NTS - National Testing Service Basic Computer Knowledge Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which component is often referred to as the 'brain' of the computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations?
- Random Access Memory (RAM)
- Central Processing Unit (CPU) (Correct answer)
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
- Motherboard
Correct answer: Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the primary component of a computer that processes instructions. It acts as the 'brain', performing most of the calculations and executing commands given by software programs. RAM is temporary memory, an HDD is for long-term storage, and the Motherboard connects all components.
Question 2: A user turns on their computer and sees the desktop, icons, and start menu. What type of software is primarily responsible for managing the computer's hardware and providing this user interface?
- Web Browser
- Utility Software
- Operating System (Correct answer)
- Application Software
Correct answer: Operating System
The Operating System (OS), such as Microsoft Windows or macOS, is system software that manages all computer hardware and software resources and provides a user interface for interaction. Web browsers access the internet, application software performs specific tasks (like word processing), and utility software helps manage the computer (like antivirus).
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of an input device?
- Printer
- Monitor
- Speakers
- Keyboard (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Keyboard
An input device is any hardware device that sends data to a computer, allowing you to interact with and control it. A keyboard is used to enter text and commands. A printer, monitor, and speakers are all output devices, as they receive data from the computer to produce hard copies, display visuals, or generate sound, respectively.
Question 4: Which type of computer memory is volatile, meaning its contents are lost when the computer is powered off?
- Random Access Memory (RAM) (Correct answer)
- Read-Only Memory (ROM)
- Solid-State Drive (SSD)
- Flash Drive
Correct answer: Random Access Memory (RAM)
Random Access Memory (RAM) is a volatile form of computer memory. It serves as temporary storage for data that the CPU needs to access quickly while the computer is on. When the power is turned off, all data in RAM is lost. ROM, SSDs, and Flash Drives are non-volatile storage, retaining data without power.
Question 5: To view and interact with websites on the internet, which type of application software is required?
- File Explorer
- Word Processor
- Web Browser (Correct answer)
- Media Player
Correct answer: Web Browser
A web browser is an application software specifically designed to access, retrieve, and display content from the World Wide Web. Examples include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. A word processor is for creating documents, a file explorer manages files, and a media player plays audio/video.
Question 6: A student has created a presentation for a class project and saved the file. The file extension is '.pptx'. This file was most likely created using which application?
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint (Correct answer)
- Adobe Photoshop
Correct answer: Microsoft PowerPoint
The '.pptx' file extension is the standard format for presentation files created with Microsoft PowerPoint since the 2007 version. Microsoft Word uses '.docx', Microsoft Excel uses '.xlsx', and Adobe Photoshop uses formats like '.psd'.
NTS - National Testing Service Basic Computer Knowledge Questions and Answers 1
Which component is often referred to as the 'brain' of the computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations?