallel ArchitectureB) Distributed ArchitectureC) Single Processor ArchitectureD) Multiprocessor Architecture Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Single Processor ArchitectureExplanation: Single Processor Architecture refers to a system where a single CPU performs all the computational tasks. It contrasts with multi-processor architectures where multiple CPUs work together. 2. What is the primary function of a computer’s “BIOS”? A) To manage the computer’s operating system after bootingB) To initialize hardware and load the operating systemC) To execute high-level software applicationsD) To control the computer’s network connections Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To initialize hardware and load the operating systemExplanation: The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware that initializes and tests hardware components during startup and provides the necessary instructions to load the operating system. 3. In computing, what does the term “gigabyte” refer to? A) A measure of network bandwidth capacityB) A unit of digital storage equal to approximately one billion bytesC) A measure of processing speed in central processorsD) A unit of electrical power used by computer systems Show Answer Correct Answer: B) A unit of digital storage equal to approximately one billion bytesExplanation: A gigabyte is a standard unit of digital storage commonly used to measure the capacity of storage devices or memory, equivalent to 1,024 megabytes or approximately one billion bytes. 4. Which component of a computer system is used to temporarily store data that is actively being used? A) Hard Disk DriveB) Optical DriveC) RAMD) ROM Show Answer Correct Answer: C) RAMExplanation: RAM (Random Access Memory) is used to temporarily store data and instructions that are currently being used by the CPU for processing. 5. What is the purpose of a computer’s “cache memory”? A) To permanently store large amounts of dataB) To execute and manage background software tasksC) To temporarily store frequently accessed data for quick retrievalD) To provide backup storage in case of hardware failure Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To temporarily store frequently accessed data for quick retrievalExplanation: Cache memory is a high-speed storage area that temporarily holds frequently accessed data and instructions, reducing access time and improving overall system performance. 6. Which of the following is a characteristic of a “mainframe computer”? A) Designed for personal use by individualsB) Specializes in graphics and gaming performanceC) Handles large-scale data processing for multiple usersD) Operates without the need for external storage devices Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Handles large-scale data processing for multiple usersExplanation: Mainframe computers are powerful systems designed to process and manage vast amounts of data, supporting multiple users and applications simultaneously, typically in enterprise environments. 7. Which type of software is designed to help users perform specific tasks like word processing or spreadsheet management? A) System SoftwareB) Utility SoftwareC) Application SoftwareD) Firmware Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Application SoftwareExplanation: Application software is designed to help users perform specific tasks, such as word processing, spreadsheet management, or graphic design. Examples include Microsoft Word and Excel. 8. Which type of software helps in detecting and removing viruses from a computer? A) Operating SystemB) Utility SoftwareC) Application SoftwareD) Firmware Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Utility SoftwareExplanation: Utility software includes programs designed to manage and maintain a computer system. Antivirus software is a type of utility software that helps detect and remove viruses and malware. 9. What does the term “bandwidth” refer to in networking? A) The speed of a computer’s processorB) The capacity of a network to transmit dataC) The size of a storage deviceD) The amount of RAM in a computer Show Answer Correct Answer: B) The capacity of a network to transmit dataExplanation: Bandwidth refers to the maximum capacity of a network to transmit data over a connection, measured in bits per second (bps). It determines how much data can be transferred in a given time period. 10. What is the function of an “integrated circuit” (IC) in modern computers? A) To provide external storage for computer filesB) To enable the computer to connect to the internetC) To perform electronic functions within a compact chipD) To supply power to all hardware components Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To perform electronic functions within a compact chipExplanation: An integrated circuit (IC) is a small semiconductor chip that contains a set of electronic circuits, enabling it to perform complex functions like computation, data storage, and signal processing efficiently and compactly. 11. Which type of computer system is designed for use by individual users? A) MainframeB) SupercomputerC) MinicomputerD) Microcomputer Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Uniform Resource LocatorExplanation: URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. It is the address used to access resources on the internet, such as web pages and files. 12. What type of memory is used for permanent storage of data that cannot be modified by the user? A) RAMB) ROMC) Cache MemoryD) Hard Drive Show Answer Correct Answer: B) ROMExplanation: ROM (Read-Only Memory) is used for permanent storage of data and instructions that cannot be modified by the user. It contains the firmware necessary for the computer’s startup process. 13. Which type of storage device uses flash memory to store data? A) Hard Disk DriveB) Solid State DriveC) Optical DriveD) Tape Drive Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Solid State DriveExplanation: A Solid State Drive (SSD) uses flash memory to store data. Unlike hard disk drives, SSDs have no moving parts and offer faster data access and improved durability. 14. What is an example of a “peripheral device”? A) CPUB) RAMC) MonitorD) Motherboard Show Answer Correct Answer: C) MonitorExplanation: A peripheral device is an external device connected to a computer, such as a monitor, keyboard, or printer. It expands the computer’s functionality and user interaction. 15. What does “backup” refer to in computing? A) The process of copying and storing data to prevent lossB) The process of deleting unnecessary filesC) The process of increasing the speed of the computerD) The process of installing new software Show Answer Correct Answer: A) The process of copying and storing data to prevent lossExplanation: Backup refers to the process of copying

MCQs on Computer Fundamentals [Set – 2] 1. What is the main purpose of a computer’s hard disk drive (HDD)? A) To perform calculationsB) To provide permanent storage for dataC) To display outputD) To manage the computer’s processes Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To provide permanent storage for dataExplanation: A hard disk drive (HDD) provides permanent storage for data, including the operating system, applications, and user files, even when the computer is powered off. 2. What does GUI stand for in the context of computer interfaces? A) General User InterfaceB) Graphical User InterfaceC) Global User InterfaceD) Graphic Utility Interface Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Graphical User InterfaceExplanation: GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. It allows users to interact with a computer using graphical elements such as windows, icons, and buttons, making it easier to use compared to text-based interfaces. 3. What type of memory is typically used to store the operating system and application software? A) Cache MemoryB) ROMC) RAMD) Hard Drive Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Hard DriveExplanation: The operating system and application software are typically stored on a hard drive, which provides large and permanent storage capacity compared to volatile memory like RAM and ROM. 4. Which component is responsible for managing the communication between the computer’s hardware and software? A) ALUB) CUC) BIOSD) Operating System Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Operating SystemExplanation: The operating system manages communication between the computer’s hardware and software, facilitating the operation of hardware components and providing services for software applications. 5. What is the purpose of a computer’s power supply unit (PSU)? A) To store the computer’s operating systemB) To regulate and provide power to componentsC) To manage software and applicationsD) To cool the internal components of the system Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To regulate and provide power to componentsExplanation: The PSU converts electrical energy from the outlet into the correct voltage and current required to power the computer’s components. current. 6. Which of the following is an example of secondary storage? A) SSDB) CPUC) RAMD) Cache Memory Show Answer Correct Answer: A) SSDExplanation: An SSD (Solid State Drive) is an example of secondary storage. It provides permanent storage for data, unlike RAM and cache memory, which are types of primary storage. 7. What is the main function of an input device? A) To display outputB) To store dataC) To provide data to the computerD) To execute instructions Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To provide data to the computerExplanation: The main function of an input device is to provide data and instructions to the computer. Examples include keyboards, mice, and scanners. 8. What is an example of an operating system? A) Microsoft WordB) Google ChromeC) Windows 11D) Adobe Photoshop Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Windows 11Explanation: Windows 11 is an example of an operating system, which manages hardware and software resources. Microsoft Word, Google Chrome, and Adobe Photoshop are application software. 9. Which type of network is typically used for connecting computers within a single building? A) WANB) LANC) MAND) PAN Show Answer Correct Answer: B) LANExplanation: A Local Area Network (LAN) is typically used to connect computers and devices within a single building or closely situated area, allowing for fast and efficient communication. 10. What is the main function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)? A) To manage system resourcesB) To control peripheral devicesC) To perform mathematical and logical operationsD) To store and retrieve data Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To perform mathematical and logical operationsExplanation: The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is responsible for performing all arithmetic and logical operations within the CPU, such as addition, subtraction, and logical comparisons. 11. What does the acronym URL stand for in internet terminology? A) Uniform Resource LocatorB) Uniform Retrieval LocatorC) Universal Resource LocatorD) Universal Retrieval Link Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Uniform Resource LocatorExplanation: URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. It is the address used to access resources on the internet, such as web pages and files. 12. What is the function of a network router? A) To provide wireless connectivityB) To manage and route data between different networksC) To store large amounts of dataD) To display data on a screen Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To manage and route data between different networksExplanation: A network router manages and routes data between different networks or subnets, directing traffic to ensure that data reaches its intended destination. 13. Which type of computer is known for its high performance and is used for complex scientific calculations? A) MicrocomputerB) MinicomputerC) MainframeD) Supercomputer Show Answer Correct Answer: D) SupercomputerExplanation: A supercomputer is known for its extremely high performance and is used for complex scientific calculations, simulations, and data analysis. 14. What does the term “cloud computing” refer to? A) Using remote servers to store, manage, and process dataB) Operating a computer system in offline mode without storageC) Designing software applications for personal computers onlyD) Establishing direct connections between local devices Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Using remote servers to store, manage, and process dataExplanation: Cloud computing refers to delivering computing services like storage, processing, and software over the internet, eliminating the need for local infrastructure. 15. What is the role of the Control Unit (CU) in the CPU? A) Perform calculationsB) Manage memoryC) Direct the operation of the processorD) Store data permanently Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To fetch, decode, and execute instructionsExplanation: The Control Unit (CU) is responsible for fetching instructions from memory, decoding them, and executing them, thus controlling the operation of the CPU. 16. Which type of software is responsible for managing hardware and providing a user interface? A) Application SoftwareB) System SoftwareC) Utility SoftwareD) Malware Show Answer Correct Answer: B) System SoftwareExplanation: System software is responsible for managing hardware and providing a user interface. The operating system is an example of system software. 17. What is a “bus” in computer architecture? A) A communication pathway for dataB) A type of input deviceC) A storage mediumD) A programming language Show Answer Correct Answer: A) A communication pathway for dataExplanation: In computer architecture, a bus is a communication pathway used to transfer data between different components of

MCQs on Computer Fundamentals [Set – 1] 1. What is the primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) in a computer? A) Store data permanentlyB) Execute instructionsC) Connect external devicesD) Display visual output Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Execute instructionsExplanation: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is known as the brain of the computer. It executes instructions from programs by performing basic arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations specified by the instructions. 2. Which generation of computers is characterized by the use of transistors? A) First GenerationB) Second GenerationC) Third GenerationD) Fourth Generation Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Third GenerationExplanation: The third generation of computers is characterized by the use of transistors, which replaced the bulky and less reliable vacuum tubes used in the previous generation. Transistors were smaller, more reliable, and more energy-efficient. 3. In computer architecture, what does ALU stand for? A) Arithmetic Logic UnitB) Access Logic UnitC) Array Logic UnitD) Algorithm Logic Unit Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Arithmetic Logic UnitExplanation: The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is a fundamental component of the CPU that performs arithmetic and logical operations on the data. 4. Which of the following is not an input device? A) KeyboardB) MouseC) MonitorD) Scanner Show Answer Correct Answer: C) MonitorExplanation: A monitor is an output device that displays information from the computer. The keyboard, mouse, and scanner are all input devices used to enter data into the computer. 5. What does ROM stand for in computer memory terminology? A) Read-Only MemoryB) Random-Only MemoryC) Read-Operative MemoryD) Random-Operative Memory Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Read-Only MemoryExplanation: ROM stands for Read-Only Memory. It is a type of non-volatile memory that is used to store firmware or software that is not intended to be modified frequently. 6. Which type of computer memory is known for being volatile? A) ROMB) Hard DiskC) RAMD) Flash Memory Show Answer Correct Answer: C) RAMExplanation: RAM (Random Access Memory) is a volatile memory that loses its contents when the power is turned off. It is used for temporary storage while the computer is operating. 7. The term “hardware” refers to: A) Programs and applicationsB) Physical components of a computerC) Data and filesD) Operating system functions Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Physical components of a computerExplanation: Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, such as the CPU, monitor, keyboard, and hard drive. Software, on the other hand, consists of programs and applications. 8. Which device is used to convert digital signals into analog signals? A) ModemB) RouterC) SwitchD) Hub Show Answer Correct Answer: A) ModemExplanation: A modem (modulator-demodulator) is used to convert digital signals from a computer into analog signals for transmission over telephone lines and vice versa. 9. What is the purpose of an operating system? A) To perform calculationsB) To manage hardware resources C) To execute machine-level instructionsD) To store data permanently Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To manage hardware resources Explanation: The operating system manages the computer’s hardware resources and provides a platform for running applications. It handles tasks such as file management, process scheduling, and memory management. 10. Which generation of computers introduced integrated circuits? A) First GenerationB) Second GenerationC) Third GenerationD) Fourth Generation Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Fourth GenerationExplanation: The fourth generation of computers is characterized by the use of integrated circuits (ICs), which replaced the discrete transistors of the third generation, leading to more powerful and compact computers. 11. What does the term “BIOS” stand for? A) Basic Integrated Operating SystemB) Binary Input Output SystemC) Basic Input Output SystemD) Binary Input Operating System Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Basic Input Output SystemExplanation: BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. It is firmware used to perform hardware initialization during the booting process and to provide runtime services for operating systems and programs. 12. Which of the following is a type of software? A) MonitorB) PrinterC) Windows 10D) Hard Drive Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Windows 10Explanation: Windows 10 is an operating system software, while the monitor, printer, and hard drive are hardware components. 13. In computer systems, what does the term “bus” refer to? A) A type of software programB) A communication pathway between componentsC) A storage deviceD) A networking protocol Show Answer Correct Answer: B) A communication pathway between componentsExplanation: A bus in computer systems refers to a communication pathway that allows different components of the computer to communicate with each other, such as the CPU, memory, and peripheral devices. 14. Which of the following is a primary storage device? A) Hard DiskB) CD-ROMC) RAMD) USB Flash Drive Show Answer Correct Answer: C) RAMExplanation: RAM (Random Access Memory) is a primary storage device that provides temporary storage for data and instructions that are actively being used or processed by the CPU. 15. What is the main function of the Control Unit (CU) in a computer? A) Perform calculationsB) Manage memoryC) Direct the operation of the processorD) Store data permanently Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Direct the operation of the processorExplanation: The Control Unit (CU) directs the operation of the processor by fetching instructions from memory, decoding them, and executing them, thus managing the flow of data within the CPU. 16. Which of the following is considered an output device? A) KeyboardB) MouseC) ScannerD) Speaker Show Answer Correct Answer: D) SpeakerExplanation: A speaker is an output device used to produce sound from the computer. The keyboard and mouse are input devices, while the scanner is also an input device. 17. What does the term “software” refer to? A) Physical components of a computerB) Programs and operating systemsC) Input and output devicesD) Data storage devices Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Programs and operating systemsExplanation: Software refers to the programs and operating systems that run on a computer, enabling the hardware to perform specific tasks and functions. 18. What is the primary function of the “motherboard” in a computer? A) To store all the computer’s data and filesB) To provide a platform for connecting componentsC) To execute programs and manage instructionsD) To handle internet and network connections Show Answer Correct Answer: B) To provide a platform for connecting componentsExplanation: The motherboard is the main circuit board