Computers have become an integral part of our lives, and understanding the fundamentals is essential for everyone. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refresh your knowledge, practicing with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) is a great way to test your skills.
In this blog post, we’ve compiled 50 Basic Computer MCQs covering essential topics such as hardware, software, operating systems, and general computer knowledge. Each question is followed by a detailed explanation to help you understand the concepts better.
MCQs on Computer
1. What does CPU stand for?
- A) Central Processing Unit
- B) Central Process Unit
- C) Central Program Unit
- D) Central Processing Unit
Answer: A) Central Processing Unit
The CPU is the primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside. It carries out instructions from programs through basic arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations.
2. Which of the following is an input device?
- A) Monitor
- B) Keyboard
- C) Speaker
- D) Printer
Answer: B) Keyboard
A keyboard is an input device used to enter data into a computer. Other input devices include a mouse, scanner, and microphone.
3. Which of the following is a non-volatile memory?
- A) RAM
- B) ROM
- C) Cache
- D) Registers
Answer: B) ROM
ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile, meaning it retains data even when the power is turned off. It is used to store critical data like firmware.
4. What does GUI stand for?
- A) General User Interface
- B) Graphical Uniform Interface
- C) Graphical User Interface
- D) General Uniform Interface
Answer: C) Graphical User Interface
GUI stands for Graphical User Interface, which allows users to interact with electronic devices using graphical icons rather than text-based commands.
5. What does the ‘bit’ stand for in computer science?
- A) Binary Indexed Tree
- B) Binary Information Technology
- C) Binary Digit
- D) Binary Information Data
Answer: C) Binary Digit
A bit is the smallest unit of data in a computer. It can represent two possible values: 0 or 1, corresponding to the binary number system.
6. Which of the following is the primary function of an operating system?
- A) To manage hardware resources
- B) To execute programs
- C) To handle user inputs
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
An operating system manages hardware resources, executes programs, and provides a user interface for interacting with the computer.
7. What is the full form of ‘HTTP’?
- A) Hyper Text Transmission Protocol
- B) Hyper Text Transfer Protocol
- C) Hyper Text Transport Protocol
- D) Hyper Transfer Text Protocol
Answer: B) Hyper Text Transfer Protocol
HTTP stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol, which is the protocol used to transfer data over the web.
8. Which of the following is used to store data permanently in a computer?
- A) RAM
- B) Cache
- C) Hard Drive
- D) Registers
Answer: C) Hard Drive
The hard drive is a permanent storage device used to store data. RAM, cache, and registers are volatile storage used for temporary storage.
9. Which device is required to connect a computer to the internet?
- A) Monitor
- B) Modem
- C) Printer
- D) Scanner
Answer: B) Modem
A modem is a device that converts digital data from a computer into analog signals for transmission over telephone lines, allowing the computer to connect to the internet.
10. Which of the following is an example of system software?
- A) Microsoft Word
- B) Google Chrome
- C) Windows 10
- D) Adobe Photoshop
Answer: C) Windows 10
System software includes the operating system and utilities that help manage computer resources. Windows 10 is an operating system, whereas the other options are application software.
11. What is the function of an ALU in the CPU?
- A) Control unit
- B) Arithmetic and Logic Unit
- C) Memory Management
- D) Input-Output Management
Answer: B) Arithmetic and Logic Unit
The ALU (Arithmetic and Logic Unit) performs arithmetic and logical operations like addition, subtraction, and comparison.
12. Which of the following is NOT an example of a storage device?
- A) SSD
- B) USB Flash Drive
- C) CPU
- D) Hard Disk
Answer: C) CPU
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is not a storage device. It is the primary unit for processing instructions, whereas SSD, USB drives, and hard disks are storage devices.
13. What does the term “cloud computing” refer to?
- A) Computing through local storage
- B) Using physical hardware for computation
- C) Using remote servers to store and process data
- D) Storing data in physical servers
Answer: C) Using remote servers to store and process data
Cloud computing allows users to access and store data on remote servers over the internet, enabling scalable and on-demand computing resources.
14. What is the function of the BIOS in a computer?
- A) To manage memory allocation
- B) To control the input and output devices
- C) To initialize the hardware during booting
- D) To perform calculations
Answer: C) To initialize the hardware during booting
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware that initializes hardware and loads the operating system when the computer is powered on.
15. Which of the following is a type of primary memory?
- A) Hard Disk
- B) ROM
- C) Flash Drive
- D) DVD
Answer: B) ROM
Primary memory refers to the memory directly accessed by the CPU. ROM (Read-Only Memory) is a type of non-volatile primary memory used to store firmware.
16. Which of these is a type of software that helps in controlling the hardware?
- A) Utility Software
- B) System Software
- C) Application Software
- D) None of the above
Answer: B) System Software
System software is responsible for managing hardware components and providing a platform for running application software. It includes the operating system, device drivers, and utilities.
17. What is the function of the ‘Ctrl + C’ command in Windows?
- A) Copy the selected content
- B) Cut the selected content
- C) Paste the copied content
- D) Open the file
Answer: A) Copy the selected content
The Ctrl + C command is used to copy the selected content to the clipboard in Windows.
18. What is the name of the default web browser in Windows 10?
- A) Chrome
- B) Edge
- C) Firefox
- D) Safari
Answer: B) Edge
Microsoft Edge is the default web browser in Windows 10. Other browsers like Chrome and Firefox can be downloaded and set as the default.
19. Which of the following is a primary function of the operating system?
- A) To manage hardware resources
- B) To execute applications
- C) To provide security
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
The operating system manages hardware resources, provides a platform to run applications, and ensures security by managing user access and data integrity.
20. Which of the following is NOT an example of a programming language?
- A) Python
- B) HTML
- C) Java
- D) Windows
Answer: D) Windows
Windows is an operating system, while Python, HTML, and Java are programming languages.
21. Which of the following is a type of software used to browse the web?
- A) Web Server
- B) Web Browser
- C) Search Engine
- D) Email Client
Answer: B) Web Browser
A web browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox) is software used to access websites and browse the internet.
22. What does the acronym ‘USB’ stand for?
- A) Universal Serial Bus
- B) Uniform Serial Bus
- C) Unified Serial Bus
- D) Universal System Bus
Answer: A) Universal Serial Bus
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a standard for connecting computers and other devices, allowing data transfer and power supply.
23. What is the purpose of an IP address?
- A) To uniquely identify a device on a network
- B) To store data on the internet
- C) To access a website
- D) To protect the computer from viruses
Answer: A) To uniquely identify a device on a network
An IP address is a unique string of numbers assigned to each device connected to a network to identify and locate it.
24. Which of the following is used to store temporary data while processing?
- A) ROM
- B) Cache
- C) Hard Disk
- D) SSD
Answer: B) Cache
Cache memory is used to store frequently accessed data temporarily, improving the processing speed of the CPU.
25. What is the full form of ‘PDF’?
- A) Portable Document Format
- B) Portable Data Format
- C) Program Data Format
- D) Page Document Format
Answer: A) Portable Document Format
PDF stands for Portable Document Format, a widely used file format for documents that preserves fonts, images, and formatting.
26. Which of the following is used to protect a computer from unauthorized access?
- A) Firewall
- B) Printer
- C) Monitor
- D) Speaker
Answer: A) Firewall
A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, preventing unauthorized access.
27. What does RAM stand for?
- A) Read Access Memory
- B) Random Access Memory
- C) Read-Only Access Memory
- D) Random Application Memory
Answer: B) Random Access Memory
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the temporary memory used by a computer to store data that is actively being used or processed.
28. What type of file extension does a Microsoft Word document have?
- A) .txt
- B) .doc
- C) .xls
- D) .html
Answer: B) .doc
Microsoft Word documents typically have the file extension .doc or .docx.
29. Which of the following is the main function of the ‘Operating System’?
- A) Manage hardware resources
- B) Control the hardware
- C) Execute programs
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
The operating system manages hardware resources, executes programs, and provides user interfaces for controlling the computer.
30. What is the name of the memory used to store data permanently on a computer?
- A) RAM
- B) ROM
- C) Cache Memory
- D) Hard Disk
Answer: D) Hard Disk
The hard disk is a non-volatile memory used to store data permanently, even after the power is turned off.
31. Which of the following is the primary function of a ‘device driver’?
- A) To manage the computer’s memory
- B) To allow communication between hardware and the operating system
- C) To store data on the hard disk
- D) To execute programs
Answer: B) To allow communication between hardware and the operating system
Device drivers are specialized programs that enable the operating system to interact with hardware devices like printers, monitors, and keyboards.
32. Which of the following is NOT a type of software?
- A) Antivirus
- B) Microsoft Word
- C) RAM
- D) Adobe Photoshop
Answer: C) RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is hardware, not software. The other options—Antivirus, Microsoft Word, and Adobe Photoshop—are software programs.
33. Which part of the computer is responsible for performing calculations and processing data?
- A) CPU
- B) Hard Disk
- C) Monitor
- D) RAM
Answer: A) CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for executing instructions and performing all calculations and data processing in a computer.
34. What is the full form of ‘RAM’?
- A) Read Access Memory
- B) Random Access Memory
- C) Read-Only Memory
- D) Random Application Memory
Answer: B) Random Access Memory
RAM stands for Random Access Memory, a volatile memory used to store data that the CPU is actively using or processing.
35. What is the function of an ‘Operating System’?
- A) To manage files
- B) To manage hardware and software resources
- C) To protect the computer from viruses
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
The operating system manages files, hardware and software resources, and security, providing a platform for running applications and protecting the system from potential threats.
36. Which of the following is a file extension for an Excel file?
- A) .doc
- B) .xls
- C) .txt
- D) .ppt
Answer: B) .xls
The file extension for a Microsoft Excel file is .xls or .xlsx. Other file extensions represent different types of documents (e.g., .doc for Word, .ppt for PowerPoint).
37. What does the ‘Windows Explorer’ allow you to do?
- A) Write programs
- B) View and manage files and folders
- C) Control hardware
- D) Play games
Answer: B) View and manage files and folders
Windows Explorer is a file management tool in Windows that allows users to view, organize, and manage files and directories.
38. Which of the following is NOT an example of an input device?
- A) Keyboard
- B) Mouse
- C) Printer
- D) Scanner
Answer: C) Printer
A printer is an output device, not an input device. Input devices include the keyboard, mouse, and scanner, which allow users to provide data to the computer.
39. What is the primary purpose of the ‘BIOS’ in a computer?
- A) To load the operating system into memory
- B) To manage hardware devices
- C) To provide a graphical user interface
- D) To store data permanently
Answer: A) To load the operating system into memory
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is responsible for initializing hardware components and loading the operating system into the computer’s memory during startup.
40. What does ‘URL’ stand for in the context of web browsing?
- A) Uniform Resource Locator
- B) Universal Resource Locator
- C) Uniform Retrieval Locator
- D) Universal Retrieval Locator
Answer: A) Uniform Resource Locator
A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address used to identify resources on the internet, such as websites and web pages.
41. Which of the following is a type of computer network that spans a large geographical area?
- A) LAN
- B) WAN
- C) MAN
- D) PAN
Answer: B) WAN
WAN (Wide Area Network) covers a large geographical area, often connecting multiple cities or countries. LAN (Local Area Network) covers a smaller area like a home or office.
42. What does the term ‘http://’ stand for in a website address?
- A) Hyper Text Transmission Protocol
- B) Hyper Transfer Text Protocol
- C) Hyper Text Transfer Protocol
- D) Hyper Text Text Protocol
Answer: C) Hyper Text Transfer Protocol
HTTP stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol, which is used to transfer data over the web. It is the protocol that allows web browsers to communicate with web servers.
43. What is the purpose of a firewall?
- A) To prevent unauthorized access to a network
- B) To store backup data
- C) To process incoming requests
- D) To organize files on a computer
Answer: A) To prevent unauthorized access to a network
A firewall is a security system designed to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic, protecting the network from unauthorized access.
44. What is a ‘pixel’?
- A) A unit of measurement for distance
- B) A basic unit of a digital image
- C) A type of computer memory
- D) A component of the keyboard
Answer: B) A basic unit of a digital image
A pixel (picture element) is the smallest unit of a digital image. Images are made up of millions of pixels, each representing a color or shade.
45. Which of the following is NOT a part of the computer’s hardware?
- A) Monitor
- B) CPU
- C) Operating System
- D) Keyboard
Answer: C) Operating System
The operating system is software, not hardware. Hardware includes physical components like the monitor, CPU, and keyboard.
46. Which of the following is a common storage device for external data?
- A) RAM
- B) Hard Disk
- C) USB Flash Drive
- D) CPU
Answer: C) USB Flash Drive
A USB Flash Drive is a portable external storage device that allows users to store and transfer data between computers.
47. What is the primary difference between SSD and HDD?
- A) SSD is faster than HDD
- B) HDD is more reliable than SSD
- C) SSD is a type of software, and HDD is hardware
- D) There is no difference
Answer: A) SSD is faster than HDD
SSD (Solid-State Drive) is faster than HDD (Hard Disk Drive) because it uses flash memory to store data, whereas HDD uses mechanical parts.
48. What is the function of ‘Cache Memory’ in a computer?
- A) To store data permanently
- B) To store frequently accessed data for quick access
- C) To back up data
- D) To perform complex calculations
Answer: B) To store frequently accessed data for quick access
Cache memory is a small, fast memory used to store frequently accessed data, which helps speed up the CPU’s access to data.
49. Which of the following is an example of ‘Open Source’ software?
- A) Microsoft Windows
- B) Adobe Photoshop
- C) Linux
- D) Microsoft Office
Answer: C) Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system, meaning its source code is available to the public for modification. The other options are proprietary software.
50. What is the purpose of the ‘Control Panel’ in Windows?
- A) To manage hardware
- B) To install programs
- C) To change system settings
- D) To run programs
Answer: C) To change system settings
The Control Panel in Windows allows users to modify system settings, manage hardware, configure software, and adjust various preferences.
These 50 Basic Computer MCQs provide a comprehensive overview of essential computer knowledge. Whether you’re preparing for an exam or simply brushing up on your computer skills, these questions and their explanations offer valuable insight into the fundamental concepts of computing. Practice these MCQs to enhance your understanding of hardware, software, operating systems, and networks.
Also Read: DPSP and Fundamental Rights: MCQs for SSC, UPSC and other Exams
You may also like to Read This: Java Important MCQs for Examination
As a seasoned content writer specialized in the fitness and health niche, Arun Bhagat has always wanted to promote wellness. After gaining proper certification as a gym trainer with in-depth knowledge of virtually all the information related to it, he exercised his flair for writing interesting, informative content to advise readers on their healthier lifestyle. His topics range from workout routines, nutrition, and mental health to strategies on how to be more fit in general. His writing is informative but inspiring for people to achieve their wellness goals as well. Arun is committed to equipping those he reaches with the insights and knowledge gained through fitness.