Computer Knowledge

Computer Knowledge: Practice Questions with Answers

112 practice questions on Computer Knowledge, with answers; most also have an explanation or a worked solution. Try each one before you open its answer.

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1. Q.1

   A LAN connects computers within which kind of area?

   1. A A small local area, like one building
   2. B An entire country
   3. C Multiple continents
   4. D Only two computers directly
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   Correct answer: (A) A small local area, like one building

   LAN stands for Local Area Network, connecting computers within a limited area such as an office or building.

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2. Q.2

   Which short-range wireless technology is commonly used to connect devices like headphones and keyboards to a computer without cables?

   1. A Bluetooth
   2. B Wi-Fi
   3. C Ethernet
   4. D USB
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   Correct answer: (A) Bluetooth

   Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology commonly used to connect peripherals like headphones and keyboards.

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3. Q.3

   Convert the hexadecimal number AF into decimal.

   1. A 176
   2. B 191
   3. C 174
   4. D 175
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   Correct answer: (D) 175

   Hexadecimal AF = decimal 175 (sum of each digit x 16^position, from the right starting at 16^0).

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4. Q.4

   Convert the hexadecimal number EB into decimal.

   1. A 235
   2. B 236
   3. C 234
   4. D 251
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   Correct answer: (A) 235

   Hexadecimal EB = decimal 235 (sum of each digit x 16^position, from the right starting at 16^0).

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5. Q.5

   What does 'email' stand for?

   1. A Electronic mail
   2. B Enclosed mail
   3. C Express mail
   4. D Efficient mail
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   Correct answer: (A) Electronic mail

   Email is short for electronic mail - messages sent and received digitally over a network.

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6. Q.6

   In a spreadsheet, what does the cell reference 'B3' refer to?

   1. A The cell in column B, row 3
   2. B The cell in row B, column 3
   3. C The third cell in the spreadsheet
   4. D A named range called B3
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   Correct answer: (A) The cell in column B, row 3

   A spreadsheet cell reference like B3 identifies the cell at the intersection of column B and row 3.

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7. Q.7

   Which unit is commonly used to measure data transfer speed on a network?

   1. A Kilobits per second (Kbps)
   2. B Kilograms
   3. C Kelvin
   4. D Kilometres
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   Correct answer: (A) Kilobits per second (Kbps)

   Network transfer speeds are commonly measured in bits per second, e.g. Kbps, Mbps, or Gbps.

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8. Q.8

   Which of these best describes 'cache memory'?

   1. A A small, very fast memory that stores frequently used data close to the CPU
   2. B A permanent backup storage device
   3. C A type of printer
   4. D A network cable
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   Correct answer: (A) A small, very fast memory that stores frequently used data close to the CPU

   Cache memory is a small, high-speed memory located close to the CPU that stores frequently accessed data to speed up processing.

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9. Q.9

   What is 'ransomware'?

   1. A Malware that encrypts a victim's files and demands payment for the decryption key
   2. B Software that removes unwanted advertisements from a browser
   3. C A program that speeds up a slow computer
   4. D A tool used to recover accidentally deleted files
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   Correct answer: (A) Malware that encrypts a victim's files and demands payment for the decryption key

   Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts a victim's files, making them inaccessible, and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key.

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10. Q.10

    In an email address like [email protected], what does the '@' symbol separate?

    1. A The username from the domain name
    2. B The protocol from the address
    3. C The subject from the body
    4. D The sender from the recipient
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    Correct answer: (A) The username from the domain name

    The '@' symbol in an email address separates the username (before it) from the domain name (after it).

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11. Q.11

    What is a 'cookie' in the context of web browsing?

    1. A A small piece of data a website stores on a user's computer to remember information between visits
    2. B A type of computer virus that deletes files
    3. C A hardware device used to connect to Wi-Fi
    4. D A backup copy of a website's entire database
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    Correct answer: (A) A small piece of data a website stores on a user's computer to remember information between visits

    A cookie is a small text file a website saves on the user's device to remember preferences, login state or other information across visits.

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12. Q.12

    What does WWW stand for?

    1. A World Wide Web
    2. B World Wide Website
    3. C Web World Wide
    4. D Wide World Web
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    Correct answer: (A) World Wide Web

    WWW stands for World Wide Web, the system of interlinked documents accessed via the internet, invented by Tim Berners-Lee.

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13. Q.13

    What is the main function of a compiler?

    1. A To translate high-level source code into machine code
    2. B To protect a computer from viruses
    3. C To manage computer memory allocation
    4. D To connect a computer to the internet
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    Correct answer: (A) To translate high-level source code into machine code

    A compiler translates source code written in a high-level programming language into machine code that a computer's processor can execute.

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14. Q.14

    Which of these is an example of an output device?

    1. A Monitor
    2. B Keyboard
    3. C Mouse
    4. D Scanner
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    Correct answer: (A) Monitor

    A monitor is an output device, used to display information from a computer; keyboard, mouse, and scanner are input devices.

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15. Q.15

    Which of these is an input device?

    1. A Keyboard
    2. B Printer
    3. C Monitor
    4. D Speaker
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    Correct answer: (A) Keyboard

    A keyboard is an input device, used to send data into the computer; the others are output devices.

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16. Q.16

    Which keyboard shortcut is universally used to select all content in a document?

    1. A Ctrl+A
    2. B Ctrl+S
    3. C Ctrl+F
    4. D Ctrl+Z
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    Correct answer: (A) Ctrl+A

    Ctrl+A is the universal shortcut to select all content in the current document or window.

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17. Q.17

    Who is widely known as the 'Father of the Computer'?

    1. A Charles Babbage
    2. B Alan Turing
    3. C Bill Gates
    4. D Steve Jobs
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    Correct answer: (A) Charles Babbage

    Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine, a mechanical precursor to the modern computer, and is widely called the 'Father of the Computer.'

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18. Q.18

    Convert the hexadecimal number AB into decimal.

    1. A 170
    2. B 172
    3. C 187
    4. D 171
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    Correct answer: (D) 171

    Hexadecimal AB = decimal 171 (sum of each digit x 16^position, from the right starting at 16^0).

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19. Q.19

    Convert the hexadecimal number CA into decimal.

    1. A 201
    2. B 203
    3. C 218
    4. D 202
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    Correct answer: (D) 202

    Hexadecimal CA = decimal 202 (sum of each digit x 16^position, from the right starting at 16^0).

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20. Q.20

    What does 'cloud computing' primarily refer to?

    1. A Delivering computing services like storage and processing over the internet instead of a local computer
    2. B Predicting weather patterns using a computer
    3. C A type of wireless mouse
    4. D A backup battery for a computer
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    Correct answer: (A) Delivering computing services like storage and processing over the internet instead of a local computer

    Cloud computing delivers computing services - storage, processing power, software - over the internet rather than from a local machine.

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21. Q.21

    Which generation of computers was the first to use microprocessors, dramatically reducing their size and cost?

    1. A Fourth generation
    2. B First generation
    3. C Second generation
    4. D Third generation
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    Correct answer: (A) Fourth generation

    Fourth-generation computers (from the early 1970s) were the first to use microprocessors, which greatly reduced size and cost.

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22. Q.22

    In a database, what is the purpose of a 'foreign key'?

    1. A It links a record in one table to a matching record in another table
    2. B It encrypts sensitive data stored in a table
    3. C It uniquely identifies every record within the same table
    4. D It automatically deletes duplicate records
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    Correct answer: (A) It links a record in one table to a matching record in another table

    A foreign key is a field in one table that refers to the primary key of another table, creating a link between the two and enforcing referential integrity.

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23. Q.23

    Microsoft Excel is an example of which type of software?

    1. A Application software
    2. B System software
    3. C Firmware
    4. D Operating system
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    Correct answer: (A) Application software

    Application software (like Excel) helps users perform specific tasks, distinct from system software that manages the computer itself.

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24. Q.24

    Which of these is an example of an input device?

    1. A Keyboard
    2. B Monitor
    3. C Printer
    4. D Speaker
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    Correct answer: (A) Keyboard

    A keyboard is an input device, used to enter data into a computer; monitors, printers, and speakers are output devices.

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25. Q.25

    What is the main function of antivirus software?

    1. A Detect and remove malicious software
    2. B Speed up the internet connection
    3. C Create backup copies automatically
    4. D Format the hard disk
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    Correct answer: (A) Detect and remove malicious software

    Antivirus software scans for, detects, and removes malicious software such as viruses and worms.

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26. Q.26

    In a Microsoft Excel worksheet, rows are identified by which of these?

    1. A Numbers
    2. B Letters
    3. C Symbols
    4. D Colours
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    Correct answer: (A) Numbers

    In Excel, rows are labelled with numbers (1, 2, 3, ...) while columns are labelled with letters (A, B, C, ...).

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27. Q.27

    Convert the hexadecimal number ED into decimal.

    1. A 237
    2. B 236
    3. C 238
    4. D 253
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    Correct answer: (A) 237

    Hexadecimal ED = decimal 237 (sum of each digit x 16^position, from the right starting at 16^0).

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28. Q.28

    Convert the hexadecimal number EA into decimal.

    1. A 235
    2. B 233
    3. C 250
    4. D 234
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    Correct answer: (D) 234

    Hexadecimal EA = decimal 234 (sum of each digit x 16^position, from the right starting at 16^0).

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29. Q.29

    Which of these is a secondary storage device?

    1. A Hard disk
    2. B RAM
    3. C Cache memory
    4. D CPU register
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    Correct answer: (A) Hard disk

    A hard disk is secondary storage - it retains data even without power, unlike RAM, cache, or registers.

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30. Q.30

    What does DNS, the system that translates domain names into IP addresses, stand for?

    1. A Domain Name System
    2. B Data Network Service
    3. C Digital Naming Standard
    4. D Domain Network Server
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    Correct answer: (A) Domain Name System

    DNS stands for Domain Name System; it translates human-readable domain names (like google.com) into the numerical IP addresses computers use to locate each other.

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31. Q.31

    What does HTML, the standard language used to create web pages, stand for?

    1. A HyperText Markup Language
    2. B High-Transfer Markup Language
    3. C HyperText Modern Language
    4. D Home Tool Markup Language
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    Correct answer: (A) HyperText Markup Language

    HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language, the standard markup language used to structure content on web pages.

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32. Q.32

    Convert the hexadecimal number DB into decimal.

    1. A 219
    2. B 220
    3. C 235
    4. D 218
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    Correct answer: (A) 219

    Hexadecimal DB = decimal 219 (sum of each digit x 16^position, from the right starting at 16^0).

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33. Q.33

    The ALU is a component of the CPU. What does ALU stand for?

    1. A Arithmetic Logic Unit
    2. B Automatic Logic Unit
    3. C Arithmetic Language Unit
    4. D Applied Logic Unit
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    Correct answer: (A) Arithmetic Logic Unit

    ALU stands for Arithmetic Logic Unit - the part of the CPU that performs arithmetic and logical operations.

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34. Q.34

    What does VPN, a tool used to create a secure, encrypted connection over a public network, stand for?

    1. A Virtual Private Network
    2. B Verified Public Network
    3. C Virtual Personal Node
    4. D Variable Private Network
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    Correct answer: (A) Virtual Private Network

    VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, which creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for data over a public network like the internet.

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35. Q.35

    What does Wi-Fi commonly stand for in everyday usage?

    1. A Wireless Fidelity
    2. B Wireless Field
    3. C Wide Fidelity
    4. D Wireless File
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    Correct answer: (A) Wireless Fidelity

    Wi-Fi is commonly understood as Wireless Fidelity, a technology for wireless local networking.

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36. Q.36

    What does HTTP stand for?

    1. A HyperText Transfer Protocol
    2. B High Transfer Text Protocol
    3. C HyperText Transmission Path
    4. D Home Transfer Text Protocol
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    Correct answer: (A) HyperText Transfer Protocol

    HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol, the foundation protocol for data communication on the web.

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37. Q.37

    Which keyboard shortcut is universally used to cut selected text?

    1. A Ctrl+X
    2. B Ctrl+C
    3. C Ctrl+V
    4. D Ctrl+P
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    Correct answer: (A) Ctrl+X

    Ctrl+X is the universal shortcut to cut (remove and copy to the clipboard) selected text or items.

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38. Q.38

    Which of these is an output device?

    1. A Monitor
    2. B Keyboard
    3. C Mouse
    4. D Scanner
    Show answer

    Correct answer: (A) Monitor

    A monitor is an output device, displaying data from the computer; the others are input devices.

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39. Q.39

    Convert the hexadecimal number AD into decimal.

    1. A 173
    2. B 189
    3. C 172
    4. D 174
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    Correct answer: (A) 173

    Hexadecimal AD = decimal 173 (sum of each digit x 16^position, from the right starting at 16^0).

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40. Q.40

    In Microsoft Excel, which function is used to add up a range of numbers?

    1. A SUM
    2. B AVERAGE
    3. C COUNT
    4. D MAX
    Show answer

    Correct answer: (A) SUM

    The SUM function in Excel adds up all the numbers in a specified range of cells, e.g. =SUM(A1:A10).

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41. Q.41

    In digital logic, what operation does a NOT gate perform on its input?

    1. A It inverts (negates) the input
    2. B It outputs 1 only when both inputs are 1
    3. C It outputs 1 when at least one input is 1
    4. D It always outputs 0
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    Correct answer: (A) It inverts (negates) the input

    A NOT gate is a single-input logic gate that inverts its input: a 1 becomes 0, and a 0 becomes 1.

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42. Q.42

    What does LAN stand for?

    1. A Local Area Network
    2. B Large Area Network
    3. C Local Access Network
    4. D Linked Area Network
    Show answer

    Correct answer: (A) Local Area Network

    LAN stands for Local Area Network - a network confined to a small geographic area such as one building.

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43. Q.43

    What is the smallest unit of data a computer can process, represented as either 0 or 1?

    1. A Bit
    2. B Byte
    3. C Nibble
    4. D Word
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    Correct answer: (A) Bit

    A bit (binary digit) is the smallest unit of data in computing, representing either a 0 or a 1.

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44. Q.44

    In an email, what does 'CC' stand for?

    1. A Carbon Copy
    2. B Central Copy
    3. C Confirmed Copy
    4. D Complete Copy
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    Correct answer: (A) Carbon Copy

    CC stands for Carbon Copy - recipients in this field are visible to all other recipients.

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45. Q.45

    What does USB stand for?

    1. A Universal Serial Bus
    2. B United Serial Bus
    3. C Universal System Bus
    4. D Unified Serial Bus
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    Correct answer: (A) Universal Serial Bus

    USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, a common standard for connecting peripherals to a computer.

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46. Q.46

    What is the primary function of an operating system?

    1. A Manage computer hardware and software resources
    2. B Only browse the internet
    3. C Only edit documents
    4. D Only play media files
    Show answer

    Correct answer: (A) Manage computer hardware and software resources

    An operating system manages hardware and software resources and provides common services for programs.

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47. Q.47

    What is a 'Trojan Horse' in the context of computer security?

    1. A A malicious program disguised as legitimate software
    2. B A program that repairs corrupted files automatically
    3. C A type of firewall that blocks unauthorised access
    4. D A hardware device that encrypts data
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    Correct answer: (A) A malicious program disguised as legitimate software

    A Trojan Horse is malware that disguises itself as legitimate or useful software to trick a user into installing it; unlike a virus, it does not self-replicate.

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48. Q.48

    Which term refers to software specifically designed to damage or gain unauthorised access to a computer system?

    1. A Malware
    2. B Firmware
    3. C Freeware
    4. D Shareware
    Show answer

    Correct answer: (A) Malware

    Malware (malicious software) is an umbrella term for viruses, worms, trojans, and similar harmful programs.

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49. Q.49

    Which type of software manages computer hardware and provides a platform for other software to run?

    1. A Operating system
    2. B Application software
    3. C Utility software
    4. D Firmware
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    Correct answer: (A) Operating system

    An operating system (like Windows or Linux) manages hardware resources and provides the platform on which other software runs.

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50. Q.50

    Which of the following is an input device?

    1. A Speaker
    2. B Blu-ray Disc
    3. C Mouse
    4. D SSD
    Show answer

    Correct answer: (C) Mouse

    Mouse is an input device; the other options belong to different device categories.

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