Are you preparing for competitive exams like SSC, IBPS, UPSC, or IT interviews? Mastering computer MCQ questions with answers is essential for acing the computer fundamentals section. This comprehensive list of top 30 computer multiple choice questions covers key topics like hardware, software, networks, and more. Each question includes the correct answer and a brief explanation to boost your understanding. Downloadable PDF available at the end—perfect for quick revision!
These basic computer questions and answers are curated from reliable sources to ensure accuracy. Let’s dive in and test your knowledge!
1. What does CPU stand for in a computer system?
a) Central Processing Unit
b) Computer Personal Unit
c) Central Program Unit
d) Computer Processing Unit
Answer: a) Central Processing Unit
Explanation: The CPU, often called the brain of the computer, handles all processing tasks like calculations and data management.
2. Which of the following is an input device?
a) Monitor
b) Printer
c) Keyboard
d) Speakers
Answer: c) Keyboard
Explanation: A keyboard allows users to input data and commands into the computer.
3. RAM stands for:
a) Read Access Memory
b) Random Access Memory
c) Run Access Memory
d) Random Allocated Memory
Answer: b) Random Access Memory
Explanation: RAM is temporary storage that the CPU uses for quick access during operations; it loses data when powered off.
4. What is the full form of HTTP?
a) Hyper Text Transfer Protocol
b) High Transfer Text Protocol
c) Hyper Transfer Text Protocol
d) Hyper Text Transfer Program
Answer: a) Hyper Text Transfer Protocol
Explanation: HTTP is the foundation protocol for web data transfer over the internet.
5. Which software is used for word processing?
a) Microsoft Excel
b) Microsoft Word
c) Microsoft PowerPoint
d) Microsoft Access
Answer: b) Microsoft Word
Explanation: Microsoft Word is a popular application for creating and editing documents.
6. What is the brain of the computer?
a) RAM
b) Hard Disk
c) CPU
d) Monitor
Answer: c) CPU
Explanation: The CPU executes instructions and performs computations, acting as the computer’s central brain.
7. Which of the following is an operating system?
a) Microsoft Word
b) Windows 10
c) Google Chrome
d) Adobe Photoshop
Answer: b) Windows 10
Explanation: An operating system like Windows 10 manages hardware and software resources.
8. What does WWW stand for?
a) World Wide Web
b) World Web Wide
c) Wide World Web
d) Web World Wide
Answer: a) World Wide Web
Explanation: The WWW is a system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the internet.
9. Which unit is responsible for arithmetic and logical operations?
a) Control Unit
b) ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
c) Memory Unit
d) Input Unit
Answer: b) ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
Explanation: The ALU performs basic computations like addition, subtraction, and comparisons.
10. What is the extension for a Microsoft Excel file?
a) .docx b) .xlsx c) .pptx d) .txt **Answer: b) .xlsx** *Explanation: .xlsx is the standard file format for Excel spreadsheets in modern versions.*
11. Which topology connects all devices in a ring?
a) Star b) Bus c) Ring d) Mesh **Answer: c) Ring** *Explanation: In a ring topology, data travels in a circular path, connecting each device to the next.*
12. What is the purpose of a firewall?
a) To store data b) To protect against unauthorized access c) To print documents d) To display images **Answer: b) To protect against unauthorized access** *Explanation: A firewall monitors and controls incoming/outgoing network traffic based on security rules.*
13. Which generation of computers used vacuum tubes?
a) First b) Second c) Third d) Fourth **Answer: a) First** *Explanation: First-generation computers (1940s-1950s) relied on vacuum tubes for processing.*
14. What is binary code based on?
a) Base-10 b) Base-2 c) Base-16 d) Base-8 **Answer: b) Base-2** *Explanation: Binary uses only 0s and 1s (base-2) to represent data in computers.*
15. Which is a secondary storage device?
a) RAM b) Cache c) Hard Disk Drive d) Register **Answer: c) Hard Disk Drive** *Explanation: HDD provides permanent storage, unlike volatile primary memory like RAM.*
16. What does URL stand for?
a) Uniform Resource Locator b) Universal Resource Link c) Uniform Resource Link d) Universal Resource Locator **Answer: a) Uniform Resource Locator** *Explanation: A URL is the address of a unique resource on the web, like a webpage.*
17. Which protocol is used for email transmission?
a) FTP b) SMTP c) HTTP d) TCP **Answer: b) SMTP** *Explanation: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) handles sending emails over networks.*
18. What is the smallest unit of data in a computer?
a) Byte b) Bit c) Kilobyte d) Megabyte **Answer: b) Bit** *Explanation: A bit is the basic unit, representing a single binary digit (0 or 1).*
19. Which key is used to refresh a webpage?
a) F1 b) F5 c) F10 d) F12 **Answer: b) F5** *Explanation: F5 is the standard keyboard shortcut for refreshing content in browsers.*
20. What is virtualization in computing?
a) Creating virtual versions of hardware platforms b) Deleting files c) Installing software d) Backing up data **Answer: a) Creating virtual versions of hardware platforms** *Explanation: Virtualization allows multiple OS to run on a single physical machine for efficiency.*
21. Which is not a type of computer virus?
a) Trojan b) Worm c) Firewall d) Ransomware **Answer: c) Firewall** *Explanation: A firewall is a security tool, not a virus; the others are malicious programs.*
22. What does GUI stand for?
a) Graphical User Interface b) General User Input c) Graphical Utility Interface d) Global User Interface **Answer: a) Graphical User Interface** *Explanation: GUI uses visual elements like icons and windows for user interaction.*
23. Which port is used for USB devices?
a) COM Port b) LPT Port c) USB Port d) VGA Port **Answer: c) USB Port** *Explanation: Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports connect peripherals like keyboards and drives.*
24. What is cloud computing?
a) Storing data on physical servers only b) Delivering computing services over the internet c) Local network setup d) Hardware installation **Answer: b) Delivering computing services over the internet** *Explanation: Cloud computing provides on-demand resources like storage and processing via the web.*
25. Which programming language is known as the “mother of all languages”?
a) Python b) Java c) C d) JavaScript **Answer: c) C** *Explanation: C was foundational for many modern languages and system programming.*
26. What is the function of the Control Unit in CPU?
a) Performs calculations b) Directs operations of the processor c) Stores data d) Displays output **Answer: b) Directs operations of the processor** *Explanation: The Control Unit coordinates the flow of data within the CPU.*
27. Which is a non-volatile memory?
a) RAM b) ROM c) Cache d) Register **Answer: b) ROM** *Explanation: Read-Only Memory retains data even when the power is off.*
28. What does IP stand for in networking?
a) Internet Protocol b) Internal Protocol c) Information Protocol d) Interface Protocol **Answer: a) Internet Protocol** *Explanation: IP assigns addresses and routes data packets across networks.*
29. Which shortcut copies selected text?
a) Ctrl + V b) Ctrl + C c) Ctrl + X d) Ctrl + Z **Answer: b) Ctrl + C** *Explanation: Ctrl + C is the universal shortcut for copying in most applications.*
30. What is Big Data?
a) Small datasets b) Large, complex datasets requiring advanced processing c) Simple spreadsheets d) Single file storage **Answer: b) Large, complex datasets requiring advanced processing** *Explanation: Big Data involves massive volumes of structured/unstructured data analyzed for insights.*
Why Practice These Computer MCQs?
These top 30 computer MCQ questions with answers are designed for beginners to advanced learners. They align with exam patterns for computer awareness MCQs in banking, SSC, and IT certifications. Regular practice improves speed and accuracy—aim for 90%+ scores!
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