Computer Knowledge
Computer Fundamentals and System Concepts
2,421 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.
Central processing unitComputer operating systemsSupercomputer milestonesSystem registry functionsKernel operationsAndroid applications
Computer Fundamentals and System Concepts Questions
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The term 'Macro' refers to a legitimate automation feature in office applications (Excel, Word) that records sequences of commands. While macro viruses exist and are malicious, the macro feature itself is a neutral tool - not inherently malicious software. In contrast, Virus, Worm, and Rootkit are categories of malicious programs designed to cause harm or unauthorized access. This question tests understanding that 'macro' alone refers to the automation feature, not malware.
C
Correct answer
Explanation
SATAN (Security Administrator Tool for Analyzing Networks) is a well-known vulnerability scanning tool that probes hosts for security weaknesses. It systematically checks for known vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and potential security issues across network services. Trojans are malicious programs hiding within legitimate software, demons are background processes in Unix, and Unix is an operating system - none of which are vulnerability scanners. Note: SATAN was developed in the 1990s and modern equivalents include Nessus or OpenVAS.
-
Hot swap
-
Cold swap
-
Warm swap
-
Hot spare
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Hot swap refers to components that can be added or removed while the system remains powered. Cold swap requires system shutdown, and warm swap is not a standard term. Hot spare is a standby component, not the removal process.
-
Processing Program Table
-
Program Control Table
-
Task control table
-
File control table
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Program Control Program (PCP) is associated with the Processing Program Table (PPT). The PPT contains information about all application programs that can run under CICS, including program names, load addresses, and execution attributes. PCP uses PPT to load, manage, and control program execution during transaction processing.
B
Correct answer
Explanation
In Java's Vector class, size() returns the number of elements currently stored, while capacity() returns the total allocated space. The size is always <= capacity. The question incorrectly conflates size with allocated space - size() tracks actual elements, not memory allocation.
-
OS type
-
IP address
-
Email address
-
Available RAM
A,B
Correct answer
Explanation
When adding monitors in Performance Center, the OS type is required to determine which monitoring agents and metrics are available for that system. The IP address is essential for the monitoring agent to establish communication with the target machine. Email address and Available RAM are not required fields for monitor configuration: RAM can be monitored but doesn't need to be specified upfront.
-
Blaster worm
-
Nachia worm
-
kak worm
-
email worm
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The Welchia worm (also called W32/Nachi) was a helpful worm that attempted to patch the Blaster worm vulnerability and clean infected systems. It is also known as the Nachia worm (a variant spelling). Option B is correct. Blaster was the worm it fought, kak worm was an email worm, and 'email worm' is too generic.
-
Param
-
Super 301
-
Compaq Presario
-
CRAY YMP
A
Correct answer
Explanation
PARAM is a series of supercomputers designed and developed by C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) in India. The PARAM series began with PARAM 8000 in 1991 and has continued with several more powerful iterations. Super 301 is not a supercomputer, Compaq Presario is a personal computer, and CRAY YMP is American.
-
To transfer data to primary storage
-
To Store program instructions
-
To Perform logic functions
-
To Decode program instructions
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Control Unit (CU) is a component of the CPU that directs the operation of the processor by fetching, decoding, and executing instructions. It decodes program instructions into control signals that command other parts of the CPU.
-
A DOS CD-ROM driver
-
Memory Management Program
-
Loads Windows 3.11 into Upper Memory
-
SCSI driver
A
Correct answer
Explanation
MSCDEX.EXE (Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions) is the DOS driver that enables the system to recognize and access CD-ROM drives. It provides the software interface between DOS applications and CD-ROM hardware. The other options are unrelated - it's not for memory management, loading Windows, or SCSI devices.
-
NFU Controller
-
Hard Drive
-
System Board
-
RAM Chips
-
RAM
-
System Board
-
CPU
-
Speaker
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The POST beep code is generated by the BIOS and played through the system speaker. If the system boots successfully but produces no beep, the speaker is likely disconnected, defective, or its connection to the motherboard is loose. RAM, CPU, and system board issues would typically prevent successful boot entirely rather than just missing the beep.
-
Bad system board
-
Bad Power Supply
-
Faulty Adapter Card
-
AC Power Faulty
-
All of the above
E
Correct answer
Explanation
Continuous rebooting can stem from hardware failures at multiple levels - a faulty system board, bad power supply (unstable voltages), malfunctioning adapter card causing system crashes, or unreliable AC power. Any of these can trigger the system to restart during or after POST. The All of the above option correctly captures that multiple components could be at fault.
-
hard drive
-
keyboard
-
monitor
-
system board
-
RAM
B
Correct answer
Explanation
IBM BIOS POST error codes use number ranges to indicate component failures: 1xx for system board, 2xx for memory (RAM), 3xx for keyboard, 4xx for monochrome display, 5xx for color display, and 6xx for floppy disk controller. A 3xx code specifically points to keyboard detection or communication issues during POST.
-
hard drive
-
I/O Controller
-
power supply
-
Memory
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Parity errors occur when memory parity checking detects corrupted data. Parity bits are used in RAM modules for error detection, and when the parity check fails, it indicates a memory problem. Hard drives use different error checking (CRC/ECC), I/O controllers have their own diagnostics, and power supplies don't generate parity errors.