Operating Systems, Databases and Programming Basics MCQs

Solved computer awareness MCQs on operating system functions, virtual memory, DBMS keys and SQL, programming languages, algorithms and flowcharts, and utility software.

1. 1

   The main job of an operating system is to:

   Amanage hardware and software and act as an interface for the userBbrowse the internetCcreate documentsDprotect against all viruses

   Correct answer: A. manage hardware and software and act as an interface for the user

   The OS manages memory, processes, files and devices, and lets users and programs use the hardware.

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2. 2

   The core part of an operating system that controls the hardware directly is the:

   AKernelBShellCCompilerDBIOS

   Correct answer: A. Kernel

   The kernel manages the CPU, memory and devices; the shell is the interface through which users give commands.

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3. 3

   Virtual memory means:

   Aa backup copy of RAM on a pen driveBmemory inside the CPUCmemory on a cloud serverDusing part of the hard disk as an extension of RAM

   Correct answer: D. using part of the hard disk as an extension of RAM

   When RAM is full, the OS moves less-used data to a page file on the disk so programs can keep running.

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4. 4

   The ability of an OS to run several programs at the same time is called:

   AMultitaskingBBootingCCompilingDFormatting

   Correct answer: A. Multitasking

   Multitasking lets you, for example, play music while typing a document.

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5. 5

   The Linux kernel was first released in 1991 by:

   ASteve JobsBDennis RitchieCBill GatesDLinus Torvalds

   Correct answer: D. Linus Torvalds

   Linus Torvalds released Linux as free, open-source software. Dennis Ritchie created the C language.

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6. 6

   The Android operating system for phones is based on the:

   ADOS kernelBWindows kernelCmacOS kernelDLinux kernel

   Correct answer: D. Linux kernel

   Android, developed by Google, uses a modified Linux kernel.

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7. 7

   SQL stands for:

   ASystem Quality LevelBStructured Query LanguageCSimple Query LogicDSequential Question Language

   Correct answer: B. Structured Query Language

   SQL is the standard language for creating, reading, updating and deleting data in relational databases.

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8. 8

   In a database table, the field that uniquely identifies each record is the:

   AQueryBPrimary keyCIndex cardDForeign key

   Correct answer: B. Primary key

   A primary key, such as a roll number or account number, can never repeat or be empty.

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9. 9

   A foreign key in a database is used to:

   Aencrypt the dataBsort records alphabeticallyClink one table to anotherDdelete duplicate rows

   Correct answer: C. link one table to another

   A foreign key in one table refers to the primary key of another table, creating a relationship.

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10. 10

    Which SQL command is used to fetch data from a table?

    AINSERTBSELECTCUPDATEDDELETE

    Correct answer: B. SELECT

    SELECT retrieves data; INSERT adds rows, UPDATE changes them and DELETE removes them.

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12. 11

    Which of these is a database management system?

    APhotoshopBGoogle ChromeCWinZipDMySQL

    Correct answer: D. MySQL

    MySQL, Oracle and SQL Server are database management systems.

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13. 12

    Assembly language is an example of a:

    Ahigh-level languageBmarkup languageCnatural languageDlow-level language

    Correct answer: D. low-level language

    Assembly uses short codes (mnemonics) close to machine code; an assembler converts it to binary.

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14. 13

    The Java programming language was developed at Sun Microsystems by a team led by:

    ABjarne StroustrupBGuido van RossumCJames GoslingDCharles Babbage

    Correct answer: C. James Gosling

    Java appeared in 1995. Guido van Rossum created Python and Bjarne Stroustrup created C++.

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15. 14

    Finding and fixing errors in a computer program is called:

    AFormattingBBootingCDebuggingDCompiling

    Correct answer: C. Debugging

    An error in a program is called a bug, so removing it is debugging.

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16. 15

    A step-by-step set of instructions for solving a problem is called a(n):

    AProtocolBAlgorithmCSpreadsheetDDatabase

    Correct answer: B. Algorithm

    An algorithm can be written in plain language or drawn as a flowchart before it is coded.

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17. 16

    In a flowchart, a decision (yes/no question) is shown by a:

    ArectangleBparallelogramCdiamondDoval

    Correct answer: C. diamond

    Diamonds show decisions, rectangles show processes, ovals show start and end, and parallelograms show input and output.

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18. 17

    Freeware is software that:

    Acan be used free of charge, though its source code may not be availableBis sold only to companiesCworks only for a trial periodDmust always come with its source code

    Correct answer: A. can be used free of charge, though its source code may not be available

    Freeware costs nothing to use; open-source software makes its source code available; shareware is usually a trial version.

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19. 18

    A file with the extension .exe is usually a(n):

    Aaudio fileBexecutable programCspreadsheetDimage

    Correct answer: B. executable program

    On Windows, .exe files run programs, so be careful when opening them from unknown sources.

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20. 19

    Disk defragmentation is done to:

    Arearrange scattered pieces of files on a hard disk so they load fasterBremove virusesCincrease RAMDformat the disk

    Correct answer: A. rearrange scattered pieces of files on a hard disk so they load faster

    Defragmenting helps traditional hard disks; SSDs do not need it.

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21. 20

    Antivirus and disk-cleanup programs are examples of:

    AApplication software for office workBProgramming languagesCUtility softwareDFirmware

    Correct answer: C. Utility software

    Utility software helps maintain, protect and optimise the computer.

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