30 Essential Computer Basics Quiz Questions (MCQs) with Answers [2026]

Are you looking to boost your computer knowledge fast? This "30 Essential Computer Basics Quiz Questions (MCQs) with Answers [2026]" is perfect for students, beginners, professionals, and anyone preparing for worldwide competitive exams. These questions make learning computers simple, fun, and easy to remember computer basics.

A computer is an electronic machine that takes raw data as input and turns it into useful information (output) using its processor. Every computer has four key parts: input, processing, storage, and output units. It also needs an operating system to function. Input devices include keyboard, mouse, scanner, and joystick, while output devices include monitor, printer, and plotter—all essential to understand computer basics.

This Computer Basics quiz covers all major topics like history of computers, computer generations, types of computers, peripherals, storage devices, security systems, viruses, networking, Windows OS, and motherboard structure. By practicing these 30 important multiple-choice questions, you can master computer fundamentals, improve exam scores, and boost your tech skills—all in one go!

Test your knowledge with these 30 essential computer basics MCQs! Perfect for students, beginners, and professionals preparing for exams or improving their tech skills.

1. The most important part of an information system is?

A). People

B). Hardware

C). Software

D). Data

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Systems are designed by people to serve people. Without the human element, the technology has no purpose or direction.

2. Which of the following is an example of an Optical Storage device?

A). Magnetic Tapes

B). USB Flash Drive

C). Floppy Disk

D). DVD

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: DVDs use laser light (optics) to read and write data, unlike magnetic or flash-based storage.

3. Which of the following is an example of an Operating System?

A). MS DOS

B). MS Access

C). Spreadsheets

D). Photoshop

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: MS DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) is a command-line operating system. The others are application softwares.

4. Which of the following is located inside the system unit?

A). Monitor

B). Motherboard

C). Keyboard

D). Mouse

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The motherboard is the main circuit board located inside the computer's case (system unit).

5. What unit of storage is used to represent 10^9 bytes?

A). Kilobyte

B). Terabyte

C). Megabyte

D). Gigabyte

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: A Gigabyte (GB) is roughly one billion bytes (10 to the power of 9).

6. Computer Memory (RAM) stores which of the following?

A). The operating system

B). Application programs

C). Data being processed

D). All of the above

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: RAM is volatile memory that holds everything the computer is currently using to ensure fast access.

7. Which part of the processor controls the timing of all computer operations?

A). System clock

B). Register

C). Machine cycle

D). Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The system clock generates electrical pulses at a fixed rate to synchronize all CPU activities.

8. The "brain" of any computer system is the?

A). ALU

B). Memory

C). CPU

D). Control Unit

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) executes instructions and manages all other hardware components.

9. What does VGA stand for?

A). Video Graphics Array

B). Visual Graphics Array

C). Volatile Graphics Array

D). Video Graphics Adapter

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Video Graphics Array is a standard display interface for connecting computers to monitors.

10. The most advanced form of ROM that can be erased electronically is?

A). PROM

B). RAM

C). Cache memory

D). EEPROM

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: EEPROM stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory.

11. A single Byte represents a group of?

A). 20 bits

B). 32 bits

C). 16 bits

D). 8 bits

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: In modern computing, 8 bits always equal 1 byte, which can represent a single character.

12. CD-ROM stands for?

A). Compactable Read Only Memory

B). Compactable Disk Read Only Memory

C). Compact Disc Read Only Memory

D). Compact Data Read Only Memory

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: It is a digital optical disc data storage format that can be read but not modified.

13. Which computer language is historically used for Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

A). FORTRAN

B). C

C). PROLOG

D). COBOL

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: PROLOG (Programming in Logic) is a classic language used for AI and symbolic reasoning.

14. The number of bits a processor can transmit at one time is called?

A). Bus width

B). Access time

C). Word size

D). Channel speed

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Word size refers to the maximum number of bits that the CPU can process at once.

15. The term "Bit" is short for?

A). Binary digit

B). Digital byte

C). Binary unit

D). Binary system

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A bit is the most basic unit of information in computing, representing either a 0 or a 1.

16. UNIVAC stands for?

A). Universal Array Computer

B). Universal Automatic Computer

C). Unique Automatic Computer

D). Unvalued Automatic Computer

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: UNIVAC I was the first general-purpose electronic digital computer design for business applications.

17. The IBM 1401 belongs to which generation of computers?

A). First Generation

B). Third Generation

C). Second Generation

D). Fourth Generation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The IBM 1401 used transistors instead of vacuum tubes, placing it in the second generation.

18. MICR (used in banking) stands for?

A). Magnetic Ink Cases Reader

B). Magnetic Ink Code Reader

C). Magnetic Ink Character Recognition

D). Magnetic Ink Character Reader

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: MICR technology is used by banks to process checks by reading special ink printed at the bottom.

19. Computer processor chips are often referred to as?

A). Microprocessors

B). Heat sinks

C). Bits

D). Sockets

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A microprocessor is an integrated circuit that contains all the functions of a CPU.

20. To run large programs with limited physical RAM, computers use?

A). Cache memory

B). Virtual memory

C). Flash memory

D). Static memory

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Virtual memory uses space on the hard drive to act as extra RAM when physical RAM is full.

21. What is the smallest unit of digital memory?

A). Byte

B). Bit

C). Nibble

D). Pixel

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A bit (binary digit) is the smallest possible unit, representing either on (1) or off (0).

22. What does SSD stand for in modern computer storage?

A). Static State Drive

B). Solid State Drive

C). Secure Storage Data

D). Super Speed Drive

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: SSDs are faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives because they have no moving parts.

23. Which protocol is used to secure data transmission on the web?

A). HTTP

B). FTP

C). HTTPS

D). IP

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The 'S' in HTTPS stands for Secure, indicating that data is encrypted between the browser and the server.

24. A 'Nibble' is equal to how many bits?

A). 2 bits

B). 4 bits

C). 8 bits

D). 16 bits

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A nibble is half of a byte, consisting of 4 bits.

25. What is the primary purpose of a Firewall?

A). To speed up the internet

B). To protect against unauthorized access

C). To cool down the CPU

D). To delete old files

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and blocks data that doesn't meet security rules.

26. Which of the following is a "Cloud Storage" service?

A). Google Drive

B). MS Word

C). VLC Player

D). Motherboard

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Google Drive allows you to store files on remote servers and access them via the internet.

27. What does GUI stand for?

A). General User Instruction

B). Graphical User Interface

C). Global Unit Integration

D). Graphic Universal Interface

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A GUI allows users to interact with electronic devices through visual icons rather than text commands.

28. Which of these is a permanent memory that holds "start-up" instructions?

A). RAM

B). ROM

C). CPU

D). Cache

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile and keeps its data even when the power is turned off.

29. Which component renders images and videos on your screen?

A). Sound Card

B). GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

C). Power Supply

D). Hard Drive

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The GPU is specialized hardware designed to accelerate the creation and rendering of images.

30. What is the process of starting or restarting a computer called?

A). Exit

B). Booting

C). Loading

D). Format

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Booting is the initialization process that happens when you turn on a computer system.

Congratulations! You’ve just gone through 30 essential computer basics MCQs that cover everything from computer fundamentals, history, peripherals, storage devices, networking, Windows OS, to security systems. Whether you’re a student, beginner, professional, or preparing for competitive exams, practicing these questions is a great way to strengthen your computer skills and boost your confidence.

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