Basic Computer MCQs with Answers and Explanations

Most Important Basic Computer MCQs

1. Which component is considered the “brain” of the computer?

A) Monitor
B) Hard Drive
C) Central Processing Unit (CPU)
D) Keyboard

Answer: C
Explanation:
The CPU performs all processing tasks, acting as the brain of the computer to execute instructions.


2. What is the main function of the Control Unit (CU) in the CPU?

A) Store data permanently
B) Control input/output devices
C) Direct operations of the processor
D) Perform calculations

Answer: C
Explanation:
The CU directs the flow of data and instructions within the CPU, ensuring smooth operation.


3. What does “Ctrl + S” do in most computer programs?

A) Save the file
B) Search for content
C) Open the file
D) Close the application

Answer: A
Explanation:
Ctrl + S is the standard shortcut for saving files in most software applications.


4. Which of the following is the correct hierarchy of data units, from smallest to largest?

A) Bit, Byte, Kilobyte, Megabyte
B) Byte, Bit, Kilobyte, Megabyte
C) Kilobyte, Byte, Bit, Megabyte
D) Megabyte, Kilobyte, Byte, Bit

Answer: A
Explanation:
Bits are the smallest data units, followed by bytes, kilobytes, and megabytes, in ascending order.


5. What is the primary use of a cache in a computer system?

A) Long-term data storage
B) Temporarily store frequently accessed data
C) Connect peripherals
D) Display graphics

Answer: B
Explanation:
Cache memory is a high-speed storage area that temporarily holds data for quick access by the CPU.


6. What does the “F1” key generally do in most software?

A) Close the program
B) Access help documentation
C) Refresh the screen
D) Open a new window

Answer: B
Explanation:
F1 is commonly used as a shortcut to open help documentation in software applications.


7. What is the primary function of the BIOS in a computer?

A) Manage installed applications
B) Control power supply
C) Initialize and test hardware during boot-up
D) Perform data analysis

Answer: C
Explanation:
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) initializes hardware components and loads the operating system during boot-up.


8. What is the standard resolution for Full HD screens?

A) 640 x 480
B) 1920 x 1080
C) 1280 x 720
D) 2560 x 1440

Answer: B
Explanation:
Full HD resolution refers to 1920 x 1080 pixels, offering high-definition display quality.


9. Which of the following storage devices has the highest speed?

A) HDD
B) SSD
C) DVD
D) USB Flash Drive

Answer: B
Explanation:
SSD (Solid State Drives) provide significantly faster read/write speeds compared to HDDs and other storage devices.


10. What does the term “plug and play” refer to?

A) Automatic installation of peripheral devices
B) Connecting and disconnecting storage devices
C) Running multimedia files
D) Installing software manually

Answer: A
Explanation:
Plug and play enables automatic detection and configuration of hardware devices without manual installation.


11. What does HTTP stand for?

A) Hyperlink Text Transfer Protocol
B) Hypertext Transfer Protocol
C) High-speed Text Transfer Protocol
D) Hyperlink Transmission Protocol

Answer: B
Explanation:
HTTP is the protocol used for transferring web pages on the internet.


12. Which type of software is used to create documents?

A) Spreadsheet software
B) Presentation software
C) Word processing software
D) Database management software

Answer: C
Explanation:
Word processing software, such as Microsoft Word, is used to create, edit, and format text documents.


13. What does the term “bit” stand for in computing?

A) Binary Information Table
B) Binary Digit
C) Bitwise Integration Technique
D) Basic Information Transfer

Answer: B
Explanation:
A bit (binary digit) is the smallest unit of information in computing, representing 0 or 1.


14. Which key combination is used to switch between open applications in Windows?

A) Alt + Tab
B) Ctrl + Esc
C) Ctrl + Shift
D) Windows + D

Answer: A
Explanation:
Alt + Tab allows users to toggle between currently open applications.


15. What is the main purpose of a database management system (DBMS)?

A) Edit multimedia files
B) Manage and organize data efficiently
C) Connect to the internet
D) Perform calculations

Answer: B
Explanation:
A DBMS, like MySQL, organizes and manages data for retrieval, storage, and modification.


16. What is the role of a firewall in computer networks?

A) Speed up internet connection
B) Protect against unauthorized access
C) Encrypt data
D) Improve hardware performance

Answer: B
Explanation:
Firewalls act as barriers, blocking unauthorized access to or from a private network.


17. What is the shortcut key for “undo” in most software?

A) Ctrl + X
B) Ctrl + Y
C) Ctrl + Z
D) Ctrl + U

Answer: C
Explanation:
Ctrl + Z reverses the last action performed, providing an undo function.


18. Which of the following is NOT a programming language?

A) Python
B) HTML
C) Java
D) Chrome

Answer: D
Explanation:
Chrome is a web browser, while Python, HTML, and Java are programming or markup languages.


19. What is the primary function of an operating system?

A) Compile programs
B) Manage hardware and software resources
C) Design websites
D) Store data

Answer: B
Explanation:
The operating system (e.g., Windows, Linux) acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware, managing resources.


20. What does Ctrl + V do?

A) Cut the text
B) Paste the text
C) Copy the text
D) Save the text

Answer: B
Explanation:
Ctrl + V is the shortcut for pasting content that has been copied or cut.

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