Unit1:

These MCQs cover the basics of computer systems, memory types, CPU
functions, input/output devices, software classifications, and computer
system concepts.

1. Which of the following is the primary function of a computer system?

a) Input
b) Output
c) Processing
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation: A computer system performs all the basic functions: input (entering data),
processing (performing calculations or logical operations), and output (displaying or
transmitting results).

2. What is the main characteristic of primary storage?

a) It is used for long-term storage.
b) It is non-volatile.
c) It stores data temporarily for quick access.
d) It is located on external devices like hard drives.

Answer: c) It stores data temporarily for quick access.

Explanation: Primary storage (such as RAM) is volatile and stores data temporarily while
the computer is running, allowing for faster access compared to secondary storage.

3. What is the purpose of cache memory in a computer system?

a) To store data permanently
b) To speed up access to frequently used data
c) To store large files for long-term use
d) To back up data

Answer: b) To speed up access to frequently used data

Explanation: Cache memory is a small, high-speed storage located near the CPU that
stores frequently accessed data to reduce access time and increase performance.
4. Which of the following is a type of computer system classified by
size?
a) Supercomputers
b) Microcomputers
c) Mainframe computers
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation: Computer systems can be classified into supercomputers, mainframe
computers, and microcomputers based on their size, processing power, and use cases.

5. Which device is considered an input device?

a) Printer
b) Monitor
c) Keyboard
d) Speaker

Answer: c) Keyboard
Explanation: A keyboard is an input device because it allows users to enter data into the
computer system.

6. Which is an example of secondary storage?

a) RAM
b) CPU
c) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
d) Cache memory

Answer: c) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Explanation: Secondary storage (like HDDs or SSDs) is non-volatile storage used to
store data long-term. RAM and cache are primary (temporary) storage.

7. What is the main role of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

a) To provide long-term data storage
b) To execute instructions and process data
c) To display output
d) To connect different devices
Answer: b) To execute instructions and process data
Explanation: The CPU is responsible for executing instructions from programs and
processing data. It contains the Control Unit and Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) for
instruction handling.

8. Which of the following is a key characteristic of a microcomputer?

a) High processing power for scientific calculations
b) Used for personal computing tasks
c) Requires large, specialized environments
d) Used for industrial automation

Answer: b) Used for personal computing tasks

Explanation: A microcomputer (or personal computer) is designed for individual users
and performs everyday tasks like word processing, browsing, and gaming.

9. What type of memory is used for long-term data storage in a

computer?
a) Primary storage
b) Secondary storage
c) Cache memory
d) RAM

Answer: b) Secondary storage

Explanation: Secondary storage (like HDDs or SSDs) is used for long-term storage,
while primary storage (RAM) is temporary.

10. The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) in a CPU is responsible for

performing which of the following operations?
a) Fetching instructions
b) Executing logical operations and arithmetic calculations
c) Managing memory storage
d) Directing data flow

Answer: b) Executing logical operations and arithmetic calculations

Explanation: The ALU is responsible for performing arithmetic calculations (addition,
subtraction, etc.) and logical operations (AND, OR, NOT) within the CPU.
11. Which type of software manages hardware and provides a platform
for running applications?
a) Application Software
b) Utility Software
c) System Software
d) Middleware

Answer: c) System Software

Explanation: System software (like operating systems) manages the hardware and
provides a platform for running application software.

12. What is the primary purpose of operating system software?

a) To perform calculations
b) To manage computer hardware and software resources
c) To provide internet access
d) To perform security checks

Answer: b) To manage computer hardware and software resources

Explanation: The operating system manages resources like the CPU, memory, and
devices, and provides a user interface.

13. Which of the following is an example of application software?

a) Windows 10
b) Google Chrome
c) BIOS
d) Device drivers

Answer: b) Google Chrome

Explanation: Application software is designed to perform specific tasks like browsing the
internet (Google Chrome), whereas system software like Windows manages system
resources.

14. What is the function of input devices in a computer system?

a) To process data
b) To display information
c) To send data into the computer
d) To store data
Answer: c) To send data into the computer
Explanation: Input devices (like a keyboard or mouse) allow the user to send data into
the computer for processing.

15. What does the acronym RAM stand for in computer systems?
a) Read Active Memory
b) Random Access Memory
c) Real-time Access Memory
d) Read-only Access Memory

Answer: b) Random Access Memory

Explanation: RAM stands for Random Access Memory, which is primary storage that
stores data temporarily for quick access during operation.

16. What is the main difference between primary and secondary storage?
a) Primary storage is used for long-term data storage, while secondary storage is for
temporary storage.
b) Primary storage is faster but temporary, while secondary storage is slower but
non-volatile.
c) Secondary storage is only used for input, while primary storage is used for output.
d) There is no difference between primary and secondary storage.

Answer: b) Primary storage is faster but temporary, while secondary storage is slower but
non-volatile.
Explanation: Primary storage (e.g., RAM) is fast and volatile, used for temporary data
access, while secondary storage (e.g., HDDs or SSDs) is slower but non-volatile for
long-term storage.

17. Which of the following is NOT an example of hardware?

a) Monitor
b) Printer
c) Operating System
d) Keyboard

Answer: c) Operating System

Explanation: Operating systems are software, while monitor, printer, and keyboard
are all physical hardware components.
18. What type of computer system is most likely to be used for personal
computing tasks?
a) Supercomputer
b) Microcomputer
c) Mainframe computer
d) Embedded system

Answer: b) Microcomputer
Explanation: Microcomputers (personal computers) are typically used for personal tasks
like office work, browsing, and gaming.

19. Which of the following storage devices is an example of secondary

storage?
a) Cache
b) RAM
c) SSD
d) Registers

Answer: c) SSD
Explanation: Solid State Drives (SSDs) are secondary storage devices used for
long-term data storage, while RAM and cache are primary storage.

20. Which of the following is a key feature of mainframe computers?

a) Used for scientific calculations
b) Used for large-scale data processing in enterprises
c) Designed for personal use
d) Found in small mobile devices

Answer: b) Used for large-scale data processing in enterprises

Explanation: Mainframe computers are designed for processing large amounts of data
in business environments, unlike microcomputers used for personal tasks.

21. What is an example of an output device?

a) Scanner
b) Mouse
c) Printer
d) Keyboard
Answer: c) Printer
Explanation: A printer is an output device that displays the processed information on
paper.

22. Which of the following best describes an embedded system?

a) A computer system built for personal use
b) A specialized system embedded within a device
c) A large, powerful computer used for scientific research
d) A system for large-scale enterprise computing

Answer: b) A specialized system embedded within a device

Explanation: Embedded systems are dedicated systems integrated into other devices
(e.g., ATMs, cars, home appliances).

23. What is the primary function of the Control Unit (CU) in the CPU?
a) Performing arithmetic and logical operations
b) Managing data storage
c) Fetching and decoding instructions
d) Generating random data

Answer: c) Fetching and decoding instructions

Explanation: The Control Unit (CU) fetches and decodes instructions from memory and
directs the execution of those instructions by the CPU.

24. Which of the following is classified as system software?

a) Microsoft Excel
b) Android
c) Google Chrome
d) VLC Media Player

Answer: b) Android
Explanation: Android is an operating system (system software) that manages hardware
and software resources, unlike application software like Excel or VLC.

25. Which device would you use to input data into a computer?
a) Monitor
b) Printer
c) Keyboard
d) Speaker

Answer: c) Keyboard
Explanation: A keyboard is an input device used for entering text and commands into
the computer system.

26. What is the purpose of registers in the CPU?

a) Store long-term data
b) Perform data analysis
c) Store temporary data for quick processing
d) Display the output

Answer: c) Store temporary data for quick processing

Explanation: Registers are small, fast storage locations in the CPU used for temporarily
storing data and instructions that need to be processed immediately.

27. Which of the following is a characteristic of a supercomputer?

a) Used for personal computing
b) Has the highest processing power
c) Used for medium-scale business applications
d) Primarily used for educational purposes

Answer: b) Has the highest processing power

Explanation: Supercomputers have the highest processing power and are used for
tasks requiring massive computation, such as weather forecasting or scientific simulations.

28. Which of the following is an example of volatile memory?

a) Hard disk
b) SSD
c) RAM
d) ROM

Answer: c) RAM
Explanation: RAM is volatile memory, meaning it loses its data when the power is turned
off, unlike non-volatile memory like hard disks or SSDs.
29. Which is true about secondary storage devices?
a) They are faster than primary storage devices.
b) They store data permanently.
c) They are used to store data temporarily during processing.
d) They have limited storage capacity.

Answer: b) They store data permanently.

Explanation: Secondary storage devices (like HDDs and SSDs) are used for
permanent data storage, in contrast to primary storage which is temporary.

30. What is the role of an operating system?

a) To execute instructions from hardware
b) To manage resources and provide user interface
c) To perform arithmetic calculations
d) To control memory storage only

Answer: b) To manage resources and provide user interface

Explanation: The operating system manages hardware and software resources,
provides a user interface, and ensures the computer runs smoothly.