COMPUTER PACKAGES AND BASIC
COMPUTER SKILLS: A Comprehensive
Q&A Handbook Covering Hardware,
Operating Systems, Microsoft Office
(Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet
Usage, and Security—With Detailed
Rationales for Every Answer.
SECTION A: COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS & HARDWARE (Q1 – Q40)
Q1. What is a computer?
A: An electronic device that processes data, converting it into information
that is useful to people.
Rationale: It operates under the control of instructions stored in its memory.
Q2. What is the difference between data and information?
A: Data is raw, unprocessed facts; Information is data that has been
processed and given context.
Rationale: Processing converts data (e.g., 50) into information (e.g., "Student
scored 50 marks").
,Q3. Which component is considered the "brain" of the computer?
A: The CPU (Central Processing Unit).
Rationale: It executes instructions and performs arithmetic/logic operations.
Q4. Name the three main parts of the CPU.
A: ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit), CU (Control Unit), and Registers.
Rationale: ALU calculates, CU directs traffic, and Registers store temporary
data.
Q5. What is the function of RAM?
A: To temporarily store data and instructions currently being used.
Rationale: RAM is volatile; it loses data when the computer is turned off.
Q6. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
A: RAM is volatile and read/write; ROM is non-volatile and read-only.
Rationale: ROM holds firmware (BIOS) permanently.
Q7. What is an Input Device? Give three examples.
A: Hardware used to enter data into a computer. E.g., Keyboard, Mouse,
Scanner.
Rationale: They convert user actions into machine-readable signals.
Q8. What is an Output Device? Give three examples.
A: Hardware used to present processed data to the user. E.g., Monitor,
Printer, Speakers.
Rationale: They convert machine signals into human-understandable
formats.
Q9. What is the difference between a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and a
Solid State Drive (SSD)?
A: HDD uses spinning platters (mechanical); SSD uses flash memory
(electronic).
Rationale: SSDs are faster and more durable than HDDs.
, Q10. What is a Motherboard?
A: The main circuit board that connects all components of a computer.
Rationale: It houses the CPU, RAM, and expansion slots.
Q11. What is a Port on a computer?
A: A connection point on the computer for peripherals.
Rationale: Examples include USB, HDMI, and Ethernet ports.
Q12. What does "Plug and Play" mean?
A: The ability to connect a device and have it work automatically without
manual configuration.
Rationale: The OS detects the device and installs necessary drivers.
Q13. What is a Power Supply Unit (PSU)?
A: The component that converts AC power from the outlet to DC power for
the internal components.
Rationale: It provides the correct voltage to the motherboard and drives.
Q14. What is a VDU?
A: Visual Display Unit (the monitor/screen).
Rationale: It displays the graphical user interface.
Q15. What is the difference between a CRT and an LCD monitor?
A: CRT uses cathode ray tubes (bulky); LCD uses liquid crystal display (flat).
Rationale: LCD is lighter, consumes less power, and is more modern.
Q16. What is a Touch Screen?
A: An input/output device that allows user interaction by touching the
display.
Rationale: It combines the visual display with a touch-sensitive overlay.
COMPUTER SKILLS: A Comprehensive
Q&A Handbook Covering Hardware,
Operating Systems, Microsoft Office
(Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet
Usage, and Security—With Detailed
Rationales for Every Answer.
SECTION A: COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS & HARDWARE (Q1 – Q40)
Q1. What is a computer?
A: An electronic device that processes data, converting it into information
that is useful to people.
Rationale: It operates under the control of instructions stored in its memory.
Q2. What is the difference between data and information?
A: Data is raw, unprocessed facts; Information is data that has been
processed and given context.
Rationale: Processing converts data (e.g., 50) into information (e.g., "Student
scored 50 marks").
,Q3. Which component is considered the "brain" of the computer?
A: The CPU (Central Processing Unit).
Rationale: It executes instructions and performs arithmetic/logic operations.
Q4. Name the three main parts of the CPU.
A: ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit), CU (Control Unit), and Registers.
Rationale: ALU calculates, CU directs traffic, and Registers store temporary
data.
Q5. What is the function of RAM?
A: To temporarily store data and instructions currently being used.
Rationale: RAM is volatile; it loses data when the computer is turned off.
Q6. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
A: RAM is volatile and read/write; ROM is non-volatile and read-only.
Rationale: ROM holds firmware (BIOS) permanently.
Q7. What is an Input Device? Give three examples.
A: Hardware used to enter data into a computer. E.g., Keyboard, Mouse,
Scanner.
Rationale: They convert user actions into machine-readable signals.
Q8. What is an Output Device? Give three examples.
A: Hardware used to present processed data to the user. E.g., Monitor,
Printer, Speakers.
Rationale: They convert machine signals into human-understandable
formats.
Q9. What is the difference between a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and a
Solid State Drive (SSD)?
A: HDD uses spinning platters (mechanical); SSD uses flash memory
(electronic).
Rationale: SSDs are faster and more durable than HDDs.
, Q10. What is a Motherboard?
A: The main circuit board that connects all components of a computer.
Rationale: It houses the CPU, RAM, and expansion slots.
Q11. What is a Port on a computer?
A: A connection point on the computer for peripherals.
Rationale: Examples include USB, HDMI, and Ethernet ports.
Q12. What does "Plug and Play" mean?
A: The ability to connect a device and have it work automatically without
manual configuration.
Rationale: The OS detects the device and installs necessary drivers.
Q13. What is a Power Supply Unit (PSU)?
A: The component that converts AC power from the outlet to DC power for
the internal components.
Rationale: It provides the correct voltage to the motherboard and drives.
Q14. What is a VDU?
A: Visual Display Unit (the monitor/screen).
Rationale: It displays the graphical user interface.
Q15. What is the difference between a CRT and an LCD monitor?
A: CRT uses cathode ray tubes (bulky); LCD uses liquid crystal display (flat).
Rationale: LCD is lighter, consumes less power, and is more modern.
Q16. What is a Touch Screen?
A: An input/output device that allows user interaction by touching the
display.
Rationale: It combines the visual display with a touch-sensitive overlay.
