MCQs on Computer Hardware

[Set - 1]

1. Which component is considered the brain of the computer?

A) CPU
B) Motherboard
C) RAM
D) Hard Drive

Correct Answer: A) CPU
Explanation: The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is often referred to as the brain of the computer because it performs all the instructions of a computer program by carrying out basic arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations.

2. What is the primary function of the ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) within the CPU?

A) Control input/output devices
B) Perform arithmetic and logical operations
C) Manage memory
D) Store data

Correct Answer: B) Perform arithmetic and logical operations
Explanation: The ALU is responsible for performing all arithmetic and logic operations within the CPU, such as addition, subtraction, and logical comparisons.

3. Which type of memory is non-volatile and is used to store the firmware?

A) ROM
B) Cache
C) RAM
D) SSD

Correct Answer: A) ROM
Explanation: ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile memory that stores firmware, which is essential for booting the computer and performing basic operations.

4. Which device is used to provide backup power to a computer during a power outage?

A) Power Strip
B) Circuit Breaker
C) Surge Protector
D) UPS

Correct Answer: D) UPS
Explanation: A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) provides emergency power to a computer during a power outage, allowing users to save their work and shut down the computer safely.

5. What type of port is typically used to connect a computer to a network?

A) USB
B) HDMI
C) VGA
D) Ethernet

Correct Answer: D) Ethernet
Explanation: An Ethernet port is used to connect a computer to a wired network for internet access and communication with other networked devices.

6. Which of the following is a characteristic of SSDs compared to HDDs?

A) More moving parts
B) More susceptible to physical damage
C) Slower read/write speed
D) Faster data access

Correct Answer: D) Faster data access
Explanation: SSDs (Solid State Drives) have no moving parts and provide faster data access and read/write speeds compared to traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives).

7. What component of a computer is responsible for rendering images, videos, and animations?

A) CPU
B) RAM
C) SSD
D) GPU

Correct Answer: D) GPU
Explanation: The GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is responsible for rendering images, videos, and animations by processing the necessary graphics computations.

8. Which component is essential for cooling a computer's CPU?

A) NIC
B) Heat Sink
C) PSU
D) HDD

Correct Answer: B) Heat Sink
Explanation: A heat sink is a passive cooling device that dissipates heat generated by the CPU to maintain optimal operating temperatures.

9. Which type of computer memory is directly accessible by the CPU for storing active processes?

A) Cache
B) RAM
C) ROM
D) SSD

Correct Answer: B) RAM
Explanation: RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory that stores data for active processes, allowing the CPU to access information quickly.

10. What does the term "bus" refer to in computer hardware?

A) A data transmission pathway
B) A peripheral device
C) A type of software
D) A storage device

Correct Answer: A) A data transmission pathway
Explanation: In computer hardware, a “bus” refers to a data transmission pathway that transfers data between different components within the computer.

11. Which device converts digital signals to analog signals for transmission over a phone line?

A) Switch
B) Router
C) Hub
D) Modem

Correct Answer: D) Modem
Explanation: A modem (modulator-demodulator) converts digital signals from a computer into analog signals for transmission over a phone line and vice versa.

12. Which connector is typically used to connect a computer's power supply to the motherboard?

A) VGA
B) PCIe
C) SATA
D) ATX

Correct Answer: D) ATX
Explanation: An ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended) power connector is used to connect the power supply unit to the motherboard, providing power to the computer’s components.

13. What is the function of a BIOS in a computer system?

A) Store user data
B) Perform the POST (Power-On Self-Test)
C) Manage memory
D) Control peripheral devices

Correct Answer: B) Perform the POST (Power-On Self-Test)
Explanation: The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) performs the POST (Power-On Self-Test) to check the computer’s hardware before booting the operating system.

14. Which type of RAM must be refreshed periodically to retain its contents?

A) Flash
B) SRAM
C) DRAM
D) ROM

Correct Answer: C) DRAM
Explanation: DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) requires periodic refreshing to retain its contents, unlike SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), which does not need refreshing.

15. Which expansion slot is typically used for installing a graphics card in a desktop computer?

A) AGP
B) PCIe
C) SATA
D) ISA

Correct Answer: B) PCIe
Explanation: PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) slots are commonly used for installing graphics cards, offering high-speed data transfer between the card and the motherboard.

16. Which type of storage device uses magnetic storage to store data?

A) RAM
B) Flash Drive
C) SSD
D) HDD

Correct Answer: D) HDD
Explanation: HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) use magnetic storage to store data on spinning disks, making them susceptible to physical damage but offering large storage capacities at a lower cost.

17. What is the primary function of a power supply unit (PSU) in a computer?

A) Store data
B) Control input/output devices
C) Supply power to the components
D) Manage network connections

Correct Answer: C) Supply power to the components
Explanation: The PSU (Power Supply Unit) converts electrical power from the outlet into usable power for the computer’s internal components.

18. Which type of memory is used to store the BIOS settings on a motherboard?

A) EEPROM
B) Flash Memory
C) RAM
D) Cache

Correct Answer: A) EEPROM
Explanation: EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) is used to store BIOS settings on a motherboard, allowing for easy updates and modifications.

19. Which device is used to interface a computer with external peripherals like a keyboard or mouse?

A) PCIe Slot
B) USB Controller
C) NIC
D) Heat Sink

Correct Answer: B) USB Controller
Explanation: A USB controller manages the connection between the computer and external peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, and USB drives.

20. Which of the following is a primary function of the motherboard in a computer system?

A) Display images on the monitor
B) Provide power to the CPU
C) Store data permanently
D) Connect and allow communication between various components

Correct Answer: D) Connect and allow communication between various components
Explanation: The motherboard serves as the main circuit board, connecting the CPU, RAM, storage devices, and other components, facilitating communication between them.

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