Test: Hardware & Software- 1 - SSC CGL MCQ

• CPU (Central Processing Unit): The CPU is considered the brain of the computer. It is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It processes data by interpreting and executing instructions from software programs.


• RAM (Random Access Memory): While RAM is crucial for storing and accessing data quickly, it is not directly involved in processing data. Instead, RAM temporarily stores data that the CPU needs to access quickly during operations.


• DCU (Data Control Unit): This term is not commonly used in computer hardware. It is likely a typo or a misinterpretation of another component.


• VDU (Visual Display Unit): The VDU, also known as a monitor, is used for displaying processed data. It does not directly process data but rather presents the output generated by the CPU.

In summary, the CPU is the device primarily responsible for processing data in a computer system. It interprets instructions, performs calculations, and manages the flow of data within the system.

• Electronic device: A computer is an electronic device that operates using electrical circuits and components.

• Carry out arithmetical operations: Computers can perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.


• Carry out logical functions: Computers can execute logical operations such as comparisons and decision-making processes.


• Accept and process data: Computers can take in data from various sources, process it using algorithms and instructions, and produce output.


• Using stored instructions: Computers rely on stored programs and instructions to execute tasks and operations.


• Present information on a VDU: Computers can display information on a Visual Display Unit (VDU) or monitor for users to interact with.

Therefore, based on the given options, option C is the most comprehensive definition of a computer as it encompasses the essential functions and capabilities of a computer system.

• Input: This is the process of entering data and instructions into a computer system. This can be done through devices such as a keyboard, mouse, or microphone.


• Processing: The computer processes the input data using algorithms and instructions to perform various operations. This involves manipulating, calculating, and organizing the data.


• Output: After processing the input data, the computer produces output in the form of text, images, or sounds. This output can be displayed on a monitor, printed on paper, or played through speakers.


• Storage: Data and programs need to be stored in the computer system for future use. This is done using storage devices such as hard drives, solid-state drives, and optical discs.

These four functions work together to enable a computer system to perform tasks and provide users with the necessary tools to work efficiently and effectively.

• Mouse: The mouse is the standard pointing device used in computers for navigating and interacting with the graphical user interface. It allows users to move a cursor on the screen, select items, and perform various actions by clicking buttons.

• Keyboard: While the keyboard is essential for typing and entering commands, it is not primarily used as a pointing device. Keyboards have arrow keys and other navigation keys, but they are not as precise or efficient as a mouse for pointing and clicking.


• Joystick: Joysticks are often used for gaming and controlling certain applications, but they are not the standard pointing device in computers. They are more suitable for specific tasks that require analog input.


• Trackball: Trackballs are less common than mice but can also be used as pointing devices. They work by rolling a ball with fingers or thumbs to move the cursor on the screen. However, they are not as widely used as mice in standard computer setups.

• The mouse is the standard pointing device in computers due to its precision, ease of use, and widespread compatibility with software applications.


• While other pointing devices like keyboards, joysticks, and trackballs have their uses, they are not as commonly used or versatile as the mouse in most computing environments.

• The earliest calculating devices are important tools that have helped humans perform mathematical calculations efficiently.

• Abacus: The abacus is one of the earliest calculating devices used by humans. It consists of beads or stones on rods that represent different place values. By moving these beads, users can perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.


• Clock: While clocks are not traditionally used for calculations, early mechanical clocks often had gears and mechanisms that could perform basic arithmetic functions.


• Difference Engine: The difference engine, designed by Charles Babbage in the 19th century, is considered one of the earliest mechanical computers. It was capable of performing complex mathematical calculations automatically.


• None of these: This option is incorrect as the abacus is indeed one of the earliest calculating devices used by humans.

• In conclusion, the abacus is the correct answer as one of the earliest calculating devices, demonstrating the ingenuity of early civilizations in developing tools to aid in mathematical calculations.

• BIOS: Stands for Basic Input Output System


• Function: BIOS is a firmware used to perform hardware initialization during the booting process and provide runtime services for operating systems and programs.


• Location: BIOS is stored on a ROM chip on the motherboard of a computer.


• Tasks: BIOS performs various tasks such as POST (Power-On Self Test), booting the operating system, managing hardware components, and providing a platform for system configuration.


• Updates: BIOS can be updated to fix bugs, improve compatibility, and add new features to the system.


• Importance: BIOS is essential for the proper functioning of a computer system as it initializes the hardware components and allows the operating system to communicate with them.

• 360KB: This was the capacity of older 3.5” floppy disks, but it is not the correct answer for this question.


• 720KB: This was a common capacity for double-density 3.5” floppy disks, but it is not the correct answer for this question.


• 1.2MB: This was a capacity for high-density 3.5” floppy disks, but it is not the correct answer for this question.


• 1.44MB: This is the correct answer for the capacity of a 3.5” floppy disk. It was the most common capacity for these disks, holding 1.44 megabytes of data.

• Modulator: Converts digital data from a computer into analog signals for transmission over telephone lines.


• Demodulator: Converts analog signals back into digital data at the receiving end.


• Functions of a Modem:




• Enables communication between computers over telephone lines.


• Facilitates the transmission of data over long distances.


• Essential for accessing the internet via dial-up connections.

• Crucial for establishing connections between devices for data transfer.


• Enable communication between computers and the internet.


• Used in various devices such as routers, smartphones, and IoT devices.

• Dial-up Modem: Utilizes traditional telephone lines for internet connectivity.


• DSL Modem: Uses DSL technology for high-speed internet access.


• Cable Modem: Connects to cable TV lines for broadband internet access.


• Wireless Modem: Provides wireless internet connectivity through cellular networks.

• Modems play a crucial role in enabling communication between devices and facilitating data transfer.


• Understanding the functions and types of modems is essential for utilizing them effectively in various technological applications.

• What is Baud: Baud is a measure of the speed at which data travels over a communication line.


• Speed of Data Transfer: Baud rate refers to the number of signal or symbol changes that occur per second. It is commonly used in telecommunications and data transfer to indicate the speed of data transmission.


• Relationship to Bits per Second: The baud rate is often equated to bits per second (bps) in modern communication systems, but this was not always the case. In older systems, one baud could represent more or fewer than one bit.


• Memory Capacity and Execution Time: Baud is not related to memory capacity or instruction execution time. It specifically refers to the speed of data transmission over a communication line.


• Correct Answer: Therefore, the correct answer is A: Speed at which data travels over the communication line.

• RAM (Random Access Memory): RAM is a type of computer memory that temporarily stores information that the CPU needs to access quickly. It is volatile memory, meaning it loses its contents when the power is turned off. RAM is used to store data that is currently being used or processed by the computer, allowing for faster access compared to other types of storage.


• CPU (Central Processing Unit): The CPU is the central processing unit of a computer that performs most of the processing inside a computer. It does not store data like RAM but rather processes instructions and performs calculations on data stored in memory.


• ROM (Read-Only Memory): ROM is a type of non-volatile memory that stores firmware or software instructions that are permanently written during manufacturing. It is used to boot up the computer and perform basic functions, but it cannot be easily modified or written to by the user.


• IBM: IBM is a multinational technology company that manufactures and sells computer hardware, software, and services. While IBM produces computer memory components, it is not a specific type of memory storage like RAM or ROM.