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Quizzes > Computers & IT

ICT Quiz Questions and Answers

Quick, free ICT practice test with instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Nikhil JindiaUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for ICT Tests Quiz covering hardware, software, networking on sky blue background

Use this ICT quiz to check your knowledge of hardware, software, and networking in minutes. Answer clear, practical items and see which topics to review before exams or job tests. If you want extra practice, try our ic3 practice test, explore HCI basics with the hci test, or build problem-solving skills with a simulation practice test.

What does CPU stand for?
Control Process Unit
Central Processing Unit
Central Performance Unit
Computer Processing Unit
The CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, and it is the part of a computer responsible for interpreting and executing most of the commands from the computer's other hardware and software. It performs arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input/output operations specified by the instructions. Often called the 'brain' of the computer, it is central to overall performance and capability.
Which operating system is known for being open-source?
macOS
iOS
Linux
Windows
Linux is an open-source operating system kernel that forms the basis of many distributions, allowing users to view, modify, and distribute its source code freely under open-source licenses. Proprietary systems like Windows and macOS do not provide full source code access. The open-source nature encourages community development, rapid patching, and transparent maintenance.
Which network device is primarily used to forward data packets between devices on the same local area network at the data link layer?
Router
Modem
Switch
Hub
A network switch operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and is designed to forward data frames between devices on the same LAN based on MAC addresses. Unlike hubs, switches only send data to the intended recipient, improving efficiency and reducing collisions. Routers operate at Layer 3 and connect different networks.
What is the primary purpose of Random Access Memory (RAM) in a computer system?
To temporarily store data and instructions for quick access by the CPU
To process graphics and render visuals
To manage network connections
To permanently store files and applications
RAM is a type of volatile memory used by the CPU to store data and instructions temporarily while the system is running. It provides much faster read/write speeds compared to permanent storage like HDDs or SSDs. Once power is turned off, data in RAM is lost, which differentiates it from non-volatile storage.
What does HTTP stand for in web communications?
High Transfer Text Protocol
HyperText Transmission Protocol
Hyperlink Transfer Protocol
HyperText Transfer Protocol
HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol, which is the foundation of data communication for the World Wide Web. It defines how messages are formatted and transmitted, and how web servers and browsers should respond to various commands. HTTP is a stateless protocol that can be extended with headers and methods for functionality.
In a RAID 5 configuration, what mechanism is used to provide fault tolerance?
Error correcting codes on a single disk
Striping without redundancy
Distributed parity across all disks
Mirroring of each disk
RAID 5 uses block-level striping with distributed parity, which spreads parity information evenly across all disks in the array. If one disk fails, the lost data can be reconstructed from the parity information on the remaining disks. This method balances performance, capacity, and fault tolerance.
Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for reliable end-to-end communication and error checking?
Transport layer
Presentation layer
Network layer
Session layer
The Transport layer (Layer 4) of the OSI model ensures reliable end-to-end communication by providing error detection, flow control, and retransmission of lost packets. Protocols such as TCP operate at this layer. The Network layer (Layer 3) handles logical addressing and routing, but it does not guarantee delivery.
What is the main advantage of Solid State Drives (SSDs) over Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)?
Faster read/write speeds
Mechanical durability from moving parts
Lower cost per gigabyte
Larger storage capacity
SSDs use flash memory to store data, which allows for much faster read and write speeds compared to the spinning platters of HDDs. This results in shorter boot times, quicker file access, and better overall system responsiveness. While SSDs tend to be more expensive per gigabyte, their performance benefits often justify the cost for many applications.
What is virtual memory in an operating system?
Cache memory within the CPU
Physical RAM installed on the motherboard
An extension of RAM that uses disk space to simulate additional memory
Memory reserved for graphics processing
Virtual memory allows an operating system to use a portion of the disk drive as if it were additional RAM, enabling larger applications or more processes to run than physical RAM alone would allow. Pages of memory are swapped between RAM and disk as needed. This provides the illusion of a very large main memory space.
Which of the following software licenses allows users to freely modify and redistribute the software, as long as they also distribute their modifications under the same license?
Proprietary license
GNU General Public License (GPL)
Shareware license
End User License Agreement (EULA)
The GNU General Public License (GPL) is a copyleft license that allows users to run, study, share, and modify the software, provided that any distributed modified versions are also licensed under the GPL. This ensures that the software and its derivatives remain free and open. EULAs and proprietary licenses typically restrict modification and redistribution.
Given the IP address 192.168.1.130 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.128, which of the following is a valid host IP address in the same subnet?
192.168.1.255
192.168.1.127
192.168.1.129
192.168.1.1
The subnet mask 255.255.255.128 (/25) divides 192.168.1.0 into two subnets: 192.168.1.0 - 127 and 192.168.1.128 - 255. The IP 192.168.1.130 belongs to the second subnet, where valid hosts range from .129 to .254. Therefore, .129 is the first usable host address in that subnet.
How does processor pipelining improve CPU performance?
By overlapping the execution stages of multiple instructions
By increasing the CPU clock speed dynamically
By expanding the size of the CPU cache
By supporting multiple threads per core
Processor pipelining breaks instruction execution into distinct stages (fetch, decode, execute, etc.) and overlaps these stages for multiple instructions. This increases instruction throughput and overall CPU performance without raising clock speed. It is a fundamental technique in modern CPU architecture.
Which type of encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption?
Symmetric encryption
Steganographic encryption
Hash-based encryption
Asymmetric encryption
Symmetric encryption uses a single secret key that both the sender and receiver share for encrypting and decrypting data. It is generally faster than asymmetric encryption but requires secure key distribution. Asymmetric encryption uses a public/private key pair instead.
Which firmware interface has largely replaced the traditional BIOS in modern computers?
BIOS
GRUB
UEFI
MBR
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a modern firmware interface designed to replace the legacy BIOS. It offers faster boot times, support for large drives, a graphical user interface, and security features like Secure Boot. BIOS and MBR are older technologies without these advanced capabilities.
Which IEEE standard is commonly used for VLAN tagging to identify virtual LANs on Ethernet networks?
IEEE 802.3
IEEE 802.11
IEEE 802.1Q
IEEE 802.1X
IEEE 802.1Q is the networking standard that defines Virtual LAN (VLAN) tagging on Ethernet frames, allowing multiple VLANs to share the same physical network infrastructure. It inserts a 4-byte tag into the Ethernet frame header. Other standards like 802.3 and 802.11 address different networking layers and technologies.
According to the CAP theorem for distributed systems, when network partitions occur, a system can only guarantee which two properties simultaneously?
Availability and Partition Tolerance
Consistency and Partition Tolerance
All three properties at once
Consistency and Availability
The CAP theorem states that in the presence of a network partition (P), a distributed system must choose between consistency (C) and availability (A). It cannot guarantee all three simultaneously, so it opts for either Availability and Partition Tolerance (AP) or Consistency and Partition Tolerance (CP). Designing systems requires deciding which trade-off best fits the application needs.
Which type of hypervisor runs directly on the host's hardware without requiring a host operating system?
Type 1 hypervisor
Container hypervisor
Hosted hypervisor
Type 2 hypervisor
A Type 1 hypervisor, also known as a bare-metal hypervisor, runs directly on the host server's physical hardware and manages guest operating systems without an intervening host OS. This architecture typically offers higher performance and better resource isolation. Type 2 hypervisors, by contrast, run on top of a host operating system.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand hardware fundamentals -

    Identify and describe the key components of computer hardware, including processors, memory, and storage devices.

  2. Distinguish software categories -

    Differentiate between system software, application programs, and utility tools based on their functions.

  3. Apply networking principles -

    Explain core networking concepts such as protocols, topologies, and common network devices.

  4. Solve general IT scenarios -

    Analyze typical ICT test questions to diagnose and resolve basic computer and network issues.

  5. Recall essential IT terminology -

    Define critical acronyms and terms frequently used in general IT questions and answers.

  6. Assess ICT knowledge readiness -

    Gauge your proficiency with ict tests by challenging yourself on hardware, software, and networking topics.

Cheat Sheet

  1. OSI Model Layers -

    Review the seven OSI layers (Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application) using the mnemonic "All People Seem To Need Data Processing." Each layer defines specific functions - like error checking at Layer 2 and end-to-end flow control at Layer 4 - aligning with Cisco's official guidelines.

  2. Core Hardware Components -

    Understand the roles of CPU (fetch-decode-execute cycle), RAM (volatile memory for active processes), and storage (HDD/SSD for long-term data) based on the Von Neumann architecture described by MIT courses. Remember "CPU cooks recipes" to recall how instructions are processed sequentially.

  3. Software Categories -

    Distinguish system software (operating systems, device drivers) from application software (word processors, browsers) and embedded firmware, referencing Microsoft Docs definitions. Think "SAF: System, Application, Firmware" to keep categories straight during quizzes.

  4. IP Addressing & Subnetting -

    Master IPv4 vs IPv6 formats and practice converting dotted-decimal masks (e.g., 255.255.255.0 = /24) by using binary charts from ARIN's official tutorials. A quick trick: count the number of "1" bits in the subnet mask to determine the prefix length instantly.

  5. Network Topologies & Devices -

    Compare star, bus, and ring topologies alongside essential hardware like switches, routers, and hubs as outlined in CompTIA Network+ objectives. Remember that star topology - with a central switch - minimizes collision domains, boosting performance in modern LANs.

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