Hardware Categories 4
Hardware Categories 4
Software Types
31. What is system software?
A. Software that manages hardware
and system resources
B. Software designed for specific user
tasks
C. A type of utility software
D. A programming language
Answer: A. Software that manages
hardware and system resources
Explanation: System software (such as
an operating system) provides the
foundation for running applications and
managing hardware.
32. Which of the following is an
example of an operating system?
A. Microsoft Word
B. Windows
C. Adobe Photoshop
D. Mozilla Firefox
Answer: B. Windows
Explanation: Windows is a popular
operating system that manages
computer hardware and software
resources.
33. What is the primary function of a
device driver?
A. To create graphical content
B. To enable communication between
the operating system and hardware
devices
C. To compile source code
D. To manage user accounts
Answer: B. To enable
communication between the
operating system and hardware
devices
Explanation: Device drivers translate
generic OS commands into device-
specific signals to operate hardware
properly.
34. Which of the following is
considered a utility program?
A. Disk cleanup tool
B. Spreadsheet software
C. Web browser
D. Video game
Answer: A. Disk cleanup tool
Explanation: Utility programs help
maintain and optimize the system (e.g.,
cleaning disk space, scanning for
viruses).
35. What is application software?
A. Software that directly controls
hardware
B. Software designed to help users
perform specific tasks
C. System-level programs
D. Firmware embedded in devices
Answer: B. Software designed to
help users perform specific tasks
Explanation: Application software
includes programs like word processors,
web browsers, and games that serve
end-user needs.
36. Which of the following is an
example of productivity software?
A. Adobe Photoshop
B. Microsoft Excel
C. Mozilla Firefox
D. Steam
Answer: B. Microsoft Excel
Explanation: Microsoft Excel is a
productivity tool used for creating and
managing spreadsheets.
37. Which software category does a
web browser belong to?
A. System software
B. Application software
C. Utility software
D. Device driver software
Answer: B. Application software
Explanation: Web browsers are
application programs that enable users
to access and view web content.
38. Which of the following is
classified as multimedia software?
A. Video editing software
B. Spreadsheet software
C. Text editor
D. Operating system
Answer: A. Video editing software
Explanation: Multimedia software is
used to create, edit, and view video,
audio, and graphics.
39. Video games are an example of
which type of software?
A. System software
B. Application software
C. Utility software
D. Firmware
Answer: B. Application software
Explanation: Video games are
applications created primarily for
entertainment purposes.
40. What is the primary purpose of
an operating system (OS)?
A. To run application programs only
B. To manage hardware resources and
provide a platform for applications
C. To compile source code
D. To store user data permanently
Answer: B. To manage hardware
resources and provide a platform
for applications
Explanation: The OS serves as the
intermediary between the user,
applications, and hardware, ensuring
efficient operation.
41. Which type of software is
responsible for directly interacting
with computer hardware?
A. Application software
B. System software
C. Multimedia software
D. Productivity software
Answer: B. System software
Explanation: System software,
including the OS and device drivers,
directly manages and interacts with
hardware components.
42. In system software, what does
the abbreviation OS stand for?
A. Open Software
B. Operating System
C. Office Suite
D. Organized System
Answer: B. Operating System
Explanation: OS stands for Operating
System, which manages hardware and
provides services for applications.
43. Which software category
includes programs used to create
documents and spreadsheets?
A. Productivity software
B. Multimedia software
C. System software
D. Utility software
Answer: A. Productivity software
Explanation: Productivity software is
designed to help users perform work-
related tasks like document creation and
data analysis.
44. What is the role of utilities
within system software?
A. To design web pages
B. To help maintain, monitor, and
optimize system performance
C. To create video content
D. To compile programming code
Answer: B. To help maintain,
monitor, and optimize system
performance
Explanation: Utilities assist with system
maintenance tasks such as disk
defragmentation, antivirus scanning, and
backup.
45. Which category would a web
browser, email client, and media
player fall under?
A. System software
B. Application software
C. Firmware
D. Device drivers
Answer: B. Application software
Explanation: These programs are
designed for end-user activities like
browsing, communication, and
multimedia consumption.
46. Which of the following is NOT
typically considered system
software?
A. Operating System
B. BIOS
C. Antivirus utility
D. Device Drivers
Answer: C. Antivirus utility
Explanation: While antivirus programs
are crucial, they are usually classified as
utility or application software rather than
core system software.
47. What type of software acts as an
intermediary between hardware and
end-user applications?
A. Application software
B. System software
C. Multimedia software
D. Productivity software
Answer: B. System software
Explanation: System software manages
hardware resources and provides a
foundation upon which application
software runs.
48. What is the primary function of a
device driver?
A. To store large amounts of data
B. To enable communication between
the OS and hardware devices
C. To render multimedia content
D. To serve as an application interface
Answer: B. To enable
communication between the OS and
hardware devices
Explanation: Device drivers are
specialized programs that allow the
operating system to interact correctly
with hardware.
49. Which software component is
most directly responsible for
managing computer hardware
resources?
A. Word Processor
B. Operating System
C. Spreadsheet Software
D. Web Browser
Answer: B. Operating System
Explanation: The OS is designed to
manage and allocate hardware resources
such as memory, CPU, and storage.
50. What is the key difference
between application software and
system software?
A. Application software is used for
system maintenance, while system
software creates documents
B. Application software is designed for
specific user tasks, whereas system
software manages hardware and system
functions
C. System software includes games
and multimedia, while application
software includes device drivers
D. There is no difference
Answer: B. Application software is
designed for specific user tasks,
whereas system software manages
hardware and system functions
Explanation: Application software
serves end-user needs (e.g.,
productivity, entertainment), while
system software provides the underlying
platform for hardware management.
Software Development
51. What is a programming
language?
A. A language used for human
communication only
B. A formal language used to create
software programs
C. A type of hardware device
D. An operating system component
Answer: B. A formal language used
to create software programs
Explanation: Programming languages
(like Python, Java, and C++) allow
developers to write instructions that
computers can execute.
52. Which of the following is an
example of a high-level
programming language?
A. Assembly
B. Machine code
C. Python
D. Binary code
Answer: C. Python
Explanation: Python is a high-level
language known for its readability and
ease of use.
53. What is the primary function of a
compiler?
A. To execute code directly
B. To translate high-level source code
into machine code
C. To manage system resources
D. To interpret user commands
Answer: B. To translate high-level
source code into machine code
Explanation: A compiler converts entire
programs written in high-level languages
into executable machine code.
54. What does an interpreter do in
software development?
A. It compiles code into executable
files
B. It executes source code line-by-line
without pre-compilation
C. It manages computer memory
D. It encrypts code for security
Answer: B. It executes source code
line-by-line without pre-compilation
Explanation: Interpreters read and
execute code one line at a time, which
can simplify debugging.
55. What does SDLC stand for?
A. Software Design and Logic Code
B. Software Development Life Cycle
C. System Development and Licensing
Committee
D. Standard Development of Logical
Components
Answer: B. Software Development
Life Cycle
Explanation: SDLC is the process used
to plan, create, test, and deploy an
information system.
56. Which phase of SDLC involves
gathering user requirements and
defining system needs?
A. Design
B. Implementation
C. Requirement Analysis
D. Testing
Answer: C. Requirement Analysis
Explanation: In this phase,
stakeholders’ needs are documented to
guide subsequent design and
development.
57. During which phase of SDLC is
the actual code for the software
written?
A. Design
B. Implementation
C. Testing
D. Maintenance
Answer: B. Implementation
Explanation: The implementation
phase (or coding phase) is when
developers write the program’s source
code.
58. What is the main objective of the
testing phase in SDLC?
A. To write source code
B. To identify and fix defects in the
software
C. To gather user requirements
D. To deploy the software
Answer: B. To identify and fix
defects in the software
Explanation: Testing ensures that the
software works as intended and meets
quality standards.
59. Which of the following is an
advantage of using high-level
programming languages?
A. They are more machine-efficient
than assembly
B. They are easier to read, write, and
maintain
C. They require no compilation
D. They are specific to one type of
hardware
Answer: B. They are easier to read,
write, and maintain
Explanation: High-level languages offer
abstraction and simpler syntax,
improving productivity.
60. What is the role of a compiler in
software development?
A. To directly execute code on the CPU
B. To convert high-level code into
executable machine code
C. To manage operating system
resources
D. To design the user interface
Answer: B. To convert high-level
code into executable machine code
Explanation: Compilers translate code
into a format that the computer’s
processor can understand and execute.
61. Which statement best describes
an interpreter?
A. It translates and executes code line-
by-line
B. It compiles the entire program
before execution
C. It only runs on specific hardware
D. It converts machine code into high-
level code
Answer: A. It translates and
executes code line-by-line
Explanation: Interpreters process code
one statement at a time, which can
simplify debugging.
62. What is one key difference
between compilers and
interpreters?
A. Compilers execute code faster by
translating it all at once, whereas
interpreters translate code line-by-line
B. Interpreters produce standalone
executable files, while compilers do not
C. Compilers are used only for
scripting languages
D. Interpreters require no source code
Answer: A. Compilers execute code
faster by translating it all at once,
whereas interpreters translate code
line-by-line
Explanation: This difference affects
execution speed and development
workflow.
63. Which phase of SDLC follows the
implementation (coding) phase?
A. Requirement Analysis
B. Testing
C. Design
D. Deployment
Answer: B. Testing
Explanation: After coding, the software
is rigorously tested to identify and
correct errors.
64. In which SDLC phase is software
delivered to end users?
A. Requirement Analysis
B. Deployment
C. Design
D. Maintenance
Answer: B. Deployment
Explanation: Deployment is the phase
when the software is released and made
available to users.
65. What is the primary objective of
the maintenance phase in SDLC?
A. To add entirely new features
regularly
B. To correct issues and update the
software after deployment
C. To write the original source code
D. To gather user requirements
Answer: B. To correct issues and
update the software after
deployment
Explanation: Maintenance involves
making improvements and fixing bugs
after the software is in use.
66. What is one benefit of high-level
programming languages compared
to low-level languages?
A. They require more detailed memory
management
B. They are easier to write and
understand
C. They are directly executed by the
CPU
D. They offer no abstraction from
hardware
Answer: B. They are easier to write
and understand
Explanation: High-level languages
provide abstraction, making code more
readable and easier to maintain.
67. Which programming paradigm
organizes software design around
objects and data?
A. Procedural Programming
B. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
C. Functional Programming
D. Assembly Language Programming
Answer: B. Object-Oriented
Programming (OOP)
Explanation: OOP organizes code using
objects that encapsulate data and
behavior, promoting modular design.
68. What is an IDE in software
development?
A. A simple text editor
B. An Integrated Development
Environment providing tools for writing,
debugging, and compiling code
C. A type of programming language
D. A system software component
Answer: B. An Integrated
Development Environment providing
tools for writing, debugging, and
compiling code
Explanation: IDEs combine multiple
development tools in one interface to
streamline coding.
69. Which of the following is
typically a compiled language?
A. JavaScript
B. Python
C. C++
D. PHP
Answer: C. C++
Explanation: C++ is usually compiled
into machine code before execution,
resulting in faster performance.
70. Which language is commonly
executed via an interpreter?
A. C
B. C++
C. Python
D. Fortran
Answer: C. Python
Explanation: Python is generally
interpreted, allowing for rapid testing
and iteration.
71. What is the main goal of
following an SDLC process?
A. To write code without planning
B. To ensure systematic, efficient, and
reliable software development
C. To avoid testing the software
D. To speed up hardware
manufacturing
Answer: B. To ensure systematic,
efficient, and reliable software
development
Explanation: SDLC provides a
structured framework for planning,
developing, testing, and maintaining
software.
72. What does “debugging” mean in
software development?
A. Writing new code features
B. Identifying and fixing errors in the
code
C. Compiling code
D. Deploying the application
Answer: B. Identifying and fixing
errors in the code
Explanation: Debugging is the process
of locating and correcting bugs to ensure
the software functions correctly.
73. Which SDLC model is
characterized by a sequential, linear
process?
A. Agile
B. Waterfall
C. Spiral
D. DevOps
Answer: B. Waterfall
Explanation: The Waterfall model
follows a linear and sequential approach,
where each phase must be completed
before the next begins.
74. Which phase of SDLC typically
involves initial planning and
feasibility studies?
A. Design
B. Planning/Preliminary Analysis
C. Implementation
D. Maintenance
Answer: B. Planning/Preliminary
Analysis
Explanation: The initial phase assesses
project feasibility, defines scope, and
plans the development process.
75. What is the purpose of software
documentation?
A. To provide instructions for software
usage and future maintenance
B. To execute the code
C. To compile the program
D. To design hardware interfaces
Answer: A. To provide instructions
for software usage and future
maintenance
Explanation: Documentation helps
users understand and developers
maintain or update the software over
time.
76. Which of the following is a
benefit of using an Integrated
Development Environment (IDE)?
A. It increases the likelihood of syntax
errors
B. It provides tools for writing, testing,
and debugging code in one place
C. It replaces the need for compilers
D. It automatically deploys software to
end users
Answer: B. It provides tools for
writing, testing, and debugging
code in one place
Explanation: IDEs streamline
development by integrating multiple
essential tools into one interface.
Software Licensing
77. What is proprietary software?
A. Software with freely available
source code
B. Software owned by an individual or
company with restrictions on
modification and distribution
C. Software that is free to use without
any cost
D. Software developed exclusively for
academic use
Answer: B. Software owned by an
individual or company with
restrictions on modification and
distribution
Explanation: Proprietary software is
controlled by its owner, limiting user
rights regarding modifications and
redistribution.
78. What is the key distinction
between open-source and
proprietary software?
A. Open-source software is free from
any copyright laws
B. Open-source software allows users
to view and modify its source code,
unlike proprietary software
C. Proprietary software is always free
of charge
D. There is no difference
Answer: B. Open-source software
allows users to view and modify its
source code, unlike proprietary
software
Explanation: Open-source licenses
make source code available for
modification and collaboration,
promoting transparency.
79. What is freeware?
A. Software that is free to use but
whose source code is not available
B. Software that is always open-source
C. Software that requires payment
after a trial period
D. Software that is exclusively for
educational purposes
Answer: A. Software that is free to
use but whose source code is not
available
Explanation: Freeware is distributed at
no cost but generally remains closed
source, restricting modifications.
80. Which licensing model allows
users to freely view, modify, and
distribute the software’s source
code?
A. Proprietary
B. Open-Source
C. Freeware
D. Shareware
Answer: B. Open-Source
Explanation: Open-source licenses
provide rights for users to access and
change the source code and share
improvements.
81. What does shareware typically
offer to users?
A. Full functionality for free without
any restrictions
B. A trial period with limited features
before requiring payment
C. Open access to the source code
D. Only academic use licenses
Answer: B. A trial period with
limited features before requiring
payment
Explanation: Shareware lets users try
software before buying, often with
feature limitations or time restrictions.
82. Which licensing model
encourages community
collaboration and contributions?
A. Proprietary
B. Open-Source
C. Freeware
D. Shareware
Answer: B. Open-Source
Explanation: Open-source software is
developed collaboratively, allowing
community members to contribute
improvements.
83. Which of the following is NOT a
characteristic of proprietary
software?
A. Closed source
B. Restrictions on modification
C. Free and open distribution of source
code
D. Licensing fees
Answer: C. Free and open
distribution of source code
Explanation: Proprietary software does
not make its source code freely
available; that is a hallmark of open-
source software.
84. What is the main purpose of
software licensing?
A. To regulate the use, modification,
and distribution of software
B. To speed up software execution
C. To improve hardware compatibility
D. To compile code faster
Answer: A. To regulate the use,
modification, and distribution of
software
Explanation: Licensing agreements
define how software may be used and
shared, protecting intellectual property
rights.
85. Which statement is true about
freeware?
A. It is always open-source
B. It is free to use but may restrict
modification and redistribution
C. It always requires a fee for
advanced features
D. It is only available for non-
commercial use
Answer: B. It is free to use but may
restrict modification and
redistribution
Explanation: Freeware is provided at no
cost, yet the source code typically
remains inaccessible to users.
86. What is one key benefit of open-
source software for developers?
A. It provides proprietary algorithms
for free
B. It allows access to the source code
for modification and customization
C. It restricts community involvement
D. It offers higher costs for licensing
fees
Answer: B. It allows access to the
source code for modification and
customization
Explanation: Developers can modify
open-source software to meet their
specific needs, fostering innovation.
87. Which licensing model often
offers a trial period before requiring
payment?
A. Proprietary
B. Open-Source
C. Shareware
D. Freeware
Answer: C. Shareware
Explanation: Shareware is distributed
on a trial basis, encouraging users to
evaluate the software before purchase.
88. Which of the following is often
considered an advantage of
proprietary software?
A. Complete user freedom to modify
the code
B. Controlled updates and dedicated
customer support
C. Unrestricted distribution
D. Guaranteed cross-platform
compatibility
Answer: B. Controlled updates and
dedicated customer support
Explanation: Proprietary software is
typically managed by a company that
provides regular updates and technical
support, ensuring reliability.
89. Which licensing model is best
known for its community-driven
development approach?
A. Proprietary
B. Open-Source
C. Freeware
D. Shareware
Answer: B. Open-Source
Explanation: Open-source projects
thrive on community collaboration, with
users contributing improvements and
fixes.
90. What is meant by “source code”
in software development?
A. The compiled binary file
B. The human-readable instructions
written by programmers
C. The final executable file
D. The system firmware
Answer: B. The human-readable
instructions written by
programmers
Explanation: Source code is written in a
programming language and is the basis
from which software is built.
91. What is the main difference
between freeware and open-source
software?
A. Freeware is always proprietary,
while open-source software provides
access to source code
B. There is no difference
C. Open-source software is never free
to use
D. Freeware allows modification, while
open-source does not
Answer: A. Freeware is always
proprietary, while open-source
software provides access to source
code
Explanation: Freeware is free of charge
but usually does not offer source code
access, whereas open-source software
does.
92. Which licensing model is
typically the most restrictive
regarding modification and
redistribution?
A. Open-Source
B. Freeware
C. Proprietary
D. Shareware
Answer: C. Proprietary
Explanation: Proprietary software
restricts users from modifying or
redistributing the software without
permission.
93. What is a common advantage of
shareware?
A. It is completely free with no
limitations
B. It allows users to evaluate the
software before deciding to purchase
C. It is open for community
modifications
D. It requires no licensing agreements
Answer: B. It allows users to
evaluate the software before
deciding to purchase
Explanation: Shareware provides a trial
period so users can assess its features
and performance.
94. Which licensing model
encourages peer review and
community contributions?
A. Proprietary
B. Open-Source
C. Freeware
D. Shareware
Answer: B. Open-Source
Explanation: Open-source software’s
transparent development process invites
community feedback and collaborative
improvements.
95. What is a common drawback of
proprietary software?
A. Lack of customer support
B. Inability to modify or customize the
software
C. Frequent security vulnerabilities due
to open code
D. Always being free of charge
Answer: B. Inability to modify or
customize the software
Explanation: Proprietary software’s
closed-source nature limits user
modifications and customization.
96. Which licensing model may
require payment after a trial period
for continued use or full
functionality?
A. Freeware
B. Open-Source
C. Shareware
D. Public Domain Software
Answer: C. Shareware
Explanation: Shareware is typically
offered on a trial basis with the
expectation that users will pay for
additional features or continued use.
97. Which of the following is a
common example of proprietary
software?
A. Linux
B. Windows
C. Mozilla Firefox
D. Apache HTTP Server
Answer: B. Windows
Explanation: Windows is a proprietary
operating system developed by
Microsoft, with source code restrictions
and licensing fees.
98. Which of the following is an
example of open-source software?
A. Microsoft Office
B. Adobe Photoshop
C. Linux
D. Windows
Answer: C. Linux
Explanation: Linux is a widely known
open-source operating system whose
source code is available for modification
and distribution.
99. Which licensing model allows
users to use the software at no cost
without payment?
A. Proprietary
B. Shareware
C. Freeware
D. Commercial Software
Answer: C. Freeware
Explanation: Freeware is offered free of
charge; however, it generally does not
provide source code access for
modifications.
100. What is the primary purpose of
using software licenses?
A. To improve code compilation speed
B. To ensure software is used,
modified, and distributed legally
according to specific terms
C. To manage hardware resources
D. To speed up network connectivity
Answer: B. To ensure software is
used, modified, and distributed
legally according to specific terms
Explanation: Software licenses define
the rights and restrictions for using the
software, protecting intellectual property
and setting legal guidelines.