Computer & IT Basics MCQs 2026

What specific type of malware disguises itself as legitimate software to trick users into installing it

1. A Computer virus (self-replicates, a different primary mechanism) ✓
2. B Worm (self-replicates across networks, a different primary mechanism) ✓
3. C Trojan horse ✓
4. D Ransomware (encrypts data for extortion, a related but distinct specific type/goal) ✓

What is the basic unit of digital information, having a value of either 0 or 1

1. A Byte ✓
2. B Bit ✓
3. C Nibble ✓
4. D Word ✓

How many bits typically make up one byte

1. A 4 bits ✓
2. B 8 bits ✓
3. C 16 bits ✓
4. D 32 bits ✓

What number system, using only two digits (0 and 1), forms the foundation of digital computing

1. A Decimal system ✓
2. B Binary system ✓
3. C Hexadecimal system ✓
4. D Octal system ✓

What number system, using digits 0-9, is the standard system used in everyday counting

1. A Binary system ✓
2. B Decimal system ✓
3. C Hexadecimal system ✓
4. D Octal system ✓

What number system, using digits 0-9 and letters A-F, is commonly used in computing for representing binary data more compactly

1. A Binary system ✓
2. B Decimal system ✓
3. C Hexadecimal system ✓
4. D Octal system ✓

What is the term for the central processing component of a computer, often called the "brain" of the machine

1. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) ✓
2. B RAM (Random Access Memory) ✓
3. C ROM (Read-Only Memory) ✓
4. D GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) ✓

What type of computer memory is used for temporary data storage during active operation, losing its contents when power is turned off

1. A RAM (Random Access Memory) ✓
2. B ROM (Read-Only Memory) ✓
3. C Hard drive (typically for persistent, long-term storage) ✓
4. D SSD (typically for persistent, long-term storage) ✓

What specific type of malware replicates itself and spreads to other computers, often requiring a host program to attach to

1. A Computer virus ✓
2. B Worm (a related type of malware, but typically self-replicating without needing a host program) ✓
3. C Trojan horse (a related type of malware, but disguised as legitimate software rather than self-replicating) ✓
4. D Spyware (a related type of malware, focused on covert surveillance rather than self-replication) ✓

What specific type of malware self-replicates and spreads across networks independently, without needing to attach to a host program

1. A Computer virus (typically requires a host program to attach to, a related but distinct type) ✓
2. B Worm ✓
3. C Trojan horse (disguised as legitimate software, a different mechanism) ✓
4. D Spyware (focused on covert surveillance, a different type) ✓

What specific type of malware encrypts a victim's data and demands payment for its release

1. A Computer virus (a broader category, not defined by this specific extortion mechanism) ✓
2. B Worm (a broader category, not defined by this specific extortion mechanism) ✓
3. C Trojan horse (a broader category, not defined by this specific extortion mechanism) ✓
4. D Ransomware ✓

What is the term for a private computer network restricted to use within a specific organization

1. A Internet (a global, public network, a different concept) ✓
2. B Intranet ✓
3. C LAN (a related concept, though intranet specifically refers to organizational network content/services) ✓
4. D Extranet (a related but distinct concept, extending access to external partners) ✓

What type of computer memory retains its data even when the computer is powered off, generally used for long-term storage

1. A RAM (typically temporary, volatile storage) ✓
2. B ROM ✓
3. C Cache memory (typically small, temporary, high-speed storage) ✓
4. D Virtual memory (a different concept, using disk space to simulate additional RAM) ✓

What is the general term for physical computer components, such as the CPU, RAM, and monitor

1. A Software (relates to programs/instructions, not physical components) ✓
2. B Hardware ✓
3. C Firmware (a specific, narrower type of software embedded in hardware) ✓
4. D Middleware (a specific, narrower type of software connecting different applications) ✓

What is the general term for the programs and instructions that tell computer hardware what to do

1. A Hardware (relates to physical components, not instructions) ✓
2. B Software ✓
3. C Peripherals (relates to external devices, a different concept) ✓
4. D Firmware (a specific, narrower type of software embedded in hardware) ✓

What is the term for software that manages computer hardware and provides common services for other programs, such as Windows or macOS

1. A Application software (a different category, focused on specific user tasks) ✓
2. B Operating system ✓
3. C Firmware (a narrower, hardware-embedded software type) ✓
4. D Utility software (a narrower category focused on maintenance tasks) ✓

What is the general term for software designed to perform specific user tasks, such as word processing or web browsing

1. A Operating system (manages hardware/system resources broadly, a different category) ✓
2. B Application software ✓
3. C Firmware (a narrower, hardware-embedded software type) ✓
4. D System software (a broader category, of which operating systems are a part) ✓

What is the term for a small, specialized computer program embedded directly into hardware devices

1. A Application software (a different category, for general user tasks) ✓
2. B Operating system (a broader, more comprehensive software category) ✓
3. C Firmware ✓
4. D Middleware (a different category, connecting different applications) ✓

What is the term for a global network connecting millions of computer networks worldwide

1. A Internet ✓
2. B Intranet (a private, internal network, a different concept) ✓
3. C LAN (Local Area Network, a smaller-scale network, a different concept) ✓
4. D WAN (Wide Area Network, a related but distinct, typically organization-specific concept) ✓

What is the term for a computer network confined to a relatively small area, such as a single building or office

1. A LAN (Local Area Network) ✓
2. B WAN (Wide Area Network, covering much larger geographic areas) ✓
3. C Internet (a global network, a different scale entirely) ✓
4. D MAN (Metropolitan Area Network, covering a larger area than a LAN, typically a city) ✓

What is the term for a computer network spanning a large geographic area, potentially connecting multiple cities or countries

1. A LAN (a smaller-scale network, confined to a limited area) ✓
2. B WAN ✓
3. C Internet (though related, WAN specifically refers to organization-spanning networks, while internet is the global public network) ✓
4. D PAN (Personal Area Network, an even smaller-scale network, typically for individual devices) ✓

What is the term for the unique numerical address assigned to devices connected to a network, enabling communication

1. A IP address ✓
2. B MAC address (a related, but different, hardware-based unique identifier) ✓
3. C URL (a web address, a different concept) ✓
4. D Domain name (a human-readable website name, a different concept) ✓

What does the abbreviation IP, as in "IP address," stand for

1. A Internet Protocol ✓
2. B Internal Processing (an incorrect variant) ✓
3. C Interface Port (an incorrect variant) ✓
4. D Integrated Program (an incorrect variant) ✓

What is the term for a program designed to access and display web pages on the internet, such as Chrome or Firefox

1. A Web browser ✓
2. B Operating system (a broader software category, not this specific application type) ✓
3. C Search engine (a related, but distinct tool used within a browser, not the browser itself) ✓
4. D Email client (a different type of application, for managing email) ✓

What is the term for a tool used to search for information across the World Wide Web, such as Google

1. A Web browser (the program used to access the web generally, a related but distinct concept) ✓
2. B Search engine ✓
3. C Email client (a different type of application, for managing email) ✓
4. D Operating system (a broader software category, not this specific tool) ✓

What is the general term for malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems

1. A Malware ✓
2. B Firmware (a legitimate, different type of embedded software) ✓
3. C Middleware (a legitimate, different type of connecting software) ✓
4. D Freeware (legitimate, freely available software, a different concept) ✓

What is the term for the delivery of computing services, including storage and processing, over the internet rather than local hardware

1. A Internet of Things (a related, but distinct concept - connected physical devices) ✓
2. B Cloud computing ✓
3. C Artificial Intelligence (a related, but distinct concept - machine intelligence) ✓
4. D Blockchain (a related, but distinct concept - a specific distributed ledger technology) ✓

What is the general term for an organized collection of structured data, typically stored and accessed electronically

1. A Database ✓
2. B Algorithm (relates to a set of instructions, a different concept) ✓
3. C Software (a broader term for programs generally, a different concept) ✓
4. D Network (relates to connected systems, a different concept) ✓

What is the term for a set of rules or instructions given to a computer to solve a problem or perform a task

1. A Algorithm ✓
2. B Software (a broader term, encompassing programs generally, of which algorithms are a component) ✓
3. C Hardware (relates to physical components, a different concept) ✓
4. D Database (relates to organized data storage, a different concept) ✓

What is the term for technology that overlays digital information or elements onto the real-world environment, viewed through a device

1. A Virtual Reality (relates to fully immersive simulated environments, a different concept) ✓
2. B Augmented Reality (AR) ✓
3. C Artificial Intelligence (a related, but distinct concept - machine intelligence) ✓
4. D Mixed Reality (a related, though sometimes distinct or overlapping, concept combining VR/AR elements) ✓

What is the term for immersive, computer-generated simulated environments that users can interact with

1. A Virtual Reality (VR) ✓
2. B Augmented Reality (a related, but distinct concept - overlaying digital elements on the real world) ✓
3. C Artificial Intelligence (a related, but distinct concept - machine intelligence) ✓
4. D Cloud computing (a related, but distinct computing delivery concept) ✓

What is the name of the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created in 2009

1. A Bitcoin ✓
2. B Ethereum (a different, later cryptocurrency) ✓
3. C Litecoin (a different, later cryptocurrency) ✓
4. D Dogecoin (a different, later cryptocurrency) ✓

What is the term for digital currency that uses cryptographic techniques for security, operating independently of a central authority

1. A Cryptocurrency ✓
2. B Blockchain (the underlying technology often used by cryptocurrency, a related but distinct concept) ✓
3. C Digital wallet (a tool used to store/manage cryptocurrency, a related but distinct concept) ✓
4. D E-commerce (relates to online commercial transactions broadly, a different, broader concept) ✓

What is the general term for the field of study and practice involving the design and creation of computer programs

1. A Programming/Software development ✓
2. B Networking (a related, but distinct field, focused on connecting computer systems) ✓
3. C Cybersecurity (a related, but distinct field, focused on protecting systems) ✓
4. D Data science (a related, but distinct field, focused on data analysis) ✓

What is the general term for a distributed, decentralized digital ledger technology, foundational to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin

1. A Blockchain ✓
2. B Cloud computing (a related, but distinct computing delivery concept) ✓
3. C Internet of Things (a related, but distinct concept - connected physical devices) ✓
4. D Artificial Intelligence (a related, but distinct concept - machine intelligence) ✓

What subset of machine learning uses multi-layered neural networks to process complex patterns, powering many modern AI applications

1. A Deep Learning ✓
2. B Cloud computing (a related, but distinct computing delivery concept) ✓
3. C Internet of Things (a related, but distinct concept - connected physical devices) ✓
4. D Blockchain (a related, but distinct concept - a specific distributed ledger technology) ✓

What subset of AI involves systems that improve their performance on tasks through experience, without being explicitly programmed for each scenario

1. A Machine Learning ✓
2. B Cloud computing (a related, but distinct computing delivery concept) ✓
3. C Internet of Things (a related, but distinct concept - connected physical devices) ✓
4. D Blockchain (a related, but distinct concept - a specific distributed ledger technology) ✓

What is the general term for computer systems designed to simulate human intelligence processes, such as learning and problem-solving

1. A Internet of Things (a related, but distinct concept - connected physical devices) ✓
2. B Cloud computing (a related, but distinct concept - remote computing services) ✓
3. C Artificial Intelligence (AI) ✓
4. D Blockchain (a related, but distinct concept - a specific distributed ledger technology) ✓

What does the abbreviation VPN stand for, a tool used for secure, private internet connections

1. A Virtual Private Network ✓
2. B Verified Public Node (an incorrect variant) ✓
3. C Virtual Protected Node (an incorrect variant) ✓
4. D Verified Private Node (an incorrect variant) ✓

What is the term for the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks

1. A Cybersecurity ✓
2. B Antivirus protection (a narrower, specific tool/practice within the broader field) ✓
3. C Firewall management (a narrower, specific tool/practice within the broader field) ✓
4. D Data encryption (a narrower, specific technique within the broader field) ✓

What is the term for converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access, readable only with a specific key

1. A Encryption ✓
2. B Decryption (the reverse process - converting coded data back to readable form) ✓
3. C Compression (relates to reducing file size, a different concept) ✓
4. D Backup (relates to creating data copies for safety, a different concept) ✓

What is the term for a network of physical devices embedded with sensors and software, enabling them to connect and exchange data

1. A Internet of Things (IoT) ✓
2. B Cloud computing (a related, but distinct concept - remote data storage/processing) ✓
3. C Artificial Intelligence (a related, but distinct concept - machine intelligence) ✓
4. D Virtual Reality (a related, but distinct concept - immersive simulated environments) ✓

What is the term for reducing the size of a file or data set, often to save storage space or improve transmission speed

1. A Encryption (relates to coding data for security, a different concept) ✓
2. B Compression ✓
3. C Backup (relates to creating safety copies, a different concept) ✓
4. D Decryption (relates to reversing encryption, a different concept) ✓

What is the term for a copy of data made for safekeeping, allowing recovery in case original data is lost or damaged

1. A Encryption (relates to coding data for security, a different concept) ✓
2. B Compression (relates to reducing file size, a different concept) ✓
3. C Backup ✓
4. D Firewall (relates to network traffic filtering, a different concept) ✓

What is the term for reversing the encryption process, converting coded data back into its original, readable form

1. A Encryption (the process of coding data, the reverse process) ✓
2. B Decryption ✓
3. C Compression (relates to reducing file size, a different concept) ✓
4. D Backup (relates to creating data copies for safety, a different concept) ✓

What specific type of malware covertly monitors and collects information about a user without their knowledge

1. A Ransomware (focused on data encryption/extortion, a different mechanism/goal) ✓
2. B Spyware ✓
3. C Trojan horse (focused on disguised installation, a different primary mechanism) ✓
4. D Worm (focused on network self-replication, a different primary mechanism) ✓

What is the general term for software designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software from a computer

1. A Antivirus software ✓
2. B Firewall (a related, but distinct security tool, focused on network traffic filtering) ✓
3. C VPN (a related, but distinct privacy/security tool, focused on encrypted connections) ✓
4. D Malware (this is the threat itself, not the protective software) ✓

What is the general term for a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules

1. A Antivirus software (focused on detecting/removing malware, a related but distinct tool) ✓
2. B Firewall ✓
3. C VPN (focused on encrypted connections, a related but distinct tool) ✓
4. D Malware (this is a threat, not a protective system) ✓

What is the general term for a computer program that translates high-level programming code into machine-readable instructions

1. A Compiler ✓
2. B Operating system (a broader software category, not this specific translation function) ✓
3. C Browser (a different application, for web access) ✓
4. D Antivirus (a different application, for security) ✓

What is the term for temporary storage used to speed up access to frequently used data, reducing the need to repeatedly fetch it from slower sources

1. A Cache ✓
2. B Cookies (relates specifically to website-stored user data, a related but distinct concept) ✓
3. C RAM (a broader type of temporary memory, though cache is often a smaller, faster subset) ✓
4. D ROM (relates to permanent, unchangeable storage, a different concept) ✓

What is the term for small data files that websites store on a user's device to remember information, such as login status or preferences

1. A Cookies ✓
2. B Spam (relates to unsolicited messages, a different concept) ✓
3. C Malware (relates to malicious software, a different, harmful concept) ✓
4. D Cache (a related, but distinct concept - temporary storage for faster access to frequently used data) ✓

What is the term for a small program or script that automates a specific task, often within a larger application

1. A Macro ✓
2. B Compiler (translates code more broadly, a different specific function) ✓
3. C Operating system (a broader software category, not this specific automation tool) ✓
4. D Firewall (a security tool, unrelated to this automation concept) ✓

What is the term for the visual elements and layout through which users interact with a computer program or device

1. A User Interface (UI) ✓
2. B Operating system (the broader software managing the system, of which UI is a component) ✓
3. C Hardware (relates to physical components, a different concept) ✓
4. D Firmware (relates to embedded hardware software, a different concept) ✓

What is the term specifically focused on how easily and effectively users can interact with and navigate a product or system

1. A User Experience (UX) ✓
2. B User Interface (relates specifically to visual/interactive elements, a related but distinct, narrower concept) ✓
3. C Operating system (a broader software category, not this specific design focus) ✓
4. D Firmware (relates to embedded hardware software, an unrelated concept) ✓

What is the general term for the practice of testing software to identify and fix errors or defects

1. A Debugging ✓
2. B Compiling (relates to code translation, a different process) ✓
3. C Encrypting (relates to data security coding, a different process) ✓
4. D Backing up (relates to creating data copies, a different process) ✓

What term describes a flaw or error in a computer program that causes it to produce incorrect or unexpected results

1. A Bug ✓
2. B Feature (the opposite concept - an intended, working capability) ✓
3. C Patch (relates to a fix/update for a bug, not the bug itself) ✓
4. D Update (relates to general software improvements, not specifically an error) ✓

What term describes a small piece of software released to fix a bug or improve a program, without a complete new version release

1. A Patch ✓
2. B Bug (the problem being fixed, not the fix itself) ✓
3. C Feature (relates to intended capabilities, a different concept) ✓
4. D Interface (relates to how users interact with software, a different concept) ✓

What is the term for unauthorized access to computer systems or networks, often with malicious intent

1. A Hacking ✓
2. B Programming (relates to legitimate software creation, a different concept) ✓
3. C Debugging (relates to fixing legitimate software errors, a different concept) ✓
4. D Networking (relates to connecting systems generally, a different, broader concept) ✓

What term describes security professionals who use hacking techniques legally and ethically to identify system vulnerabilities

1. A Ethical hackers (White hat hackers) ✓
2. B Malicious hackers (Black hat hackers) - the opposite, illegitimate category ✓
3. C Script kiddies (a related but distinct, typically less skilled category, often with malicious intent) ✓
4. D Cybercriminals (a broader, typically malicious category) ✓

What is the term for fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information, such as passwords, by disguising as a trustworthy entity, often via email

1. A Phishing ✓
2. B Hacking (a broader, related concept, not this specific deceptive technique) ✓
3. C Spamming (relates to unsolicited bulk messages, a related but distinct concept) ✓
4. D Spoofing (a related, sometimes overlapping technique, disguising identity, though phishing specifically focuses on the information-extraction goal) ✓

What term describes unsolicited, often bulk, electronic messages, commonly associated with unwanted email

1. A Spam ✓
2. B Phishing (relates specifically to fraudulent information extraction, a related but distinct concept) ✓
3. C Malware (relates to malicious software generally, a different, broader concept) ✓
4. D Cookies (relates to small data files stored by websites, an entirely different, generally benign concept) ✓

Who is widely credited as a founder of modern computer science and the concept of a programmable computing machine

1. A Alan Turing ✓
2. B Bill Gates (a significant industry figure, but not this foundational theoretical role) ✓
3. C Steve Jobs (a significant industry figure, but not this foundational theoretical role) ✓
4. D Mark Zuckerberg (a significant industry figure, but not this foundational theoretical role) ✓

What is the term for extremely large and complex datasets that traditional data processing methods struggle to handle effectively

1. A Big Data ✓
2. B Cloud computing (relates to remote computing services generally, a related but distinct concept) ✓
3. C Data science (relates to the broader field analyzing data, of which handling big data is one aspect) ✓
4. D Database (a broader term for organized data storage generally, not specifically defined by this scale/complexity) ✓

What is the general term for the field studying how to extract meaningful insights and patterns from large, complex datasets

1. A Data science ✓
2. B Cybersecurity (a related, but distinct field, focused on protection rather than analysis) ✓
3. C Software engineering (a related, but distinct field, focused on program development) ✓
4. D Networking (a related, but distinct field, focused on system connectivity) ✓