Computer Generations, Abbreviations and Software MCQs

Solved computer awareness MCQs on computer generations, common abbreviations, memory, number systems, compilers and Windows shortcuts for SSC and banking exams.

1. 1

   First-generation computers used:

   AIntegrated circuitsBTransistorsCMicroprocessorsDVacuum tubes

   Correct answer: D. Vacuum tubes

   Machines such as ENIAC (1940s) used thousands of vacuum tubes, which were large and produced much heat.

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2. 2

   Second-generation computers replaced vacuum tubes with:

   AMicroprocessorsBTransistorsCRelaysDIntegrated circuits

   Correct answer: B. Transistors

   Transistors were smaller, faster and more reliable than vacuum tubes.

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3. 3

   Third-generation computers were based on:

   AArtificial intelligenceBTransistorsCIntegrated circuitsDVacuum tubes

   Correct answer: C. Integrated circuits

   Integrated circuits placed many transistors on a single chip.

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4. 4

   Fourth-generation computers are based on:

   APunched cardsBMicroprocessors (VLSI)CMagnetic drumsDVacuum tubes

   Correct answer: B. Microprocessors (VLSI)

   Very-large-scale integration put a whole CPU on one chip, the microprocessor, which made personal computers possible.

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5. 5

   Who is called the "Father of the Computer"?

   AJohn von NeumannBBlaise PascalCAlan TuringDCharles Babbage

   Correct answer: D. Charles Babbage

   Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine in the 1830s, a mechanical general-purpose computer.

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6. 6

   ALU stands for:

   AArithmetic Language UnitBAutomatic Load UnitCArray Logic UtilityDArithmetic Logic Unit

   Correct answer: D. Arithmetic Logic Unit

   The ALU is the part of the CPU that performs calculations and logical comparisons.

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7. 7

   BIOS stands for:

   ABoot Input Output ServiceBBinary Input Output SoftwareCBasic Internal Operating SystemDBasic Input/Output System

   Correct answer: D. Basic Input/Output System

   BIOS is firmware that checks the hardware and starts loading the operating system when a PC is switched on.

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8. 8

   URL stands for:

   AUser Request LocatorBUniform Resource LocatorCUnified Resource LineDUniversal Routing Link

   Correct answer: B. Uniform Resource Locator

   A URL is the address of a resource on the web, such as https://www.example.com/page.

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9. 9

   PDF stands for:

   APortable Document FormatBPrinted Document FileCPage Description FileDPublic Data Format

   Correct answer: A. Portable Document Format

   PDF, created by Adobe, keeps a document's layout the same on any device.

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10. 10

    GUI stands for:

    AGeneral User InstructionBGraphic Utility InputCGlobal User InterfaceDGraphical User Interface

    Correct answer: D. Graphical User Interface

    A GUI lets users work with windows, icons and menus instead of typing commands.

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12. 11

    USB stands for:

    AUnified System BoardBUniversal Storage BlockCUniversal Serial BusDUser Serial Bridge

    Correct answer: C. Universal Serial Bus

    USB is the standard port for connecting keyboards, pen drives, phones and many other devices.

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13. 12

    A compiler:

    Atranslates and runs a program one line at a timeBconverts machine code into assembly languageCtranslates the whole high-level program into machine code before it runsDremoves viruses from programs

    Correct answer: C. translates the whole high-level program into machine code before it runs

    A compiler translates the whole program at once; an interpreter translates and runs it line by line.

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14. 13

    Which of these is an open-source operating system?

    AmacOSBWindows 11CLinuxDMS-DOS

    Correct answer: C. Linux

    Linux's source code is freely available to use and modify; Android is also built on the Linux kernel.

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15. 14

    Cache memory is:

    Aa small, very fast memory between the CPU and main memoryBa type of printer memoryCa slow, permanent storage deviceDmemory on a pen drive

    Correct answer: A. a small, very fast memory between the CPU and main memory

    Cache holds frequently used data close to the CPU so it does not have to wait for slower RAM.

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16. 15

    1 gigabyte (GB) is equal to:

    A1,000 KBB1,024 KBC1,024 MBD1,024 TB

    Correct answer: C. 1,024 MB

    In binary units, 1 GB = 1,024 MB, 1 MB = 1,024 KB and 1 TB = 1,024 GB.

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17. 16

    The hexadecimal number system has a base of:

    A2B8C10D16

    Correct answer: D. 16

    Hexadecimal uses the digits 0–9 and the letters A–F; binary is base 2 and octal is base 8.

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18. 17

    The decimal number 25 written in binary is:

    A11010B11001C10101D10011

    Correct answer: B. 11001

    25 = 16 + 8 + 1, so the binary digits for 16, 8, 4, 2, 1 are 1, 1, 0, 0, 1: 11001.

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19. 18

    In Windows, the shortcut Alt + F4 is used to:

    Aclose the active window or programBopen a new windowCcopy a fileDswitch off the monitor

    Correct answer: A. close the active window or program

    Alt + F4 closes the active window; on the desktop it opens the shut-down dialog.

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20. 19

    "Booting" a computer means:

    Astarting it and loading the operating systemBinstalling a printerCconnecting it to the internetDdeleting all files

    Correct answer: A. starting it and loading the operating system

    During booting the firmware checks the hardware and loads the operating system into memory.

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21. 20

    The smallest element of a digital image on a screen is called a:

    ADot pitchBPixelCByteDBit

    Correct answer: B. Pixel

    A pixel (picture element) is a single point of colour; screen resolution is counted in pixels.

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