Chapter 3: Computer Software and System Utilities (Set-4)
Which part of system software directly coordinates hardware resources and provides services to apps
A Operating system
B Photo editor
C Music player
D Slide maker
The operating system manages CPU, memory, files, and devices, and provides common services. Applications use these services to run properly without controlling hardware directly at the lowest level.
A device driver is most correctly described as software that
A Writes documents
B Creates animations
C Controls a device
D Streams videos
Device drivers act as translators between the operating system and hardware like printers or graphics cards. They ensure correct communication so the OS can use the device features reliably.
Which one is a system utility mainly used for removing temporary and unnecessary files
A Word processor
B Web browser
C Media player
D Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup deletes temporary files, caches, and other unnecessary items. This frees storage space and may improve performance by reducing clutter and helping the system manage disk space better.
When a hard disk stores parts of one file in many locations, the condition is called
A Encryption
B Fragmentation
C Activation
D Virtualization
Fragmentation happens when file pieces are scattered across the disk. On HDDs this increases seek time. Defragmentation reorganizes file pieces into a more continuous layout for faster access.
A backup utility is most important for protecting against
A Screen blur
B Data loss
C Loud speaker
D Mouse dust
Backup utilities create copies of important files or system images. If data is deleted, corrupted, or damaged by hardware failure or malware, backups allow safe restoration and reduce permanent loss.
Which tool is most suitable to reduce a folder size for faster sharing
A Compression tool
B Disk manager
C Task monitor
D Device driver
Compression tools reduce file size and often bundle multiple files into one archive like ZIP. This saves space and makes uploads and downloads faster while keeping files organized.
Which built-in tool helps end a frozen program and view CPU or memory usage
A Disk Cleanup
B Notepad
C Task Manager
D Paint
Task Manager shows running applications and processes. It helps end unresponsive programs and monitor system resource usage, supporting quick troubleshooting of slow performance or software hangs.
System Restore is mainly used to
A Increase storage
B Remove all files
C Add new fonts
D Roll back settings
System Restore returns system files and settings to a previous restore point. It is helpful after faulty updates or drivers, and it usually does not remove personal documents like photos.
A firewall tool mainly helps in
A Network protection
B Disk partitioning
C File zipping
D Code compiling
Firewalls filter network traffic based on rules and block unauthorized connections. They reduce hacking attempts and unwanted access, improving security for computers connected to networks or the internet.
A driver updater tool is used to
A Compress videos
B Update drivers
C Edit images
D Remove malware only
Driver updater tools locate and install newer device drivers. Proper drivers improve stability, fix bugs, and enhance hardware performance, especially for graphics, Wi-Fi, audio, and printers.
File recovery utilities are most useful when
A Keyboard is replaced
B Screen is cracked
C Files deleted accidentally
D Fan is noisy
File recovery tools attempt to restore deleted files by scanning storage for recoverable data. Recovery works best if the drive is not heavily used after deletion to avoid overwriting.
Disk Management is commonly used for
A Managing partitions
B Writing emails
C Playing songs
D Scanning viruses
Disk Management helps create, delete, format, and resize partitions and volumes. It also assigns drive letters and prepares new disks for use, which is essential for storage organization.
Performance Monitor is mainly used to
A Install applications
B Track system counters
C Remove registry
D Browse websites
Performance monitoring tools track CPU, RAM, disk, and network usage over time. This helps identify bottlenecks and diagnose problems like slow performance, memory leaks, or heavy disk activity.
Which category best fits a word processing program
A Firmware program
B Device driver
C Application software
D Boot loader
Word processors are application software because they help users create and edit documents. They rely on system software such as the operating system for memory, file access, and hardware control.
General purpose applications are designed for
A Only one office
B BIOS settings
C Hardware testing
D Common user tasks
General purpose apps like spreadsheets and browsers serve common needs for many users. They are not made for a single organization’s unique workflow, unlike customized applications.
Customized applications are created mainly for
A Specific organization needs
B Everyone globally
C Only gaming use
D BIOS upgrades
Customized software is built to match special processes, forms, or rules of one organization. It improves workflow by meeting unique requirements that general-purpose software may not support.
Which translator converts an entire program into machine code before running
A Interpreter
B File archiver
C Compiler
D Disk cleaner
A compiler translates the whole source code into machine code in one process, producing an executable output. Errors are reported during compilation, and the program runs after successful translation.
Which translator executes code line-by-line during runtime
A Compiler
B Assembler
C Interpreter
D Defragmenter
An interpreter reads and executes code statement by statement. It usually does not create a separate executable file and shows errors as soon as it reaches the faulty instruction.
An assembler converts
A Text to image
B Assembly to machine
C Web to PDF
D Audio to video
An assembler translates assembly language into machine code. Assembly language uses mnemonic instructions, and the assembler converts them into binary instructions the CPU can execute.
Firmware is best described as
A Spreadsheet software
B Browser extension
C Email service
D Hardware control software
Firmware is low-level software stored in ROM or flash that controls hardware functions. It starts devices and provides basic control, such as BIOS/UEFI for a computer motherboard.
Middleware is mainly used to
A Enable app communication
B Clean disk space
C Defrag SSD
D Format USB
Middleware sits between applications and underlying services, helping programs communicate and share data. It often provides messaging, authentication, or database connectivity in enterprise systems.
A software update is generally released to
A Replace hardware
B Remove OS
C Improve or fix
D Reduce RAM
Updates provide bug fixes, security improvements, and sometimes new features. Keeping software updated improves stability and security by correcting known issues discovered after release.
A security patch is mainly meant to
A Add wallpapers
B Fix vulnerabilities
C Change fonts
D Increase screen size
Security patches address weaknesses that attackers can exploit. Applying patches reduces risk of hacking and malware infections, especially for operating systems, browsers, and widely used applications.
A hotfix is usually
A Full OS change
B Hardware repair
C User backup tool
D Quick targeted fix
A hotfix is a quick update made to fix a specific urgent problem. It is often released faster than larger updates and may later be included in cumulative updates or service packs.
A service pack usually contains
A One tiny fix
B Only license text
C Many updates bundled
D Only new icons
Service packs combine many fixes and patches into one package. They help users update systems more easily and ensure important fixes are installed together for stability and security.
Automatic updates are useful because they
A Apply fixes regularly
B Delete user files
C Block all apps
D Replace hard drive
Automatic updates install important patches without needing manual action. This reduces missed security updates and helps keep the system stable, especially for users who do not check updates often.
Freeware is software that is generally
A Always open code
B Always time-limited
C Always illegal
D Free to use
Freeware is available without payment for use, but it can still be proprietary. Its license may restrict copying or modification, so users should still read usage terms.
Shareware is commonly offered as
A Always full free
B Trial or limited
C Hardware bundled
D Only open source
Shareware is distributed for evaluation with time or feature limits. Users can test it, and then must pay for a license to continue full use legally after the trial.
Open source software allows
A No license rules
B No updates ever
C Source code access
D Only offline use
Open source licenses allow access to source code and permit modification and sharing under stated conditions. It supports transparency and collaboration, but users must follow the license terms.
Proprietary software is typically
A Closed source
B Public domain
C License-free
D Community owned
Proprietary software is owned by a vendor and distributed under restrictions. Source code is usually not shared, and copying or modification is not allowed unless the license permits it.
EULA is a document that mainly explains
A CPU speed
B File compression
C Usage rules
D Monitor settings
The End User License Agreement states how software can be used, limitations, warranty terms, and restrictions. Users usually must accept it before installing or using the software.
A common reason a program fails to install is
A Bright wallpaper
B Insufficient storage
C New mouse
D Loud speakers
Installers need free space for program files and temporary setup data. If storage is low, installation may stop or fail. Cleaning disk space or moving files often resolves this issue.
Setup.exe is commonly used as a
A Installer file
B Image viewer
C Text document
D Audio player
Setup.exe is a common Windows installer that starts the installation process. It copies program files, configures settings, and registers components so the application can run correctly.
An installation wizard mainly helps by
A Removing malware only
B Printing documents
C Guiding installation steps
D Editing photos
Installation wizards provide step-by-step screens for license acceptance, location selection, and feature choices. They simplify setup and reduce errors by applying settings in a guided way.
A reboot may be needed after installation because
A Screen is small
B Keyboard is old
C Mouse is slow
D System files updated
Some installs update system components, drivers, or services that require restart to load fully. Rebooting ensures changes take effect correctly and reduces conflicts with files still in use.
Uninstalling software mainly aims to
A Increase internet
B Remove the program
C Upgrade CPU
D Create backups
Uninstallation removes application files and related settings to free space and reduce clutter. It helps prevent conflicts and removes unused background services that can slow performance.
Programs and Features is mainly used to
A Draw pictures
B Create videos
C Uninstall applications
D Increase RAM
Programs and Features lists installed software and provides uninstall options. It usually launches the software’s own uninstaller to remove components safely and maintain system organization.
A registry is mainly a database of
A System settings
B Music files
C Video codecs
D Printer paper
The Windows Registry stores configuration settings for the OS and installed applications. Installers may add entries, and uninstallers may remove them to keep system settings consistent.
A “program hang” means the application
A Installs updates
B Deletes files
C Formats disk
D Becomes unresponsive
When an app hangs, it stops responding to user input. Causes include heavy processing, low memory, corrupt files, or conflicts. Task Manager can help end it if needed.
Clearing app cache is helpful when
A Monitor is cracked
B RAM is new
C Data appears outdated
D Speaker is loud
Cache stores temporary files for speed. If cache becomes corrupted or old, apps may show incorrect data or behave oddly. Clearing cache forces the app to rebuild fresh data.
Safe mode is mainly used for
A Faster gaming only
B Troubleshooting boot issues
C Editing videos
D Printing faster
Safe mode loads Windows with minimal drivers and services. It helps isolate problems caused by drivers, startup programs, or malware because fewer components run during startup.
Compatibility mode is mainly used when
A New apps install
B Disk is full
C Old apps fail
D Printer has jam
Compatibility mode applies older settings to help old programs run on newer Windows versions. It can fix problems related to display scaling, permissions, or older application behavior.
Update rollback is useful when
A Update causes errors
B Update improves speed
C Antivirus is new
D Storage is empty
If a new update causes crashes or device issues, rolling back restores the earlier version. This helps keep the system stable until the vendor releases a corrected update.
Log files are important because they
A Increase storage
B Delete viruses
C Upgrade hardware
D Show error details
Logs record events, warnings, and errors. They help identify what happened before a failure, making troubleshooting more accurate, such as tracking installer failures, crashes, or service errors.
ZIP is a common
A Image format
B Audio format
C Compression format
D Video format
ZIP compresses files and stores them in an archive. It reduces file size and combines multiple files into one package, making downloads, email attachments, and backups easier.
A default program setting decides
A Which app opens
B Which OS installs
C Which disk formats
D Which driver loads
Default programs decide what application opens a particular file type automatically, like PDFs or images. This improves workflow by avoiding repeated selection every time a file is opened.
A virtual machine allows you to
A Repair monitor
B Run another OS
C Replace RAM
D Fix keyboard
Virtual machines create a software-based computer that can run a different operating system inside a host OS. They are useful for testing, training, and isolating software safely.
Cloud software is mainly accessed through
A Printer cable
B DVD drive
C Internet connection
D BIOS screen
Cloud software runs on remote servers and users access it via the internet, usually through a browser or app. It reduces local installation needs and enables access from multiple devices.
Software piracy means
A Unauthorized use
B Safe updating
C Legal backup
D Disk cleanup
Piracy involves using or sharing software without a valid license. It breaks copyright laws and can expose systems to malware because cracked installers often come from untrusted sources.
User permissions in software mainly control
A Screen brightness
B Internet speed
C File compression
D Access and rights
Permissions define what a user can do, such as installing programs, changing system settings, or accessing protected files. Proper permission control improves security and prevents accidental system changes.