Computer Hardware and Software


Computer Hardware and Software

Introduction

In the modern digital age, computers have become an integral part of our lives. Whether in education, business, healthcare, entertainment, or scientific research, computers play a crucial role in processing data efficiently and accurately. At the heart of every computer system lies a combination of hardware and software. These two elements work together to perform a wide range of tasks, and understanding them is fundamental to understanding how computers function.

This essay explores the concepts of computer hardware and software in detail, highlighting their types, components, functions, and how they interact to power modern computing.


1. Understanding Computer Systems

A computer system is an integrated set of hardware and software designed to process data and produce output. At its core, it includes:

  • Hardware – the physical components.
  • Software – the instructions that tell the hardware what to do.

These components communicate through a process known as input-processing-output, often abbreviated as IPO cycle.


2. Computer Hardware

2.1 Definition

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that can be touched and seen. It includes everything from the central processing unit (CPU) to peripherals like keyboards and printers.


2.2 Types of Computer Hardware

a) Input Devices

These are used to enter data into a computer. Common input devices include:

  • Keyboard – for typing text and commands.
  • Mouse – for navigating the user interface.
  • Scanner – to digitize physical documents.
  • Microphone – to input sound.
  • Webcam – to capture video.

b) Output Devices

These display or output the results of computer processes:

  • Monitor – displays visual output.
  • Printer – produces hard copies of digital documents.
  • Speakers – output audio signals.
  • Projector – projects visuals on a large screen.

c) Processing Devices

  • Central Processing Unit (CPU) – Known as the “brain” of the computer. It executes instructions and performs calculations.
  • Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) – Handles image and video rendering.
  • Motherboard – Main circuit board that connects all components.

d) Storage Devices

These are used to store data:

  • Hard Disk Drive (HDD) – Uses magnetic storage to store large volumes of data.
  • Solid State Drive (SSD) – Faster and more durable than HDDs.
  • Optical Drives (CD/DVD) – Read/write data using laser technology.
  • USB Flash Drive – Portable storage device.
  • Memory (RAM/ROM):
    • RAM (Random Access Memory) – Temporary storage used during processing.
    • ROM (Read-Only Memory) – Stores permanent instructions, like BIOS.

e) Communication Devices

Enable computers to connect with each other:

  • Network Interface Card (NIC)
  • Wi-Fi Adapter
  • Bluetooth Adapter
  • Modem and Router

2.3 Internal vs. External Hardware

  • Internal Hardware: Located inside the computer (CPU, RAM, motherboard).
  • External Hardware: Located outside the computer (mouse, monitor, external drive).

3. Computer Software

3.1 Definition

Software is a set of instructions or programs that tell the hardware what to do. Unlike hardware, software cannot be physically touched. It is intangible and stored electronically.


3.2 Types of Software

a) System Software

System software manages and controls hardware so that application software can function. Key types include:

  • Operating System (OS): Manages all other programs and hardware (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux, Android).
  • Device Drivers: Enable communication between the operating system and hardware devices.
  • Utilities: Perform maintenance tasks like disk cleanup and antivirus scanning.

b) Application Software

These are programs designed for end-users to perform specific tasks. Examples include:

  • Word processors (e.g., MS Word)
  • Spreadsheets (e.g., MS Excel)
  • Web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox)
  • Email clients (e.g., Outlook)
  • Media players (e.g., VLC)

c) Programming Software

Used by developers to create other software and applications:

  • Compilers
  • Text Editors
  • Debuggers
  • IDEs (Integrated Development Environments)

d) Middleware

Middleware connects different applications or software systems. It acts as a bridge between OS and applications in a network.


3.3 Software Licensing

  • Proprietary Software: Commercial software with restrictions on use (e.g., Microsoft Office).
  • Open-Source Software: Free to use, modify, and distribute (e.g., Linux).
  • Freeware and Shareware: Free to use but may have limitations or paid upgrades.

4. Relationship Between Hardware and Software

Hardware and software are interdependent. Neither can function effectively without the other.

  • Software sends instructions to hardware.
  • Hardware executes the instructions to perform tasks.

For example, when you type in a word processor:

  • The keyboard (hardware) captures the input.
  • The word processing software interprets the input.
  • The monitor (hardware) displays the result.

5. Evolution of Hardware and Software

5.1 Hardware Evolution

  • First Generation (1940s-1950s): Vacuum tubes
  • Second Generation (1950s-1960s): Transistors
  • Third Generation (1960s-1970s): Integrated Circuits
  • Fourth Generation (1970s-1990s): Microprocessors
  • Fifth Generation (1990s-Present): AI-driven hardware, quantum computing in development

5.2 Software Evolution

  • From punch cards to modern AI-based applications
  • Introduction of GUI (Graphical User Interface)
  • Cloud-based software allowing remote access and collaboration

6. Importance in Modern Life

6.1 In Education

  • E-learning platforms
  • Virtual classrooms
  • Computer-based tests

6.2 In Business

  • Inventory management
  • Accounting software
  • Cloud computing for collaboration

6.3 In Healthcare

  • Patient management systems
  • Diagnostic tools
  • Robotic surgeries

6.4 In Entertainment

  • Video editing
  • Gaming
  • Streaming services

7. Security in Hardware and Software

7.1 Hardware Security

  • BIOS passwords
  • Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
  • Physical locks and surveillance

7.2 Software Security

  • Firewalls
  • Antivirus programs
  • Encryption
  • Multi-factor authentication

8. Trends in Computer Hardware and Software

8.1 Emerging Hardware Trends

  • Quantum Computing
  • Edge Computing Devices
  • Wearable Technology
  • 3D Printing Hardware

8.2 Emerging Software Trends

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Machine Learning (ML)
  • Blockchain Applications
  • Cloud Computing
  • Internet of Things (IoT) Software

9. Differences Between Hardware and Software

CriteriaHardwareSoftware
Physical presenceTangibleIntangible
DurabilityCan wear outDoesn’t wear out, but can become outdated
UpgradabilityCan be upgraded or replacedCan be updated or reinstalled
DependencyNeeds software to functionNeeds hardware to run

10. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

10.1 Hardware Maintenance

  • Regular cleaning
  • Safe storage
  • Avoiding overheating
  • Replacing worn-out components

10.2 Software Maintenance

  • Regular updates
  • Security patches
  • Backup of data
  • Scanning for malware


Computer Hardware and Software – MCQs (1 to 50)

(English Version)

1–25: Input and Output Devices

  1. Which of the following is an input device?
    a) Monitor
    b) Printer
    c) Keyboard ✅
    d) Speaker
  2. Which device is used to print documents?
    a) Scanner
    b) Monitor
    c) Printer ✅
    d) Mouse
  3. Which device converts images into digital format?
    a) Scanner ✅
    b) Keyboard
    c) Monitor
    d) Speaker
  4. Mouse is what type of device?
    a) Input ✅
    b) Output
    c) Storage
    d) Processing
  5. What is the function of a speaker?
    a) Store data
    b) Provide output ✅
    c) Take input
    d) Process data
  6. A webcam is a type of —
    a) Output device
    b) Input device ✅
    c) Storage device
    d) Processor
  7. Monitor is also known as —
    a) Output device ✅
    b) Input device
    c) Memory device
    d) Software
  8. Where is a joystick primarily used?
    a) Accounting
    b) Gaming ✅
    c) Reporting
    d) Printing
  9. Which one is an output device?
    a) Mouse
    b) Scanner
    c) Projector ✅
    d) Keyboard
  10. Which is both an input and output device?
    a) Monitor
    b) Mouse
    c) Touch Screen ✅
    d) Speaker
  11. What is the full form of OCR?
    a) Optical Character Reader ✅
    b) Optical Code Reader
    c) Output Control Reader
    d) Open Computer Resource
  12. Barcode reader is a —
    a) Output device
    b) Storage device
    c) Input device ✅
    d) Network device
  13. Which device displays visuals on the screen?
    a) Printer
    b) Scanner
    c) Monitor ✅
    d) Keyboard
  14. Which is NOT an output device?
    a) Speaker
    b) Monitor
    c) Scanner ✅
    d) Printer
  15. Touchpad is commonly found on —
    a) Desktop
    b) Monitor
    c) Laptop ✅
    d) Printer
  16. MICR is used in —
    a) Schools
    b) Banks ✅
    c) Hotels
    d) Hospitals
  17. What does a microphone do?
    a) Outputs sound
    b) Inputs sound ✅
    c) Records video
    d) Stores data
  18. Which of the following is a smart input device?
    a) Keyboard
    b) Mouse
    c) Touch Screen ✅
    d) Projector
  19. What is the full form of LCD?
    a) Light Control Display
    b) Liquid Crystal Display ✅
    c) Logical Circuit Display
    d) Light Crystal Device
  20. Which device digitizes a printed document?
    a) Scanner ✅
    b) Monitor
    c) Mouse
    d) Speaker
  21. Which device projects images onto a surface?
    a) Projector ✅
    b) Scanner
    c) Mouse
    d) Keyboard
  22. Which of these is a standalone input device?
    a) Mouse ✅
    b) Keyboard
    c) Both a and b ✅
    d) Monitor
  23. Joystick is mainly used for —
    a) Typing
    b) Game control ✅
    c) Printing
    d) Networking
  24. Which of the following is NOT an input device?
    a) Keyboard
    b) Mouse
    c) Printer ✅
    d) Scanner
  25. What is the purpose of an output device?
    a) To process data
    b) To store data
    c) To display data ✅
    d) To input data

26–50: Storage and Processing Devices

  1. What does RAM stand for?
    a) Random Active Memory
    b) Random Access Memory ✅
    c) Read Access Memory
    d) Read All Memory
  2. What is ROM?
    a) Writable Memory
    b) Temporary Memory
    c) Read Only Memory ✅
    d) Random Ordered Memory
  3. CPU is also known as —
    a) Input Unit
    b) Central Part
    c) Central Processing Unit ✅
    d) Main Storage
  4. Which is a non-volatile memory?
    a) RAM
    b) Cache
    c) ROM ✅
    d) Register
  5. Hard disk is a —
    a) Temporary memory
    b) Volatile memory
    c) Permanent memory ✅
    d) Passive device
  6. SSD is a type of —
    a) Magnetic storage
    b) Optical storage
    c) Solid-state storage ✅
    d) Gaseous memory
  7. BIOS is stored in —
    a) RAM
    b) ROM ✅
    c) Hard Disk
    d) Cache
  8. Where is cache memory located?
    a) Outside RAM
    b) Near CPU ✅
    c) On Hard Disk
    d) In GPU
  9. Main function of the processor is —
    a) Store data
    b) Output data
    c) Process data ✅
    d) Connect to internet
  10. MHz and GHz refer to —
    a) RAM
    b) CPU speed ✅
    c) Storage
    d) Networking
  11. 1 GB = ?
    a) 1000 MB
    b) 1024 MB ✅
    c) 512 MB
    d) 2048 MB
  12. What is a motherboard?
    a) A type of RAM
    b) CPU of the computer
    c) Main circuit board ✅
    d) Storage device
  13. What does GPU do?
    a) Processes data
    b) Processes graphics ✅
    c) Stores data
    d) Takes input
  14. Pen Drive is used for —
    a) Printing
    b) Internet
    c) Data transfer ✅
    d) Software coding
  15. USB stands for —
    a) Unlimited Serial Bus
    b) Universal Serial Bus ✅
    c) Ultra Simple Bus
    d) Uniform Service Band
  16. CD-ROM is a type of —
    a) RAM
    b) ROM ✅
    c) Cache
    d) SSD
  17. Blu-ray disc offers —
    a) Less storage
    b) More storage ✅
    c) Only audio support
    d) Slow speed
  18. The function of Power Supply Unit is —
    a) Process data
    b) Network connection
    c) Supply electricity ✅
    d) Control screen
  19. CMOS is used for —
    a) Memory storage ✅
    b) Input data
    c) CPU control
    d) Internet
  20. USB ports are used to connect —
    a) Output devices
    b) Storage devices ✅
    c) Increase processor
    d) Add RAM
  21. Laptop batteries are usually —
    a) Lead-acid
    b) Zinc
    c) Lithium-ion ✅
    d) Nickel
  22. Modem is used for —
    a) Printing
    b) Networking ✅
    c) Input
    d) Graphics processing
  23. Router is used to —
    a) Store data
    b) Share network connection ✅
    c) Display screen
    d) Scan documents
  24. Which port transmits video signals?
    a) USB
    b) VGA ✅
    c) Audio Jack
    d) LAN
  25. LAN card is also known as —
    a) USB
    b) NIC ✅
    c) HDMI
    d) ROM


Computer Hardware and Software – MCQs (51 to 100)

(English Version)

51–75: Software, System & Application Software

  1. Which of the following is system software?
    a) MS Word
    b) Adobe Photoshop
    c) Windows OS ✅
    d) Chrome
  2. Which of the following is not application software?
    a) MS Excel
    b) Linux ✅
    c) Tally
    d) VLC Player
  3. Which is an example of application software?
    a) Operating System
    b) MS Word ✅
    c) BIOS
    d) Driver
  4. System software includes —
    a) Compiler
    b) Operating System
    c) Device Drivers
    d) All of these ✅
  5. What is the role of an operating system?
    a) Manage hardware & software ✅
    b) Design websites
    c) Run games
    d) Store data
  6. Which is NOT an operating system?
    a) Linux
    b) Windows
    c) Oracle ✅
    d) macOS
  7. Which software helps in making presentations?
    a) MS PowerPoint ✅
    b) MS Word
    c) Notepad
    d) Excel
  8. Which software is used for calculations?
    a) Word
    b) Excel ✅
    c) PowerPoint
    d) Paint
  9. What type of software is a web browser?
    a) System Software
    b) Application Software ✅
    c) Firmware
    d) Utility
  10. Which is an example of utility software?
    a) Antivirus ✅
    b) Word
    c) Excel
    d) Windows
  11. Compiler is used for —
    a) Input
    b) Translate code ✅
    c) Print
    d) Execute directly
  12. Software is a collection of —
    a) Hardware
    b) Instructions ✅
    c) Machines
    d) Tools
  13. Which software controls the overall operation of a computer?
    a) Browser
    b) Application
    c) System Software ✅
    d) Antivirus
  14. Which is a programming language?
    a) HTML
    b) Python ✅
    c) Windows
    d) Word
  15. What is an example of open-source software?
    a) Windows
    b) Linux ✅
    c) MS Word
    d) Photoshop
  16. Which type of software is MS Paint?
    a) System
    b) Application ✅
    c) Driver
    d) Utility
  17. What is the full form of GUI?
    a) General User Interface
    b) Graphical User Interface ✅
    c) Guided User Input
    d) Graph Utility Interface
  18. What is the main software of a computer system?
    a) Application
    b) Utility
    c) Operating System ✅
    d) Hardware
  19. Which of these is not a utility program?
    a) Disk Cleaner
    b) Backup Tool
    c) Paint ✅
    d) Antivirus
  20. Device drivers are —
    a) Application software
    b) Hardware
    c) System software ✅
    d) Games
  21. Firmware is —
    a) Temporary Software
    b) Hardware
    c) Embedded software in hardware ✅
    d) Application
  22. Which software is used for editing images?
    a) Notepad
    b) Photoshop ✅
    c) Word
    d) Excel
  23. Which of the following is web-based software?
    a) Tally
    b) Facebook ✅
    c) Paint
    d) VLC
  24. What is a software license?
    a) Permission to use software ✅
    b) Hardware device
    c) Operating system
    d) Antivirus program
  25. Which of these is a spreadsheet software?
    a) Word
    b) Excel ✅
    c) PowerPoint
    d) Photoshop

76–100: Miscellaneous & Advanced Concepts

  1. What does booting mean?
    a) Typing
    b) Restarting computer
    c) Starting computer ✅
    d) Copying files
  2. The basic unit of a computer system is —
    a) RAM
    b) CPU ✅
    c) Monitor
    d) Software
  3. Which one is a portable storage device?
    a) HDD
    b) SSD
    c) Pen Drive ✅
    d) RAM
  4. What does HTTP stand for?
    a) HyperText Transfer Protocol ✅
    b) HighText Transfer Program
    c) Hyperlink Text Type Protocol
    d) High Traffic Transfer Process
  5. Which port is used for internet cable?
    a) USB
    b) HDMI
    c) RJ45 ✅
    d) VGA
  6. The brain of the computer is —
    a) RAM
    b) Hard Disk
    c) CPU ✅
    d) Monitor
  7. Which is the fastest memory?
    a) Hard Disk
    b) RAM
    c) Cache ✅
    d) CD-ROM
  8. Which of the following is an optical storage device?
    a) HDD
    b) Pen Drive
    c) CD ✅
    d) SSD
  9. Which of the following is NOT storage hardware?
    a) SSD
    b) RAM
    c) Mouse ✅
    d) DVD
  10. Which command is used to copy files?
    a) Cut
    b) Move
    c) Copy ✅
    d) Paste
  11. Which button is used to refresh a web page?
    a) F1
    b) F2
    c) F5 ✅
    d) F10
  12. In binary, 1+1 equals —
    a) 1
    b) 10 ✅
    c) 11
    d) 0
  13. Which device connects computers wirelessly?
    a) Router ✅
    b) Switch
    c) CPU
    d) Hard Disk
  14. Shortcut for ‘Paste’ in Windows?
    a) Ctrl + V ✅
    b) Ctrl + C
    c) Ctrl + X
    d) Ctrl + P
  15. Which file extension is used for Word documents?
    a) .xls
    b) .ppt
    c) .docx ✅
    d) .txt
  16. What does PDF stand for?
    a) Public Document Format
    b) Portable Document Format ✅
    c) Program Data File
    d) Printed Data Format
  17. What type of software is Android OS?
    a) Application
    b) System ✅
    c) Utility
    d) Firmware
  18. What is the function of Ctrl + P?
    a) Print ✅
    b) Paste
    c) Preview
    d) Pause
  19. Which tool protects computers from viruses?
    a) MS Office
    b) Chrome
    c) Antivirus ✅
    d) BIOS
  20. What is the default drive letter for hard disk in Windows?
    a) B:
    b) A:
    c) C: ✅
    d) D:
  21. What is the full form of URL?
    a) Universal Read Location
    b) Uniform Resource Locator ✅
    c) Unique Resource Log
    d) Universal Record Link
  22. Which of the following is an email client?
    a) MS Paint
    b) Outlook ✅
    c) VLC
    d) Chrome
  23. A network that spans a large geographical area is —
    a) LAN
    b) MAN
    c) WAN ✅
    d) PAN
  24. What is the function of the recycle bin?
    a) Delete permanently
    b) Store temporary files
    c) Store deleted files temporarily ✅
    d) Execute programs
  25. Which shortcut is used to undo an action?
    a) Ctrl + A
    b) Ctrl + Z ✅
    c) Ctrl + Y
    d) Ctrl + C


Computer Hardware and Software – MCQs (101 to 150)

(English Version)


101–125: Operating System, Security, and Utilities

  1. Which of these is not a type of Operating System?
    a) DOS
    b) UNIX
    c) Windows
    d) MS Office ✅
  2. Which operating system is used in Apple computers?
    a) Linux
    b) Windows
    c) macOS ✅
    d) DOS
  3. What is the function of Disk Cleanup?
    a) Format disk
    b) Delete temporary files ✅
    c) Install drivers
    d) Upgrade OS
  4. Which one is a multi-user OS?
    a) Windows 98
    b) DOS
    c) UNIX ✅
    d) MS Word
  5. Which is used to manage files and folders?
    a) Control Panel
    b) File Explorer ✅
    c) Task Manager
    d) BIOS
  6. In which OS can you find Start Menu?
    a) MS-DOS
    b) UNIX
    c) Windows ✅
    d) Android
  7. Which is not a Windows utility?
    a) Disk Defragmenter
    b) WordPad
    c) Device Manager
    d) Adobe Photoshop ✅
  8. Which key combination opens Task Manager?
    a) Ctrl + Alt + Delete ✅
    b) Ctrl + Shift + Esc
    c) Ctrl + Tab
    d) Alt + F4
  9. Which OS is used in most smartphones?
    a) iOS
    b) Android ✅
    c) Linux
    d) Symbian
  10. Which of these is NOT a function of OS?
    a) Memory Management
    b) Process Scheduling
    c) Virus Scanning ✅
    d) File System Management
  11. Firewall is used for —
    a) Protecting from fire
    b) Network security ✅
    c) File transfer
    d) Application updates
  12. Which of these is not antivirus software?
    a) Avast
    b) Norton
    c) McAfee
    d) CorelDraw ✅
  13. The purpose of file compression is —
    a) Increase size
    b) Encrypt file
    c) Reduce size ✅
    d) Transfer virus
  14. Which file extension is executable in Windows?
    a) .exe ✅
    b) .docx
    c) .jpg
    d) .mp3
  15. What is disk fragmentation?
    a) Loss of data
    b) File corruption
    c) Scattered storage of data ✅
    d) File compression
  16. Which of the following improves computer performance?
    a) Disk Defragmentation ✅
    b) Changing wallpaper
    c) Typing fast
    d) Playing games
  17. What is a strong password?
    a) 12345
    b) myname
    c) A1b@9Z!x ✅
    d) admin
  18. Which of these is NOT a valid file format for video?
    a) .avi
    b) .mp4
    c) .txt ✅
    d) .mov
  19. Which command shuts down the computer?
    a) Restart
    b) Log Off
    c) Shutdown ✅
    d) Hibernate
  20. Which key is used to rename a file in Windows?
    a) F2 ✅
    b) F5
    c) F7
    d) F1
  21. Which is used to recover deleted files?
    a) Taskbar
    b) Recycle Bin ✅
    c) Folder Options
    d) Explorer
  22. To switch between programs, press —
    a) Alt + Tab ✅
    b) Ctrl + S
    c) Ctrl + C
    d) Alt + F4
  23. What is the purpose of Safe Mode?
    a) Normal operation
    b) Play games
    c) Troubleshoot system ✅
    d) Install games
  24. Which file type stores compressed folders?
    a) .zip ✅
    b) .doc
    c) .mp3
    d) .xls
  25. Which of the following stores system configuration?
    a) BIOS ✅
    b) RAM
    c) ROM
    d) USB

126–150: Internet, Networking, Email, and Peripherals

  1. Which device connects computers in a network?
    a) Mouse
    b) Monitor
    c) Switch ✅
    d) Printer
  2. Which protocol is used for web browsing?
    a) FTP
    b) HTTP ✅
    c) SMTP
    d) IPX
  3. Which of the following is a web browser?
    a) Google Chrome ✅
    b) Windows
    c) Android
    d) Excel
  4. Email uses which protocol to send messages?
    a) POP3
    b) IMAP
    c) SMTP ✅
    d) HTTP
  5. Which of the following is not a search engine?
    a) Yahoo
    b) Bing
    c) Firefox ✅
    d) Google
  6. What is phishing?
    a) Virus infection
    b) Hacking passwords
    c) Fraudulent data stealing via emails ✅
    d) Software crashing
  7. Which device provides wireless access to internet?
    a) Modem
    b) Router ✅
    c) Keyboard
    d) Monitor
  8. What does IP stand for?
    a) Internet Protocol ✅
    b) Internal Program
    c) Instant Protocol
    d) Inter Packet
  9. What does ISP stand for?
    a) Internet Service Provider ✅
    b) Internal Software Processor
    c) Integrated System Process
    d) Internet Setup Program
  10. Which is used to connect to the internet?
    a) Word
    b) Router ✅
    c) Excel
    d) Scanner
  11. What is the address of a web page called?
    a) ISP
    b) URL ✅
    c) Modem
    d) HTTP
  12. What is the full form of Wi-Fi?
    a) Wireless Fidelity ✅
    b) Wired Fidelity
    c) Wide Fiber
    d) Wired File
  13. Which of these is a cloud storage service?
    a) Gmail
    b) Google Drive ✅
    c) VLC
    d) Photoshop
  14. Which port connects a printer?
    a) VGA
    b) Parallel ✅
    c) HDMI
    d) RJ45
  15. Which technology is used for wireless short-distance data transfer?
    a) Wi-Fi
    b) Bluetooth ✅
    c) Router
    d) Ethernet
  16. Which key is used to open help in most software?
    a) F1 ✅
    b) F2
    c) F5
    d) F10
  17. A computer virus is a type of —
    a) Software bug
    b) Malware ✅
    c) Utility
    d) Operating System
  18. Which of these is an example of wearable tech?
    a) Laptop
    b) Smartwatch ✅
    c) Router
    d) SSD
  19. Which peripheral is used to input hand-drawn images?
    a) Scanner
    b) Touchpad
    c) Graphic Tablet ✅
    d) Keyboard
  20. Which of these uses optical character recognition?
    a) Monitor
    b) Scanner ✅
    c) Projector
    d) Modem
  21. CAPTCHA is used for —
    a) Protecting passwords
    b) Detecting spam bots ✅
    c) Blocking IPs
    d) Encrypting data
  22. Which is NOT a valid email domain?
    a) gmail.com
    b) yahoo.in
    c) example.org
    d) www.email
  23. Which symbol is mandatory in an email address?
    a) #
    b) @ ✅
    c) $
    d) &
  24. What is the name of the bar showing open apps in Windows?
    a) Title bar
    b) Toolbar
    c) Taskbar ✅
    d) Menu bar
  25. Which key closes the active window?
    a) Alt + F4 ✅
    b) Ctrl + F4
    c) Ctrl + Alt
    d) Shift + F1

Computer Hardware and Software – MCQs (151 to 200)

(English Version)


151–175: Input/Output Devices, Ports, and File Management

  1. Which of these is an input device?
    a) Printer
    b) Monitor
    c) Keyboard ✅
    d) Speaker
  2. Which of these is an output device?
    a) Scanner
    b) CPU
    c) Mouse
    d) Projector ✅
  3. Which of these is used for printing documents?
    a) Scanner
    b) Mouse
    c) Printer ✅
    d) Speaker
  4. OCR stands for —
    a) Optical Code Reader
    b) Optical Character Recognition ✅
    c) Output Character Reader
    d) Open Character Reading
  5. Which device is used to scan fingerprints?
    a) Barcode reader
    b) Scanner
    c) Biometric device ✅
    d) Joystick
  6. Which device helps in video calling?
    a) Printer
    b) Scanner
    c) Webcam ✅
    d) Speaker
  7. Which port is used to connect a monitor?
    a) VGA ✅
    b) USB
    c) RJ45
    d) HDMI
  8. HDMI is used for —
    a) Power Supply
    b) High-quality video & audio ✅
    c) Storage
    d) Typing
  9. Which is not a pointing device?
    a) Mouse
    b) Trackball
    c) Keyboard ✅
    d) Touchpad
  10. Which device is best for playing games?
    a) Keyboard
    b) Mouse
    c) Joystick ✅
    d) Monitor
  11. Which key is used to take a screenshot in Windows?
    a) F2
    b) Ctrl
    c) Print Screen ✅
    d) Tab
  12. Which device converts digital signals to sound?
    a) Printer
    b) Monitor
    c) Speaker ✅
    d) Scanner
  13. Which of these is a primary input device?
    a) Speaker
    b) Mouse ✅
    c) Printer
    d) Monitor
  14. Which is not a function of the mouse?
    a) Pointing
    b) Clicking
    c) Typing ✅
    d) Dragging
  15. Which device is used to display information?
    a) Keyboard
    b) Printer
    c) Monitor ✅
    d) Scanner
  16. Which device is used to read barcodes?
    a) Barcode reader ✅
    b) Scanner
    c) Joystick
    d) Webcam
  17. Which type of device is a scanner?
    a) Input ✅
    b) Output
    c) Storage
    d) None
  18. USB stands for —
    a) Universal Standard Bus
    b) Universal Serial Bus ✅
    c) United Storage Bus
    d) Unique System Bus
  19. Which is used to connect external storage?
    a) USB port ✅
    b) VGA port
    c) LAN port
    d) HDMI port
  20. Which of these is a file extension?
    a) .pdf ✅
    b) file
    c) folder
    d) data
  21. Which of these keys is used to delete files permanently?
    a) Delete
    b) Ctrl + D
    c) Shift + Delete ✅
    d) Alt + Delete
  22. Which is used to organize files and folders?
    a) Control Panel
    b) Taskbar
    c) File Explorer ✅
    d) Recycle Bin
  23. Which one is NOT a file system?
    a) NTFS
    b) FAT32
    c) exFAT
    d) HTTP ✅
  24. Which of the following is used for file transfer over the internet?
    a) FTP ✅
    b) DNS
    c) IP
    d) SMTP
  25. File extension for PowerPoint is —
    a) .xls
    b) .pptx ✅
    c) .docx
    d) .txt

176–200: Advanced Topics, Software Types, and Memory

  1. Which of the following is volatile memory?
    a) ROM
    b) Hard disk
    c) RAM ✅
    d) CD
  2. ROM stands for —
    a) Random Only Memory
    b) Read Only Memory ✅
    c) Real Over Memory
    d) Read Over Module
  3. What does GUI stand for?
    a) Graphic Uniform Interface
    b) Graphical User Interface ✅
    c) General User Input
    d) Graphical Unit Input
  4. Which one is a command-based interface?
    a) GUI
    b) CLI ✅
    c) UI
    d) CPU
  5. Which of these is NOT an operating system?
    a) Windows
    b) iOS
    c) Android
    d) Photoshop ✅
  6. BIOS is stored in —
    a) RAM
    b) ROM ✅
    c) Hard Drive
    d) CPU
  7. Which of the following is firmware?
    a) BIOS ✅
    b) Antivirus
    c) MS Word
    d) Printer
  8. Cache memory is used to —
    a) Store videos
    b) Store data permanently
    c) Store frequently accessed data ✅
    d) Store system files
  9. What is the full form of ALU?
    a) Arithmetic Logic Unit ✅
    b) Advanced Logical Unit
    c) Automatic Logic User
    d) Arithmetic Level Unit
  10. Which software translates high-level language into machine language?
    a) Compiler ✅
    b) Notepad
    c) VLC
    d) Browser
  11. Which of the following is NOT a type of software?
    a) System
    b) Application
    c) Malware ✅
    d) Utility
  12. Which memory is permanent?
    a) RAM
    b) Cache
    c) ROM ✅
    d) Register
  13. The smallest unit of memory is —
    a) Byte
    b) Bit ✅
    c) KB
    d) GB
  14. One kilobyte is equal to —
    a) 512 bytes
    b) 1000 bytes
    c) 1024 bytes ✅
    d) 2048 bytes
  15. Which of these is the fastest?
    a) Hard Disk
    b) RAM
    c) SSD
    d) Cache ✅
  16. Which part of the CPU performs calculations?
    a) CU
    b) RAM
    c) ALU ✅
    d) ROM
  17. Which is a low-level programming language?
    a) Java
    b) Python
    c) Assembly ✅
    d) HTML
  18. What is the full form of URL?
    a) Uniform Resource Locator ✅
    b) Uniform Retrieval Location
    c) Unique Resource Link
    d) United Readable Line
  19. Which shortcut is used for Save As in MS Word?
    a) F12 ✅
    b) Ctrl + S
    c) Alt + S
    d) Ctrl + Shift + S
  20. Which of the following is NOT a browser?
    a) Firefox
    b) Chrome
    c) Safari
    d) Ubuntu ✅
  21. Which is NOT a feature of software?
    a) It is physical ✅
    b) It is intangible
    c) It runs on hardware
    d) It is programmable
  22. Which of these is a coding platform?
    a) MS Word
    b) Turbo C ✅
    c) VLC
    d) Excel
  23. Which of these is a disk formatting command?
    a) format ✅
    b) diskcopy
    c) del
    d) run
  24. Which software helps create websites?
    a) MS Paint
    b) Notepad++ ✅
    c) Tally
    d) VLC
  25. Which device is used for long-term data storage?
    a) RAM
    b) Hard Drive ✅
    c) Cache
    d) CPU

SSC / Banking Exam Computer Topics Action
General Awareness (Common) Basic Computer Fundamentals
History & Evolution of Computers
Types of Computers
Computer Hardware & Software
Operating Systems
Memory & Storage Devices
MS Office
Computer Networking
Cyber Security
Programming Basics
Database Management System
Internet & Web Technologies
E-Governance & Digital India
SSC CGL Tier 2 Computer Knowledge Module (Paper 1)
SSC CHSL Computer Awareness Section
SSC Stenographer/MTS Basic Computer Awareness

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