Free Hardware and Software MCQs with Answers

161 Hardware and Software MCQs from Computer Science and IT, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

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161 questions · page 16 of 17

151. Which of the following is a storage device?

  • A. Tape
  • B. Hard Disk
  • C. Floppy Disk
  • D. All of the above

Explanation: Magnetic tape, hard disks and floppy disks are all secondary storage devices used to retain data. Therefore, the inclusive option is correct.

Correct answer: All of the above

152. What does DMA stand for?

  • A. Distinct Memory Access
  • B. Direct Memory Access
  • C. Direct Module Access
  • D. Direct Memory Allocation

Explanation: DMA stands for Direct Memory Access, a technique that lets an I/O device transfer data directly to or from main memory with limited processor involvement. This improves transfer efficiency.

Correct answer: Direct Memory Access

153. Which of the following is not anti- viruses software?

  • A. Avira
  • B. Kaspersky
  • C. Oracle
  • D. McAfee

Explanation: Avira, Kaspersky and McAfee are antivirus products, whereas Oracle is primarily known for database software and related enterprise products. It is therefore not the antivirus option here.

Correct answer: Oracle

154. What do you call the programs that are used to find out possible faults and their causes?

  • A. operating system extensions
  • B. cookies
  • C. diagnostic software
  • D. boot diskettes

Explanation: Diagnostic software tests a computer or its components to detect faults and help identify their causes. Cookies store website-related data and boot diskettes mainly help start a system.

Correct answer: diagnostic software

155. What characteristic of read-only memory (ROM) makes it useful?

  • A. ROM information can be easily updated.
  • B. Data in ROM is non-volatile, that is, it remains there even without electrical power.
  • C. ROM provides very large amounts of inexpensive data storage.
  • D. ROM chips are easily swapped between different brands of computers.Exploring Educational Science Kits

Explanation: ROM is non-volatile memory, so its contents remain stored when electrical power is removed. It is not intended for easy updating and does not provide large, inexpensive storage like a disk.

Correct answer: Data in ROM is non-volatile, that is, it remains there even without electrical power.

156. A computer cannot 'boot' if it does not have the__________?

  • A. Compiler
  • B. Loader
  • C. Operating System
  • D. Assembler

Explanation: In the conventional desktop-computer sense, booting loads the operating system so it can manage hardware and run applications. A machine may technically start firmware without an operating system, but it cannot complete a normal operating-system boot.

Correct answer: Operating System

157. Which of the following is a part of the Central Processing Unit?

  • A. Printer
  • B. Key board
  • C. Mouse
  • D. Arithmetic & Logic unit

Explanation: The Arithmetic and Logic Unit is a CPU component that performs calculations and logical comparisons. A printer, keyboard, and mouse are peripheral devices, not parts of the CPU.

Correct answer: Arithmetic & Logic unit

158. The capacity of 3.5 inch floppy disk was__________?

  • A. 1.40 MB
  • B. 1.44 GB
  • C. 1.40 GB
  • D. 1.44 MB

Explanation: The common 3.5-inch high-density floppy disk stored 1.44 MB, not GB. The GB choices are far too large for floppy-disk capacity.

Correct answer: 1.44 MB

159. What is a light pen?

  • A. A Mechanical Input device
  • B. Optical input device
  • C. Electronic input device
  • D. Optical output device

Explanation: A light pen detects light from a screen and sends position information to the computer, making it an optical input device. It is not an output device because it does not display or produce information.

Correct answer: Optical input device

160. Which of the following controls the process of interaction between the user and the operating system?

  • A. User interface
  • B. Language translator
  • C. Platform
  • D. Screen saver

Explanation: The user interface controls how a person gives commands to and receives responses from the operating system. A language translator converts programs, a platform provides the operating environment, and a screen saver is only a display utility.

Correct answer: User interface