Computer Science/IT MCQs
Topic Notes: Computer Science/IT
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
201
**How does a barcode scanner, used in retail, work?**
Answer:
It uses a laser beam to read the pattern of black and white bars, which is then converted into data
** The scanner's sensor detects the reflected light from the barcode and converts it into a digital signal that the computer can understand, which corresponds to the product's identification number.
202
**A computer that is designed to perform a dedicated function is known as?**
Answer:
Special-purpose computer
** A special-purpose computer is designed to perform one specific task. The instructions needed to perform that task are built into the computer. Examples include computers in digital watches, cars, and home appliances.
203
The binary system used by computers is related to their fundamental characteristic of being:
Answer:
Electronic devices
** Computers are electronic devices that work with electrical signals. The binary system, with its two states (0 and 1), is a natural fit for representing the on/off states of electronic circuits.
204
The "brain" of the computer, which performs most of the processing, is the:
Answer:
CPU
** The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the primary component of a computer that executes instructions. It is responsible for performing all the arithmetic, logical, control, and input/output operations.
205
**Which computer application in banking allows customers to perform transactions from their home or office?**
Answer:
Internet Banking
** Internet banking and mobile banking are services provided by banks that allow customers to conduct financial transactions remotely using a computer or a mobile device with an internet connection.
206
A university's central computer system that handles student registration and records for thousands of students is likely a:
Answer:
Mainframe computer
** This is a classic application for a mainframe computer, which is designed to handle a high volume of transactions and maintain a large, centralized database with high security and reliability.
207
Using a smartphone to navigate with a GPS application is an example of a computer application in:
Answer:
Daily life (transportation)
** GPS (Global Positioning System) technology, powered by computers in satellites and receiving devices like smartphones, has become an indispensable tool for navigation and location-based services.
208
Which of these computer types is defined more by its function (multi-user, high-volume transactions) than its raw processing speed?
Answer:
Supercomputer
** While mainframes are powerful, their defining characteristic is their ability to handle massive input/output operations and support thousands of users reliably, rather than their raw calculation speed (which is the domain of supercomputers).
209
Which characteristic of a computer allows it to store and retrieve large amounts of data?
Answer:
Storage capacity
** Computers have the ability to store vast amounts of data in a very small physical space. This data can be accessed quickly and easily whenever needed. Storage devices like hard drives, SSDs, and cloud storage exemplify this characteristic.
210
**In terms of processing, a key difference between a mainframe and a server is:**
Answer:
Mainframes have a more robust architecture for high-volume, reliable transaction processing
** While modern servers are very powerful, mainframes are specifically designed with extensive I/O capabilities and features for resilience and security, making them ideal for mission-critical enterprise-level processing.