Free Hardware and Software MCQs with Answers

131. The CPU and memory are located on the__________?

• A. expansion board
• B. motherboard
• C. storage device
• D. output device

Explanation: The motherboard is the main circuit board that houses or connects the CPU, memory, and other components. Expansion boards add specialised functions but do not serve as the computer’s primary board.

132. All of the following are examples of storage devices EXCEPT____________?

• A. hard disk drives
• B. printers
• C. floppy disk drives
• D. CD drives

Explanation: A printer produces a hard copy, so it is an output device rather than a storage device. Hard disks, floppy disks, and CDs or their drives are associated with storing data.

133. Select the Odd one from the following

• A. Operating system
• B. Interpreter
• C. Compiler
• D. Assembler

Explanation: An operating system manages computer resources, whereas an interpreter, compiler, and assembler are language translators. Therefore, the operating system is the odd one out.

134. ___________Store data or information temporarily and pass it on as directed by the control unit?

• A. Address
• B. Register
• C. Number
• D. Memory

Explanation: Registers are very small, fast storage locations inside the CPU that hold data and instructions temporarily while the control unit directs processing. Address, number, and memory are not the specific CPU storage component described.

135. Magnetic disk is an example of____________?

• A. Secondary memory
• B. Primary memory
• C. Main memory
• D. Both (1) and (2)

Explanation: A magnetic disk retains data even when power is removed and is therefore classified as secondary memory. Primary or main memory normally refers to directly accessible internal memory such as RAM.

136. RAM is an example of___________?

• A. Secondary memory
• B. Primary memory
• C. Both A. and B.
• D. none

Explanation: RAM is primary memory because the CPU can access it directly while programs are running. It is volatile, so its contents are lost when power is switched off.

137. ALU and Control Unit jointly known as__________?

• A. RAM
• B. ROM
• C. CPU
• D. PC

Explanation: The arithmetic and logic unit and the control unit are the principal components of the central processing unit. RAM and ROM are types of memory, while PC commonly means personal computer or program counter.

138. _________________provides process and memory management services that allow two or more tasks, jobs, or programs to run simultaneously?

• A. Multitasking
• B. Multithreading
• C. Multiprocessing
• D. Multicomputing

Explanation: Multitasking provides the operating-system facilities needed to keep multiple programs or jobs active apparently at the same time. Multithreading concerns execution paths within a program, while multiprocessing uses multiple processors or cores.

139. What is the other name for programmed chip?

• A. A. RAM
• B. ROM
• C. LSIC
• D. PROM

Explanation: ROM is commonly described as a programmed chip because it stores instructions that remain available without continuous power. PROM is a specific ROM type that can be programmed once, but the general term intended here is ROM.

140. _____________is computer software designed to operate the computer hardware and to provide platform for running application software?

• A. Application software
• B. System software
• C. Software
• D. None of these

Explanation: System software controls hardware and provides the operating environment in which application programs run. Application software performs user tasks such as word processing or accounting.