Computer Science MCQs – Hardware, Software & Basics
Test your understanding of computer fundamentals with 10 MCQs covering hardware, software, input/output devices, memory types, operating systems, and binary numbers.
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Q1
Which of the following is an example of system software?
✓ C – Windows OS
Windows OS (Operating System) is system software — it manages hardware resources and provides an environment for application software to run. MS Word, Photoshop, and Chrome are application software.
Windows OS (Operating System) is system software — it manages hardware resources and provides an environment for application software to run. MS Word, Photoshop, and Chrome are application software.
Q2
The CPU stands for:
✓ A – Central Processing Unit
CPU stands for Central Processing Unit — the ‘brain’ of the computer. It executes instructions, performs calculations, and manages data flow. It consists of the ALU, Control Unit, and registers.
CPU stands for Central Processing Unit — the ‘brain’ of the computer. It executes instructions, performs calculations, and manages data flow. It consists of the ALU, Control Unit, and registers.
Q3
RAM stands for:
✓ B – Random Access Memory
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the primary (main) memory of a computer. It is volatile — data is lost when power is turned off. It temporarily stores data currently in use by the CPU.
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the primary (main) memory of a computer. It is volatile — data is lost when power is turned off. It temporarily stores data currently in use by the CPU.
Q4
Which of the following is an input device?
✓ D – Keyboard
A keyboard is an input device — it sends data into the computer. Output devices (monitor, printer, speaker) receive processed data from the computer and present it to the user.
A keyboard is an input device — it sends data into the computer. Output devices (monitor, printer, speaker) receive processed data from the computer and present it to the user.
Q5
1 byte is equal to how many bits?
✓ B – 8 bits
1 byte = 8 bits. A bit is the smallest unit of data (0 or 1). 1 KB = 1024 bytes, 1 MB = 1024 KB, 1 GB = 1024 MB. This binary system underpins all digital data storage.
1 byte = 8 bits. A bit is the smallest unit of data (0 or 1). 1 KB = 1024 bytes, 1 MB = 1024 KB, 1 GB = 1024 MB. This binary system underpins all digital data storage.
Q6
Which memory is non-volatile and permanently stores data?
✓ C – ROM
ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile — it retains data even without power. It stores the BIOS/firmware. RAM is volatile (temporary), cache is very fast but small, registers are CPU-internal.
ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile — it retains data even without power. It stores the BIOS/firmware. RAM is volatile (temporary), cache is very fast but small, registers are CPU-internal.
Q7
What does the binary number 1010 represent in decimal?
✓ C – 10
1010 in binary = 1×2³ + 0×2² + 1×2¹ + 0×2⁰ = 8 + 0 + 2 + 0 = 10. Binary uses base-2 (only 0s and 1s). Each position is a power of 2: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16…
1010 in binary = 1×2³ + 0×2² + 1×2¹ + 0×2⁰ = 8 + 0 + 2 + 0 = 10. Binary uses base-2 (only 0s and 1s). Each position is a power of 2: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16…
Q8
The operating system is responsible for:
✓ B – Managing hardware and software resources
The OS (Operating System) manages all hardware and software resources — CPU scheduling, memory management, file system, I/O management, and security. Examples: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android.
The OS (Operating System) manages all hardware and software resources — CPU scheduling, memory management, file system, I/O management, and security. Examples: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android.
Q9
Which of the following is secondary storage?
✓ C – Hard Disk Drive
A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is secondary storage — it stores data permanently and in large amounts. Primary storage (RAM, cache) is faster but smaller and temporary. Secondary storage is non-volatile.
A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is secondary storage — it stores data permanently and in large amounts. Primary storage (RAM, cache) is faster but smaller and temporary. Secondary storage is non-volatile.
Q10
What does URL stand for?
✓ B – Uniform Resource Locator
URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator — the web address used to access a resource on the internet. Example: https://www.example.com. It specifies the protocol, domain, and file path.
URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator — the web address used to access a resource on the internet. Example: https://www.example.com. It specifies the protocol, domain, and file path.
About These Computer Science MCQs
These Computer Science MCQs cover fundamental concepts including hardware, software types, memory hierarchy, binary numbers, and operating systems. Perfect for Class 9 & 10.
Computer Science basics are tested in board exams, NTS tests, and IT entry tests. These MCQs build conceptual clarity with detailed explanations for each answer.
Topics Covered
- Hardware vs software — system vs application
- CPU structure — ALU, Control Unit
- RAM vs ROM vs Cache memory
- Input and output devices
- Binary number system
- Operating system functions
Exam Strategy
Learn the memory hierarchy (Register → Cache → RAM → HDD) and understand why each level differs in speed and size. Binary conversion questions (binary to decimal and back) are always numerical — practice these with the positional value method.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RAM and ROM? ›
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile temporary storage used while the computer is running. ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile and stores permanent firmware like BIOS. RAM loses data on power-off; ROM retains it.
What is an operating system? ›
An OS manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for programs. Examples include Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS.
What is the binary number system? ›
Binary is base-2, using only 0 and 1. Each digit represents a power of 2 (1, 2, 4, 8, 16…). All computer data is ultimately stored and processed as binary.
What is the difference between input and output devices? ›
Input devices send data into the computer (keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone). Output devices receive processed data and present it to the user (monitor, printer, speakers).
What does 1 KB equal? ›
1 Kilobyte (KB) = 1024 bytes. 1 MB = 1024 KB. 1 GB = 1024 MB. 1 TB = 1024 GB. These are binary-based units (powers of 2).
