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Quizzes > Computers & IT

Basic Computer Terms Quiz: Test Your Tech Knowledge

Quick, free computer terminology quiz to check your basics. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Sue MureauUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cutout keyboard mouse monitor smartphone and question mark on sky blue background for free basic computer terms quiz

This basic computer terms quiz helps you check your understanding of everyday tech language, from hardware to files and shortcuts. For extra practice, explore a computer terminology quiz, a computer hardware quiz, and a digital literacy quiz. Get instant feedback and see which terms to review next.

What does CPU stand for?
Central Processing Unit
Central Programming Unit
Computer Personal Unit
Control Processing Unit
The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the primary component that executes instructions and processes data in a computer. It is often referred to as the brain of the computer because it handles all basic system operations. All software instructions pass through the CPU for processing. .
Which of the following is volatile memory that loses its contents when power is removed?
Read-Only Memory (ROM)
Solid State Drive (SSD)
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Volatile memory requires power to maintain stored information, so when power is lost, data is erased. RAM (Random Access Memory) is the most common type of volatile memory in computers. HDD and SSD are forms of permanent, non-volatile storage, and ROM retains data without power. .
Which of these is an example of hardware?
Monitor
Word processor
Antivirus software
Web browser
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, such as the monitor, keyboard, and motherboard. Software refers to programs and applications like word processors or web browsers, which run on the hardware. Antivirus software is also software, not hardware. .
What does RAM stand for?
Rapid Application Memory
Random Access Memory
Read-Only Access Memory
Readily Available Memory
RAM stands for Random Access Memory, which allows data items to be read or written in almost the same amount of time irrespective of the order. It is used by the CPU to store data temporarily while a computer is running. When power is lost, RAM loses its contents. .
Which of these is a non-volatile storage device used for long-term data retention?
Central Processing Unit
Cache Memory
Random Access Memory
Solid State Drive
Non-volatile storage retains data even when the power is turned off. Solid State Drives (SSDs) use flash memory to store data persistently without moving parts. RAM and cache are volatile, losing data when power is cut, and the CPU is a processing unit, not storage. .
In what key way do Solid State Drives (SSDs) differ from Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)?
Higher latency
No moving parts
Uses optical discs
Relies on magnetic tape
SSDs differ from HDDs primarily because they have no moving mechanical parts and use flash memory to store data. This makes SSDs faster, more durable, and less prone to mechanical failure. HDDs rely on spinning platters and read/write heads, which introduces higher latency. .
What does BIOS stand for, and where is it typically stored?
Basic Internal Operating System, stored on the hard drive
Binary Input/Output Software, stored in RAM
Basic Input/Output System, stored on firmware ROM on the motherboard
Basic Input/Output Service, stored in cache memory
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System and it initializes hardware and boots the operating system when a computer starts. It is typically stored in a non-volatile firmware ROM chip on the motherboard. This allows the system to access BIOS instructions even when powered off. .
Which interface allows users to interact with an operating system using text commands?
Command-Line Interface
Voice Interface
Graphical User Interface
Touch Interface
A Command-Line Interface (CLI) enables users to type text commands to perform tasks and control software. GUIs use graphical elements like windows and icons; touch and voice interfaces rely on touch input or speech recognition. CLIs are favored by system administrators for their precision and scripting capabilities. .
What does DNS stand for in networking?
Domain Number Service
Digital Network Scheme
Domain Name System
Dynamic Name Service
DNS stands for Domain Name System, which translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses computers use to identify each other on networks. This system allows users to access websites using domain names like example.com instead of numeric IPs. DNS is a critical component of internet infrastructure. .
Which type of memory provides the CPU with the fastest access to frequently used data?
Random Access Memory
Cache memory
Solid State Drive
Registers
Registers are small storage locations directly within the CPU that hold data and instructions the processor needs immediately. They offer the fastest access speed compared to cache and RAM. Cache is still fast but is external to the CPU core, while RAM and SSD are slower. .
Which technology allows a single physical server to run multiple virtual machines?
Middleware
Hypervisor
RAID
Container
A hypervisor is software or firmware that creates and runs virtual machines by abstracting hardware resources from the guest operating systems. It enables multiple VMs to share the same physical server. Containers also provide isolation but share the host OS rather than running separate VMs. .
Which security device inspects and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules?
Switch
Firewall
Antivirus software
Network Printer
A firewall monitors network traffic and applies predefined security rules to allow or block data packets. It helps protect internal networks from unauthorized access and threats. Switches direct traffic within a network but do not filter packets by security rules. .
In computing, what does RAID stand for?
Redundant Address Internet Delivery
Rapid Access of Indexed Data
Random Access of Inexpensive Disks
Redundant Array of Independent Disks
RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks, a storage technology that combines multiple physical disk drives into one logical unit for redundancy or performance improvement. Variants like RAID 0 or RAID 1 offer different balances of speed and fault tolerance. .
Which part of the CPU is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations?
Control Unit
Arithmetic Logic Unit
Memory Management Unit
Floating Point Unit
The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is the component of the CPU that executes arithmetic and logical operations like addition, subtraction, and bitwise logic. The control unit directs data flow, and the floating point unit handles complex mathematical operations with decimals. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Basic Computer Terms for Hardware -

    Learn to recognize and name essential hardware components using basic computer terminology, so you can confidently discuss devices like CPUs, memory, and storage.

  2. Define Simple Computer Terms for Software -

    Gain the ability to define common software-related terms such as applications, operating systems, and drivers, improving your software vocabulary.

  3. Differentiate Hardware and Software Terminology -

    Understand how to distinguish between hardware and software concepts using clear computer basic terminology, ensuring you know what runs versus what is run.

  4. Apply Basic PC Terminology in Context -

    Practice using simple computer terms correctly in real-world scenarios, from opening programs to managing files, boosting your practical tech communication.

  5. Recognize Key Networking Terms -

    Learn fundamental networking vocabulary, such as LAN, WAN, and IP address, to strengthen your grasp of how computers communicate.

  6. Recall Basic Computer Terminology Quickly -

    Improve your recall of common computing terms through engaging quiz questions, helping you retain and retrieve the vocabulary when needed.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Central Processing Unit (CPU) -

    One of the most essential basic computer terms, the CPU acts as your PC's brain, executing instructions at speeds measured in gigahertz (GHz) and handling multiple cores for multitasking. Modern CPUs, like Intel's Core series or AMD's Ryzen chips, can have anywhere from four to sixteen cores, letting you run software simultaneously without slowdown. Think of the CPU as the ultimate manager that fetches, decodes, and executes every instruction in your computer.

  2. Random Access Memory (RAM) -

    Understanding simple computer terms like RAM is key - it's the short-term memory where your PC stores data being actively used for quick access. More RAM (e.g., 8 GB vs. 16 GB) lets you juggle more applications without lag, akin to having a larger desk to spread out your work. Remember the "R" in RAM stands for random access, meaning any memory cell is reachable in the same time, unlike sequential storage.

  3. Storage Devices (HDD vs. SSD) -

    In basic computer terminology, storage devices come in hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs), with SSDs offering faster data read/write speeds thanks to flash memory. A typical HDD spins at 5,400 - 7,200 RPM, while an SSD can boot your OS in seconds and load applications almost instantly via NVMe or SATA interfaces. Use the mnemonic "S" in SSD for "Speed" to recall it's significantly quicker than an HDD.

  4. Operating System (OS) -

    Navigating basic PC terminology often begins with the OS - a layer of software that manages hardware resources and provides a user interface, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux distributions. The OS handles tasks like file management, process scheduling, and security, serving as a bridge between you and your hardware components. Knowing whether you're using a CLI (command-line interface) or GUI (graphical user interface) is part of mastering OS basics.

  5. Input/Output (I/O) Ports and Devices -

    Mastering computer basic terminology also means knowing how I/O works: input devices (keyboard, mouse) and output devices (monitor, printer) connect via ports like USB, HDMI, and Ethernet. Each port type has its own data transfer rates (e.g., USB 2.0 at 480 Mbps vs. USB 3.0 at 5 Gbps), which impacts how fast peripherals communicate with your PC. A quick tip: label cables and ports with color codes (blue for USB 3.0, yellow for charging) to streamline setup and troubleshooting.

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