Hardware, Software and Security MCQs

Solved MCQs on computer hardware, memory and storage, software types, number systems, computer generations and cyber security threats.

1. 1

   The first generation of computers used which technology?

   AMicroprocessorsBTransistorsCVacuum tubesDIntegrated circuits

   Correct answer: C. Vacuum tubes

   First-generation computers of the 1940s and 1950s, such as ENIAC, used vacuum tubes. They were huge, power-hungry and produced a lot of heat.

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2. 2

   Second-generation computers were based on:

   ATransistorsBArtificial intelligenceCIntegrated circuitsDVacuum tubes

   Correct answer: A. Transistors

   Transistors replaced vacuum tubes in the late 1950s, making computers smaller, faster and more reliable.

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3. 3

   Fourth-generation computers are characterized by the use of:

   AMicroprocessorsBMagnetic drumsCTransistorsDVacuum tubes

   Correct answer: A. Microprocessors

   The microprocessor, a whole CPU on one chip, arrived in 1971 and made personal computers possible.

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4. 4

   Which part of the CPU performs arithmetic and logical operations?

   ARegistersBALUCControl UnitDCache

   Correct answer: B. ALU

   The Arithmetic Logic Unit does calculations and comparisons. The Control Unit directs the flow of instructions.

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5. 5

   Which memory holds the startup instructions (firmware) and keeps them when power is off?

   AVirtual memoryBROMCCacheDRAM

   Correct answer: B. ROM

   Read-Only Memory is non-volatile and stores firmware such as the BIOS/UEFI that starts the computer.

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6. 6

   Which of the following is the fastest?

   ARAMBHard diskCCache memoryDUSB flash drive

   Correct answer: C. Cache memory

   Cache memory sits on or next to the CPU and is faster than RAM, which in turn is much faster than disk or flash storage.

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7. 7

   Unlike a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive (SSD):

   AIs volatile memoryBHas no moving partsCCan only be read, not writtenDUses spinning magnetic platters

   Correct answer: B. Has no moving parts

   SSDs store data on flash memory chips with no moving parts, which makes them faster and more shock-resistant than HDDs.

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8. 8

   USB stands for:

   AUser Serial BackupBUniversal Storage BlockCUnified System BoardDUniversal Serial Bus

   Correct answer: D. Universal Serial Bus

   USB is a standard for connecting and powering peripherals such as keyboards, printers and storage devices.

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9. 9

   1 gigabyte (GB) is equal to:

   A1,000 KBB1,024 MBC1,024 KBD1,024 TB

   Correct answer: B. 1,024 MB

   In the binary convention used in exams, 1 GB = 1,024 MB, 1 MB = 1,024 KB and 1 TB = 1,024 GB.

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10. 10

    The binary number system uses base:

    A2B8C10D16

    Correct answer: A. 2

    Binary uses only the digits 0 and 1. Octal is base 8, decimal base 10 and hexadecimal base 16.

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12. 11

    The binary number 1010 is equal to which decimal number?

    A12B5C10D8

    Correct answer: C. 10

    1010 = (1 × 8) + (0 × 4) + (1 × 2) + (0 × 1) = 10.

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13. 12

    Which number system uses the digits 0–9 and the letters A–F?

    AHexadecimalBOctalCDecimalDBinary

    Correct answer: A. Hexadecimal

    Hexadecimal (base 16) uses A–F to represent the values 10–15.

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14. 13

    Which of the following is system software?

    AMS ExcelBGoogle ChromeCAdobe PhotoshopDWindows 11

    Correct answer: D. Windows 11

    An operating system such as Windows is system software that manages the hardware. The others are application software.

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15. 14

    Which of the following is an open-source operating system?

    AmacOSBWindowsCMS-DOSDLinux

    Correct answer: D. Linux

    Linux is open source: its source code is freely available to use, study and modify.

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16. 15

    A compiler differs from an interpreter because a compiler:

    AExecutes the program line by lineBOnly works with HTMLCFinds viruses in codeDTranslates the whole program at once before running it

    Correct answer: D. Translates the whole program at once before running it

    A compiler converts the whole source program into machine code ahead of time. An interpreter translates and runs it one statement at a time.

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17. 16

    The process of starting up a computer and loading the operating system is called:

    AFormattingBRenderingCBootingDCompiling

    Correct answer: C. Booting

    During booting, firmware tests the hardware and then loads the operating system into memory.

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18. 17

    Which of the following is both an input and an output device?

    ATouchscreenBScannerCPrinterDMicrophone

    Correct answer: A. Touchscreen

    A touchscreen displays output and also accepts touch input. A scanner and a microphone are input devices, and a printer is an output device.

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19. 18

    GPU stands for:

    AGlobal Power UnitBGeneral Processing UnitCGraphics Processing UnitDGigabyte Processing Unit

    Correct answer: C. Graphics Processing Unit

    A Graphics Processing Unit renders images and video, and is also widely used for AI and scientific computing.

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20. 19

    Malware that encrypts a victim's files and demands payment to unlock them is called:

    AAdwareBRansomwareCWormDSpyware

    Correct answer: B. Ransomware

    Ransomware locks or encrypts data and demands a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency.

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21. 20

    Malware that spreads across networks by copying itself, without needing to attach to another program, is a:

    AKeyloggerBWormCTrojan horseDVirus

    Correct answer: B. Worm

    A worm self-replicates over networks on its own. A virus needs to attach itself to a host file or program.

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