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
51
Marc Andreessen co-founded which influential web browser company after leading the development of Mosaic?
Answer:
Netscape
After co-creating the Mosaic browser, Marc Andreessen co-founded Netscape Communications. Their Netscape Navigator browser was dominant in the mid-1990s and played a key role in the early growth of the web.
52
The first portable computer, which weighed 24 pounds and was the size of a suitcase, was the:
Answer:
Osborne 1
Released in 1981, the Osborne 1 was the first commercially successful portable computer. It came bundled with a suite of popular software, which was a key part of its value proposition.
53
During which decade did the inaugural generation of electronic computers, characterized by their reliance on vacuum tube technology, come into existence?
Answer:
1940s
The first generation of electronic computers, which utilized vacuum tubes as their primary processing components, is generally considered to have emerged in the 1940s. Key developments during this decade include the construction of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) in the late 1930s/early 1940s, and more notably, the completion of the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) in 1945. These early machines were large, consumed significant power, and generated considerable heat, but they marked the beginning of the digital computing era.
54
What was the first electronic spreadsheet program, often considered the "killer app" that drove business adoption of the Apple II?
Answer:
VisiCalc
VisiCalc, created by Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston, was the first spreadsheet program. Its release on the Apple II transformed the personal computer from a hobbyist's toy into a serious business tool.
55
What does SMTP, the standard protocol for sending electronic mail, stand for?
Answer:
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
SMTP is an Internet standard communication protocol for electronic mail transmission. Mail servers and other mail transfer agents use SMTP to send and receive mail messages.
56
In which computer generation did the microprocessor first appear?
Answer:
Fourth generation
The fourth generation of computers (from the 1970s to the present) is defined by the invention of the microprocessor. This innovation involved placing all the components of a central processing unit (CPU) onto a single integrated circuit, leading to the development of personal computers.
57
Which language was developed by Apple primarily for building applications for its iOS and macOS operating systems, before the introduction of Swift?
Answer:
Objective-C
Objective-C was the main programming language used by Apple for its OS X (now macOS) and iOS operating systems and their respective application programming interfaces (APIs), Cocoa and Cocoa Touch, until Swift was introduced in 2014.
58
The Altair 8800, introduced in 1975, played a pivotal role in computing history. What is its most significant and enduring contribution to the field?
Answer:
It is widely credited with initiating the personal computer industry by making computing accessible and affordable for individual enthusiasts and the general public.
The Altair 8800's most significant historical contribution is its role as the catalyst for the personal computer revolution. Launched in 1975 by Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS), it was primarily sold as a kit, which drastically reduced its cost and made it attainable for hobbyists and individual users. This affordability and accessibility 'democratized' computing, shifting it from being an exclusive tool for large institutions and specialized labs into the hands of individuals. It demonstrated a robust demand for personal machines and inspired numerous innovators, including Bill Gates and Paul Allen, who developed a BASIC interpreter for the Altair, laying the groundwork for the creation of Microsoft. Thus, the Altair 8800 effectively ignited the modern personal computer industry. Option A is incorrect because sophisticated graphical user interfaces (GUIs) with color displays became mainstream much later. Iconic examples like the Apple Macintosh, with its GUI, were introduced in 1984. The Altair 8800's primary interface involved front-panel toggle switches for input and LED lights for output, requiring direct machine code programming. Option C is incorrect. The concept of portable, self-contained, battery-powered laptop computers for mobile use emerged significantly later, with devices such as the Osborne 1 in the early 1980s. The Altair 8800 was a stationary desktop kit requiring external power. Option D is also incorrect. The Altair 8800 did not come standard with an integrated hard disk drive. Early data storage methods for the Altair included less sophisticated options like paper tape, audio cassette recorders, or optional, separately purchased floppy disk systems, which were vastly different from the high-capacity, integrated hard drives typical of later personal computers.
59
Which machine was the first commercially successful computer in the United States, famously used to predict the 1952 presidential election results?
Answer:
UNIVAC I
The UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer I) was the first American commercial computer. Its televised prediction of an Eisenhower victory with only a tiny fraction of votes counted brought it and electronic computers to public attention.
60
Who is called the “grand father” of the computer?
Answer:
Charles Babbage
Charles Babbage is often called the "grandfather" or "father" of the computer for his visionary designs of the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine in the 19th century. The Analytical Engine, in particular, contained the basic components of a modern computer.