Here, we have compiled the top 60 most important computer fundamental MCQ questions with answers for your competitive examinations.
These computer fundamentals multiple-choice questions are frequently asked in various competitive examinations such as IBPS, RRB, Group D, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, and other government job exams.
This MCQ quiz will help you to build a solid understanding of both the basic and advanced concepts of computer fundamentals. Those students who are preparing for banking, SSC, railway, and other competitive exams, you must prepare the answers of these questions.
Computer Fundamentals MCQ with Answers
1. Who is known as the father of Computers?
(a) James Gosling
(b) Charles Babbage
(c) Dennis Ritchie
(d) Bjarne Stroustrup
Answer: (b) Charles Babbage
Explanation: Charles Babbage is known as the father of computers. He designed the Analytical Engine and Difference Engine, which laid the foundation of modern computing.
2. Which of the following is the correct abbreviation of COMPUTER?
(a) Commonly Occupied Machines Used in Technical and Educational Research
(b) Commonly Operated Machines Used in Technical and Environmental Research
(c) Commonly Oriented Machines Used in Technical and Educational Research
(d) Commonly Operated Machines Used in Technical and Educational Research
Answer: (d) Commonly Operated Machines Used in Technical and Educational Research
Explanation:
- The word COMPUTER stands for “Commonly Operated Machines Used in Technical and Educational Research”. However, technically, COMPUTER is not an official abbreviation—it is a backronym.
- The word computer comes from “compute”, which means to calculate. So initially, it was thought that a computer is a device that is used to perform calculations.
3. Which of the following is the correct definition of Computer?
(a) A computer is a electronic machine or device that can be programmed to perform arithmetic or logical operations automatically.
(b) A computer only understands binary language written in the form of 0s and 1s.
(c) A computer is a programmable electronic device that stores, retrieves, and processes data.
(d) All of the mentioned.
Answer: (d) All of the mentioned
Explanation: A computer is a programmable electronic device that performs arithmetic and logical operations. It only understands binary language such as 0s and 1s.
4. A computer system includes
(a) Hardware
(b) Software
(c) Peripheral devices
(d) All of these
Answer: (d) All of these
5. Analytical Engine, the first fully automatic calculating machine was developed by
(a) Charles Babbage
(b) Blaise Pascal
(c) Leibniz
(d) John Von Neumann
Answer: (a) Charles Babbage
Explanation: Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine, which is considered the first fully automatic mechanical computer. It had features like input, output, memory, and control unit, similar to modern computers.
6. Which was the first mechanical calculating device?
(a) UNIVAC
(b) Abacus
(c) PASCALINE
(d) Leibniz Calculator
Answer: (b), Abacus was the first mechanical calculating device that performs addition and subtraction quickly.
Explanation: The Abacus is the earliest known calculating device. It was used to perform basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division quickly.
Read also: What is Computer | Characteristics, Importance
7. Abacus can perform
(a) Addition
(b) Subtraction
(c) Multiplication
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer: (d) Both (a) and (b)
Explanation: An Abacus can perform addition and subtraction. With advanced techniques, it can also be used for multiplication and division, but mainly it is used for addition and subtraction.
8. Pascaline is a
(a) Abacus
(b) Adding Machine
(c) Difference Machine
(d) Multiplication Machine
Answer: (b) Adding Machine
Explanation: In the year 1642, Blaise Pascal a French scientist developed an adding machine called Pascal’s calculator (Pascaline).
9. Analytical Engine invented during the first generation of computer used which memory unit?
(a) RAM
(b) Floppies
(c) Counter wheels
(d) Cards
Answer: (c) Counter wheels
Explanation: The Analytical Engine used counter wheels as its memory unit to store numbers mechanically because the electronic memory did not exist at that time.
Read also: History of Computing
10. The first electromechanical machine “Tabulating machine” was invented by
(a) John Napier
(b) Pascal
(c) Howard Aiken
(d) Herman Hollerith
Answer: (d) Herman Hollerith
Explanation: Herman Hollerith invented the tabulating machine, which used punched cards. This machine was widely used for census data processing in U.S.
11. Who designed the first electronic computer- ENIVAC?
(a) Von Neumann
(b) Joseph M Jacquard and John W Mauchly
(c) Presper Eckert and John W Mauchly
(d) None of these
Answer: (c) Presper Eckert and John W Mauchly
Explanation: ENIAC stands for Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer was designed by Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly. It was the first electronic digital computer at that time.
For more knowledge, Read this: History of Development of Computer
12. Which of the following was the first general-purpose electronic computer?
(a) ADVAC
(b) ADSAC
(c) UNIVAC
(d) EDVAC
Answer: (c) UNIVAC
Explanation: UNIVAC stands for Universal Automatic Computer, the first generation computer used for commercial applications during 1942-1955.
13. Computer developed before the first generation computer was
(a) Mechanical
(b) Electromechanical
(c) Electrical
(d) Electronics
Answer: (b) Electromechanical
14. First-generation computer “UNIVAC and ENIVAC” was based on
(a) Transistors
(b) Semiconductors
(c) Vacuum tubes
(d) ICS
Answer: (c) Vacuum tubes
Explanation: Those days, Vacuum tubes were the only electronic component available by which electronic digital computers were developed. These computers could calculate data in milliseconds.
15. Computer size was very large in
(a) First generation
(b) Second generation
(c) Third generation
(d) Fourth generation
Answer: (a) First generation
Explanation: The disadvantage of first-generation computers was that they were very large in size, consumed a large amount of energy, non-portable, limited commercial use, very slow speed, and less data storage.
Read also: Generation of Computers
16. Which language was used by computers during the first generation?
(a) Machine language
(b) Assembly language
(c) Both a and b
(d) None of these
Answer: (a) Machine language
Explanation: The first generation computers used machine language only.
17. The period of second-generation computer was started from
(a) 1946-1958
(b) 1940-1960
(c) 1956-1963
(d) 1957-1964
Answer: (c) 1956 – 1963
18. During the second generation, the size of computers was decreased by replacing vacuum tubes with
(a) ICs
(b) Semiconductors
(c) Transistors
(d) Microprocessor
Answer: (c) Transistors
Explanation: Transistors were smaller, faster, more reliable, and consumed less power compared to vacuum tubes, reducing computer size.
19. The second generation computers are
(a) IBM 7094 series
(b) IBM 1400 series
(c) CDC 164
(d) All
Answer: (d) All
Explanation: Computers like IBM 7094, IBM 1400 series, and CDC 164 all belong to the second generation of computers.
20. Which of the following statement is not correct about second-generation computers?
(a) They were smaller in size as compared to the first-generation computers.
(b) They provided better speed and could calculate data in microseconds.
(c) They were used more energy and became heated.
(d) None of these
Answer: (c) They were used less energy and not heated.
Explanation: Second-generation computers used less energy and produced less heat compared to first-generation computers, making option (c) incorrect.
21. Which language was used by the second generation of computers?
(a) Assembly language
(b) Machine language
(c) Low-level language
(d) High-level language
Answer: (a) Assembly language
Explanation: The second generation computers were used assembly language instead of machine language.
22. Integrated chips (IC) were started to be used from which generation of computers?
(a) First generation
(b) Second generation
(c) Third generation
(d) Fourth generation
Answer: (c) Third generation
Explanation: The first IC was invented and used in 1961.
23. IC chips used in computers are made with
(a) Gold
(b) Silicon
(c) Copper
(d) Silver
Answer: (b) Silicon
24. An integrated circuit (IC), sometimes called a chip or microchip are fabricated with
(a) Resistors
(b) Capacitors
(c) Transistors
(d) All of these
Answer: (d) All of these
Explanation: An integrated circuit is a semiconductor wafer on which thousands or millions of tiny resistors, capacitors, and transistors are fabricated.
25. Which of the following is the correct statement for the third generation of computers?
(a) They were smaller in size as compared to previous generations.
(b) They were more reliable and used less energy.
(c) They provided better speed and could calculate data in nanoseconds.
(d) All are correct.
Answer: (d) All are correct
26. The third generation computers are
(a) IBM 370
(b) IBM System/360
(c) UNIVAC 1108 and UNIVAC AC 9000
(d) All of the above.
Answer: (d) All of the above
27. The fourth-generation computers were based on the invention of
(a) Microprocessor
(b) Artificial Intelligence
(c) Semiconductors
(d) Microprocessor and AI
Answer: (a) Microprocessor
Explanation: Microprocessor was introduced in the fourth generation of computers. It contains thousands of ICs that greatly reduced the size of computer.
Read this tutorial to get more knowledge: Fourth Generation of Computers with Examples
28. The example of fourth-generation computers are
(a) Apple Macintosh
(b) IBM PC
(c) IBM 370
(d) both a and b.
Answer: (d)
29. Fifth generation computers are based on the technique of
(a) Microprocessor
(b) Artificial Intelligence
(c) LSI
(d) VLSI
Answer: (b) Artificial Intelligence
Read also: Fifth Generation of Computer with Examples
30. Which of the following developed an Integrated circuit or chip (IC)?
(a) Robert Nayak
(b) C Babbage
(c) J S Kilby
(d) CV Raman
Answer: (c) J S Kilby
31. The first computer which provides storage is
(a) EDSAC
(b) EDBAC
(c) MARK-I
(d) ACE
Answer: (a) EDSAC
32. Which of the following was the first computer developed by India?
(a) IBM 370
(b) PARAM
(c) Siddhartha
(d) CRAY-1
Answer: (c) Siddhartha
33. The first supercomputer developed in India is
(a) PARAM
(b) ARYA Bhatt
(c) BUDDHA
(d) SHIVA
Answer: (a) PARAM
Explanation: PARAM is the first supercomputer developed by India. It is designed and developed by C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) in Pune, India. The latest machine in the series is the PARAM Yuva II.
34. Who designed the basic architecture of computer?
(a) C Babbage
(b) B Pascal
(c) Jordan Murn
(d) John Von Neumann
Answer: (d) John Von Neumann
35. Analog computer works on the supply of
(a) Continuous electric pulses
(b) Electric pulses but not continuous
(c) Magnetic strength
(d) Natural strength
Answer: (a) Continuous electric pulses
36. Analog computers are used to measure
(a) Data that varies continuously
(b) Constant data
(c) Both a and b
(d) None of these
Answer: (a) Data that varies continuously
37. Which of the following is an example of analog computers?
(a) Voltmeter
(b) Ammeter
(c) Voltmeter and Ammeter
(d) Workstations
Answer: (c) Voltmeter and Ammeter
Explanation: The analog computers are computer systems that are used to measure variations in quantities such as temperature, voltage,
speed, etc.
Read this tutorial: Types of Computer
38. Seismograph is an
(a) Analog computer
(b) Digital computer
(c) Hybrid computer
(d) None of these
Answer: (a) Analog computer
39. Who is known as the father of computer science?
(a) John Moore
(b) Alan Turing
(c) Adam Osborne
(d) Neal Stephenson
Answer: (b) Alan Turing
40. Which system is used by digital computers to encode data and programs?
(a) Semiconductor
(b) Decimal system
(c) Binary system
(d) Both b and c
Answer: (c) Binary system
Explanation: Digital computers count things by manipulating certain discontinuous numbers and letters through the representation of binary digits (also called bits).
41. Which of the following are examples of digital computers?
(a) Desktop
(b) Personal computers and Tablet PC
(c) Workstations
(d) All of these
Answer: (d)
42. A hybrid computer is one having combined properties of
(a) Super and microcomputers
(b) Mini and microcomputers
(c) Analog and digital computers
(d) Super and minicomputers
Answer: (c) Analog and digital computers
Explanation: Hybrid computers are used for scientific calculations, in defence, and systems.
43. General purpose computers are used for
(a) writing and editing (word processing)
(b) performs scientific calculations
(c) controlling organization’s security system
(d) All of these
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Personal computers, including desktops, notebooks, tablets, and smartphones are all examples of general-purpose computers.
44. Special purpose computers are used for
(a) navigational systems in an aircraft
(b) weather forecasting
(c) satellite launch tracking
(d) All of these
Answer: (a)
45. Which of the following computer is used in hospitals like ECG and Dialysis?
(a) Analog
(b) Digital
(c) Hybrid
(d) Microcomputer
Answer: (c) Hybrid
46. Which of the following is the most powerful computer?
(a) Microcomputer
(b) Mainframe
(c) Supercomputer
(d) Minicomputer
Answer: (c) Supercomputer
47. Which of the following is known as the fastest, biggest, and most expensive computer?
(a) Notebook
(b) Personal computer
(c) Mainframe
(d) Supercomputer
Answer: (d) Personal computer
48. Which type of computer is used in a digital watch?
(a) Mainframe
(b) Embedded computer
(c) Minicomputer
(d) Microcomputer
Answer: (b) Embedded computer
49. Which type of computer is used in weather forecasting?
(a) Embedded computer
(b) Supercomputer
(c) Mainframe
(d) Workstation
Answer: (b) Supercomputer
50. Choose the odd one out.
(a) Microcomputer
(b) Minicomputer
(c) Supercomputer
(d) Digital computer
Answer: (d) Digital computer
51. Which of the following is not a type of personal computer?
(a) Tower model
(b) Notebook
(c) Laptop
(d) Hand-held computer
Answer: (d) Notebook
52. Which of the following computers can be carried around easily?
(a) Laptops
(b) Supercomputers
(c) PCs
(d) Minicomputers
Answer: (a) Laptops
53. Which of the following is used as a storage device during first-generation computers?
(a) Magnetic drum
(b) Hard disk
(c) Floppy
(d) Both a and c
Answer: (a) Magnetic drum
54. Properly arranged data is known as
(a) Field
(b) Words
(c) File
(d) Information
Answer: (d) Information
55. In which generation of computers, operating system was developed?
(a) First
(b) Second
(c) Third
(d) Fourth
Answer: (c) Third
56. Which of the following was the most popular first-generation computer?
(a) IBM 360
(b) IBM 2700
(c) IBM 1650
(d) IBM 1130
Answer: (c) IBM 1650
57. Which of the following computers uses the 8-bit code called EBCDIC?
(a) Microcomputer
(b) Minicomputer
(c) Supercomputer
(d) Mainframe computer
Answer: (d) Mainframe computer
58. Computers use which number system to store data and perform calculations?
(a) Octal
(b) Decimal
(c) Binary
(d) Hexadecimal
Answer: (c) Binary
59. What is the smallest unit of data in a computer?
(a) Byte
(b) Bit
(c) Nibble
(d) Kilobyte
Answer: (b) Bit
Explanation: A bit is the smallest unit of data in a computer, which represents binary digit 0 or 1.
60. Which of the following storage device has the fastest access speed in the computer?
(a) HDD
(b) SSD
(c) USB Flash Drive
(d) CD-ROM
Answer: (b) SSD
Explanation: SSDs (Solid State Drives) use flash memory, making them faster than HDDs.
61. What does ‘HTTP’ stand for?
(a) HyperText Transfer Protocol
(b) High Transfer Text Protocol
(c) HyperText Transmission Process
(d) High-Tech Transmission Protocol
Answer: (a) HyperText Transfer Protocol
Explanation: HTTP is the protocol used for transferring web pages on the World Wide Web.
62. Which of the following is the brain of the computer?
(a) Central Processing Unit
(b) Memory
(c) Arithmetic and Logic unit
(d) Control unit
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is called the brain of the computer because it controls and executes all instructions. The CPU is made up of two main parts: Control Unit (CU) and Arithmetic and Logic unit (ALU).
We hope that these computer fundamentals MCQ questions will help you gain complete knowledge and crack competitive exams such as IBPS, SSC, RRB, and other government examinations.
We also hope that you have practiced these computer fundamentals multiple-choice questions (MCQs). In the future, our team will regularly update new questions based on computer fundamentals to support your exam preparation.
All the Best!
