CHN MCQ

1. Which of the following is considered the first mechanical computer?

A) ENIAC (Reason: ENIAC, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, was
built in 1945 and was the first electronic general-purpose computer. While there
were earlier mechanical calculating devices, ENIAC marked a significant leap in
computing power.)
B) Apple I
C) Babbage Difference Engine
D) IBM PC

2. Who is credited with developing the Analytical Engine, a theoretical concept for a
programmable computer?

A) Charles Babbage (Reason: Charles Babbage, a 19th-century mathematician, is

considered the "father of the computer" for his design of the Analytical Engine,
which included features like a central processing unit and memory.)
B) Alan Turing
C) Steve Jobs
D) Bill Gates

3. The first high-level programming language, designed to be more user-friendly than

machine code, was:

A) Java
B) FORTRAN (Reason: FORTRAN (FORmula TRANslation) was developed in the
1950s and allowed programmers to write code using mathematical expressions,
making it easier to understand and use than machine code.)
C) C++
D) Python

4. Which company is credited with introducing the first personal computer (PC)?

A) Apple (Reason: Apple introduced the Apple I in 1976, which is considered the
first widely-recognized personal computer.)
B) Microsoft
C) IBM
D) Hewlett-Packard

5. The invention of the integrated circuit (IC), also known as a microchip, allowed for:

A) Faster internet speeds

B) Smaller and more powerful computers (Reason: The invention of the IC in the
1950s allowed for miniaturization and significant increases in processing power,
paving the way for smaller and more powerful computers.)
C) The development of the World Wide Web
D) The invention of touchscreens
6. The current focus of computer science research includes advancements in:

A) Faster typing speeds

B) Artificial intelligence (AI) (Reason: AI research aims to create intelligent
machines that can learn and problem-solve, representing a significant area of focus
in computer science.)
C) Improved keyboard layouts
D) Larger computer monitors

7. Which of the following storage devices was a significant advancement in the early days
of computing?

A) Magnetic tape (Reason: Magnetic tape was a major step forward from punched
cards as it allowed for storing larger amounts of data more efficiently.)
B) Floppy disk
C) Hard disk drive
D) Solid-state drive (SSD)

8. The graphical user interface (GUI), which uses icons and windows for user interaction,
was popularized by:

A) Apple computers (Reason: Apple's Lisa and Macintosh computers in the early
1980s were instrumental in making GUIs mainstream, providing a more user-
friendly alternative to command-line interfaces.)
B) IBM PCs
C) Microsoft Windows
D) UNIX operating systems

9. Analog computers represent data using:

A) Discrete values
B) Continuous variations (Reason: Analog computers use continuous physical
quantities like voltage or pressure to represent data.)
C) Binary code
D) Symbols and characters

10. An example of an analog device is:

A) Smartphone
B) Digital watch
C) Thermometer (Reason: Thermometers use a continuous rise or fall of mercury
to represent temperature, making it an analog device.)
D) Computer keyboard

11. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of digital computers?

A) High accuracy (While digital computers can be very accurate, analog devices
can sometimes achieve higher precision in specific applications.)
B) Versatility
C) Fast processing speed
D) Susceptibility to noise
12. The advantage of digital computers over analog computers is:

A) They are more complex to operate.

B) They are more susceptible to errors.
C) They are better at handling large amounts of data and complex calculations.
(Reason: Digital computers excel at storing and manipulating large datasets and
performing complex calculations with high accuracy.)
D) They require a constant power source.

13. Which type of computer is designed for personal use and performs everyday tasks like
browsing the internet and using office applications?

A) Supercomputer
B) Mainframe computer
C) Personal computer (Reason: Personal computers are the most common type,
designed for individual users.)
D) Server

14. Supercomputers are known for their:

A) Affordability
B) High processing speed and ability to handle massive datasets ✓ (Reason:
Supercomputers are the most powerful computers, used for scientific research and
complex simulations.)
C) Portability
D) User-friendly interface

15. Mainframe computers are typically used for:

A) Gaming
B) Large-scale data processing and business applications (Reason: Mainframes
are powerful computers used by organizations to manage large amounts of data
and run critical business applications.)
C) Web browsing
D) Video editing

16. Laptops are a type of computer known for their:

A) Large size and processing power

B) Portability and ability to be used on the go (Reason: Laptops are portable
computers with similar functionality to desktops.)
C) Focus on gaming performance
D) Requirement for a constant internet connection

17. The future of computing may involve:

A) Less powerful and more expensive computers

B) More powerful, specialized computers for different tasks (Reason: The future of
computing likely involves more specialized and powerful computers designed for
specific needs, alongside continued development of general-purpose computers.)
C) A single type of computer that can do everything
 D) A decrease in the use of computers altogether

18. The central processing unit (CPU) is often referred to as the "brain" of the computer
because it:

A) Stores data
B) Performs calculations and instructions ✓ (Reason: The CPU executes
instructions and performs most of the computer's processing tasks.)
C) Connects all the components together
D) Displays information on the screen

19. Random access memory (RAM) is a type of memory that:

A) Stores data permanently

B) Stores data temporarily and is volatile (lost when powered off) ✓ (Reason: RAM
holds data currently being used by the CPU, and its contents are erased when the
computer is turned off.)
C) Is very slow to access
D) Is the primary storage for long-term data

20. The motherboard is a crucial component that:

A) Provides power to other components ✓ (Reason: The motherboard acts as the

central circuit board and connects all other components within the computer.)
B) Stores the operating system
C) Processes data
D) Displays graphics

21. A hard disk drive (HDD) is a type of storage device that:

A) Is very slow and unreliable

B) Holds data permanently but has slower access times compared to newer options
✓ (Reason: HDDs are traditional storage devices with slower access times but offer
larger capacities.)
C) Loses data when powered off
D) Is primarily used for temporary data storage

22. The power supply unit (PSU) is responsible for:

A) Processing data
B) Converting AC power to DC power for use by computer components ✓ (Reason:
The PSU converts incoming AC wall power to the DC voltages required by the
computer's components.)
C) Displaying information on the screen
D) Connecting to external devices

23. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their:

A) Lower cost
B) Faster access times and lower power consumption ✓ (Reason: SSDs use flash
memory and offer much faster read/write speeds compared to HDDs.)
 C) Larger storage capacity
D) Requirement for constant maintenance

24. Input devices allow users to interact with the computer by providing:

A) Processing power
B) Instructions and data to the computer ✓ (Reason: Input devices like keyboards
and mice allow users to send information to the computer.)
C) Visual output on the screen
D) Storage for data

25. Keeping computer components cool is important because:

A) It improves the sound quality

B) Excessive heat can damage components and shorten their lifespan ✓ (Reason:
Heat buildup can damage computer components, so cooling systems are essential
for proper operation.)
C) It makes the computer run quieter (indirectly due to reduced fan noise)
D) It improves internet connection speed

26. Peripheral devices are used for:

A) Processing data within the computer

B) Expanding the functionality of a computer by providing input, output, or storage
capabilities ✓ (Reason: Peripheral devices are external components that connect to
a computer to perform specific tasks like input, output, or storage.)
C) Upgrading the internal components of the computer
D) Connecting the computer to a power source

27. Which of the following is an example of an input device?

A) Monitor
B) Keyboard ✓ (Reason: Keyboards allow users to enter data and instructions into
the computer.)
C) Printer
D) Speaker

28. A device that allows users to see the visual output from the computer is classified as
a(n):

A) Storage device
B) Input device
C) Output device ✓ (Reason: Monitors display information processed by the
computer.)
D) Processing unit

29. External hard drives are considered peripheral devices because they:

A) Are essential for the computer to function

B) Provide additional storage capacity beyond the computer's internal storage ✓
(Reason: External hard drives connect externally to expand storage capacity.)
 C) Are located inside the computer case
D) Increase the processing power of the CPU

30. When choosing a peripheral device, it's important to consider:

A) The color of the device

B) Compatibility with your computer and its intended use ✓ (Reason: Peripheral
devices should be compatible with your computer and meet your specific needs,
such as printing photos or gaming.)
C) The brand of the device (not the most important factor)
D) How much noise the device makes

31. CMOS stands for:

A) Coaxial Metal Oxide Semiconductor

B) Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor ✓
C) Centralized Management Operating System
D) Compact Multimedia Object System

32. The communication between the CPU and main memory (RAM) is handled by the:

A) Southbridge
B) Northbridge ✓
C) Super I/O
D) Motherboard (all components work together on the motherboard)

33. An advantage of having a Super I/O controller is:

A) It increases the overall processing power of the computer.

B) It reduces the load on the CPU by managing slower peripherals. ✓
C) It allows for more powerful graphics cards to be used.
D) It eliminates the need for the Northbridge.

34. In modern motherboards, the functionality of the Southbridge and Super I/O may be:

A) Completely separate on the motherboard.

B) Integrated into a single chipset for improved efficiency. ✓
C) Replaced entirely by the Northbridge.
D) Not relevant for current computer technology.

35. Modern chipsets often combine the functionalities of the Northbridge and Southbridge
into a single chip called:

A) Super I/O Controller

B) Motherboard Chipset ✓
C) Central Processing Unit (CPU)
D) Memory Management Unit (MMU)

36. The development of integrated chipsets, combining Northbridge and Southbridge

functions, has led to:
 A) A significant decrease in the overall cost of motherboards. ✓ (Less complex
design)
B) A requirement for more powerful CPUs to handle increased workload.
C) A reduction in the number of expansion slots available on motherboards.
D) The elimination of the need for Super I/O controllers entirely.

37. Expansion cards are circuit boards that:

A) Are essential for the core functionality of a computer

B) Can be inserted into slots on the motherboard to add new features or upgrade
existing functionalities ✓
C) Are permanently integrated into the motherboard
D) Connect directly to the CPU

38. When choosing an expansion card, it's important to consider:

A) The available slots on your motherboard and their type (PCIe, PCI, etc.)
B) The power supply unit's capacity to handle the card's power requirements
C) Both A and B ✓
D) The weight of the card (not a major factor)

39. The advancement of integrated graphics on motherboards has led to:

A) The complete elimination of the need for dedicated graphics cards.

B) A decrease in the variety of expansion cards available.
C) A shift towards dedicated graphics cards being used only for high-performance
tasks like gaming and video editing. ✓
D) An increase in the cost of expansion cards due to lower demand.

40. An expansion slot that offers the highest bandwidth and performance for modern
graphics cards is:

A) AGP (deprecated technology)

B) PCI (older standard)
C) PCI-Express (PCIe) ✓ (Offers the highest bandwidth for expansion cards)
D) All of the above can be used with modern graphics cards (not true, AGP and PCI
are outdated)