Computer Fundamental Quiz - MCQ - Multiple Choice Questions

Welcome to the MCQ practice test on computer fundamentals! This test has been designed for beginners who want to test and expand their knowledge of basic computer concepts. Each question comes with an answer and a brief explanation to help you understand the topic better.

1. Who is known as the "father of the computer"?

A) Bill Gates

B) Alan Turing

C) Charles Babbage

D) John von Neumann

Answer:

C) Charles Babbage

Explanation:

Charles Babbage is often referred to as the "father of the computer" due to his design of the Analytical Engine in the 19th century, which laid the foundation for the development of the modern computer.

2. What is the brain of any computer system?

A) ALU

B) CPU

C) Memory

D) Control unit

Answer:

B) CPU

Explanation:

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is often considered the "brain" of the computer as it performs all basic arithmetic, logical, and input/output operations.

3. What does RAM stand for?

A) Random Application Memory

B) Random Access Memory

C) Readable Archive Memory

D) Random Archive Memory

Answer:

B) Random Access Memory

Explanation:

RAM stands for Random Access Memory, which temporarily stores data being processed by the CPU.

4. What is the full form of WWW?

A) World Wide Web

B) World Wide Window

C) Wide World Web

D) World Width Web

Answer:

A) World Wide Web

Explanation:

WWW stands for World Wide Web, which is an information system where documents and other web resources are identified by URLs.

5. What does the 'IP' stand for in 'IP address'?

A) Internet Protocol

B) Internal Protocol

C) Internet Provider

D) Internal Path

Answer:

A) Internet Protocol

Explanation:

'IP' in 'IP address' stands for Internet Protocol. An IP address is an address used to identify a computer on a network.

6. Which company created Windows?

A) Apple

B) Microsoft

C) IBM

D) Google

Answer:

B) Microsoft

Explanation:

Windows is an operating system created by Microsoft.

7. Which of these is a search engine?

A) Windows

B) Google

C) MS Office

D) Python

Answer:

B) Google

Explanation:

Google is a search engine. It is used to search for information on the World Wide Web.

8. Which device is used to process data in a computer?

A) RAM

B) Hard Drive

C) CPU

D) Modem

Answer:

C) CPU

Explanation:

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) processes data and instructions. It's the "brain" of the computer.

9. Which of the following is considered non-volatile memory?

A) RAM

B) ROM

C) Cache

D) Registers

Answer:

B) ROM

Explanation:

Read-Only Memory (ROM) retains its data even after the computer is turned off, making it non-volatile.

10. Which software serves as the interface between the user and hardware?

A) Operating System

B) Application Software

C) Utility Software

D) Word Processor

Answer:

A) Operating System

Explanation:

The Operating System (OS) manages hardware resources and provides services for computer programs.

11. What does the acronym 'URL' stand for?

A) Uniform Resource Locator

B) Universal Retrieval Language

C) Uniform Retrieval Locator

D) Universal Resource Language

Answer:

A) Uniform Resource Locator

Explanation:

URL is the address used to access web pages on the Internet.

12. Which of the following devices provides an input to the computer?

A) Speaker

B) Monitor

C) Keyboard

D) RAM

Answer:

C) Keyboard

Explanation:

The keyboard is used to input data into a computer.

13. In which type of computer is data represented as pulses of light?

A) Digital Computer

B) Analog Computer

C) Hybrid Computer

D) Optical Computer

Answer:

D) Optical Computer

Explanation:

Optical computers use light particles called photons for processing data.

14. Which protocol is used for sending email?

A) FTP

B) HTTP

C) SMTP

D) UDP

Answer:

C) SMTP

Explanation:

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is used to send emails.

15. Which device allows multiple computers to connect to a single Internet connection?

A) Switch

B) Hub

C) Modem

D) Router

Answer:

D) Router

Explanation:

A router directs traffic on the internet and allows multiple devices to share a single internet connection.

16. Which language is used for creating web pages?

A) Python

B) SQL

C) HTML

D) Java

Answer:

C) HTML

Explanation:

HyperText Markup Language (HTML) is the standard language used to create and design web pages.

17. What does 'GUI' in computer terminology stand for?

A) General Unified Interface

B) Graphical User Interface

C) General User Interface

D) Graphical Unified Interface

Answer:

B) Graphical User Interface

Explanation:

GUI allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons and audio indicators.

18. Which of the following storage devices uses magnetic fields to store data?

A) SSD

B) Flash Drive

C) Hard Disk Drive

D) Optical Drive

Answer:

C) Hard Disk Drive

Explanation:

Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) use magnetic fields to store and retrieve data.

19. What does 'BIOS' stand for in computer terminology?

A) Binary Input Output System

B) Basic Input Output System

C) Base Input Output Set

D) Basic Integrated Operating System

Answer:

B) Basic Input Output System

Explanation:

BIOS is firmware used to perform hardware initialization during the booting process.

20. Which of these is not an operating system?

A) Ubuntu

B) Photoshop

C) Windows

D) macOS

Answer:

B) Photoshop

Explanation:

Photoshop is a graphic design and image editing software, not an operating system.

21. What is the primary purpose of an operating system?

A) Run desktop applications

B) Connect to the internet

C) Manage hardware and software resources

D) Protect against viruses

Answer:

C) Manage hardware and software resources

Explanation:

The operating system manages both hardware (like the CPU, memory, disk drives) and software (like applications and files) resources of a computer.

22. Which device is used to back up the data of your computer’s primary storage in a non-volatile manner?

A) RAM

B) Processor

C) External Hard Drive

D) Graphics Card

Answer:

C) External Hard Drive

Explanation:

An External Hard Drive can be used to store a copy of your computer's primary data for backup purposes.

23. What is the primary difference between RAM and ROM?

A) RAM is volatile; ROM is non-volatile

B) RAM can store more data than ROM

C) ROM is used to process data; RAM isn’t

D) RAM is slower than ROM

Answer:

A) RAM is volatile; ROM is non-volatile

Explanation:

RAM loses its data when the computer is turned off, while ROM retains its data.

24. Which of the following is not an input device?

A) Keyboard

B) Mouse

C) Monitor

D) Scanner

Answer:

C) Monitor

Explanation:

A monitor is an output device used to display information to the user.

25. Which programming language is known as the 'mother of all languages'?

A) C

B) Fortran

C) Cobol

D) Assembly Language

Answer:

D) Assembly Language

Explanation:

Assembly language is a low-level programming language that is a close representation of machine code instructions for a computer.

26. 19. In the context of data storage, what does the acronym 'CD' stand for?

A) Compact Disk

B) Computer Drive

C) Central Database

D) Compressed Data

Answer:

A) Compact Disk

Explanation:

A Compact Disk (CD) is an optical disc used to store digital data.

27. Which of the following is a primary function of the ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)?

A) Manage the computer’s memory

B) Connect the computer to the internet

C) Perform arithmetic and logical operations

D) Coordinate tasks between application software

Answer:

C) Perform arithmetic and logical operations

Explanation:

The ALU is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations in the CPU.

28. Which of the following file extensions indicates a picture file?

A) .mp3

B) .jpg

C) .doc

D) .xls

Answer:

B) .jpg

Explanation:

The .jpg (or .jpeg) extension indicates a JPEG image file.

29. What is the primary function of the computer's motherboard?

A) Display graphics

B) Provide audio output

C) Serve as the main circuit board

D) Store data long-term

Answer:

C) Serve as the main circuit board

Explanation:

The motherboard serves as the main circuit board that houses the CPU, RAM, and other essential components.

30. Which computer network is specific to a single organization or business?

A) Internet

B) WAN

C) Intranet

D) Extranet

Answer:

C) Intranet

Explanation:

An Intranet is a private network specific to an organization or business.

31. What does the acronym 'VGA' stand for in computer graphics?

A) Visual Graphics Array

B) Video Graphical Adapter

C) Visual Graphical Adapter

D) Video Graphics Array

Answer:

D) Video Graphics Array

Explanation:

VGA is a graphics standard for video display controller.

32. Which device connects computers and allows them to talk to each other within a small local area such as a home or office?

A) Router

B) Switch

C) Modem

D) Firewall

Answer:

B) Switch

Explanation:

A switch is used to connect devices within a local area network (LAN) and allows them to communicate with each other.