Computer Fundamental MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)

The correct answer is C) Third.
Explanation:
The period from 1964 to 1977 is generally considered to be the era of third-generation computers. Third-generation computers were characterized by the use of integrated circuits (ICs) instead of individual transistors, which made them smaller, faster, and more reliable than their second-generation counterparts.
Third-generation computers were also notable for their use of magnetic disk storage, which was faster and had higher capacity than magnetic core memory used in second-generation computers.
In addition to integrated circuits and magnetic disk storage, third-generation computers also introduced the use of operating systems, time-sharing, and virtual memory, which made it possible for multiple users to run multiple programs simultaneously on a single machine.
Therefore, option C (Third) is the correct answer. Options A (First), B (Second), and D (Fourth) are incorrect.

The correct answer is C) Circuits.
Explanation:
A computer is a complex electronic device that contains a multitude of circuits, which are made up of interconnected electronic components such as transistors, capacitors, and resistors. These circuits are designed to perform specific functions, such as processing data, storing information, and controlling input and output devices.
Switching devices are electronic components that can switch between different states, such as on and off. They are used in circuits to control the flow of electricity.
Chips, or integrated circuits, are small electronic components that contain multiple transistors, resistors, and capacitors on a single piece of silicon. They are used to make complex circuits and are the building blocks of modern computer technology.
Registers are small, fast storage locations inside a computer’s central processing unit (CPU) that are used to hold data temporarily while the CPU is processing it.
Therefore, options A (Switching devices), B (Chips), and D (Registers) are incorrect, and option C (Circuits) is the correct answer.

The correct answer is C) Character printer.
Explanation:
A character printer is a type of printer that prints one character at a time. It is similar to a typewriter in that it prints characters by striking an inked ribbon against paper.
Character printers were commonly used in the early days of computing when other types of printers were not widely available. They were often used to print output from mainframe computers, such as accounting reports or inventory lists.
Dot-matrix printers, laser printers, and line printers are all examples of printers that can print more than one character at a time

The correct answer is A) Were the first to use integrated circuitry.
Explanation:
Third generation computers were developed in 1965-1971 and were characterized by the use of integrated circuitry. The development of integrated circuits allowed for the placement of multiple transistors, resistors, and capacitors on a single chip of silicon, which greatly increased the speed and efficiency of the computer.
The use of integrated circuits also reduced the size and power consumption of the computer, making them more practical for use in a variety of applications.
Therefore, option A (Were the first to use integrated circuitry) is the correct answer, and options B (Were the first to use built-in error detecting devices), C (Used transistors instead of vacuum tubes), and D (All of these) are incorrect.

The correct answer is B) Reset.
Explanation:
Reset is a term used to describe the process of setting a register or counter to a predefined value, which is usually the all-zero-state or some other default value.
The purpose of resetting a register or counter is to ensure that it starts from a known state and to eliminate any previous values that may have been stored in it.
Rerun, Remote, and Release are not terms used to describe the process of setting a register or counter to the all-zero-state or some other default value. Rerun means to run something again, Remote means to control something from a distance, and Release means to free or let go of something.
Therefore, option B (Reset) is the correct answer, and options A (Rerun), C (Remote), and D (Release) are incorrect.

The correct answer is B) ROM.
Explanation:
Read-Only Memory (ROM) is a type of non-volatile memory that is used to store firmware or software that is essential for the operation of a computer or other electronic device. Firmware is software that is permanently programmed into a hardware device, and it is used to control the device’s functions.
Random Access Memory (RAM), on the other hand, is a type of volatile memory that is used to store data temporarily during processing. RAM is used by the CPU to store data and instructions that are currently being executed.
Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM) and Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM) are types of ROM that can be programmed or reprogrammed, respectively, after they are manufactured. PROM can be programmed once, and the programming cannot be changed, while EPROM can be erased using ultraviolet light and then reprogrammed.
Therefore, option B (ROM) is used to store firmware, and options A (RAM), C (PROM), and D (EPROM) are incorrect.

The correct answer is A) Magnetic tape.
Primary storage devices, also known as internal or main memory, are used to store data and instructions temporarily during processing. The data stored in primary storage devices can be accessed quickly by the CPU.
Magnetic disk and optical disk are examples of primary storage devices because they are used to store data and instructions temporarily during processing.
On the other hand, magnetic tape is a secondary storage device that is used to store large amounts of data for archival purposes or backup. It is not used for temporary storage during processing, and hence, it is not a primary storage device.
Therefore, option A (Magnetic tape) is NOT a primary storage device, and option D (All of the above) is incorrect.

The correct answer is D) Lock-out.
Lock-out is a mechanism for arranging controlled access to a shared resource, such as a file or a database, to prevent simultaneous access by multiple processes or users. The lock-out mechanism ensures that only one process or user can access the shared resource at a time, preventing conflicts and ensuring data consistency.
Retrieving is the process of accessing data from a database or other storage medium.
Sorting is the process of arranging data in a specific order, such as alphabetical or numerical order.
Balleting is not a recognized term in computer science.
Therefore, options A (Retrieving), B (Sorting), and C (Balleting) are incorrect.

The correct answer is B. Elementary data item.
An elementary data item is a data item that cannot be further subdivided into smaller units. It is the smallest unit of data that can be processed and has a specific meaning in the context of the data being processed. For example, a single digit or letter is an elementary data item.
A data element is a collection of one or more elementary data items that are related and together describe a single attribute or characteristic of an entity.
Data entry refers to the process of entering data into a computer system or database.
Database management refers to the process of organizing and managing data in a database system.

The correct answer is A. Tracks.
The concentric circles on floppy disks are known as tracks.
A track is a narrow, circular path on a magnetic disk that stores data. The data is written to and read from the disk as it spins under the read/write head of the disk drive. A single track is made up of many small magnetic regions, each of which represents a bit of data.
Option B (Cylinders) refers to a group of tracks that are located at the same distance from the center of the disk and are read or written to simultaneously by the read/write head.
Option C (Sectors) are sections of a track that are used to organize the data on the disk and facilitate reading and writing of data.
Option D (Segments) is not used in the context of floppy disks.
Therefore, the concentric circles on floppy disks are known as tracks.