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Quizzes > Computers & IT

Computer MCQ: Basics Quiz to Test Your Knowledge

Quick, free quiz with computer MCQ questions. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Anadi Govinda DasUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz illustration coral background with computer icons hardware parts software symbols question marks checkboxes

This computer MCQ quiz helps you check your grasp of hardware, software, and core terms. Answer quick items, see where you stand, and build speed before exams or job tests. For more practice, try our computer basics quiz, explore a computer fundamentals quiz, or focus on parts with a computer components quiz.

What does the acronym CPU stand for?
Central Processing Unit
Computer Processing Unit
Central Performance Unit
Central Power Unit
The CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, which performs arithmetic, logic, control, and I/O operations specified by program instructions. It is often referred to as the brain of the computer because it handles all computation tasks. The CPU contains an arithmetic logic unit, control unit, and registers to manage instruction execution.
Which part of the computer is responsible for temporarily storing data that the CPU uses?
Hard Drive
RAM
ROM
Cache Memory
Random Access Memory (RAM) holds data and instructions that the CPU needs while executing tasks, providing fast read/write access. It is volatile, meaning its contents are lost when the computer turns off. Other components like ROM and hard drives offer different storage features but are not used for temporary CPU data.
What does BIOS stand for in computer systems?
Binary Integrated Operating System
Basic Internal Operating Service
Basic Input/Output System
Built-in Input Output Service
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System and initializes hardware during the booting process. It provides runtime services for operating systems and programs. BIOS firmware is stored on a small memory chip on the motherboard and is the first code run by a PC when powered on.
Which device is an example of an output device?
Mouse
Scanner
Keyboard
Printer
An output device conveys information from a computer to the user, and a printer produces hard copies of documents. Keyboards and mice are input devices, while scanners digitize paper documents. Recognizing the role of peripherals helps distinguish input from output hardware.
Which of the following is non-volatile memory?
ROM
RAM
Registers
Cache
Read-Only Memory (ROM) retains its data even when the power is turned off, making it non-volatile. RAM and cache are volatile, losing stored information when power is removed. Registers are small storage locations inside the CPU and are volatile as well.
What function does the motherboard perform in a computer?
It connects all components and allows communication between them
It controls the computer's display output
It stores the operating system permanently
It supplies power to the CPU only
The motherboard is the main printed circuit board that connects the CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals. It distributes power and facilitates communication through its chipset and buses. Other components like the power supply and GPU serve specific roles, but the motherboard ties them all together.
Which file system is commonly used by Windows 10?
NTFS
FAT32
ext4
HFS+
NTFS (New Technology File System) is the default file system for modern Windows versions, including Windows 10. It supports large file sizes, file permissions, encryption, and journaling. FAT32 is older and has file size limitations, while ext4 is common in Linux.
What is the main purpose of virtual memory?
To extend physical memory by using disk space
To store system BIOS settings
To cache web pages for faster access
To permanently store large files
Virtual memory uses disk storage to extend the apparent capacity of RAM, allowing systems to run larger applications than physical memory alone would permit. It swaps data between RAM and disk when needed and manages memory more flexibly. Without virtual memory, programs may fail when RAM is exhausted.
Which programming tool translates source code into machine code?
Debugger
Compiler
Interpreter
Assembler
A compiler reads high-level source code and translates it into machine code before execution, creating an executable file. An interpreter, by contrast, executes code line by line at runtime. Assemblers convert assembly language to machine code but not high-level languages.
Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for reliable data transfer?
Data Link Layer
Network Layer
Transport Layer
Session Layer
The Transport Layer (Layer 4) provides reliable data transfer services such as error detection, flow control, and retransmission. Protocols like TCP operate at this layer to ensure segments arrive correctly. The Network Layer handles routing without guaranteed delivery.
What does DHCP stand for?
Digital Host Control Protocol
Dynamic Hyper Configuration Protocol
Distributed Host Control Protocol
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, which automates the assignment of IP addresses and network settings. It simplifies network administration by removing manual IP configuration. Clients lease an address for a period, renewing as needed.
Which of the following is NOT a programming paradigm?
Logical Paradigm
Object-Oriented Paradigm
Sequential Paradigm
Functional Paradigm
Common programming paradigms include procedural, object-oriented, functional, and logical. There is no well-known 'Sequential Paradigm' defined in programming literature. Procedural paradigms do follow sequential execution, but it is not termed as its own paradigm.
Which RAID level uses striping with parity for fault tolerance?
RAID 10
RAID 5
RAID 1
RAID 0
RAID 5 stripes data across multiple disks and stores parity information, allowing data recovery if one drive fails. It balances performance, storage efficiency, and fault tolerance. RAID 0 offers striping only without redundancy, while RAID 1 mirrors data without striping.
What is pipelining in CPU architecture?
A method to store pipeline of commands in memory
A process to cool down the CPU during high load
A network protocol for data packets
A technique where multiple instruction phases are overlapped
Pipelining is a CPU performance technique where instruction processing stages (fetch, decode, execute, etc.) are overlapped across multiple instructions. This increases instruction throughput and overall processor efficiency. Hazards like data dependencies must be managed for correct operation.
Which cache level is typically the fastest and closest to the CPU core?
L2 cache
L4 cache
L3 cache
L1 cache
L1 cache is on-chip and divided into instruction and data caches, making it the fastest memory closest to the CPU core. L2 and L3 caches are larger but slower, often shared among cores. L4 cache is rare and usually off-chip.
What is the primary difference between a Type 1 and Type 2 hypervisor?
Type 1 is used for desktop, Type 2 for servers
Type 1 is software only, Type 2 includes hardware modules
Type 1 requires guest OS, Type 2 does not
Type 1 runs directly on hardware, Type 2 runs on host OS
A Type 1 hypervisor, or bare-metal hypervisor, installs directly on host hardware to manage guest operating systems. A Type 2 hypervisor runs on top of a conventional host OS like an application. Type 1 hypervisors generally offer better performance and isolation.
What does UEFI stand for?
Universal Extensible Firmware Interface
Unified Extended Firmware Instruction
Universal Embedded Firmware Interface
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
UEFI stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface and is a modern replacement for legacy BIOS firmware. It provides more features such as secure boot, larger disk support, and a modular design. UEFI improves system boot times and security.
Which command-line tool is used to check network connectivity on most operating systems?
ipconfig
tracert
ping
nslookup
The ping utility sends ICMP echo request packets to a target host and listens for echo replies to test connectivity and measure round-trip time. tracert/traceroute shows the path packets take but does not itself verify host reachability. nslookup queries DNS, and ipconfig displays IP configuration.
In branch prediction, what technique uses past behavior of branches to make future predictions?
Speculative execution
Static branch prediction
Delayed branching
Dynamic branch prediction
Dynamic branch prediction uses hardware-maintained history tables to track previous branch outcomes and predict future behavior. This technique adapts to runtime patterns, improving accuracy over static methods. Speculative execution relies on predictions but is not the prediction method itself.
What memory management technique divides memory into segments of varying lengths defined by the user?
Segmentation
Compound partitioning
Paging
Swapping
Segmentation divides memory into variable-sized segments that correspond to logical divisions like code, data, or stack. The operating system maintains a segment table with base and limit registers for each segment. Paging uses fixed-size blocks, so it is not variable in length.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand core computer hardware components -

    Identify and describe essential parts like the CPU, memory, and storage by tackling targeted MCQ questions.

  2. Identify various software types and functions -

    Distinguish between system, application, and utility software through focused computer questions.

  3. Analyze computer fundamentals -

    Break down key concepts such as input/output operations and data processing in concise computer objective challenges.

  4. Apply terminology accurately -

    Use precise terminology learned in the introduction about computers to answer MCQ questions correctly.

  5. Differentiate hardware and software roles -

    Contrast how physical components and programs interact to perform computing tasks in objective-style questions.

  6. Evaluate knowledge gaps -

    Review quiz results to pinpoint areas for improvement and reinforce your understanding of computer basics.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Computer Hardware Fundamentals -

    Review core hardware components - CPU, memory, motherboard, and I/O devices - and understand how they interact in the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle (mnemonic: FDE). Remember that 1 KB = 2^10 bytes and 1 MB = 2^20 bytes for quick memory conversions. Mastering these basics will boost your confidence on any computer question or computer objective quiz.

  2. Operating System Essentials -

    Differentiate system software (like Windows or Linux kernels) from application software (such as word processors or games) and utilities. Focus on process management, file systems, and user interfaces to answer tricky mcq questions about OS functions. A simple way to recall is SAP: System, Application, Programming tools.

  3. Data Measurement & Memory Hierarchy -

    Learn the hierarchy from registers and cache to RAM and secondary storage, noting speed and cost trade-offs. Use the RACs mnemonic (Registers, Cache, RAM, Secondary storage) to remember order. Also practice converting between units: 1 GB = 1024 MB, 1 TB = 1024 GB to tackle computer questions on storage.

  4. Number Systems & Data Representation -

    Practice binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal conversions - e.g., binary 1011₂ = decimal 11. Use repeated division for conversion drills and the OSI mnemonic "Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away" when studying related networking layers. Solid number-system skills are a must for computer objective tests.

  5. Software Categories & Utilities -

    Classify software into system, application, and utility programs: think operating systems, MS Office, and antivirus tools, respectively. A quick mnemonic is SAU: System, Application, Utility. Understanding these categories will help you ace mcq questions on software roles and life-cycle.

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