1. What is the smallest unit of data in a computer system? A) Bit B) Byte C) Nibble D) Kilobyte Answer: A) Bit Explanation: A bit is the smallest unit of data in a computer, representing a single binary value (0 or 1). Eight bits make up a byte. 2. Which component is considered the "brain" of the computer? A) RAM B) CPU C) Hard Disk D) Motherboard Answer: B) CPU Explanation: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for executing instructions by performing calculations and processing data, often referred to as the brain of the computer. 3. Which of the following is a volatile memory? A) ROM B) RAM C) Hard Disk D) Flash Memory Answer: B) RAM Explanation: Random Access Memory (RAM) is volatile, meaning its data is lost when the computer is powered off, unlike non-volatile memory like ROM or hard disks. 4. What does ROM stand for? A) Read-Only Memory B) Random Access Memory C) Read-Once Memory D) Rapid Output Memory Answer: A) Read-Only Memory Explanation: ROM stores permanent data, such as firmware, that cannot be modified easily and retains data even when powered off. 5. Which device is used to convert physical documents into digital format? A) Printer B) Scanner C) Monitor D) Keyboard Answer: B) Scanner Explanation: A scanner captures images or text from physical documents and converts them into digital data for storage or editing. 6. What is the primary function of an operating system? A) Run applications B) Manage hardware and software resources C) Create documents D) Connect to the internet Answer: B) Manage hardware and software resources Explanation: An operating system (e.g., Windows, Linux) manages hardware, software, and provides services for computer programs to function. 7. Which of the following is NOT an operating system? A) Windows B) Linux C) Oracle D) macOS Answer: C) Oracle Explanation: Oracle is a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS), not an operating system. 8. What is the full form of COBOL? A) Common Business-Oriented Language B) Computer-Based Operating Language C) Common Binary-Oriented Language D) Centralized Object Language Answer: A) Common Business-Oriented Language Explanation: COBOL, developed in 1960, is a programming language designed for business applications. 9. Which generation of computers used transistors? A) First Generation B) Second Generation C) Third Generation D) Fourth Generation Answer: B) Second Generation Explanation: Second-generation computers (1955-1964) used transistors, making them smaller, faster, and more reliable than vacuum tube-based first-generation computers. 10. What is the purpose of an assembler? A) Converts high-level code to machine code B) Converts assembly language to machine code C) Manages memory D) Executes programs directly Answer: B) Converts assembly language to machine code Explanation: An assembler translates low-level assembly language into machine code that the CPU can execute. 11. Which of the following is an example of application software? A) Windows B) Microsoft Word C) Linux D) BIOS Answer: B) Microsoft Word Explanation: Application software, like Microsoft Word, performs specific tasks for users, unlike system software such as Windows or BIOS. 12. What is the range of integer constants in a 16-bit compiler? A) -32768 to 32767 B) -32767 to 32768 C) -32668 to 32667 D) -3.4e38 to 3.4e38 Answer: A) -32768 to 32767 Explanation: In a 16-bit compiler, signed integers are stored in 2 bytes, allowing a range of -32768 to 32767. 13. Which protocol is used for sending emails? A) HTTP B) FTP C) SMTP D) DNS Answer: C) SMTP Explanation: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is used for sending and receiving emails over the internet. 14. What is the function of the ALU in a CPU? A) Stores data B) Performs arithmetic and logical operations C) Manages input/output devices D) Controls program execution Answer: B) Performs arithmetic and logical operations Explanation: The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) handles operations like addition, subtraction, and logical comparisons. 15. Which of the following is a non-volatile storage device? A) RAM B) Cache Memory C) Hard Disk D) Registers Answer: C) Hard Disk Explanation: Hard disks retain data even when powered off, unlike volatile memory like RAM or cache. 16. What is the full form of HTTP? A) HyperText Transfer Protocol B) High-Level Text Protocol C) Hyper Terminal Transfer Protocol D) Home Text Transfer Protocol Answer: A) HyperText Transfer Protocol Explanation: HTTP is used for transferring web pages and resources over the internet. 17. Which of the following is a secondary storage device? A) RAM B) ROM C) Hard Disk D) Cache Memory Answer: C) Hard Disk Explanation: Secondary storage devices, like hard disks, store data permanently and are slower than primary memory like RAM. 18. What does BIOS stand for? A) Basic Input/Output System B) Binary Input/Output System C) Basic Instruction Operating System D) Built-In Operating System Answer: A) Basic Input/Output System Explanation: BIOS initializes hardware during the boot process and provides runtime services for operating systems. 19. Which key is used to move the cursor to a pre-set point? A) Enter B) Tab C) Shift D) Ctrl Answer: B) Tab Explanation: The Tab key moves the cursor to the next predefined position, often used in forms or text editing. 20. What is the primary function of a file server? A) Execute programs B) Store and manage files C) Connect to the internet D) Perform calculations Answer: B) Store and manage files Explanation: A file server manages file storage, allowing clients to upload, download, or share files over a network. 21. Which of the following is a type of system software? A) Microsoft Excel B) Linux C) Adobe Photoshop D) Google Chrome Answer: B) Linux Explanation: Linux is an operating system (system software), while the others are application software. 22. What is the smallest storage unit that consists of 4 bits? A) Byte B) Nibble C) Bit D) Kilobyte Answer: B) Nibble Explanation: A nibble is 4 bits, half of a byte (8 bits). 23. Which language was used by second-generation computers? A) Machine Language B) Assembly Language C) High-Level Language D) Python Answer: B) Assembly Language Explanation: Second-generation computers used assembly language, which was more user-friendly than the machine language of first-generation computers. 24. What is the purpose of cache memory? A) Permanent storage B) Speed up CPU operations C) Run applications D) Manage network traffic Answer: B) Speed up CPU operations Explanation: Cache memory stores frequently accessed data to reduce access time, acting as a buffer between CPU and RAM. 25. Which of the following is an input device? A) Printer B) Monitor C) Keyboard D) Speaker Answer: C) Keyboard Explanation: A keyboard allows users to input data into a computer, unlike output devices like printers or monitors. 26. What does a compiler do? A) Executes programs B) Converts high-level code to machine code C) Manages memory D) Connects to networks Answer: B) Converts high-level code to machine code Explanation: A compiler translates high-level programming languages (e.g., C, Java) into machine code for execution. 27. Which of the following is a characteristic of third-generation computers? A) Use of vacuum tubes B) Use of integrated circuits C) Use of transistors D) Use of microprocessors Answer: B) Use of integrated circuits Explanation: Third-generation computers (1964-1971) used integrated circuits, reducing size and increasing efficiency. 28. What is the term for unsolicited emails sent in bulk? A) Phishing B) Spam C) Malware D) Adware Answer: B) Spam Explanation: Spam refers to unsolicited bulk emails, often for advertising or malicious purposes. 29. Which memory allows both read and write operations simultaneously? A) ROM B) RAM C) EPROM D) EEPROM Answer: B) RAM Explanation: Random Access Memory (RAM) supports both read and write operations, making it versatile for temporary data storage. 30. Who is considered the father of Artificial Intelligence? A) Alan Turing B) John McCarthy C) Charles Babbage D) John Von Neumann Answer: B) John McCarthy Explanation: John McCarthy coined the term "Artificial Intelligence" and made significant contributions to its development.