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Quizzes > Computers & IT

Computer Quiz: Basics and Terminology

Quick, free computer basics quiz. Instant results and explanations.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Erin NationUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art computer basics quiz graphic on dark blue background with keyboard monitor mouse puzzle pieces

Use this computer basics quiz to check your grasp of common terms, parts, and simple PC tasks. Get quick questions with instant results and short explanations, so you learn as you go. When you're done, try a basic computer knowledge quiz, a basic computer skills test, or a computer literacy test for extra practice.

Which component is considered the brain of the computer, executing instructions and performing calculations?
GPU - primarily renders graphics
CPU (central processing unit) - executes instructions
RAM - stores running data only
SSD - long-term storage
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What does RAM primarily provide for a computer system?
Temporary working memory for active programs and data
Permanent storage for files
Power during outages
Backup storage in the cloud
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A file with the .jpg extension is most commonly associated with which type of data?
Executable program
Compressed image file
Audio track
Spreadsheet document
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In computing, what does the term boot refer to?
Starting up the computer and loading the operating system into memory
Resetting only the display settings
Installing a new application
Clearing all user data
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Which port type is most commonly used to connect a modern mouse or keyboard?
VGA
USB
FireWire
Parallel
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The operating system is best described as which of the following?
Software that manages hardware and provides services for applications
A type of removable storage
A single application for editing documents
A hardware component on the motherboard
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Which device converts digital signals from a computer to a form suitable for a display?
NIC (network interface card)
PSU (power supply unit)
Router
GPU (graphics processing unit) - renders and outputs video
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In networking, what does Wi-Fi provide?
Wireless local area network connectivity
Wired Ethernet replacement using coaxial cable
Satellite internet only
Mobile cellular service
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What is the primary purpose of a firewall in computing?
To cool the system with airflow
To control and filter network traffic based on rules
To defragment the hard drive
To speed up the CPU
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Which storage medium typically offers the fastest data access speeds in a consumer PC?
Optical disc (DVD)
USB flash drive (USB 2.0)
SATA HDD
NVMe SSD
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Which term describes software that self-replicates by inserting copies of itself into other programs?
Virus
Trojan
Worm
Spyware
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In binary, what is the base used to represent numbers?
Base 8
Base 10
Base 16
Base 2
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Which command-line term refers to the current working directory in many shells?
PWD
RM
LS
CP
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What does the term open-source software mean?
Software that is always free of charge
Software that runs only on open networks
Software whose source code is publicly available for use, modification, and distribution under its license
Software sold by subscription only
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What does GPU acceleration mainly benefit in everyday computing?
Power supply efficiency
Keyboard input speed
File compression only
Graphics and parallelizable tasks like video rendering
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Which file system is commonly used by Windows on internal drives?
HFS Plus
ext4
NTFS
APFS
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What does the acronym BIOS traditionally refer to?
Board Interface and Output Subsystem
Binary Integrated Operating Suite
Basic Input/Output System
Boot Initial Operating Service
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Which backup strategy keeps one full backup and subsequent backups that store only changes since the last backup of any type?
Differential backup
Mirror backup
Clone backup
Incremental backup
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Which term describes the delay before a transfer of data begins following an instruction, often discussed in networking?
Throughput
Jitter as the average delay
Latency
Bandwidth
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Which term describes running multiple virtual machines on a single physical computer?
Containerization only
Virtualization
Clustering
Load balancing
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Essential Hardware Components -

    Through this basic computer quiz, recognize and describe the function of key PC parts such as CPU, RAM, storage drives, and peripheral devices.

  2. Define Common Software Terms -

    Master fundamental software vocabulary by explaining operating systems, applications, and utility programs within our computer terminology quiz framework.

  3. Manage Files and Folders Effectively -

    Apply basic file management techniques, including creating, organizing, and locating documents and folders on your computer.

  4. Navigate the Internet Confidently -

    Understand essential web browser functions, URL structures, and safe browsing practices in this intro to computer quiz segment.

  5. Troubleshoot Basic PC Issues -

    Learn simple diagnostic steps to address common computer errors and performance problems, boosting your confidence in maintaining a functional system.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Hardware Components -

    Review the three core PC parts - CPU, RAM, and storage - highlighted in university computing labs (e.g., MIT's online materials). The CPU (Central Processing Unit) executes instructions at GHz speeds, RAM (Random Access Memory) stores active data temporarily, and storage drives (HDD/SSD) retain files long-term. Mnemonic: "C-R-S" for CPU, RAM, Storage helps you recall each component's role in a computer basics quiz.

  2. Software Categories -

    Differentiate system software (operating systems, device drivers) from application software (word processors, browsers) as outlined by industry bodies like IEEE. System software manages hardware and resources, while applications let users perform specific tasks. In a computer terminology quiz, remember "OS runs the show, apps steal the show."

  3. Operating System Functions -

    Understand core OS responsibilities - process scheduling, memory management, and file handling - cited in academic texts from Stanford University. The OS allocates CPU time, manages virtual memory, and organizes files in directories. For an intro to computer quiz, recall the three Ps: processes, pages, and paths.

  4. Data Representation & Storage Units -

    Master binary basics: 1 byte equals 8 bits and 1 KB equals 1,024 bytes, as defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Practice converting between bits, bytes, kilobytes, and megabytes with the formula 2^10=1,024. A useful mnemonic is "8 bits make a byte, 1,024 bytes make a kilobyte."

  5. Networking Fundamentals -

    Familiarize yourself with IP addressing (IPv4's four-octet format) and the difference between LAN and WAN, per Cisco Networking Academy. An IPv4 address like 192.168.1.1 uses dot-decimal notation to identify devices on a network. In a basic computer quiz, think "local LAN, wide WAN" to distinguish network scopes.

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