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If you consider yourself a computer expert, why don't you take up this ultimate advanced computer quiz and test your advanced computer skills? A computer is an electronic machine that makes our lives easier and faster. It has been evolving in makeup and designing ever since they were first introduced. Most people nowadays are expected to have at least basic knowledge of computers. How conversant are you with the essential components of a computer? Play the quiz below and evaluate it for yourself. Good luck!
Questions and Answers
1.
What does CPU stand for?
A.
Computer Processing Unit
B.
Central Peripheral Unit
C.
Central Processing Unit
D.
Computer Processing User
Correct Answer C. Central Processing Unit
Explanation The correct answer is "Central Processing Unit". The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the primary component of a computer that carries out instructions and performs calculations. It is often referred to as the "brain" of the computer, as it controls all the operations and processes of the system.
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2.
Who invented the Graphical User Interface (GUI)?
A.
Microsoft
B.
Apple
C.
Bell Labs
D.
Xerox
E.
HP
Correct Answer D. Xerox
Explanation Xerox is the correct answer because they were the ones who invented the Graphical User Interface (GUI). Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) developed the GUI in the 1970s, which included features like windows, icons, and menus. This innovation revolutionized the way users interacted with computers and laid the foundation for modern graphical interfaces used in operating systems today.
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3.
You install a new 250 GB hard drive in your computer and format it. Upon checking the available space on the hard drive in My Computer, you are puzzled to find that there is substantially less space available than 250GB. Why?
A.
Whoever you ordered it from lied to you.
B.
Formatting tables and free space.
C.
The hard drive is defective.
D.
You incorrectly formatted the hard drive with an older formatting standard.
Correct Answer B. Formatting tables and free space.
Explanation The reason for finding less available space on the newly installed and formatted 250 GB hard drive is due to formatting tables and free space. When a hard drive is formatted, a small portion of the total space is reserved for formatting tables and other system files. Additionally, the file system also takes up some space, further reducing the available capacity. Therefore, the actual usable space on the hard drive is always slightly less than the advertised capacity.
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4.
What is the most crucial component to any computer system?
A.
Power Supply
B.
RAM
C.
Hard Drive
D.
CPU
E.
Motherboard
Correct Answer D. CPU
Explanation The most crucial component of any computer system is the central processing unit (CPU). The CPU is often referred to as the "brain" of the computer because it performs the essential tasks of executing instructions, processing data, and managing the overall operation of the computer. It carries out arithmetic and logic operations, handles input and output, and coordinates the functioning of all the hardware and software components within the computer.
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5.
What is the transfer rate of a standard USB 2.0 Device?
A.
100 Mbit/s
B.
480 Mbit/s
C.
1 Gbit/s
D.
250 Mbit/s
Correct Answer B. 480 Mbit/s
Explanation The transfer rate of a standard USB 2.0 device is 480 Mbit/s. USB 2.0 is a widely used standard for connecting devices to a computer. It provides faster data transfer speeds compared to its predecessor, USB 1.1. The transfer rate of 480 Mbit/s allows for efficient and quick transfer of data between the device and the computer.
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6.
While we're on the subject of USB, who invented it?
A.
Microsoft
B.
Apple
C.
AMD
D.
Samsung
E.
Intel
Correct Answer E. Intel
Explanation Apple popularized the standard with the original iMac, but Intel designed it.
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7.
QPI and HyperTransport have all but replaced this in current hardware, but what used to be the single most important factor in overall system speed?
A.
CPU
B.
Memory
C.
Front Side Bus (FSB)
D.
Video Card
E.
Hard Drive
Correct Answer C. Front Side Bus (FSB)
Explanation The front side bus (FSB) used to be the single most important factor in overall system speed. The FSB is responsible for transferring data between the CPU and other components in the computer, such as the memory and the video card. It determines the speed at which these components can communicate with each other. However, with the advancements in technology, the FSB has been largely replaced by newer technologies like QPI and HyperTransport, which offer faster and more efficient data transfer.
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8.
What does BIOS stand for?
A.
Basic Input Output System
B.
Byte Integration Operations System
C.
Basic Interconnect Operating System
D.
Basic Integration Operations System
Correct Answer A. Basic Input Output System
Explanation BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. It is a firmware that is responsible for the initialization of hardware components during the booting process of a computer. It provides the necessary instructions for the computer to start up and load the operating system. BIOS also manages the communication between the operating system and the hardware devices attached to the computer.
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9.
Who invented the x86 standard?
A.
IBM
B.
AMD
C.
VIA
D.
Cyrix
E.
Intel
Correct Answer E. Intel
Explanation Intel is the correct answer because they were the ones who invented the x86 standard. The x86 standard refers to the set of instructions used in most personal computers and servers today. Intel developed the first x86 microprocessor, the Intel 8086, in 1978, and it became the foundation for subsequent x86 processors. The x86 architecture has since been widely adopted by other computer manufacturers, but it was Intel who initially created and popularized it.
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10.
More importantly, when did the first x86 CPU come out?
A.
1982
B.
1978
C.
1990
D.
1974
Correct Answer B. 1978
Explanation The first x86 CPU came out in 1978.
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11.
What does the x stand for in AGP 8x?
A.
Times the FSB Speed
B.
Times the CPU Speed
C.
Times PCI Speed
D.
Times Graphics Speed
Correct Answer C. Times PCI Speed
Explanation The x in AGP 8x stands for "Times PCI Speed." AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) is a type of interface used to connect graphics cards to a computer's motherboard. The number 8x refers to the data transfer rate of the AGP interface, which is eight times the speed of the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus. Therefore, the x in AGP 8x represents the multiplication factor of the PCI speed.
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12.
Your computer suddenly shuts off and doesn't turn on after repeated attempts. What is the most likely cause?
A.
CPU fried
B.
Hard Drive crashed
C.
CD-ROM fried
D.
Power Supply blown
E.
Motherboard fried
Correct Answer D. Power Supply blown
Explanation The most likely cause for the computer suddenly shutting off and not turning on after repeated attempts is a blown power supply. A blown power supply can result in a loss of power to the computer, causing it to shut off and preventing it from turning back on. This can occur due to various reasons such as power surges, overheating, or aging of the power supply unit.
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13.
Why are SSDs superior to standard Hard Drive Technology?
A.
Smaller
B.
Near zero access times
C.
No Moving Parts
D.
Ruggedness
E.
All of the above
Correct Answer E. All of the above
Explanation SSDs (Solid State Drives) are superior to standard Hard Drive Technology for several reasons. Firstly, they are smaller in size, making them more compact and suitable for devices with limited space. Secondly, SSDs have near-zero access times, meaning that data can be retrieved and written much faster compared to traditional hard drives. Additionally, SSDs have no moving parts, which reduces the risk of mechanical failure and increases their durability. Lastly, SSDs are generally more rugged, able to withstand shocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures better than standard hard drives. Therefore, all of the mentioned factors contribute to the superiority of SSDs over traditional hard drives.
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14.
CPU Frequency (Mhz, Ghz) is the most important factor in overall CPU speed.
A.
True
B.
False
C.
Can't say
D.
None
Correct Answer B. False
Explanation While frequency does influence overall speed, the amount of steps required to perform a cycle, the speed at which the CPU can access the RAM, and the amount of cache the CPU has govern the speed more than the frequency alone.
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15.
Who invented DOS?
A.
Microsoft
B.
Tim Paterson
C.
Google
D.
None of the above
Correct Answer B. Tim Paterson
Explanation Tim Paterson is the correct answer because he is the creator of DOS (Disk Operating System). He developed the initial version of DOS, known as QDOS (Quick and Dirty Operating System), which later became the foundation for MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System). Microsoft acquired the rights to QDOS from Paterson and further developed it into MS-DOS, which became the dominant operating system for IBM-compatible personal computers in the 1980s and early 1990s.