Computer Science - PMS 2026 GK (Q651-700): Computer Basics, Hardware, Software, Networks & Internet MCQs

Correct Answer: Physical components of a computer

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer: the parts you can touch, such as the keyboard, monitor, CPU and memory.

Correct Answer: Programs and applications

Software refers to programs and applications: the instructions that tell the hardware what to do.

Correct Answer: Keyboard, mouse, scanner

Input devices include the keyboard, mouse and scanner: devices that feed data into a computer.

Correct Answer: Monitor, printer, speakers

Output devices include the monitor, printer and speakers: devices that present the computer's results to the user.

Correct Answer: Central Processing Unit

CPU stands for Central Processing Unit: the processor that executes instructions and is called the brain of the computer.

Correct Answer: Random Access Memory

RAM stands for Random Access Memory: the temporary working memory that holds data and programs while the computer is running.

Correct Answer: Read Only Memory

ROM stands for Read Only Memory: the permanent memory that holds the start-up instructions and cannot normally be changed.

Correct Answer: All components of a computer

The motherboard connects all components of a computer: CPU, memory, storage and peripherals all link through it.

Correct Answer: Booting the computer

BIOS is responsible for booting the computer: it runs the power-on checks and starts the operating system.

Correct Answer: Manages hardware & software resources

The operating system manages hardware and software resources: it controls the CPU, memory, files and programs on behalf of the user.

Correct Answer: Windows, Linux, macOS

Examples of operating systems include Windows, Linux and macOS: the system software that runs a computer.

Correct Answer: Word processing

MS Word is used for word processing: creating, editing and formatting documents.

Correct Answer: Spreadsheets & data analysis

MS Excel is used for spreadsheets and data analysis: organising numbers in rows and columns and calculating with them.

Correct Answer: Presentations

MS PowerPoint is used for presentations: building slide shows to present information.

Correct Answer: Two or more computers

A network connects two or more computers: linked computers that can share data and resources.

Correct Answer: Local Area Network

LAN stands for Local Area Network: a network covering a small area such as a home, office or building.

Correct Answer: Wide Area Network

WAN stands for Wide Area Network: a network covering a large geographical area, such as the internet.

Correct Answer: A device on a network

An IP address identifies a device on a network: a unique numerical label for each connected device.

Correct Answer: Uniform Resource Locator

URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator: the address used to locate a resource such as a web page.

Correct Answer: Access websites

A browser is used to access websites: it retrieves and displays web pages.

Correct Answer: Electronic mail

Email stands for electronic mail: messages sent and received over a computer network.

Correct Answer: Remote storage & services

Cloud computing provides remote storage and services: data and applications delivered over the internet instead of a local machine.

Correct Answer: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Social media includes Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: platforms for sharing posts, photos and messages.

Correct Answer: Secure internet connection

A VPN is used for a secure internet connection: it encrypts traffic and hides the user's network location.

Correct Answer: Unauthorized network access

A firewall protects against unauthorized network access: it monitors traffic and blocks connections that are not allowed.

Correct Answer: Malware & viruses

Antivirus software prevents malware and viruses: it detects, blocks and removes malicious programs.

Correct Answer: Global Positioning System

GPS stands for Global Positioning System: the satellite system that gives a receiver's location anywhere on Earth.

Correct Answer: Data as light signals

Fiber optic cables transmit data as light signals: pulses of light travel through thin glass fibres.

Correct Answer: Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

Wireless networks include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: radio technologies that connect devices without cables.

Correct Answer: Malicious software

Malware refers to malicious software: programs designed to harm a computer or steal data, such as viruses and spyware.

Correct Answer: Fraudulent attempt to get sensitive info

Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to get sensitive information: fake messages that trick people into revealing passwords or bank details.

Correct Answer: HyperText Transfer Protocol

HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol: the protocol browsers use to fetch web pages.

Correct Answer: Secure version of HTTP

HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP: the same web protocol protected by encryption (TLS/SSL).

Correct Answer: 32 bits

An IP version 4 address has 32 bits: four 8-bit numbers, written like 192.168.1.1.

Correct Answer: 128 bits

An IP version 6 address has 128 bits: a much larger address space than IPv4's 32 bits.

Correct Answer: Google Drive, Dropbox

Cloud storage examples are Google Drive and Dropbox: services that store files on remote servers accessed over the internet.

Correct Answer: Organized data

A database stores organized data: information arranged so it can be searched, sorted and retrieved.

Correct Answer: Structured Query Language

SQL stands for Structured Query Language: the language used to query and manage relational databases.

Correct Answer: Web page structure

HTML is used for web page structure: it marks up headings, paragraphs, links and other page content.

Correct Answer: Styling web pages

CSS is used for styling web pages: it controls colours, fonts, layout and spacing of HTML content.

Correct Answer: Interactive web pages

JavaScript is used for interactive web pages: it adds behaviour such as menus, forms and live updates.

Correct Answer: Data & communication

Encryption secures data and communication: it scrambles information so only authorised readers can use it.

Correct Answer: Ethernet (Cat5/Cat6)

The LAN cable type commonly used is Ethernet (Cat5/Cat6): twisted-pair cables that link devices to a local network.

Correct Answer: Networks & directs traffic

A router connects networks and directs traffic: it forwards data between networks, such as a home network and the internet.

Correct Answer: Devices within a network

A switch connects devices within a network: it forwards data to the right device inside a local network.

Correct Answer: Digital signals to analog & vice versa

A modem converts digital signals to analog and vice versa: it lets a computer's digital data travel over analogue lines and back.

Correct Answer: Internet of Things

IoT stands for Internet of Things: everyday devices connected to the internet that collect and exchange data.

Correct Answer: Artificial Intelligence

AI stands for Artificial Intelligence: computer systems that perform tasks needing human-like intelligence, such as learning and reasoning.

Correct Answer: Virtual Reality

VR stands for Virtual Reality: a computer-generated environment the user experiences, usually through a headset.

Correct Answer: Augmented Reality

AR stands for Augmented Reality: digital information overlaid on the real world, seen through a phone or headset.