50 Basic Computer MCQs for Beginners
1. What is the full form of RAM?
A) Random Access Memory
B) Read Access Memory
C) Readily Available Memory
D) Random Available Memory
Answer: A) Random Access Memory
Reasoning: RAM stands for Random Access Memory, which is used for temporary data storage while the computer is on.
2. Which device is used to input data into a computer?
A) Printer
B) Monitor
C) Keyboard
D) Speaker
Answer: C) Keyboard
Reasoning: A keyboard is an input device used to enter data into a computer.
3. Which of the following is an example of system software?
A) Microsoft Excel
B) Windows 10
C) Google Chrome
D) Adobe Reader
Answer: B) Windows 10
Reasoning: Windows 10 is an operating system, which is a type of system software that manages hardware and software resources.
4. Which of the following is NOT a programming language?
A) Python
B) HTML
C) Java
D) Microsoft Word
Answer: D) Microsoft Word
Reasoning: Microsoft Word is a word processing application, not a programming language.
5. Which part of the computer is responsible for executing instructions?
A) Hard Disk
B) RAM
C) CPU
D) Motherboard
Answer: C) CPU
Reasoning: The CPU (Central Processing Unit) executes instructions and processes data.
6. Which storage device has the largest capacity?
A) DVD
B) USB Flash Drive
C) SSD
D) Hard Disk Drive
Answer: D) Hard Disk Drive
Reasoning: Hard disk drives typically offer the largest storage capacity compared to DVDs, USB drives, and SSDs.
7. What does GUI stand for?
A) Graphical User Interface
B) General User Interface
C) Guided User Interface
D) Graphical User Interaction
Answer: A) Graphical User Interface
Reasoning: GUI stands for Graphical User Interface, which allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons.
8. Which of the following is a volatile memory?
A) SSD
B) Hard Disk
C) RAM
D) ROM
Answer: C) RAM
Reasoning: RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile, meaning it loses its data when the power is turned off.
9. What is the main function of an operating system?
A) Perform calculations
B) Manage hardware and software resources
C) Browse the internet
D) Create documents
Answer: B) Manage hardware and software resources
Reasoning: The operating system manages hardware and software resources and provides services for computer programs.
10. What does URL stand for?
A) Uniform Resource Locator
B) Uniform Resource Link
C) Universal Resource Locator
D) Universal Resource Link
Answer: A) Uniform Resource Locator
Reasoning: URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator, which is the address of a resource on the internet.
11. What is the purpose of a firewall in a computer network?
A) To speed up the internet
B) To protect against unauthorized access
C) To manage network traffic
D) To boost Wi-Fi signal
Answer: B) To protect against unauthorized access
Reasoning: A firewall monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
12. What type of software is used to surf the web?
A) Operating system
B) Web browser
C) Database
D) Text editor
Answer: B) Web browser
Reasoning: A web browser is used to access and navigate websites on the internet.
13. What does 'HTTP' stand for?
A) HyperText Transmission Protocol
B) HyperText Transfer Protocol
C) HyperTransfer Text Protocol
D) Hyper Transmission Transfer Protocol
Answer: B) HyperText Transfer Protocol
Reasoning: HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol, which is used for transmitting web pages over the internet.
14. Which of the following is an example of an input device?
A) Printer
B) Monitor
C) Mouse
D) Speaker
Answer: C) Mouse
Reasoning: A mouse is an input device used to interact with the computer's graphical user interface.
15. What is the smallest unit of data in a computer?
A) Byte
B) Bit
C) Nibble
D) Kilobyte
Answer: B) Bit
Reasoning: A bit is the smallest unit of data in a computer, represented by a 0 or 1.
16. What is the purpose of the ALU in a computer?
A) To manage memory
B) To perform arithmetic and logic operations
C) To control input and output
D) To manage storage
Answer: B) To perform arithmetic and logic operations
Reasoning: The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) performs arithmetic and logical operations within the CPU.
17. Which file format is used for images?
A) .docx
B) .xlsx
C) .jpg
D) .pptx
Answer: C) .jpg
Reasoning: .jpg is a common file format used for images.
18. Which key is used to delete the character to the left of the cursor?
A) Enter
B) Backspace
C) Delete
D) Shift
Answer: B) Backspace
Reasoning: The backspace key deletes the character to the left of the cursor.
19. Which of the following is a search engine?
A) Firefox
B) Bing
C) Outlook
D) Skype
Answer: B) Bing
Reasoning: Bing is a search engine used to find information on the internet.
20. What does the shortcut Ctrl + C do?
A) Cuts the selected text
B) Copies the selected text
C) Pastes the copied text
D) Saves the document
Answer: B) Copies the selected text
Reasoning: Ctrl + C is the shortcut for copying selected text or items.
21. What is the function of the Control Panel in Windows?
A) To access web browsers
B) To change settings and control system configurations
C) To edit documents
D) To play media files
Answer: B) To change settings and control system configurations
Reasoning: The Control Panel is used to manage settings and configure system options in Windows.
22. Which of the following is a popular spreadsheet application?
A) Microsoft Word
B) Microsoft Excel
C) Microsoft Access
D) Microsoft PowerPoint
Answer: B) Microsoft Excel
Reasoning: Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application used for organizing, formatting, and calculating data.
23. Which of the following is a programming language?
A) Chrome
B) Python
C) Windows
D) Photoshop
Answer: B) Python
Reasoning: Python is a high-level programming language used for developing software applications.
24. What does SSD stand for?
A) Solid State Drive
B) Standard Storage Disk
C) Static State Disk
D) Solid Storage Drive
Answer: A) Solid State Drive
Reasoning: SSD stands for Solid State Drive, which is a type of storage device that uses flash memory.
25. Which of the following is an example of application software?
A) Linux
B) macOS
C) Notepad
D) BIOS
Answer: C) Notepad
Reasoning: Notepad is an application software used for text editing.
26. Which key is used to refresh a webpage?
A) F1
B) F2
C) F5
D) F12
Answer: C) F5
Reasoning: The F5 key is commonly used to refresh the current webpage in most web browsers.
27. Which of the following is a cloud storage service?
A) OneDrive
B) Windows Explorer
C) File Manager
D) Task Manager
Answer: A) OneDrive
Reasoning: OneDrive is a cloud storage service provided by Microsoft.
28. What does LAN stand for?
A) Local Access Network
B) Large Area Network
C) Local Area Network
D) Long Area Network
Answer: C) Local Area Network
Reasoning: LAN stands for Local Area Network, which connects computers within a limited area like a home, school, or office.
29. Which of the following can be used to protect a computer from viruses?
A) File Explorer
B) Antivirus software
C) Task Manager
D) Disk Cleanup
Answer: B) Antivirus software
Reasoning: Antivirus software is designed to detect and protect computers from malware and viruses.
30. What does FTP stand for?
A) File Transfer Protocol
B) Fast Transfer Protocol
C) File Transmission Process
D) Fast Transmission Process
Answer: A) File Transfer Protocol
Reasoning: FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, used for transferring files between computers on a network.
31. Which of the following is an open-source operating system?
A) Windows
B) macOS
C) Linux
D) iOS
Answer: C) Linux
Reasoning: Linux is an open-source operating system that is free to use and modify.
32. What is the main page of a website called?
A) Bookmark
B) Homepage
C) Browser
D) Tab
Answer: B) Homepage
Reasoning: The homepage is the main page of a website that serves as the starting point for navigation.
33. Which of the following is used for video conferencing?
A) Zoom
B) Spotify
C) iTunes
D) Photoshop
Answer: A) Zoom
Reasoning: Zoom is a platform used for video conferencing, online meetings, and collaboration.
34. Which of the following keys is used to enter the BIOS setup when starting a computer?
A) Esc
B) F2
C) F8
D) F10
Answer: B) F2
Reasoning: F2 is a common key used to enter the BIOS setup on many computers during startup.
35. What does the shortcut Ctrl + V do?
A) Copies the selected text
B) Pastes the copied text
C) Cuts the selected text
D) Selects all text
Answer: B) Pastes the copied text
Reasoning: Ctrl + V is the shortcut for pasting copied text or items.
36. Which of the following is a database management system?
A) Microsoft Excel
B) Microsoft Access
C) Microsoft PowerPoint
D) Microsoft Word
Answer: B) Microsoft Access
Reasoning: Microsoft Access is a database management system that allows users to create and manage databases.
37. What is the function of a graphics card?
A) To manage memory
B) To improve visual output and graphics performance
C) To store data
D) To process audio
Answer: B) To improve visual output and graphics performance
Reasoning: A graphics card is used to render images, videos, and animations for display.
38. What does CPU stand for?
A) Central Processing Unit
B) Central Performance Unit
C) Central Programming Unit
D) Central Protocol Unit
Answer: A) Central Processing Unit
Reasoning: CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, which is the main component that processes instructions in a computer.
39. Which of the following is not a peripheral device?
A) Mouse
B) Keyboard
C) Motherboard
D) Printer
Answer: C) Motherboard
Reasoning: The motherboard is the main circuit board of the computer and not a peripheral device.
40. Which of the following is a function of a router?
A) To store data
B) To direct network traffic between devices
C) To display images
D) To play audio
Answer: B) To direct network traffic between devices
Reasoning: A router manages the flow of data between network devices, directing traffic to the appropriate destinations.
41. What is the main purpose of cache memory?
A) To increase storage capacity
B) To speed up data access from the main memory
C) To backup data
D) To display graphics
Answer: B) To speed up data access from the main memory
Reasoning: Cache memory is used to store frequently accessed data to speed up access time for the CPU.
42. Which of the following is a type of malware?
A) Virus
B) Spreadsheet
C) Presentation
D) Email
Answer: A) Virus
Reasoning: A virus is a type of malware that can infect and spread through computer systems.
43. Which of the following protocols is used for secure communication over a computer network?
A) FTP
B) HTTP
C) HTTPS
D) SMTP
Answer: C) HTTPS
Reasoning: HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is used for secure communication over the internet.
44. Which of the following storage devices uses magnetic disks to store data?
A) SSD
B) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
C) USB Flash Drive
D) CD-ROM
Answer: B) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Reasoning: HDDs use magnetic disks to store data.
45. Which key combination is used to force quit an application in Windows?
A) Ctrl + Alt + Delete
B) Ctrl + Shift + Esc
C) Ctrl + F4
D) Alt + F4
Answer: D) Alt + F4
Reasoning: Alt + F4 is used to close or force quit an application in Windows.
46. Which of the following is a widely used email protocol?
A) FTP
B) SMTP
C) HTTP
D) SSL
Answer: B) SMTP
Reasoning: SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is widely used for sending emails.
47. What does the term "booting" refer to?
A) Shutting down the computer
B) Starting up the computer
C) Installing software
D) Deleting files
Answer: B) Starting up the computer
Reasoning: Booting refers to the process of starting up the computer and loading the operating system.
48. Which software allows users to create text documents?
A) Microsoft PowerPoint
B) Microsoft Word
C) Microsoft Excel
D) Microsoft Access
Answer: B) Microsoft Word
Reasoning: Microsoft Word is a word processing software used for creating text documents.
49. Which of the following devices is used to connect to a wireless network?
A) Graphics Card
B) Network Interface Card (NIC)
C) Sound Card
D) Wi-Fi Adapter
Answer: D) Wi-Fi Adapter
Reasoning: A Wi-Fi adapter allows devices to connect to a wireless network.
50. What does the term "bit" stand for?
A) Binary Information Test
B) Binary Digit
C) Basic Information Transfer
D) Basic Input Terminal
Answer: B) Binary Digit
Reasoning: A bit is short for binary digit, the smallest unit of data in computing.
