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.

Central processing unitComputer operating systemsSupercomputer milestonesSystem registry functionsKernel operationsAndroid applications

Computer Fundamentals and System Concepts Questions

Multiple choice

Device drivers are

  1. Tiny power cords for external storage devices

  2. Experts who know how to maximize the performance of devices

  3. Small, special-purpose programs

  4. The innermost part of the operating system

  5. Substitutes for operating system
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Multiple choice

A set of instructions telling the computer what to do is called

  1. Mentor

  2. Instructor

  3. Compiler

  4. Program

  5. Debugger
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A program is a set of instructions that tells a computer what to do. Mentors and instructors are people, not computer instructions. Compilers translate programs into machine code. Debuggers help find errors in programs. Only 'Program' correctly describes an instruction set for computer execution.

Multiple choice

Data are ________ in client/server computing.

  1. never sent to the client machine

  2. sent in very large sections to save processing time

  3. sent only upon the client's request

  4. sent in complete copies for the client to filter and sort

  5. sent from the client to the server for processing
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In client/server computing, data is sent from the server to the client only when the client explicitly requests it (through queries or API calls). This reduces network traffic and ensures the client receives only the specific data it needs.

Multiple choice

A _____ sometimes called a boot sector virus, executes when a computer boots up because it resides in the boot sector of a floppy disk or the master boot record of a hard disk.

  1. system virus

  2. Trojan horse virus

  3. file virus

  4. macro virus

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

A boot sector virus specifically infects the boot sector or master boot record, activating when the computer starts up. The listed options (system virus, Trojan horse, file virus, macro virus) are different types of malware that operate through different mechanisms.

Multiple choice

Fifth generation computers are

  1. data processors

  2. data interpreters

  3. knowledge processors

  4. encryptors
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Fifth generation computers (developed in the 1980s-1990s) were designed to process knowledge rather than just data. They focused on artificial intelligence, parallel processing, and natural language processing. Earlier generations processed data (1st-3rd) or interpreted data (4th). The shift to knowledge processing defines this generation.

Multiple choice

Benefit(s) of computers is/are that

  1. they are machines

  2. they are accurate

  3. they are intelligent

  4. none of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Among the options, accuracy is a key benefit of computers. While computers are indeed machines (option A), this is a description rather than a benefit. Option C (intelligent) is incorrect because computers follow programmed instructions without true intelligence. Option D is false because accuracy is a genuine advantage of computers over manual calculation.

Multiple choice

Third generation of computers have

  1. high-level procedural languages for the first time

  2. an operating system for first time

  3. on-line real time system

  4. distributed data processing
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Third-generation computers (1960s, integrated circuits) saw the widespread adoption of high-level procedural languages like FORTRAN, COBOL, and ALGOL. Operating systems and real-time systems existed in second generation, while distributed computing emerged later.

Multiple choice

Which of the following are mandatory parts of a complete PC system?

  1. Keyboard and printer

  2. Input and output

  3. Hardware and software

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A complete PC system requires both hardware (physical components like CPU, memory, storage) and software (operating system and applications) to function. Input and output devices are hardware components, but not sufficient alone. A keyboard and printer are not mandatory.

Multiple choice

Library management software is for

  1. documenting the changes that are made to programs

  2. controlling the version numbers of the programs

  3. both (1) and (2)

  4. none of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Library management software is used for version control - it tracks program changes (documentation) and manages version numbers. This is essential for maintaining software integrity and allowing rollback to previous versions if needed.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a characteristic of a computer?

  1. Speed

  2. Intelligence

  3. Automation

  4. Versatility
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Computers are characterized by speed, automation, and versatility - they can perform tasks quickly, operate automatically, and handle diverse applications. Intelligence is not a characteristic - computers follow programmed instructions without cognitive understanding.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is/are not a part of system?

  1. Electric supply

  2. Peripherals

  3. Common goal

  4. Logical interconnection between peripherals
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A system comprises physical components (peripherals, electric supply) and their connections. A common goal is a purpose or objective, not a component part. The goal exists outside the system's physical structure.