Computer Knowledge
Computer Fundamentals and System Concepts
2,255 Questions
Computer fundamentals and system concepts questions cover core hardware components, operating systems, and historical computer milestones. Topics include the kernel, central processing unit, and basic computing terminology. These foundational questions are strictly essential for scoring well in computer knowledge sections.
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Computer Fundamentals and System Concepts Questions
What was the name of the first 3D graphics accelerator chip?
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Voodoo Graphics
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3dfx Voodoo 2
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ATI Rage 128
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NVIDIA GeForce 256
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Voodoo Graphics was the first 3D graphics accelerator chip, released in 1996.
What was the first digital computer?
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ENIAC
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UNIVAC
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IBM 701
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CDC 6600
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was the first general-purpose electronic computer. It was developed by John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry at Iowa State University in 1942.
What was the first personal computer?
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Altair 8800
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Apple I
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IBM PC
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Commodore 64
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Altair 8800 was the first personal computer kit. It was released in 1975 by MITS (Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems).
Which of the following is a common VLSI packaging technology?
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Dual in-line package (DIP)
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Pin grid array (PGA)
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Ball grid array (BGA)
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Flip-chip packaging
Correct answer
Explanation
Dual in-line package (DIP), pin grid array (PGA), ball grid array (BGA), and flip-chip packaging are all common VLSI packaging technologies.
What is the primary application of VLSI technology?
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Consumer electronics
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Industrial electronics
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Automotive electronics
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
VLSI technology is used in a wide range of applications, including consumer electronics, industrial electronics, and automotive electronics.
In a digital computer, the central processing unit (CPU) performs arithmetic and logical operations using:
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Binary code
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Decimal code
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Hexadecimal code
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Octal code
A
Correct answer
Explanation
In a digital computer, the central processing unit (CPU) performs arithmetic and logical operations using binary code.
What is the primary function of an operating system?
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Managing computer hardware and software resources
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Providing a user interface for interaction
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Running application programs
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Storing data on storage devices
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The primary function of an operating system is to manage the computer's hardware and software resources, such as the CPU, memory, storage devices, and input/output devices, to ensure efficient and effective operation.
What is the primary role of a device driver in an operating system?
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Managing the allocation of memory resources
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Providing an interface between hardware devices and software applications
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Handling user input and output operations
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Scheduling processes for execution
B
Correct answer
Explanation
A device driver's primary role is to provide an interface between hardware devices and software applications, allowing applications to interact with and control hardware devices in a standardized manner.
Which of the following is a type of mathematical model?
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Physical Model
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Abstract Model
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Computer Model
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Mathematical models can be physical, abstract, or computer models. Physical models are physical representations of mathematical concepts, such as a globe representing the Earth. Abstract models are mathematical structures that are used to represent real-world phenomena, such as a graph representing a network. Computer models are computer programs that are used to simulate real-world phenomena, such as a weather forecasting model.
Which of the following is a type of mathematical model?
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Physical Model
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Abstract Model
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Computer Model
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Mathematical models can be physical, abstract, or computer models. Physical models are physical representations of mathematical concepts, such as a globe representing the Earth. Abstract models are mathematical structures that are used to represent real-world phenomena, such as a graph representing a network. Computer models are computer programs that are used to simulate real-world phenomena, such as a weather forecasting model.
What is the main function of a computer architecture?
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To define the structure and behavior of a computer system.
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To design the hardware components of a computer system.
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To develop the software applications for a computer system.
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To manage the resources of a computer system.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The main function of a computer architecture is to define the structure and behavior of a computer system. This includes the design of the hardware components, the instruction set architecture, and the memory hierarchy.
Which of the following is NOT a type of computer architecture?
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Von Neumann architecture
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Harvard architecture
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Modified Harvard architecture
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RISC architecture
D
Correct answer
Explanation
RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture is a design philosophy, not a type of computer architecture. RISC architectures typically have a small number of simple instructions, which can be executed quickly and efficiently.
What is the purpose of the instruction set architecture (ISA) of a computer?
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To define the set of instructions that the processor can execute.
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To define the format of the instructions.
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To define the addressing modes that can be used with the instructions.
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All of the above.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The purpose of the instruction set architecture (ISA) of a computer is to define the set of instructions that the processor can execute, the format of the instructions, and the addressing modes that can be used with the instructions.
Which of the following is NOT a component of a computer system?
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Processor
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Memory
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Input/output devices
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Software
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Software is not a component of a computer system. It is a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do.
What is the function of the control unit in a computer system?
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To fetch instructions from memory.
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To decode instructions.
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To execute instructions.
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All of the above.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The function of the control unit in a computer system is to fetch instructions from memory, decode instructions, and execute instructions.