Chapter 3: Computer Software and System Utilities (Set-1)
Which type of software directly manages hardware resources like CPU, memory, and devices
A A) Application software
B C) Spreadsheet software
C B) System software
D D) Presentation software
Explanation: System software controls and coordinates hardware parts of a computer. It provides the basic platform needed to run other programs, including the operating system, drivers, and important system utilities.
What is the most suitable example of system software in a computer
A A) Web browser
B C) Photo editor
C D) Music player
D B) Operating system
Explanation: An operating system is core system software. It manages files, memory, processes, and hardware devices, and it provides the interface that allows users and application programs to work properly.
Device drivers are mainly used to
A B) Control hardware devices
B A) Create presentations
C C) Edit video files
D D) Browse the internet
Explanation: A device driver is a small program that helps the operating system communicate with a specific hardware device like a printer, keyboard, or graphics card, so the device works correctly.
Which software category is designed to perform specific user tasks like typing or accounting
A A) Firmware software
B C) Device driver
C B) Application software
D D) Boot loader
Explanation: Application software is made for user-focused work such as word processing, browsing, design, or accounting. It runs on top of the operating system and depends on system software to function.
A word processor like MS Word is an example of
A A) Utility software
B C) Application software
C B) System software
D D) Firmware software
Explanation: Word processors are application programs because they help users perform specific tasks like creating and editing documents. They need an operating system and system resources to run.
Software that is designed for many common tasks for many users is called
A A) General purpose apps
B B) Customized firmware
C C) Device driver set
D D) Boot sector code
Explanation: General purpose applications are used by a wide range of users for common work, such as word processing, spreadsheets, email, and basic image editing, without being made for one organization only.
Software created for a specific organization’s unique needs is best called
A A) General purpose app
B C) Device driver
C B) Customized application
D D) System utility
Explanation: Customized applications are specially developed for a particular user, company, or workflow. They focus on unique requirements, unlike general-purpose software that targets common needs of many users.
Firmware is usually stored in
A A) RAM memory
B B) CPU registers
C D) Hard disk cache
D C) ROM or flash
Explanation: Firmware is low-level software stored in non-volatile memory like ROM or flash. It helps hardware start up and operate, for example BIOS/UEFI in a computer motherboard.
Middleware is mainly used to
A B) Connect software components
B A) Clean temporary files
C C) Replace device drivers
D D) Format a hard disk
Explanation: Middleware acts like a bridge between different applications or services, helping them communicate and share data. It is common in distributed systems, web applications, and enterprise software environments.
Which program translates the whole source code into machine code at once
A A) Interpreter
B B) Assembler
C C) Compiler
D D) File manager
Explanation: A compiler converts an entire program written in a high-level language into machine code in one go. It produces an executable file, and errors are typically shown after compilation.
Which translator converts code line-by-line during execution
A A) Compiler
B C) Disk defragmenter
C D) Backup tool
D B) Interpreter
Explanation: An interpreter reads and executes code one statement at a time. It does not usually create a separate executable file, and it reports errors immediately when it reaches the faulty line.
An assembler is mainly used for converting
A B) Assembly language
B A) High-level language
C C) Image files
D D) Document files
Explanation: An assembler translates assembly language instructions into machine code. Assembly language uses mnemonics, and the assembler converts them into binary instructions that the CPU can execute.
Which is a common example of utility software
A A) Operating system
B C) Video game
C B) Antivirus program
D D) Email client
Explanation: Antivirus is a utility tool used to detect, block, and remove malicious software. Utility software supports system maintenance and protection rather than directly performing user productivity tasks.
The main purpose of disk cleanup utility is to
A A) Increase screen size
B B) Remove junk files
C C) Upgrade motherboard
D D) Edit system BIOS
Explanation: Disk cleanup utilities remove temporary files, caches, and unnecessary system files to free disk space. This can improve system performance and reduce clutter that builds up over time.
Defragmentation is most useful for
A A) SSD drives only
B C) Printer spool data
C B) Fragmented HDD files
D D) Internet speed boost
Explanation: Defragmentation rearranges scattered parts of files on a hard disk drive (HDD) so they are stored more contiguously. This reduces seek time and can improve file access speed on HDDs.
Which utility helps create copies of data for future recovery
A B) Paint program
B C) Web browser
C D) Media player
D A) Backup utility
Explanation: Backup utilities copy important files or full system data to another location like an external drive or cloud. Backups help restore data if files are lost due to failure, deletion, or malware.
A compression tool is mainly used to
A B) Reduce file size
B A) Increase file size
C C) Change screen color
D D) Update device firmware
Explanation: Compression tools reduce file size by encoding data more efficiently. This saves storage space and makes file sharing faster. Common compressed formats include ZIP and RAR.
Which built-in tool helps you end a non-responding program
A A) Disk management
B C) Device manager
C B) Task manager
D D) Print spooler
Explanation: Task Manager shows running apps and processes. It allows users to close frozen programs, monitor CPU and memory usage, and manage startup items to improve system responsiveness.
System Restore is mainly used to
A A) Increase monitor brightness
B B) Revert system changes
C C) Create new user IDs
D D) Delete all user files
Explanation: System Restore rolls back system settings and system files to an earlier restore point. It is helpful after driver issues or wrong updates, and it usually does not remove personal documents.
A firewall tool primarily helps to
A A) Defragment disk quickly
B C) Create presentations
C B) Block network threats
D D) Improve keyboard speed
Explanation: A firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and blocks unauthorized access. It helps protect a computer from hacking attempts and unwanted connections by applying security rules.
Which utility is used to update or manage hardware drivers
A A) Driver updater
B B) File compressor
C C) Word processor
D D) Database server
Explanation: Driver updater tools help locate newer driver versions for devices like graphics cards or Wi-Fi adapters. Updated drivers can improve stability, performance, and compatibility with the operating system.
A file recovery tool is commonly used when
A A) Keyboard stops working
B C) CPU gets hot
C B) Deleted files needed
D D) Screen is cracked
Explanation: File recovery utilities try to restore deleted or lost files from storage devices. They work best when the deleted space has not been overwritten by new data after deletion.
Disk Management utility is mainly related to
A A) Audio editing
B C) Email filtering
C D) Video conferencing
D B) Storage partitioning
Explanation: Disk Management helps create, resize, format, and manage disk partitions. It also allows assigning drive letters and checking volumes, which is important for organizing storage on a computer.
Performance Monitor is mainly used to
A A) Draw diagrams
B C) Play online videos
C B) Track system metrics
D D) Install web browsers
Explanation: Performance monitoring tools measure CPU usage, memory use, disk activity, and network statistics. This helps identify bottlenecks, troubleshoot slow systems, and understand resource consumption over time.
Which is the best example of system utility software
A B) Disk defragmenter
B A) Spreadsheet program
C C) Web browser
D D) Video editor
Explanation: Disk defragmenter is a utility that maintains storage efficiency by reorganizing file fragments on HDDs. Utilities focus on system maintenance tasks, unlike applications meant for direct user productivity work.
The file used to start installation is commonly called
A B) Output file
B C) Cache file
C A) Setup file
D D) Temp folder
Explanation: A setup file (installer) launches the installation process. It copies program files, registers components, and creates required settings so the software can run properly after installation.
The step-by-step guide shown during installation is usually called
A B) Control panel
B A) Installation wizard
C C) Disk manager
D D) System BIOS
Explanation: An installation wizard guides users through installing software using screens like Next, Accept License, and Choose Location. It makes installation easier by collecting choices and applying them correctly.
Checking system requirements before installing mainly ensures
A B) Hardware compatibility
B A) Better mouse color
C C) Faster typing speed
D D) More icons appear
Explanation: System requirements tell the minimum CPU, RAM, storage, and OS needed. Checking them helps avoid failed installations, crashes, or slow performance caused by insufficient hardware or unsupported operating systems.
The product key entered during setup is related to
A A) Internet speed
B C) Screen resolution
C B) Software licensing
D D) File compression
Explanation: A product key confirms legal licensing and activation of software. It helps prevent unauthorized use and may unlock full features. Many commercial programs require a valid key during installation or first run.
Uninstallation is mainly done to
A A) Add new fonts
B C) Increase RAM size
C D) Upgrade processor
D B) Remove installed program
Explanation: Uninstallation removes a software application from the computer. It attempts to delete program files and related settings to free space and prevent unnecessary background services or conflicts.
In Windows, common place to uninstall many desktop programs is
A A) Paint tool
B C) Control keyboard
C B) Programs and Features
D D) Taskbar settings
Explanation: Programs and Features (Control Panel) lists installed programs and provides uninstall/change options. It typically runs the program’s uninstaller to remove files and settings in an organized way.
During uninstall, the program that handles removal is called
A B) Uninstaller tool
B A) Installer file
C C) Compiler software
D D) Firewall service
Explanation: An uninstaller is designed to remove an application’s components. It deletes installed files, removes shortcuts, and may clean related configuration entries to avoid leaving unnecessary traces behind.
Most installed programs are commonly stored inside
A B) Recycle Bin folder
B C) Temp internet folder
C A) Program Files folder
D D) System clock folder
Explanation: On Windows, many applications install their files into Program Files (or Program Files x86). This keeps installed software organized and separates program data from user documents.
A reboot after installation is sometimes needed mainly to
A A) Change wallpaper
B C) Rename user account
C D) Change keyboard layout
D B) Load new drivers
Explanation: Some installations update system files, drivers, or services that cannot fully reload while Windows is running. Restarting helps the operating system load the new components and apply changes safely.
Silent installation refers to installation that
A A) Uses loud music
B B) Needs no user input
C C) Always shows wizard
D D) Deletes old backups
Explanation: Silent installation installs software without interactive prompts. It uses predefined settings or command options so admins can deploy software on many computers quickly without clicking through the wizard each time.
The main role of utilities in a computer system is to
A A) Replace CPU hardware
B C) Write exam answers
C B) Maintain system health
D D) Design websites only
Explanation: Utility software supports maintenance tasks like cleaning, scanning, backing up, and optimizing. It improves performance, increases security, and helps prevent common problems, keeping the computer stable and efficient.
Which one is NOT usually considered system software
A A) Device driver
B B) Operating system
C C) Antivirus utility
D D) Photo editor
Explanation: Photo editors are application software because they help users perform creative tasks. System software includes OS, drivers, and utilities that run the computer and support other programs.
A translator program is mainly needed to
A B) Resize disk partitions
B C) Recover deleted files
C A) Convert code to machine
D D) Block phishing emails
Explanation: Translators like compilers, interpreters, and assemblers convert programming instructions into machine-understandable code. Without translation, the CPU cannot execute high-level or assembly language programs.
Which software layer typically sits between OS and applications in large systems
A B) Middleware layer
B A) Firmware layer
C C) Disk cleanup layer
D D) Boot sector layer
Explanation: Middleware provides shared services like communication, messaging, and database access between applications and the operating system. It simplifies development by handling common tasks needed by multiple applications.
Utility software that checks and removes malicious programs is
A A) Disk defragmenter
B C) Text editor
C B) Antivirus scanner
D D) Slide creator
Explanation: Antivirus scanners detect viruses, worms, and other malware by scanning files and system behavior. They can quarantine or remove threats to protect user data and keep the system safe.
Which tool helps manage running background services and startup items
A A) Backup utility
B B) Task manager
C C) Compression tool
D D) Disk cleanup
Explanation: Task Manager displays processes, services, and startup programs. Disabling unnecessary startup items can speed up boot time, and stopping high-usage processes can improve system performance immediately.
A backup is most helpful when
A A) Monitor brightness low
B C) Mouse battery full
C D) Speaker volume high
D B) Data gets deleted
Explanation: Backups protect against accidental deletion, hardware failure, ransomware, or corruption. With a backup copy stored safely, users can restore important files and reduce loss during unexpected problems.
Compression is commonly used before sharing files because it
A B) Makes transfer faster
B A) Makes files heavier
C C) Changes file language
D D) Adds more folders
Explanation: Compressed files are smaller, so they upload and download faster and use less bandwidth. Compression can also bundle many files into one archive, making sharing and storage more convenient.
Which statement best matches “system utilities”
A A) Only play games
B C) Only write emails
C B) Support maintenance tasks
D D) Only edit photos
Explanation: System utilities are tools that help maintain and optimize the system, such as disk cleanup, backup, antivirus, and monitoring tools. They support performance and stability rather than direct user productivity work.
During installation, selecting components and location is part of
A A) Configuration settings
B B) File compression
C C) CPU scheduling
D D) Printer spooling
Explanation: Configuration settings during installation include choosing install location, selecting features, and setting preferences. These choices decide how the software is placed and what parts are installed for use.
A common risk of installing software without checking requirements is
A A) Better internet speed
B C) Stronger speakers
C B) Installation failure
D D) More battery power
Explanation: If the system does not meet requirements, the installer may fail, the program may crash, or it may run very slowly. Checking requirements avoids wasted time and compatibility issues.
Registry basics are most related to
A B) Internet cable types
B A) Windows configuration data
C C) Keyboard shortcut list
D D) Printer paper size
Explanation: The Windows Registry stores settings and configuration information for the OS and installed programs. Installers may add entries, and uninstallers often remove entries to keep the system organized.
A utility that creates restore points and allows rollback is
A A) Task scheduler
B C) File explorer
C B) System restore
D D) Device formatter
Explanation: System Restore uses restore points to return system files and settings to an earlier state. It is useful when a driver or update causes problems, while usually keeping personal files unchanged.
Which is a correct match for “translator software” category
A B) Spreadsheet program
B C) Media player
C D) Presentation creator
D A) Compiler program
Explanation: Translator software converts code into machine language. A compiler is a translator that converts the whole program into executable form, enabling the CPU to run it after successful compilation.
The best first step before uninstalling an important application is to
A A) Disable keyboard
B C) Change wallpaper
C B) Take data backup
D D) Increase screen size
Explanation: Before uninstalling, backing up important files and settings prevents accidental loss. Some programs store user data inside app folders, so a backup ensures you can restore documents, projects, or configuration if needed.