Computer Basics: questions and answers
Study every question with its correct answer and explanation.
1. What does CPU stand for?
- A. Central Processing Unit
- B. Central Program Unit
- C. Computer Personal Unit
- D. Control Processing Unit
Answer: Central Processing Unit
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is called the brain of the computer because it executes instructions. It mainly consists of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), which does calculations and comparisons, and the Control Unit (CU), which directs operations.
2. Who is known as the 'Father of the Computer'?
- A. Alan Turing
- B. John von Neumann
- C. Charles Babbage
- D. Blaise Pascal
Answer: Charles Babbage
Charles Babbage designed the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine, the first design for a general-purpose programmable computer. Ada Lovelace, who wrote an algorithm for the Analytical Engine, is regarded as the first computer programmer.
3. How many bits make up one byte?
- A. 4
- B. 8
- C. 16
- D. 32
Answer: 8
One byte consists of 8 bits, and a group of 4 bits is called a nibble. In the binary system traditionally used for memory, 1 kilobyte (KB) equals 1024 bytes.
4. Which type of memory loses its contents when the power is switched off?
- A. ROM
- B. Hard disk
- C. DVD
- D. RAM
Answer: RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile, so its data is lost when power is cut. ROM (Read Only Memory) is non-volatile and stores permanent instructions such as the firmware needed to start the computer.
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5. What is the binary equivalent of the decimal number 10?
- A. 1001
- B. 1010
- C. 1100
- D. 1110
Answer: 1010
10 = 8 + 2 = (1×8) + (0×4) + (1×2) + (0×1), so it is written 1010 in binary. The binary (base-2) system uses only the digits 0 and 1, which computers represent as off and on states.
6. First-generation computers mainly used which electronic component?
- A. Transistors
- B. Integrated circuits
- C. Vacuum tubes
- D. Microprocessors
Answer: Vacuum tubes
First-generation computers such as ENIAC used vacuum tubes, which made them huge and power-hungry. Later generations used transistors (second), integrated circuits (third) and microprocessors (fourth).
7. Which of the following is an input device?
- A. Scanner
- B. Printer
- C. Monitor
- D. Speaker
Answer: Scanner
A scanner feeds images and documents into the computer, so it is an input device, like the keyboard and mouse. Printers, monitors and speakers are output devices because they present results from the computer.
8. What does HTTP stand for?
- A. HyperText Transmission Program
- B. High Transfer Text Protocol
- C. HyperLink Text Transfer Protocol
- D. HyperText Transfer Protocol
Answer: HyperText Transfer Protocol
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is the set of rules used to transfer web pages, and HTTPS is its secure, encrypted version. The World Wide Web was proposed by Tim Berners-Lee at CERN in 1989.
9. What does URL stand for?
- A. Universal Resource Link
- B. Uniform Resource Locator
- C. Unified Resource Locator
- D. Uniform Routing Link
Answer: Uniform Resource Locator
A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of a resource on the internet, such as a web page. Behind the scenes, computers are identified by IP addresses; an IPv4 address is 32 bits long and an IPv6 address is 128 bits.
10. In most programs on Windows, what does the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + C do?
- A. Paste
- B. Cut
- C. Copy
- D. Undo
Answer: Copy
Ctrl + C copies the selected item to the clipboard without removing it. Related shortcuts are Ctrl + X (cut), Ctrl + V (paste) and Ctrl + Z (undo).