Chapter 3: Computer Software and System Utilities (Set-3)
In a computer, which software layer provides the base platform on which apps run smoothly
A System software
B Application layer
C Photo editor
D Video player
Explanation: System software includes the operating system and core utilities that manage hardware resources and provide services. Applications depend on it to run, access files, use memory, and interact with devices.
When a printer works only after installing a specific support program, that program is a
A Utility tool
B Database app
C Device driver
D Media codec
Explanation: A device driver enables the operating system to communicate with a specific hardware device. Without the correct driver, the device may not work or may work with limited features.
Which option best describes application software in daily computer use
A Runs hardware directly
B Controls boot process
C Updates motherboard
D Performs user tasks
Explanation: Application software helps users do specific work like typing, browsing, or editing. It uses services of the operating system and does not directly manage hardware at the lowest level.
A calculator app is an example of
A Application software
B Firmware program
C Disk utility
D Device driver
Explanation: A calculator app is designed to perform a user task. It runs on top of the operating system, which provides memory, screen display, and input services needed for the app.
A compiler mainly converts
A Files to folders
B Images to video
C Source to machine
D Text to audio
Explanation: A compiler translates the entire high-level language program into machine code at once. It creates an executable output and reports errors during compilation before the program runs.
An interpreter processes code
A All at once
B Line by line
C Only in BIOS
D Only in ROM
Explanation: An interpreter reads and executes code one statement at a time. It does not usually generate a separate executable file, and it reports errors immediately when it reaches a problem line.
Assembly language is converted to machine code by an
A Firewall
B Browser
C Backup tool
D Assembler
Explanation: An assembler converts assembly language instructions into machine code. Assembly language uses mnemonic commands, and the assembler translates them into binary instructions the CPU can execute.
Firmware is most commonly found in
A Temporary cache
B Recycle bin
C Flash/ROM memory
D Email inbox
Explanation: Firmware is stored in non-volatile memory such as ROM or flash chips. It provides basic control for hardware and helps start the system, such as BIOS/UEFI firmware.
Middleware is mainly used to
A Connect applications
B Clean disk space
C Defrag hard drive
D Format partitions
Explanation: Middleware acts as a bridge between different applications or services. It helps them communicate, share data, and use common services, especially in web, enterprise, and distributed systems.
A general purpose app is designed for
A One company only
B Many common tasks
C BIOS configuration
D Hardware repair
Explanation: General purpose applications are used by many users for common work like documents, spreadsheets, email, or browsing. They are not built for a single organization’s special workflow.
A customized application is built mainly for
A Any public user
B Disk partitioning
C Specific user needs
D Driver installation
Explanation: Customized applications are developed to match special requirements of a particular organization or user. They may handle unique forms, reports, workflows, or business rules not found in general software.
Antivirus software is a
A System utility
B Programming language
C Web browser
D Media player
Explanation: Antivirus is utility software that scans files and system activity to detect malware. It helps block, quarantine, and remove threats, improving system safety and protecting user data.
Disk cleanup is used to
A Increase RAM size
B Update CPU
C Remove junk files
D Repair keyboard
Explanation: Disk cleanup removes temporary files, caches, and other unnecessary items. This frees storage space and can improve performance by reducing clutter and helping the system manage storage efficiently.
Defragmentation mainly improves performance on
A RAM memory
B GPU memory
C Optical discs
D HDD storage
Explanation: On hard disk drives, files can become fragmented into pieces stored in different locations. Defragmentation reorganizes them into a more continuous layout, reducing head movement and speeding access.
A backup utility is mainly used to
A Change screen size
B Copy important data
C Increase CPU speed
D Delete browser history
Explanation: Backup utilities create copies of files or full system data. Backups allow recovery after accidental deletion, malware infection, corruption, or hardware failure, reducing the risk of permanent data loss.
A compression tool helps to
A Increase file size
B Change file date
C Reduce file size
D Block network access
Explanation: Compression reduces file size by encoding data efficiently. It saves storage space and speeds up sharing. Many tools also create archives that bundle multiple files into one package.
Task Manager is most helpful for
A Ending frozen apps
B Installing printers
C Formatting drives
D Editing documents
Explanation: Task Manager shows running apps and processes. If a program hangs, users can end the task. It also helps monitor CPU, memory, and startup items for troubleshooting performance issues.
System Restore is useful when
A Mouse is new
B Printer has ink
C Files are zipped
D Updates cause issues
Explanation: System Restore can roll back system settings, drivers, and system files to an earlier restore point. It is useful after bad updates or driver installs, while usually keeping personal files unchanged.
A firewall tool mainly
A Defrags hard disk
B Compresses folders
C Filters network traffic
D Edits video clips
Explanation: A firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network connections and blocks unauthorized access. It helps protect a device from threats by applying rules to allow safe traffic and stop suspicious activity.
A driver updater helps to
A Update device drivers
B Remove user accounts
C Scan for plagiarism
D Convert file formats
Explanation: Driver updater tools help find newer drivers for hardware like graphics, Wi-Fi, or printers. Updated drivers can improve stability, fix bugs, and enhance compatibility with the operating system.
File recovery tools are used to
A Print PDF files
B Restore deleted data
C Create slides
D Reduce RAM use
Explanation: File recovery utilities attempt to restore deleted or lost files from storage devices. Recovery chances are better when the drive is not used much after deletion, preventing overwriting.
Disk Management is mainly used for
A Managing partitions
B Editing photos
C Writing programs
D Playing songs
Explanation: Disk Management tools create, resize, format, and manage disk partitions and volumes. They also assign drive letters and help prepare new drives for use in the operating system.
Performance Monitor is used to
A Create zip files
B Block malware ads
C Track system usage
D Install new fonts
Explanation: Performance monitoring tools measure CPU, memory, disk, and network activity. They help identify bottlenecks and diagnose slowdowns by showing which resources are being heavily used.
The file that starts a software installation is often named
A Readme.txt
B Setup.exe
C Image.jpg
D Data.csv
Explanation: Many Windows programs start installation using a setup or installer file like Setup.exe. It copies required files, configures settings, and registers components so the program works properly after installation.
The guided step-by-step installer screens are called
A Task scheduler
B Disk cache
C Recovery console
D Installation wizard
Explanation: An installation wizard guides users through choices like license agreement, install location, and features. It makes installation easier and ensures settings are applied correctly without needing technical steps.
System requirements are checked mainly to ensure
A New wallpaper
B More icons
C Compatibility
D Faster keyboard
Explanation: System requirements list minimum needed CPU, RAM, storage, and OS. Checking them helps avoid failed installs, crashes, and slow performance due to unsupported or insufficient hardware or software.
A license key is used to
A Activate software
B Clean disk space
C Update BIOS
D Defrag files
Explanation: License keys confirm legal use of software and enable activation. Activation unlocks full features and may allow updates and support, while helping reduce unauthorized copying or piracy.
Uninstalling a program is done mainly to
A Add user accounts
B Increase RAM
C Remove the program
D Improve mouse speed
Explanation: Uninstallation removes an installed application and often deletes related files and settings. It frees disk space and reduces unwanted background services that may slow down the system.
In Windows, many programs can be removed from
A Paint tool
B WordPad app
C File Explorer only
D Programs and Features
Explanation: Programs and Features (Control Panel) lists installed software and provides uninstall options. It typically runs the program’s uninstaller to remove files and settings in an organized way.
A silent install means
A Loud beep sounds
B No user prompts
C No disk space
D Only offline mode
Explanation: Silent installation installs software without interactive screens. It uses preset options, making it useful for IT teams deploying the same software across many computers quickly and consistently.
A security patch is mainly released to
A Fix vulnerabilities
B Change language
C Add new icons
D Replace hardware
Explanation: Security patches correct weaknesses that attackers might exploit. Regular patching reduces chances of malware infection, data leaks, and system compromise, especially for browsers, operating systems, and network tools.
A hotfix is usually a
A Full OS reinstall
B Hardware upgrade
C Quick specific fix
D User profile reset
Explanation: Hotfixes are small updates designed to fix a particular urgent bug. They are often released sooner than major updates and may later be included in service packs or cumulative updates.
A service pack typically includes
A Only one fix
B Many updates together
C Only license text
D Only new themes
Explanation: Service packs bundle multiple patches and fixes, sometimes with improvements. They simplify system maintenance by delivering many corrections in one package instead of installing separate updates one by one.
Freeware usually means
A Free to use
B Always open code
C Always paid
D Always trial
Explanation: Freeware is available at no cost for using the software. It can still be proprietary and may include restrictions on copying or modification, depending on its license agreement.
Shareware is commonly
A Only for servers
B Always open source
C Trial-based software
D Always illegal
Explanation: Shareware is often distributed for evaluation with limited time or features. Users can test it and then pay for a full license to continue using it legally with full functionality.
Open source software allows users to
A Hide all code
B Avoid licenses
C Block all updates
D Modify source code
Explanation: Open source software provides access to source code and permits modification under license terms. It supports transparency and community development, but users must follow the license rules for sharing.
Proprietary software is usually
A Public domain
B Closed source
C No-owner software
D License-free
Explanation: Proprietary software is owned and controlled by a vendor. The source code is typically not shared, and the license restricts copying, modification, and distribution without the owner’s permission.
An EULA is mainly a
A Hardware manual
B Virus scanner
C Usage agreement
D Zip archive
Explanation: An End User License Agreement is a legal document explaining allowed usage, restrictions, warranty terms, and user responsibilities. Users usually accept it before installing or using the software.
A common cause of “app crash” is
A Corrupt program files
B Clean cache
C Strong internet
D New keyboard
Explanation: Corrupted or missing files can cause an app to crash unexpectedly. Reinstalling or repairing the program replaces damaged files, and updates can fix bugs that trigger repeated crashes.
If a program shows “Not responding,” the issue is often called
A Updating
B Compressing
C Backing up
D Hanging
Explanation: Hanging means the program is unresponsive, often due to heavy processing, memory shortage, or conflicts. Waiting briefly can help, but if it continues, ending the task may be needed.
“Missing DLL” errors usually mean
A Low speaker volume
B Broken monitor
C Missing library file
D Fast CPU
Explanation: DLL files contain shared code used by programs. If a required DLL is missing or corrupted, the program cannot load properly. Reinstalling the app or repairing it commonly fixes this problem.
Compatibility mode is helpful when
A Formatting new disk
B Running old software
C Creating backups
D Scanning viruses
Explanation: Compatibility mode applies older system settings so older applications can run on newer OS versions. It can fix issues related to display, permissions, or older program behavior.
Safe mode is useful because it runs with
A Minimal drivers
B Extra animations
C Maximum apps
D Full antivirus only
Explanation: Safe mode loads only essential drivers and services, reducing conflicts. It helps diagnose problems caused by faulty drivers, startup programs, or malware since fewer components run during boot.
Update rollback is used when an update
A Speeds up apps
B Adds features
C Improves security
D Causes new problems
Explanation: Rolling back removes a recently installed update and restores the previous version. It is helpful when an update causes crashes, device issues, or performance problems until a fixed update arrives.
Log files are important because they
A Increase RAM
B Change wallpapers
C Record errors/events
D Install drivers
Explanation: Logs capture events, warnings, and errors. They help troubleshoot by showing what happened before a crash or failure, which supports accurate diagnosis and the correct fix.
A ZIP file is mainly a
A Compressed archive
B Video format
C System driver
D License type
Explanation: ZIP is a common archive format that compresses data to reduce size and bundles multiple files together. It is widely used for downloads, backups, and easy file sharing.
A virtual machine is useful to
A Clean disk space
B Run another OS
C Boost CPU speed
D Remove malware
Explanation: A virtual machine allows running a different operating system inside a host system. It is useful for testing software, learning OS features, and isolating risky programs safely.
Browser extensions mainly
A Repair hard drives
B Replace operating system
C Add browser features
D Format USB drives
Explanation: Extensions add extra functions like ad blocking, password saving, or translation. Users should install trusted extensions only, because unsafe ones can access browsing data and affect security.
Default programs decide which app
A Opens file types
B Updates drivers
C Cleans registry
D Scans viruses
Explanation: Default app settings link file types like PDF, JPG, or MP3 to specific programs. This ensures files open automatically in the preferred application when clicked.
User permissions mainly control
A Screen brightness
B Disk speed
C Mouse pointer
D Access rights
Explanation: Permissions control what users can do, such as installing software, editing system settings, or accessing protected files. Using correct permission levels improves security and reduces accidental system damage.