Computer System: Characteristics and Applications: 19 MCQs with answers

All 19 multiple-choice questions from this kit, free and with no sign-up.

Warm-up · 8 questions

Q1. The word 'Computer' is derived from 'compute'. What does 'compute' mean?

Beginner
A To store B To entertain C To design D To calculate
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To calculate

The source states that the word 'Computer' is derived from 'compute', which means 'to calculate'.

Q2. Which of the following best defines a computer?

Beginner
A An electronic device that performs tasks by executing instructions B A machine that thinks exactly like a human being C A device used only for weather forecasting D A manual filing system for records
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An electronic device that performs tasks by executing instructions

A computer is an electronic device that can perform a variety of tasks by executing a given set of instructions.

Q3. A task that takes a normal person a few hours is finished by a computer within a fraction of a second. Which strength does this describe?

Beginner
A Speed B Versatility C Reliability D Storage capacity
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Speed

This describes speed — a computer works at an amazing speed without making mistakes.

Q4. In which units is the speed of a computer measured?

Beginner
A Kilograms and grams B Megabytes and gigabytes C Milliseconds and nanoseconds D Volts and watts
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Milliseconds and nanoseconds

The speed of a computer is measured in milliseconds ($10^{-3}$ seconds) or nanoseconds ($10^{-9}$ seconds).

Q5. A school stores every student's record on a computer instead of keeping manual files for each individual. Which strength does this show?

Beginner
A Dependence on power B Storage capacity C Limited ability to think D Accuracy
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Storage capacity

A computer can store a large amount of data in its memory and retrieve it whenever required, which is its storage capacity.

Q6. Which of these is a limitation of a computer?

Beginner
A Dependence on power B High speed C Versatility D Large storage capacity
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Dependence on power

A computer is an electronic machine, and its dependence on power makes it costly — this is one of its two stated limitations.

Q7. Which application area involves designing high-tech weapons where absolute accuracy is essential?

Beginner
A Education B Banking C Crime detection D Military
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Military

Computers play a vital role in the design and development of high-tech weapons for defense where absolute accuracy is essential.

Q8. The word 'Computer' is derived from 'compute', which means 'to calculate'.

Beginner
A True B False
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True

The word 'Computer' is derived from 'compute', which means 'to calculate'.

Building up · 7 questions

Q9. Which facility allows you to check your real-time balance and details of past transactions?

Intermediate
A Weather forecasting B Computerized simulation C Interactive learning modules D Online banking
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Online banking

Using online banking, you can check your real-time balance and all the details of past transactions.

Q10. A student wants to study according to her own pace and convenience. Which application area of computers supports this?

Intermediate
A Research B Crime detection C Education D Military
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Education

In education, computers allow students to study according to their own pace and convenience.

Q11. Which of the following is NOT a research use of computers mentioned in the text?

Intermediate
A Launching a new satellite into space B Earthquake and tsunami warnings C Studying the impact of nuclear tests D Maintaining fingerprints of criminals
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Maintaining fingerprints of criminals

Maintaining fingerprints of criminals belongs to crime detection, not research. The other three are listed research uses.

Q12. A computer is said to be more reliable than a human being. What is the reason given?

Intermediate
A It never needs electricity B It never gets tired or bored of repetitive tasks C It can think and decide like a human D It does not need any instructions
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It never gets tired or bored of repetitive tasks

A computer is more reliable because it never gets tired and bored of repetitive tasks and can operate for long hours with its accuracy intact.

Q13. Errors in a computer's output generally occur because of which two reasons?

Intermediate
A Inaccurate input or faulty hardware B Too much storage or too much speed C Mobile banking or internet banking D Versatility or reliability
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Inaccurate input or faulty hardware

The errors generally occur when the input is inaccurate or the hardware is not functioning properly.

Q14. Which statement about a computer's ability to think is correct?

Intermediate
A Computers can think but cannot store data B Despite AI, computers cannot fully think and decide like humans C Computers have fully matched human intelligence D Computers decide everything without instructions
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Despite AI, computers cannot fully think and decide like humans

With the advent of AI, computers take decisions to some extent on their own, but compared to human intelligence they still have a long way to go.

Q15. Which pair correctly matches a strength with its description?

Intermediate
A Storage capacity — finishing tasks in microseconds B Speed — keeping records of criminals C Accuracy — never needing any power supply D Versatility — performing various types of jobs from one machine
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Versatility — performing various types of jobs from one machine

Versatility means a computer can perform various types of jobs, such as listening to music while typing in MS Word.

Topper level · 4 questions

Q16. A bank wants to let customers pay electricity and telephone bills using a debit card. Which facility enables this?

Advanced
A Internet banking B Interactive learning modules C Weather forecasting D Computerized simulation exercises
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Internet banking

Internet banking allows you to use an ATM or debit card to shop, buy tickets, and pay bills for utility services like electricity, telephone, and post-paid mobiles.

Q17. In a research project involving complex computations for weather forecasting, which limitation of computers should the research team be most aware of to ensure the accuracy of their results?

Advanced
A Dependence on Power B Limited Ability to Think C Storage Capacity D Errors from Accurate Input
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Limited Ability to Think

The team should be aware of the 'Limited Ability to Think' limitation, as computers can only process the data they are given. If the input data is flawed or incomplete, the output will also be inaccurate, impacting the forecasting results.

Q18. A school is transitioning from manual record-keeping to a computerized system. What are the two primary advantages they can expect to experience from this transition?

Advanced
A Increased Errors and Reduced Speed B Dependence on Power and Limited Use C Manual Processing and High Costs D Enhanced Storage Capacity and Quick Retrieval
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Enhanced Storage Capacity and Quick Retrieval

The school can expect 'Enhanced Storage Capacity and Quick Retrieval' as primary advantages, allowing them to store vast amounts of student data efficiently and access it swiftly compared to manual records.

Q19. During a military simulation exercise, what characteristic of computers is most critical for ensuring the success of training pilots, and why?

Advanced
A Limited Ability to Think B Accuracy C Versatility D Dependence on Power
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Accuracy

The characteristic of 'Accuracy' is critical in military simulations to ensure that the training scenarios are realistic and reliable, allowing pilots to practice under conditions that closely mirror real-life situations without errors that could lead to misjudgments.

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