1. Software is a collection of:
A) Physical components
B) Programs and instructions
C) Devices and wires
D) Processors
Answer: B
Explanation: Software is a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do.
2. Which of the following is system software?
A) MS Word
B) Windows 11
C) Tally ERP
D) Photoshop
Answer: B
Explanation: Operating systems like Windows are system software; others are application software.
3. Which of the following is application software?
A) Linux
B) Compiler
C) MS Excel
D) BIOS
Answer: C
Explanation: MS Excel is application software used for spreadsheets.
4. Utility software is used for:
A) Performing user applications
B) Supporting system maintenance
C) Gaming only
D) Replacing OS
Answer: B
Explanation: Utilities (antivirus, backup, compression tools) maintain system performance.
5. Firmware is stored in:
A) RAM
B) ROM/Flash memory
C) Cache
D) Registers
Answer: B
Explanation: Firmware (BIOS, embedded software) is stored permanently in ROM/Flash.
6. The software that translates high-level language into machine code is:
A) Assembler
B) Compiler
C) Interpreter
D) Both b and c
Answer: D
Explanation: Compilers and interpreters translate high-level languages; assembler works for assembly language.
7. An assembler converts:
A) High-level language → Machine code
B) Assembly language → Machine code
C) Machine code → Assembly language
D) None
Answer: B
Explanation: Assemblers convert mnemonics (assembly) into binary instructions.
8. Example of open-source software is:
A) Windows
B) MS Office
C) Linux
D) Photoshop
Answer: C
Explanation: Linux is open-source, freely available, and modifiable.
9. Proprietary software means:
A) Free software
B) Paid/licensed software
C) Malware
D) Embedded software
Answer: B
Explanation: Proprietary software is owned, licensed, and not open source.
10. Example of device driver software is:
A) MS Paint
B) Printer driver
C) VLC Player
D) MS Word
Answer: B
Explanation: Device drivers help OS communicate with hardware.
11. The software that runs as soon as the computer is switched on is:
A) Compiler
B) Operating system
C) BIOS
D) Interpreter
Answer: C
Explanation: BIOS (firmware) initializes hardware and loads OS.
12. Example of programming software is:
A) Compiler
B) Linker
C) Debugger
D) All of these
Answer: D
Explanation: Programming software includes compilers, linkers, interpreters, debuggers.
13. The first software loaded into memory when a computer boots is:
A) OS
B) BIOS/Bootloader
C) Compiler
D) Utility
Answer: B
Explanation: BIOS/bootloader loads the OS into memory.
14. Which of these is not application software?
A) Word Processor
B) Spreadsheet
C) Browser
D) BIOS
Answer: D
Explanation: BIOS is system firmware, not application software.
15. Middleware software is used for:
A) Connecting software components
B) Editing graphics
C) Replacing OS
D) Gaming
Answer: A
Explanation: Middleware connects different applications/databases.
16. Example of utility software is:
A) Disk Defragmenter
B) Compiler
C) Browser
D) Paint
Answer: A
Explanation: Utilities like defragmenters optimize system storage.
17. Which software is necessary for running hardware?
A) Application software
B) System software
C) Firmware
D) Malware
Answer: B
Explanation: System software (OS, drivers) manages hardware operations.
18. Examples of office suite software:
A) MS Office
B) LibreOffice
C) Google Docs
D) All of these
Answer: D
Explanation: All are office suites with word processor, spreadsheet, presentation tools.
19. Example of database management system (DBMS):
A) Oracle
B) MySQL
C) MS Access
D) All of these
Answer: D
Explanation: All are DBMS software used for database storage and management.
20. Example of web browser software is:
A) Chrome
B) Firefox
C) Edge
D) All of these
Answer: D
Explanation: Web browsers provide access to the internet.
21. What type of software is Android OS?
A) Firmware
B) Application software
C) Operating System (system software)
D) Utility software
Answer: C
Explanation: Android is an OS for mobile devices.
22. Example of enterprise software is:
A) ERP
B) CRM
C) SAP
D) All of these
Answer: D
Explanation: Enterprise software supports large organizations.
23. Which of these is an example of malicious software?
A) Trojan
B) Worm
C) Virus
D) All of these
Answer: D
Explanation: All are malware types designed to harm systems.
24. Open-source office suite is:
A) MS Office
B) Google Docs
C) LibreOffice
D) Corel Office
Answer: C
Explanation: LibreOffice is a free open-source office suite.
25. What is shareware software?
A) Free trial version of software
B) Open-source
C) Utility software
D) Operating system
Answer: A
Explanation: Shareware is distributed freely for trial, but full features require purchase.
26. The main function of an operating system is:
A) Word processing
B) Managing hardware and software resources
C) Providing internet
D) Printing documents
Answer: B
Explanation: OS acts as an interface between hardware and user, managing CPU, memory, I/O devices.
27. Which of the following is not an operating system?
A) Windows
B) Linux
C) Oracle
D) macOS
Answer: C
Explanation: Oracle is a DBMS, not an operating system.
28. Which type of operating system allows multiple users to work simultaneously?
A) Single-user OS
B) Multi-user OS
C) Real-time OS
D) Batch OS
Answer: B
Explanation: Multi-user OS (like Unix) allows multiple users at the same time.
29. Which OS is primarily used in smartphones?
A) Windows
B) Android
C) MS-DOS
D) Unix
Answer: B
Explanation: Android (Linux-based) is the most used smartphone OS.
30. MS-DOS is a:
A) Single-user OS
B) Multi-user OS
C) Real-time OS
D) Network OS
Answer: B
Explanation: MS-DOS supports only one user at a time.
31. Linux OS is an example of:
A) Proprietary OS
B) Open-source OS
C) Utility software
D) Application software
Answer: B
Explanation: MS-DOS supports only one user at a time.
32. Which of these is an example of a real-time operating system (RTOS)?
A) Android
B) iOS
C) VxWorks
D) MS-DOS
Answer: C
Explanation: RTOS (VxWorks, QNX) is used where response time is critical (e.g., embedded systems).
33. Which of the following is a network operating system?
A) Windows Server
B) UNIX
C) Novell NetWare
D) All of these
Answer: D
Explanation: All manage networked computers and resources.
34. What is the kernel of an OS?
A) Application software
B) Core program managing system resources
C) Word processor
D) Utility tool
Answer: B
Explanation: Kernel is the central part of an OS, controlling CPU, memory, and I/O.
35. GUI in operating systems stands for:
A) General User Interface
B) Graphical User Interface
C) Global Utility Input
D) General Utility Interface
Answer: B
Explanation: GUI allows interaction using windows, icons, and menus.
36. Example of GUI-based OS is:
A) MS-DOS
B) UNIX (CLI)
C) Windows
D) None
Answer: C
Explanation: Windows is GUI-based, while MS-DOS/UNIX were originally CLI-based.
37. Which OS function allocates CPU time to processes?
A) Memory management
B) Process scheduling
C) File management
D) Device management
Answer: B
Explanation: OS schedules CPU time among processes.
38. Which function of OS keeps track of files and directories?
A) Device management
B) Memory management
C) File management
D) Security
Answer: C
Explanation: OS manages file storage, naming, permissions.
39. Virtual memory is managed by:
A) CPU
B) Compiler
C) Operating System
D) Application software
Answer: C
Explanation: OS uses virtual memory to extend RAM using disk space.
40. Which OS is used in Apple computers?
A) Linux
B) Windows
C) macOS
D) Chrome OS
Answer: C
Explanation: macOS is developed by Apple for its systems.
41. Which of these is an embedded operating system?
A) Symbian
B) Palm OS
C) Windows CE
D) All of these
Answer: D
Explanation: Embedded OS are designed for specialized devices.
42. Which of the following is a command-line interface OS?
A) MS-DOS
B) Windows 11
C) Ubuntu GUI
D) macOS
Answer: A
Explanation: MS-DOS is CLI-based, requiring typed commands.
43. The process of OS starting up when power is turned on is called:
A) Compiling
B) Booting
C) Formatting
D) Processing
Answer: B
Explanation: Booting loads the OS into memory.
44. Which of the following is not a function of OS?
A) Memory management
B) Process management
C) Application design
D) File management
Answer: C
Explanation: OS manages resources, not application design.
45. Example of a single-tasking operating system is:
A) Windows 10
B) Linux
C) MS-DOS
D) UNIX
Answer: C
Explanation: MS-DOS could run only one program at a time.
46. Which OS is specifically designed for servers?
A) Windows Server
B) Ubuntu Server
C) Red Hat Enterprise Linux
D) All of these
Answer: D
Explanation: These are designed for server use.
47. Paging is a memory management scheme handled by:
A) Compiler
B) Operating System
C) Application software
D) Firmware
Answer: B
Explanation: OS divides memory into fixed-size pages for allocation.
48. Which operating system was the first widely used?
A) UNIX
B) MS-DOS
C) Windows
D) CP/M
Answer: D
Explanation: CP/M, or Control Program for Microcomputers was among the earliest widely used OS in microcomputers.
49. Which OS uses the NT kernel?
A) Linux
B) Windows
C) macOS
D) Android
Answer: B
Explanation: Windows NT and later versions use the NT kernel.
50. Multitasking in an OS means:
A) Using multiple computers
B) Running multiple programs simultaneously
C) Multiple users at once
D) Installing multiple OS
Answer: B
Explanation: Multitasking allows the CPU to switch between tasks quickly.
51. Which of the following is a low-level language?
A) Python
B) Assembly
C) Java
D) C++
Answer: B
Explanation: Low-level languages are closer to machine code; assembly is a low-level language.
52. High-level programming languages are:
A) Machine-dependent
B) Machine-independent
C) Written in binary
D) Directly executed by CPU
Answer: B
Explanation: High-level languages (C, Java, Python) are portable and easier to understand.
53. Which of these is not a high-level language?
A) Java
B) FORTRAN
D) Assembly
D) Python
Answer: C
Explanation: Assembly is low-level, whereas others are high-level.
54. COBOL is mainly used for:
A) Business applications
B) Scientific research
C) Gaming
D) Networking
Answer: A
Explanation: COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) is designed for business data processing.
55. Which language is considered the “mother of all languages”?
A) FORTRAN
B) C
C) Assembly
D) Pascal
Answer: B
Explanation: Many modern languages (C++, Java, Python) are based on C’s concepts.
56. A compiler translates:
A) High-level language → Machine code (all at once)
B) High-level → Machine code (line by line)
C) Machine code → High-level
D) Assembly → Binary
Answer: A
Explanation: Compilers translate the entire program into machine code at once.
57. An interpreter translates:
A) Whole program at once
B) Line by line
C) Assembly → Machine code
D) Machine code → Assembly
Answer: B
Explanation: Interpreters execute code line by line (e.g., Python interpreter).
58. Which is faster in execution?
A) Compiler
B) Interpreter
C) Both same
D) Depends on OS
Answer: A
Explanation: Compiler-generated programs run faster because they are already translated into machine code.
59. An assembler is used to convert:
A) High-level → Machine code
B) Assembly → Machine code
C) Machine → High-level
D) Java → Bytecode
Answer: B
Explanation: Assemblers handle assembly language instructions.
60. Java uses which type of translator?
A) Compiler only
B) Interpreter only
C) Both compiler and interpreter
D) None
Answer: C
Explanation: Java uses a compiler to generate bytecode and JVM interpreter to execute it.
61. Which is an example of a fourth-generation language (4GL)?
A) Assembly
B) COBOL
C) SQL
D) C
Answer: C
Explanation: SQL is a 4GL used for database queries.
62. Machine language uses:
A) English words
B) Binary (0s and 1s)
C) Assembly mnemonics
D) High-level syntax
Answer: B
Explanation: Machine language is purely binary instructions for CPU.
63. Which programming paradigm is C++ based on?
A) Procedural
B) Object-Oriented
C) Both a and b
D) Functional
Answer: C
Explanation: C++ supports procedural and object-oriented programming.
64. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts include:
a) Inheritance
b) Polymorphism
c) Encapsulation
d) All of these
Answer: D
Explanation: OOP is based on encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction.
65. The __ program is used to convert mnemonic code to machine code.
a) debug
b) C++
c) FORTRAN
d) Assembler
Answer: D) Assembler
Explanation: An assembler is a utility program that translates mnemonic operation codes (assembly language) into machine language (machine code) that a computer’s CPU can directly execute
66. What do you call a program in execution?
a) Command
b) Process
c) Task
d) Instruction
Answer: b) Process
Explanation: A program in execution is referred to as a process [1]. The operating system manages and schedules these processes as they run on the CPU.
67. Which of the following is a procedural programming language?
a) Pascal
b) FORTRAN
c) C
d) All of these
Answer: d) All of these
Explanation: Procedural languages follow step-by-step instructions.
68. What is full form of GUI?
a) Graphical User Interface
b) Geographical User of Internet
c) Giga uses internet
d) Graphical Unlimited Interface
Answer: a) Graphical User Interface
Explanation: GUI stands for Graphical User Interface
69. Which of the following is not a programming paradigm?
a) Procedural
b) Object-oriented
c) Functional
d) Compiling
Answer: d) Compiling
Explanation: Compiling is a process, not a paradigm.
70. A linker is used to:
a) Debug programs
b) Combine object files into executable
c) Interpret code
d) Manage memory
Answer: b) Combine object files into executable
Explanation: Linker links multiple object files into a single executable program.
71. A debugger is used for:
a) Writing code
b) Correcting syntax errors
c) Detecting and fixing runtime errors
d) Compiling
Answer: c) Detecting and fixing runtime errors
Explanation: Debugger helps trace and correct program errors.
72. Which language is widely used for web development?
a) HTML
b) JavaScript
c) PHP
d) All of these
Answer: d) All of these
Explanation: Web development uses HTML (structure), JavaScript (logic), PHP (server-side).
73. Machine language is also called ____
a) High level programming language
b) Assembly level programming language
c) Binary language
d) None of these
Answer: c) Binary language
Explanation:Machine language is also called Binary language. It consists purely of 0s and 1s, which is the native format that a computer’s CPU can directly understand and execute.
74. Which of the following is a system software?
a) Database programs
b) Word processors
c) Spreadsheets
d) Compilers
Answer: d) Compilers
Explanation: Compilers are a type of system software known as language translators. They are essential tools used by developers to convert source code written in a high-level programming language into low-level machine code that the computer’s CPU can directly execute.
75. The main advantage of high-level languages is:
a) Faster execution
b) Easier to understand and portable
c) Hardware dependent
d) Written in binary
Answer: b) Easier to understand and portable
Explanation: High-level languages are user-friendly and portable across systems.
76. Open-source operating system widely used for servers is:
a) Windows Server
b) macOS
c) Linux
d) Chrome OS
Answer: c) Linux
Explanation: Linux (especially Ubuntu, CentOS, RHEL) dominates in server environments.
77. Which operating system concept provides illusion of multiple CPUs?
a) Multitasking
b) Multiprocessing
c) Multithreading
d) Time-sharing
Answer: d) Time-sharing
Explanation: Time-sharing allows multiple processes to share one CPU as if each has its own.
78. A program is ____
a) is a sequence of instructions
b) is the device where information is stored
c) is a device that performs a sequence of operations specified by instructions in memory
d) none of these
Answer: a) is a sequence of instructions
Explanation: A program is essentially a set of written instructions that tells a computer how to perform a specific task or operation.
79. RTOS stands for
a) Real – Time Operating System
b) Reliable Time Operating System
c) Reboot Time Operating System
d) None of the above
Answer: a) Real – Time Operating System
Explanation: An RTOS (Real-Time Operating System) is a specialized operating system designed for applications that require processing data with minimal or no delay, often used in embedded systems for critical tasks like controlling industrial machinery, medical devices, or vehicle systems.
80. ____ only uses text types one after another just as commands used in MS-DOS.
a) CUI
b) CLI
c) Both a and b
d) GUI
Answer: b) Round Robin
Explanation: Round Robin allows preemption after a fixed time quantum.
Answer: c) Both a and b
Explanation: the terms CUI and CLI are often used interchangeably to refer to the same type of interface. CUI stands for Character User Interface. & CLI stands for Command Line Interface.
81. The file system used by Windows is:
a) NTFS
b) ext4
c) HFS+
d) FAT only
Answer: a) NTFS
Explanation: Windows primarily uses NTFS (New Technology File System).
82. The main disadvantage of interpreter is:
a) Requires more memory
b) Slower execution
c) Generates errors
d) Cannot run in OS
Answer: b) Slower execution
Explanation: Interpreter translates line by line, making execution slower than compiler.
83. Restart of computer is called ____ when computer is already ON.
a) Cold booting
b) Warm booting
c) Shut down
d) Logging off
Answer: b) Warm booting
Explanation: Warm booting (or soft boot) is the process of restarting a computer that is already powered on, usually initiated through the operating system (e.g., clicking “Restart”) or a specific key combination (like Ctrl+Alt+Delete). It typically avoids the initial hardware checks performed during a cold boot.
84. Which of the following is not an example of cloud storage?
a) Google Drive
b) Dropbox
c) OneDrive
d) BIOS
Answer: d) BIOS
Explanation: BIOS is firmware, not cloud storage.
85. Windows, UNIX & LINUX are called ___
a) Application
b) Operating System
c) Hardware
d) Device driver
Answer: b) Operating System
Explanation: Windows, UNIX & LINUX are called are Operating Systems.
86. The software that manages databases is called:
a) DBMS
b) OS
c) Utility
d) Middleware
Answer: a) DBMS
Explanation: Database Management System stores, retrieves, and manages data.
87. Which language is mainly used for Artificial Intelligence?
a) COBOL
b) Lisp
c) SQL
d) C
Answer: b) Lisp
Explanation: Lisp and Prolog are commonly used in AI research.
88. What is the full form of API?
a) Application Program Interface
b) Advanced Programming Interaction
c) Application Processing Instruction
d) Applied Program Integration
Answer: a) Application Program Interface
Explanation: API allows different software components to communicate.
89. Which of the following is an open-source programming language?
a) Java
b) Python
c) C++
d) All of these
Answer: d) All of these
Explanation: All are open-source and widely used.
90. What is the purpose of device drivers?
a) Translate hardware commands for OS
b) Run applications
c) Manage databases
d) Debug programs
Answer: a) Translate hardware commands for OS
Explanation: Device drivers allow OS to communicate with hardware devices.
91. What does CO stand in COBOL?
a) Common object
b) Common
c) Common operating
d) Computer Oriented
Answer: b) Common
Explanation: The “CO” in COBOL stands for Common. The full acronym is Common Business Oriented Language.
92. In programming, a compiler error occurs:
a) During execution
b) During code translation
c) At runtime only
d) In hardware
Answer: b) During code translation
Explanation: Compiler errors occur when source code cannot be translated.
93. Which one is a mark-up language?
a) C
b) HTML
c) Java
d) Python
Answer: b) HTML
Explanation: HTML defines structure of web pages, not a programming language.
94. A computer program used for business application is
a) COBOL
b) BASIC
c) FORTRAN
d) C++
Answer: a) COBOL
Explanation: COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) was specifically designed for business, finance, and administrative systems for companies and governments.
95. Open-source relational database is:
a) Oracle
b) MySQL
c) MS Access
d) SQL Server
Answer: b) MySQL
Explanation: MySQL is free, open-source, and widely used.
96. BIOS stands for:
a) Basic Input Output System
b) Binary Input Output Software
c) Basic Integrated Output System
d) Binary Integrated OS
Answer: a) Basic Input Output System
Explanation: BIOS initializes hardware and loads the OS.
97. Which of these is not a programming language?
a) Java
b) Python
c) PHP
d) Windows
Answer: d) Windows
Explanation: Windows is an OS, not a programming language.
98. C++ language developed by
a) Dennis Ritchie
b) Charles Babbage
c) Niklaus Wirth
d) Bjarne Stroustrup
Answer: d) Bjarne Stroustrup
Explanation: Bjarne Stroustrup is a Danish computer scientist who created C++ at Bell Labs in 1979 as an extension of the C language, initially calling it “C with Classes”.
99. Which programming paradigm is mainly used in Python?
a) Procedural
b) Object-oriented
c) Functional
d) All of these
Answer: d) All of these
Explanation: Python supports multiple paradigms – procedural, OOP, and functional.
100. Which of these software is classified as application software?
a) MS Office Word
b) Photoshop
c) VLC Media Player
d) All of these
Answer: d) All of these
Explanation: All are application software designed for specific user needs.