Are You Ready To Take This Basic Computer Hardware Quiz?

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| By Sulaimon Haulcy
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Sulaimon Haulcy
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 6 | Total Attempts: 7,488
Questions: 21 | Attempts: 2,893

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Are You Ready To Take This Basic Computer Hardware Quiz? - Quiz

This quiz will test your general knowledge of computer hardware.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    The instructions that tell the computer what to do and how to do it.

    • A.

      Software

    • B.

      Hardware

    • C.

      Mouse

    • D.

      Printer

    • E.

      Monitor

    Correct Answer
    A. Software
    Explanation
    Software refers to the instructions or programs that tell a computer what to do and how to do it. It is a collection of data or computer instructions that enable the computer to perform specific tasks or operations. Unlike hardware, which includes physical components of a computer system, software is intangible and can be installed, executed, and updated on a computer. Examples of software include operating systems, applications, and programming languages.

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  • 2. 

    The heart (and brains) of the computer is the...

    • A.

      RAM

    • B.

      ROM

    • C.

      Motherboard

    • D.

      CPU

    • E.

      Hard drive

    Correct Answer
    D. CPU
    Explanation
    The CPU, or central processing unit, is often referred to as the "heart" of the computer because it is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the main component that carries out the majority of the computer's processing tasks, including running programs and managing data. While RAM, ROM, motherboard, and hard drive are all important components, the CPU is the central component that controls and coordinates the operations of the computer system.

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  • 3. 

    When keyboarding, all of the following are examples of good posture, EXCEPT:

    • A.

      Eyes on the monitor

    • B.

      Fingers on "home row"

    • C.

      Feet on the floor

    • D.

      Back straight

    • E.

      Elbows on the table

    Correct Answer
    E. Elbows on the table
    Explanation
    Elbows on the table is not an example of good posture when keyboarding because it can cause strain on the wrists and shoulders. Keeping the elbows off the table allows for better alignment of the arms and wrists, reducing the risk of discomfort or injury.

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  • 4. 

    RAM stand for:

    • A.

      Really Awesome Monkeys

    • B.

      Rotten Apple Money

    • C.

      Random Access Memory

    • D.

      Rugs And Mud

    • E.

      Raspberry And Mayonaise

    Correct Answer
    C. Random Access Memory
    Explanation
    RAM stands for Random Access Memory, which is a type of computer memory that allows data to be stored and retrieved quickly by the computer's processor. It is called "random access" because the computer can access any memory location directly, rather than having to sequentially read through the entire memory. RAM is a crucial component in a computer system as it temporarily stores data that is actively being used by the processor, allowing for faster and more efficient computing. The other options provided (Really Awesome Monkeys, Rotten Apple Money, Rugs And Mud, Raspberry And Mayonnaise) are not accurate definitions of RAM.

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  • 5. 

    When you save a file, it is permently saved on the...

    • A.

      CPU

    • B.

      Monitor

    • C.

      Hard drive

    • D.

      RAM

    • E.

      Keyboard

    Correct Answer
    C. Hard drive
    Explanation
    When you save a file, it is permanently saved on the hard drive. The hard drive is a non-volatile storage device that stores data even when the computer is turned off. It provides long-term storage for files and programs, allowing them to be accessed and retrieved at a later time. Unlike RAM, which is volatile and temporary, the hard drive retains the saved files even after the computer is shut down. Therefore, saving a file on the hard drive ensures that it will be available for future use.

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  • 6. 

    Adding more RAM will speed up your computer's ability to process information.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    • C.

      Maybe- I don't know what RAM is.

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Adding more RAM to a computer will indeed speed up its ability to process information. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of computer memory that allows the computer to quickly access and retrieve data that is actively being used. By increasing the amount of RAM, the computer has more space to store and access data, resulting in faster processing speeds. This is because the computer can keep more data readily available, reducing the need to constantly access slower storage devices like the hard drive. Therefore, adding more RAM is an effective way to improve a computer's performance.

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  • 7. 

    Select three input devices your computer uses:

    • A.

      Mouse, keyboard, monitor

    • B.

      Mouse, keyboard, scanner

    • C.

      Mouse, printer, CPU

    • D.

      Mouse, scanner, printer

    Correct Answer
    B. Mouse, keyboard, scanner
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Mouse, keyboard, scanner. These three devices are commonly used as input devices for computers. The mouse allows the user to navigate and interact with the graphical user interface. The keyboard is used for typing and inputting text or commands. The scanner is used to digitize physical documents or images and input them into the computer.

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  • 8. 

    What type of devices allow you to save your file, and then take the file with you to access on a different computer?

    • A.

      Flash drive, CD or memory card

    • B.

      Hard drive or mp3 player

    • C.

      Floppy disk or hard drive

    • D.

      Camera phone or hard drive

    Correct Answer
    A. Flash drive, CD or memory card
    Explanation
    Flash drives, CDs, and memory cards are all types of portable storage devices that allow users to save files and transfer them to different computers. These devices have the capability to store data and can be easily carried around, enabling users to access their files on different computers.

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  • 9. 

    Who developed the 1st operating system?

    • A.

      MS

    • B.

      APPLE

    • C.

      RED HAT

    • D.

      FEDORA

    Correct Answer
    B. APPLE
    Explanation
    The correct answer is APPLE. Apple developed the first operating system, known as Apple DOS, for their Apple II computer in the late 1970s. This operating system allowed users to interact with the computer and run various software applications. It was a significant development in the history of personal computers and laid the foundation for future operating systems.

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  • 10. 

    Which hardware component serves as the circuit board that provides electrical connections by which all other components communicate?

    • A.

      Hard drive

    • B.

      Network interface card

    • C.

      Motherboard

    • D.

      Serial Bus

    • E.

      None of the above

    Correct Answer
    C. Motherboard
    Explanation
    The motherboard is the correct answer because it serves as the circuit board that provides electrical connections for all other components to communicate with each other. It houses the central processing unit (CPU), memory, expansion slots, and other essential components. Without the motherboard, the various hardware components would not be able to communicate effectively, resulting in a non-functioning computer system.

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  • 11. 

    What operating system do we use in the computer lab?

    • A.

      Linux

    • B.

      Microsoft Windows

    • C.

      Apple OS X

    Correct Answer
    B. Microsoft Windows
    Explanation
    The computer lab uses Microsoft Windows as its operating system.

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  • 12. 

    What devices are considered OUTPUT device(s)? Click all that apply.

    • A.

      Web Cam

    • B.

      Speaker

    • C.

      Monitor

    • D.

      Keyboard

    Correct Answer(s)
    B. Speaker
    C. Monitor
    Explanation
    The devices listed that are considered output devices are the speaker and the monitor. These devices are used to display or transmit information from the computer to the user. The speaker produces sound output, while the monitor displays visual output. The webcam and keyboard listed are not output devices. The webcam is a video input device, used to capture video, and the keyboard is an input device used to input data into the computer.

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  • 13. 

    All of the following are considered INPUT devices EXCEPT,  what?

    • A.

      Microphone

    • B.

      Keyboard

    • C.

      CD

    • D.

      Mouse

    Correct Answer
    C. CD
    Explanation
    The question asks for an input device that is not included in the given options. A microphone is an input device used to capture sound, a keyboard is used to input text and commands, and a mouse is used to control the cursor on a computer screen. However, a CD is not an input device but rather a storage medium for data. It is used to store and retrieve data, but it does not directly input data into a computer system.

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  • 14. 

    What is the highest selling computer type purchased by home users.

    • A.

      PDA

    • B.

      Laptop

    • C.

      Desktop

    • D.

      Workstation

    Correct Answer
    C. Desktop
    Explanation
    The highest selling computer type purchased by home users is the desktop. This is because desktop computers are typically more affordable compared to laptops and workstations. They also offer more customization options and are generally more powerful in terms of processing power and storage capacity. Additionally, desktop computers are often preferred by home users who require a stationary setup and do not need the portability that laptops or PDAs offer.

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  • 15. 

    What type of computer would best be used by a traveling salesman who spends half his time on the road and the other half in the office.

    • A.

      PC Tablet

    • B.

      Smart Phone

    • C.

      Desktop

    • D.

      Laptop

    Correct Answer
    D. Laptop
    Explanation
    A laptop would be the best type of computer for a traveling salesman who spends half his time on the road and the other half in the office. A laptop is portable and can be easily carried while traveling, allowing the salesman to work on the go. It also provides the necessary computing power and functionality of a desktop computer, making it suitable for office work as well. A PC tablet and smart phone may not offer the same level of productivity and screen size as a laptop, while a desktop is not portable enough for someone who is frequently on the road.

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  • 16. 

    In the simplest terms, a computer is a machine that stores and processes what?

    • A.

      The Operating System

    • B.

      Data

    • C.

      Games

    • D.

      Pictures

    Correct Answer
    B. Data
    Explanation
    A computer is a machine that stores and processes data. Data refers to any information, facts, or instructions that can be processed or manipulated by a computer. This includes text, numbers, images, videos, and any other form of digital information. Computers use various hardware components and software programs to store, retrieve, and manipulate data, allowing users to perform tasks, solve problems, and accomplish various objectives. Without data, computers would have no purpose or functionality.

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  • 17. 

    What does ROM stand for? Can it be changed?

    • A.

      Random Only Memory

    • B.

      Read Only Motherboard

    • C.

      Read Only Memory

    • D.

      Read Only Modem

    Correct Answer
    C. Read Only Memory
    Explanation
    no

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  • 18. 

    PC stands for?

    • A.

      Particle Computing

    • B.

      Quantum Physical Connections

    • C.

      Personal Computer

    • D.

      Particle Cables

    Correct Answer
    C. Personal Computer
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Personal Computer" because PC is a commonly used acronym that stands for Personal Computer. It refers to a computer designed for personal use, typically used by individuals for various tasks such as word processing, internet browsing, and entertainment purposes.

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  • 19. 

    LCD stands for?

    • A.

      Liquid Crysal Display

    • B.

      Lan Connection Delay

    • C.

      Liquid Cathrode Display

    • D.

      Liquid Canopy Design

    Correct Answer
    A. Liquid Crysal Display
    Explanation
    LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. This technology is commonly used in electronic devices such as televisions, computer monitors, and smartphones. LCDs use liquid crystals to create images and videos by manipulating the light passing through them. The crystals can be controlled to either allow light to pass through or block it, creating the desired display. LCDs are known for their thin and lightweight design, as well as their energy efficiency.

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  • 20. 

    CPU is an acronomyn for?

    • A.

      Controlled Processing Unit

    • B.

      Central Processing Unit

    • C.

      Current Programming Unit

    • D.

      Credited Programming Unit

    Correct Answer
    B. Central Processing Unit
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Central Processing Unit. The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside the computer. It carries out instructions of a computer program by performing basic arithmetic, logical, control, and input/output (I/O) operations. The CPU is often referred to as the "brain" of the computer as it interprets and executes instructions, and it is responsible for the overall performance and functionality of the computer system.

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  • 21. 

    The instructions that tell the computer what to do and how to do it.

    • A.

      Software

    • B.

      Hardware

    • C.

      Mouse

    • D.

      Printer

    • E.

      Monitor

    Correct Answer
    A. Software
    Explanation
    Software refers to the instructions that tell the computer what to do and how to do it. It is a collection of programs, data, and instructions that enable the computer to perform specific tasks. Unlike hardware, which includes physical components of a computer system, software is intangible and can be installed, updated, and removed from a computer. Examples of software include operating systems, applications, and programming languages.

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Quiz Review Timeline +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Oct 04, 2018
    Quiz Created by
    Sulaimon Haulcy
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