Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and IT (Set-7)
Which ancient tool used beads to perform basic calculations before electronic computers
A ENIAC
B Abacus
C EDVAC
D UNIVAC
The abacus is an ancient manual calculating device using beads on rods. It helped people do addition and subtraction long before electronic computers were invented, making it an early step in calculation history.
Which mechanical calculator was invented by Blaise Pascal to help arithmetic work
A Analytical Engine
B Difference Engine
C Pascaline
D Tabulating Machine
The Pascaline was built by Blaise Pascal as a mechanical calculator. It could perform basic arithmetic like addition and subtraction using gears, reducing manual calculation effort for repeated tasks.
Which Babbage machine was designed mainly to compute mathematical tables automatically
A Pascaline
B Abacus
C UNIVAC
D Difference Engine
The Difference Engine, proposed by Charles Babbage, aimed to automatically calculate and print mathematical tables. It was designed to reduce human errors in manual table calculations.
Which Babbage concept included memory and control like a modern general-purpose computer
A Abacus frame
B Analytical Engine
C Slide rule
D Telegraph machine
The Analytical Engine introduced ideas like memory, control unit, and step-by-step instructions. It is considered a key concept toward modern programmable computers, even though it was not fully built at that time.
Which early electronic computer used vacuum tubes and was very large in size
A ENIAC
B Abacus
C Pascaline
D Tablet
ENIAC was an early general-purpose electronic computer using vacuum tubes. It consumed high power, generated heat, and required large space, but it performed calculations far faster than mechanical devices.
Which early computer is associated with the stored-program concept development
A ENIAC
B Abacus
C EDVAC
D Pascaline
EDVAC is linked with the stored-program idea, where data and instructions are kept in memory. This allowed easier reprogramming and became a major foundation for modern computer architecture.
Which early commercial computer is well known for business and government data processing
A EDVAC
B UNIVAC
C ENIAC
D Abacus
UNIVAC was among the first commercial computers used for large data processing. It showed that computers could support business and government work, not just scientific calculations.
Which computer generation mainly used vacuum tubes for circuitry
A Second generation
B Third generation
C Fourth generation
D First generation
First-generation computers used vacuum tubes, making them large and heat-producing. They consumed a lot of power and needed frequent maintenance, but they started the era of electronic computing.
Which generation replaced vacuum tubes with transistors to reduce size and heat
A First generation
B Third generation
C Second generation
D Fifth generation
Second-generation computers used transistors instead of vacuum tubes. Transistors were smaller, more reliable, and energy efficient, greatly improving speed and reducing heat and maintenance needs.
Which generation is known for using integrated circuits widely
A Second generation
B Third generation
C First generation
D Fifth generation
Third-generation computers used integrated circuits, combining many components on a chip. This reduced size and cost and increased reliability, enabling better operating systems and wider computer usage.
Which generation became popular due to microprocessors and personal computers
A Fourth generation
B Third generation
C Second generation
D First generation
Fourth-generation computers used microprocessors, placing CPU functions on one chip. This led to affordable personal computers, making computing common in homes, schools, and offices.
Which generation concept is linked with AI goals like natural language processing
A First generation
B Fifth generation
C Second generation
D Third generation
Fifth-generation computing is associated with aims like artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and advanced parallel processing. It represents efforts to create smarter systems beyond basic calculation and data handling.
Who is most commonly called the “father of computers” for early computer design ideas
A Alan Turing
B Bill Gates
C Charles Babbage
D Steve Jobs
Charles Babbage proposed the Difference Engine and Analytical Engine concepts. His ideas about programmable machines strongly influenced modern computer architecture, earning him the title “father of computers.”
Who developed the theoretical model called the “Turing Machine”
A Ada Lovelace
B Grace Hopper
C Blaise Pascal
D Alan Turing
Alan Turing introduced the Turing Machine concept, which explains how computation can be performed. His work formed a base for computer science theory and influenced early computer development.
Who is linked with the von Neumann architecture using stored programs in memory
A Dennis Ritchie
B John von Neumann
C Tim Berners-Lee
D Herman Hollerith
John von Neumann described an architecture where instructions and data share memory. This stored-program approach became the standard design for most modern computers.
Who created punched-card tabulating systems for large data processing work
A Bill Gates
B Steve Jobs
C Herman Hollerith
D Vint Cerf
Hollerith used punched cards to process large amounts of data quickly, especially in census tasks. His method increased speed and accuracy and influenced later data processing and business computing systems.
Who is often considered the first programmer for writing early algorithm notes
A Ada Lovelace
B Alan Turing
C Charles Babbage
D Steve Jobs
Ada Lovelace wrote detailed notes on Babbage’s Analytical Engine, including an algorithm. She explained how a machine could follow steps to compute, making her widely recognized as the first programmer.
Which pioneer is famous for compilers and helping develop COBOL language
A Blaise Pascal
B Grace Hopper
C Vint Cerf
D Tim Berners-Lee
Grace Hopper helped create early compilers, translating readable instructions into machine code. She also supported COBOL development, making programming more practical for business data processing.
Who co-founded Microsoft and helped popularize PC software worldwide
A Dennis Ritchie
B Vint Cerf
C Herman Hollerith
D Bill Gates
Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft and helped develop operating systems and software for personal computers. Microsoft products made computers more usable and common in offices, schools, and homes.
Who co-founded Apple and promoted user-friendly personal computing devices
A Alan Turing
B John von Neumann
C Steve Jobs
D Blaise Pascal
Steve Jobs co-founded Apple and promoted computers and devices with user-friendly design. Apple products helped popularize personal computing and made technology more accessible to everyday users.
Who is linked with developing the C language and UNIX system
A Tim Berners-Lee
B Dennis Ritchie
C Grace Hopper
D Ada Lovelace
Dennis Ritchie developed the C programming language and contributed to UNIX. C influenced many modern languages and UNIX shaped many operating systems used in computers and servers today.
Who invented the World Wide Web using technologies like HTML and HTTP
A Vint Cerf
B Steve Jobs
C Bill Gates
D Tim Berners-Lee
Tim Berners-Lee created the World Wide Web and introduced HTML, HTTP, and URLs. This made internet information easy to access through browsers and changed global communication and information sharing.
Who is best known for major work on internet protocols like TCP/IP
A Herman Hollerith
B Vint Cerf
C Charles Babbage
D Blaise Pascal
Vint Cerf is a key figure in developing TCP/IP, the standard protocol suite for internet communication. These protocols allow devices to exchange data reliably across different networks.
Which term refers to the physical parts of a computer system
A Hardware
B Software
C Data
D Program
Hardware includes physical components like CPU, keyboard, monitor, and storage devices. These parts can be touched and are necessary for running software and completing computing tasks.
Which term refers to programs and instructions used by a computer
A Hardware
B Cable
C Software
D Plastic case
Software is a set of instructions that tells hardware what to do. It includes operating systems, applications, and utilities that help users perform tasks on the computer.
Which type of software is stored in a device to control basic hardware functions
A Freeware
B Firmware
C Shareware
D Malware
Firmware is built-in software stored in non-volatile memory. It helps devices start and function properly, such as BIOS/UEFI in computers or control software in routers and printers.
Which process loads the operating system after switching on the computer
A Formatting
B Scanning
C Printing
D Booting
Booting is the startup process that checks hardware and loads the operating system into memory. After booting, the computer becomes ready to run programs and accept user input.
Which interface uses icons, windows, and menus for user interaction
A CLI
B BIOS
C GUI
D POST
GUI provides a graphical environment with icons, menus, and windows. It makes computer use easier, especially for beginners, because actions can be done by clicking instead of typing commands.
Which interface requires typing commands in text form to operate the computer
A GUI
B CLI
C Touch UI
D Voice UI
CLI is a command-line interface where users type commands to perform tasks. It is useful for troubleshooting, system administration, and scripting because it gives powerful control with minimal resources.
Which action is a safe first step when a computer does not start
A Check power cable
B Remove CPU chip
C Break keyboard keys
D Pour water cooling
Basic troubleshooting starts with simple checks like power connections and switches. Many startup issues happen due to loose cables or power supply problems, and checking these first avoids unnecessary hardware handling.
Which practice is safest for preventing damage from spills in a computer lab
A Keep cups nearby
B Drink on keyboard
C Wet hands typing
D No food drinks
Keeping food and drinks away prevents liquid spills that can damage keyboards, sockets, and internal components. It also reduces shock risk and helps maintain a safe, clean environment in labs.
Which ergonomics habit helps reduce neck strain during long computer use
A Screen on floor
B Screen behind chair
C Screen eye level
D Screen very low
Keeping the screen at eye level helps maintain a neutral neck posture. Good ergonomics also includes proper chair height, back support, and regular breaks to prevent strain during long work sessions.
Which ergonomics habit helps reduce eye strain while working on screens
A Stare continuously
B Take short breaks
C Sit very close
D Use strong glare
Short breaks relax the eyes and reduce fatigue. Looking away from the screen, blinking often, and maintaining proper screen distance helps prevent eye strain during long reading or typing tasks.
Which behavior is considered unethical use of computers
A Using pirated software
B Saving your files
C Logging out safely
D Updating antivirus
Pirated software violates copyright laws and is unethical. It can also include malware or security risks. Using licensed software supports safe computing and respects developers’ work.
Which action improves account security in shared systems
A Share passwords
B Disable password
C Use weak PIN
D Log out after use
Logging out prevents others from accessing your account and personal data on shared computers. It is an important safety habit, especially in labs, libraries, and offices where multiple users share devices.
Which practice best reflects digital literacy in online study
A Share every message
B Check source reliability
C Ignore privacy settings
D Click unknown links
Digital literacy includes judging whether online information is trustworthy. Checking sources helps avoid false information and improves learning. Safe browsing habits also protect users from scams and harmful websites.
Which component connects CPU, RAM, and devices on one main board
A Printer cable
B Mouse pad
C Motherboard
D Paper tray
The motherboard is the main circuit board that links CPU, memory, storage, and ports. It provides communication paths and power distribution, allowing all components to work together as a complete system.
Which component converts AC wall power into usable DC power for computer parts
A Control unit
B Heat sink
C Sound card
D Power supply
The power supply unit converts AC electricity into stable DC voltages used by the motherboard, drives, and other components. A faulty power supply can cause shutdowns, instability, or damage to hardware.
Which term describes rules used to write instructions for a computer
A Screen language
B Programming language
C Mouse language
D Paper language
A programming language provides syntax and rules to write programs. The computer translates these instructions into machine code to execute tasks like calculations, file processing, and controlling devices.
Which language is directly understood by the CPU without translation
A High-level language
B Natural language
C Machine language
D Flowchart symbols
Machine language consists of binary instructions executed directly by the CPU. High-level languages must be compiled or interpreted first, but machine code can run immediately on specific hardware.
Which tool converts a full program into machine code before execution
A Compiler
B Interpreter
C Scanner
D Monitor
A compiler translates an entire program into machine code in advance. This usually makes execution faster because the CPU runs the compiled code directly instead of translating instructions during runtime.
Which tool executes code line by line during runtime
A Compiler
B Interpreter
C Printer
D Plotter
An interpreter translates and runs code line by line. This makes testing and debugging easier, but execution may be slower because translation happens during program execution rather than beforehand.
Which term best describes safe and responsible use of computers
A Screen brightness
B Keyboard layout
C File naming
D Computing ethics
Computing ethics includes using technology responsibly, respecting privacy, avoiding piracy, and not harming others. It guides proper behavior in labs, workplaces, and online environments.
Which step is best to prevent losing work during unexpected power failure
A Increase brightness
B Close monitor
C Save frequently
D Remove cables
Saving often stores work on non-volatile storage like SSD/HDD. RAM is temporary and clears when power fails, so frequent saving helps prevent data loss if the system shuts down suddenly.
Which memory type is temporary and clears when power is off
A ROM
B RAM
C HDD
D SSD
RAM stores data and programs currently in use. It is fast but volatile, meaning it loses contents when power is turned off. Permanent storage is provided by HDD or SSD.
Which memory type stores firmware instructions permanently
A ROM
B RAM
C Cache
D Register
ROM is non-volatile memory used to store firmware like BIOS/UEFI. It keeps instructions even when the computer is off, allowing the system to start hardware checks and begin booting.
Which process checks basic hardware during startup before OS loading
A Printing
B POST
C Formatting
D Streaming
POST stands for Power-On Self-Test. It checks essential hardware like memory and keyboard during startup. If checks pass, the system continues loading boot code and then the operating system.
Which action is a safe first troubleshooting step if a computer freezes
A Remove RAM stick
B Hit system unit
C Close unresponsive app
D Pour water cooling
Closing the unresponsive application is a safe first step. Many freezes are temporary software issues. If the system remains stuck, restarting may be needed, but hardware actions can cause damage.
Which statement best explains why fifth generation is often linked with AI
A Uses vacuum tubes
B Uses transistors only
C Uses punched cards
D Focus on smart tasks
Fifth-generation computing aims at intelligent features like natural language handling and expert systems. It represents progress toward computers that support more advanced problem-solving, rather than only speed and storage improvements.
Which key idea best explains why computers can switch tasks by changing programs
A Fixed wiring only
B Stored-program flexibility
C Manual gears used
D Bead counting method
Stored-program flexibility means the computer stores instructions in memory. By loading a different program, the same hardware can perform new tasks, making computers general-purpose and widely useful in many fields.