Basic Computer Awareness MCQ Set 1 - 21 MCQ Practice
Put your foundational computer knowledge to the test with Basic Computer Awareness MCQ Set 1 - the first in a two-part series covering the core concepts that form the backbone of computer awareness in government exams.
This set focuses on the absolute fundamentals: the definition and working of a computer, the distinction between input and output devices, types of computer memory, basic CPU operations, and elementary hardware concepts.
Every question in this quiz mirrors the type, tone, and difficulty of questions that appear in actual SSC, Banking, and Railway examinations. Attempt this quiz under timed conditions for maximum exam readiness. Review the detailed explanations after each attempt to understand not just what the right answer is, but why the other options are incorrect.
The word "Computer" is derived from which language?
The word "computer" is derived from the Latin word "computare", which means "to calculate" or "to reckon".
Which of the following is considered the correct sequence of the core computer operation cycle?
The standard computer processing cycle follows the sequential order of taking input, processing that input, producing output, and storing the results.
The ability of a computer to perform millions of calculations tirelessly and without any error for hours is called:
Diligence refers to a computer's capability to work continuously for hours without getting tired, losing concentration, or experiencing physical fatigue.
"GIGO" (Garbage In, Garbage Out) is a term closely associated with which characteristic of computers?
"Garbage In, Garbage Out" means that if incorrect data is entered (garbage input), the computer will produce incorrect results (garbage output), highlighting that a computer's accuracy relies entirely on the quality of its input.
A computer can perform completely different types of tasks (such as playing music, typing a document, and calculating data) almost simultaneously. This feature is known as:
Versatility refers to the computer's capacity to perform a wide variety of tasks, ranging from simple calculations to complex graphics and media playback.
Which of the following is a fundamental limitation of an electronic computer?
Computers cannot think, learn, or make decisions on their own outside of pre-programmed instructions because they have an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of zero.
The speed of a modern computer is typically measured in which of the following units?
Modern electronic computers operate at extremely high speeds, executing operations in intervals as small as nanoseconds (10^-9 seconds) or picoseconds (10^-12 seconds).
Which characteristic of a computer ensures that it executes instructions exactly as provided without emotional bias or fatigue?
Computers are highly reliable machines because they execute programmed tasks consistently, completely free from human emotions, fatigue, or bias.
Raw, unorganized, and un-evaluated facts and figures fed into a computer are called:
Data represents raw, unprocessed facts, numbers, symbols, or observations that have not yet been organized or interpreted.
Processed, organized, and meaningful data is formally known as:
Information is the output obtained after processing raw data, presenting it in a structured and meaningful context for the user.
The processor speed of a computer system is commonly measured in:
Processor speeds are measured in Hertz (specifically Megahertz/MHz or Gigahertz/GHz), which indicates the number of clock cycles the CPU can execute per second.
What does MIPS stand for in relation to computer performance and speed?
MIPS stands for Million Instructions Per Second, which measures the rate at which a computer's central processor can execute machine-level instructions.
Which of the following statements best defines an electronic computer?
A computer is an electronic device designed to accept raw data as input, process it according to a set of instructions, and produce meaningful information as output.
Computer memory power (retentive power) allows it to store data for:
Non-volatile secondary storage (like hard drives or SSDs) retains data indefinitely until the user explicitly deletes it.
The capacity of a computer to store massive amounts of data in a very small physical space is a characteristic known as:
Modern storage technology allows computers to hold vast amounts of information (gigabytes, terabytes) on physically tiny microchips or drives.
What is the full form of GIGO in computer terminology?
GIGO stands for Garbage In, Garbage Out, indicating that the accuracy of a computer's output is strictly dependent on the accuracy of its input.
Which of the following is NOT a core characteristic of a computer?
Computers do not possess natural intelligence or a personal IQ; they only follow pre-programmed instructions.
The basic function of a computer is to scan, process, and convert data into:
The primary function of any computer system is to accept raw data, manipulate it through processing, and convert it into structured information.
The word "Compute" literally means:
The root word "compute" comes from Latin origins and literally means to calculate, count, or reckon mathematically.
A computer does not suffer from boredom, tiredness, or lack of concentration. What is this property called?
Diligence is the characteristic of a computer that allows it to work continuously without suffering from human-like limitations such as boredom or physical fatigue.
If a computer gives incorrect results despite having perfect hardware, what is the most likely cause?
Consistent with the GIGO principle, incorrect outputs from reliable hardware are almost always caused by bad input data or erroneous logic in the user's instructions.