Introduction to Computers: 19 MCQs with answers

C · Keyboard

Hardware refers to the physical components you can touch, such as a keyboard. The operating system, browser, and word processor are software.

D · Central Processing Unit

CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, often called the brain of the computer, which performs calculations and logic.

D · RAM

RAM is volatile memory — its contents are erased when power is switched off. ROM, hard disks, and SSDs are non-volatile.

A · An operating system

System software like an operating system manages hardware and provides a platform for applications. Word processors, browsers, and photo editors are application software.

C · A web browser

A web browser is application software that lets users perform a specific task. Linux and Android are operating systems (system software), and the motherboard is hardware.

C · Motherboard

The motherboard acts as the connecting highway that links all internal components and allows them to communicate.

A · True

The CPU contains the ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) for calculations and a control unit that directs instruction flow.

D · Secondary storage such as a hard disk or SSD

Permanent storage is secondary storage (hard disk or SSD). RAM is temporary and loses data on shutdown; ROM holds startup instructions, not user files.

D · The workspace for active programs is too small, so the system struggles to keep tasks running

RAM is the fast temporary workspace where active programs and data are held. Too little RAM means the system cannot keep tasks running smoothly, causing lag.

B · It cannot be reprogrammed for arbitrary tasks

A calculator performs fixed operations and cannot be reprogrammed for arbitrary tasks. Programmability and general-purpose processing define a computer.

A · Fetch → decode → execute

The CPU fetches an instruction, decodes it, then executes it, writing back the result. This cycle repeats billions of times per second.

B · It acts as a bridge between hardware and application software

The operating system is system software that bridges hardware and applications, scheduling tasks and managing memory.

B · 8192

One kilobyte = 1024 bytes, and each byte = 8 bits, so 1024 × 8 = 8192 bits.

A · The unsaved work was only in RAM, which is volatile

Unsaved work lives in RAM, which is volatile and loses its contents when power is cut. Saving moves a copy to non-volatile secondary storage.

C · They all follow the input–process–output–storage cycle

Every computer, from ATMs to traffic lights, follows the same input–process–output–storage cycle, even though their specific hardware and software differ.

B · The 8 GB is RAM, a temporary workspace; the SSD is permanent storage

8 GB refers to RAM, the volatile workspace for active programs. The 512 GB SSD is secondary storage that keeps files permanently. Confusing memory with storage is a common mistake.

D · Input the numbers, calculate the sum, divide by the count, store the average in storage, output it.

The correct sequence involves first inputting the numbers, calculating the sum, dividing by the count to find the average, storing the result in storage for later use, and finally outputting the average.

C · More RAM allows more applications to run simultaneously without slowing down the system.

More RAM enables a computer to handle multiple applications more efficiently, as it provides the necessary temporary workspace for data processing, reducing the need to swap data with the slower SSD.

A · The document is saved in storage, making it permanent, while RAM clears its contents on shutdown.

When a document is saved, it is written to storage (like an SSD or hard disk), which retains the data even after shutdown, while RAM is cleared, losing any unsaved data.