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BGCSE Computer Studies 0597 study materials
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BGCSE Computer Studies 0597 practice questions

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Question 1Computer Systems and Hardware

Which component of a computer system carries out the arithmetic and logical operations requested by program instructions?

  1. The arithmetic logic unit Correct answer.
  2. The main memory
  3. The control unit
  4. The clock generator

Explanation

The central processing unit contains the arithmetic logic unit, which performs calculations such as addition and comparisons such as testing whether two values are equal. The control unit coordinates instruction sequencing but does not itself calculate, and main memory only stores data and instructions.

Question 2Computer Systems and Hardware

A school buys a printer that produces output that cannot be altered by the reader and is used for receipts and tickets. Which type of printer is this?

  1. Thermal printer Correct answer.
  2. Laser printer
  3. Dot matrix printer
  4. Inkjet printer

Explanation

Thermal printers work by heating specially coated paper to form characters, which makes them common for receipts, tickets and labels. The printed result is fixed on the paper and is not designed to be edited afterwards.

Question 3Computer Systems and Hardware

Which of the following best describes the function of RAM in a computer?

  1. It holds programs and data currently in use and loses its contents when power is removed Correct answer.
  2. It permanently stores the start-up instructions used when the computer is switched on
  3. It converts analogue signals from sensors into digital values
  4. It stores files permanently on magnetic disks

Explanation

RAM is volatile working memory: it holds the instructions and data of running programs so the processor can access them quickly. Because it is volatile, its contents are lost when the power is switched off, which is why work must be saved to backing storage.

Question 4Computer Systems and Hardware

Which unit is used to measure the clock speed of a processor?

  1. Gigabyte
  2. Millisecond
  3. Gigahertz Correct answer.
  4. Megapixel

Explanation

Clock speed is the number of cycles the processor completes each second, so it is measured in hertz and its multiples, such as gigahertz. A speed of 3 GHz means three thousand million cycles per second.

Question 5Computer Systems and Hardware

Which of these is an example of system software?

  1. A spreadsheet application
  2. An operating system Correct answer.
  3. A photo editor
  4. A web browser

Explanation

System software manages the hardware and provides a platform on which application programs run; the operating system is the main example. Spreadsheets, browsers and photo editors are applications that perform tasks for the user.

Question 6Computer Systems and Hardware

What is the main purpose of a device driver?

  1. To scan the computer for malicious software
  2. To compress files before they are stored
  3. To provide a graphical interface for the user
  4. To allow the operating system to communicate with a particular piece of hardware Correct answer.

Explanation

A device driver is a small program that translates general commands from the operating system into the specific signals a hardware device understands. Each model of printer, graphics card or network adapter needs its own driver.

Question 7Computer Systems and Hardware

Which statement correctly compares primary storage with secondary storage?

  1. Primary storage is accessed directly by the processor and is faster than secondary storage Correct answer.
  2. Secondary storage is volatile and loses data when the computer is switched off
  3. Primary storage usually has a much larger capacity than secondary storage
  4. Primary storage is slower and cheaper per gigabyte than secondary storage

Explanation

Primary storage such as RAM is directly addressable by the processor and is much faster than secondary storage, but it is smaller and more expensive per unit of capacity. Secondary storage is non-volatile and provides large long-term capacity.

Question 8Computer Systems and Hardware

Which of the following is a valid example of an input device used to capture a physical document into a computer?

  1. Speaker
  2. Scanner Correct answer.
  3. Plotter
  4. Monitor

Explanation

A scanner converts a printed page into a digital image that the computer can store and process, so it is an input device. Plotters, monitors and speakers all produce output from the computer.

Question 9Computer Systems and Hardware

A photograph is 4096 pixels wide and 2048 pixels high. How many megapixels does the image contain?

  1. 8.4 megapixels Correct answer.
  2. 16.0 megapixels
  3. 4.0 megapixels
  4. 2.0 megapixels

Explanation

The total number of pixels is 4096 multiplied by 2048, which equals 8,388,608 pixels. Dividing by one million gives approximately 8.4 megapixels, since a megapixel is one million pixels.

Question 10Computer Systems and Hardware

A file is 6 megabytes in size. Approximately how many bits does it contain?

  1. 1,500,000 bits
  2. 12,000,000 bits
  3. 6,000,000 bits
  4. 48,000,000 bits Correct answer.

Explanation

Using the common approximation of one megabyte as one million bytes, six megabytes are six million bytes. Each byte contains eight bits, so multiplying six million by eight gives forty-eight million bits.

Question 11Computer Systems and Hardware

Which type of software is most suitable for controlling the temperature of a factory furnace automatically without human intervention?

  1. A word processor
  2. A desktop publishing package
  3. A real-time process control program Correct answer.
  4. A database management system

Explanation

Process control programs read sensor data continuously and respond within strict time limits, which is what a furnace controller requires. Real-time systems must react fast enough to prevent unsafe conditions, unlike general-purpose office software.

Question 12Computer Systems and Hardware

Which statement about solid state storage compared with a magnetic hard disk is correct?

  1. Solid state storage has no moving parts and offers faster access to data Correct answer.
  2. Solid state storage usually provides a lower cost per gigabyte than a hard disk
  3. Solid state storage has moving parts and is therefore more likely to suffer mechanical failure
  4. Solid state storage retains data only while the computer is switched on

Explanation

Solid state drives store data in flash memory chips with no moving parts, so they access data faster and are more resistant to shock. They are non-volatile, but they generally cost more per gigabyte than magnetic disks.

Question 13Computer Systems and Hardware

What is the main advantage of storing music in MP3 format rather than as uncompressed audio?

  1. The file can be played on more types of device
  2. The file is smaller because information the listener is unlikely to notice is removed Correct answer.
  3. The sound quality is always higher than the original recording
  4. The file no longer needs any storage space

Explanation

MP3 uses lossy compression that discards sound detail considered inaudible to most listeners, greatly reducing file size. This allows more tracks to be stored and makes downloading and streaming faster, at the cost of some quality.

Question 14Computer Systems and Hardware

A user connects a new external hard disk to a computer and it is not recognised. Which action is most likely to solve the problem?

  1. Increase the amount of RAM installed
  2. Change the screen resolution
  3. Replace the computer's processor with a faster model
  4. Install the correct driver for the device Correct answer.

Explanation

When a peripheral is not recognised, the operating system usually lacks a suitable driver or the installed driver is faulty. Installing or updating the correct driver allows the system to communicate with the device.

Question 15Computer Systems and Hardware

Which type of memory is used to store the firmware that starts a computer and normally cannot be altered by ordinary programs?

  1. Cache memory
  2. Random access memory
  3. Read only memory Correct answer.
  4. Virtual memory

Explanation

Read only memory is non-volatile and its contents are retained when power is removed, which suits start-up firmware such as the basic input output system. Ordinary programs cannot normally write to it, protecting the start-up code.

Question 16Computer Systems and Hardware

A company wants backup storage that can be removed and stored in a fireproof safe each evening. Which medium is most appropriate?

  1. An extra block of RAM
  2. An external hard disk drive Correct answer.
  3. A larger monitor
  4. An internal solid state drive

Explanation

An external hard disk can be disconnected and physically moved to a secure off-site or fireproof location, giving protection against theft, fire and flood. Internal drives and memory modules stay inside the machine and cannot be removed easily each day.

Question 17Computer Systems and Hardware

Which of the following is the best description of a local area network?

  1. A network that connects devices over a small geographical area such as one building Correct answer.
  2. A network that connects devices across several countries using telephone lines
  3. A network consisting of a single computer and its printer
  4. A network that always requires satellite links

Explanation

A local area network covers a limited area, typically a single building or campus, and is usually owned and managed by one organisation. Wide area networks, by contrast, span large geographical distances.

Question 18Computer Systems and Hardware

What does the fetch stage of the fetch-decode-execute cycle involve?

  1. Copying the next instruction from memory into the processor Correct answer.
  2. Carrying out the operation named in the instruction
  3. Working out what the instruction means
  4. Writing the result back to secondary storage

Explanation

In the fetch stage the processor copies the next instruction, located at the address in the program counter, from main memory into a register. Decoding then interprets the instruction, and execution performs the required operation.

Question 19Computer Systems and Hardware

Which statement best explains why a computer uses cache memory?

  1. It increases the capacity of the hard disk
  2. It provides permanent storage for the operating system
  3. It converts instructions into machine code
  4. It stores frequently used instructions and data close to the processor to reduce waiting time Correct answer.

Explanation

Cache is a small, very fast memory placed close to the processor that holds recently or frequently used instructions and data. Accessing cache is much quicker than accessing main memory, so it reduces the time the processor spends waiting.

Question 20Computer Systems and Hardware

A laser printer produces pages with faint, patchy print. Which component is most likely to need attention?

  1. The network cable
  2. The toner cartridge Correct answer.
  3. The keyboard
  4. The screen driver

Explanation

Faint or patchy pages from a laser printer usually indicate that toner is running low or is unevenly distributed in the cartridge. Replacing or shaking the cartridge is the standard first remedy.

Question 21Computer Systems and Hardware

A computer has 8 GB of RAM and runs several large programs at once. The operating system starts using virtual memory. What is the likely effect?

  1. The programs run faster because more memory is available
  2. Performance slows because data must be swapped to and from the disk Correct answer.
  3. The stored files are permanently deleted from the disk
  4. The processor clock speed increases automatically

Explanation

Virtual memory uses part of secondary storage as an extension of RAM, and moving pages between disk and memory is far slower than accessing RAM. As a result the system slows down noticeably, which is why adding physical RAM is the usual remedy.

Question 22Computer Systems and Hardware

Which combination of factors would most improve the overall performance of a computer used for editing large video files?

  1. A higher screen resolution and a louder speaker
  2. A larger mouse mat and a faster printer
  3. More RAM and a faster solid state drive Correct answer.
  4. A larger monitor and a better keyboard

Explanation

Video editing places heavy demands on working memory and on the speed of reading and writing large files. Adding RAM reduces reliance on slow virtual memory, while a solid state drive shortens load and save times.

Question 23Computer Systems and Hardware

A computer's processor has a clock speed of 3 GHz and executes an average of 2 instructions per clock cycle. Approximately how many instructions does it execute per second?

  1. 12 thousand million
  2. 3 thousand million
  3. 1.5 thousand million
  4. 6 thousand million Correct answer.

Explanation

Three gigahertz means three thousand million clock cycles each second. At two instructions per cycle, the processor completes about six thousand million instructions per second, obtained by multiplying the two figures.

Question 24Computer Systems and Hardware

Why does a computer system normally use a mixture of volatile and non-volatile memory rather than only one type?

  1. Non-volatile memory is always faster than volatile memory
  2. Volatile memory is cheaper per gigabyte than any non-volatile memory
  3. Volatile memory is fast for working data, while non-volatile memory keeps programs and files when power is off Correct answer.
  4. Only non-volatile memory can be read by the processor

Explanation

A computer needs fast, volatile RAM to hold programs and data while they are being processed, because speed matters most there. It also needs non-volatile storage to keep the operating system, applications and user files permanently, since RAM loses everything when power is removed.

Question 25Computer Systems and Hardware

A sensor in a greenhouse sends an analogue voltage to a computer. Which sequence of components correctly allows the computer to act on this signal?

  1. Digital-to-analogue converter, then processor, then sensor
  2. Processor, then sensor, then analogue-to-digital converter
  3. Actuator, then processor, then analogue-to-digital converter
  4. Analogue-to-digital converter, then processor, then actuator Correct answer.

Explanation

The sensor produces an analogue voltage, which an analogue-to-digital converter turns into digital data the processor can compare with a threshold. The processor then sends a signal that drives an actuator, such as a fan or heater, to correct the condition.

Question 26Computer Systems and Hardware

Which hardware component is responsible for carrying out arithmetic and logical operations on data held in registers?

  1. The control unit
  2. The arithmetic logic unit Correct answer.
  3. The address bus
  4. The random access memory

Explanation

The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is the part of the processor that performs calculations such as addition and comparison operations on values held in registers. The control unit coordinates and directs operations rather than performing them, and memory and buses only hold or move data.

Question 27Computer Systems and Hardware

Which unit is used to measure the clock speed of a modern processor?

  1. Gigahertz Correct answer.
  2. Megapixel
  3. Millisecond
  4. Megabyte

Explanation

Clock speed describes how many cycles a processor completes each second, so it is measured in hertz and its multiples, such as gigahertz. The other units measure storage capacity, time intervals or image resolution, none of which express cycles per second.

Question 28Computer Systems and Hardware

A school buys 20 identical computers for a laboratory and wants each to run the same operating system and applications. Which approach makes installation and later updating most efficient?

  1. Ask each student to install the software on their own machine
  2. Create a single disk image and deploy it to every machine Correct answer.
  3. Use a different operating system on each machine to spread the load
  4. Install the software separately on each machine from a USB stick

Explanation

A disk image captures a complete, tested configuration that can be copied to many identical machines quickly and consistently, so later updates can be prepared once and redeployed. Installing separately on each machine repeats the same work many times and risks inconsistent settings.

Question 29Computer Systems and Hardware

A computer has a 64-bit address bus. What is the maximum number of distinct memory addresses it can reference?

  1. 2 x 64
  2. 64^2
  3. 2^64 Correct answer.
  4. 64 x 2

Explanation

Each wire in an address bus carries one bit, so a bus of n lines can form 2^n different binary patterns and therefore address 2^n distinct locations. For 64 lines the maximum is 2^64 addresses, regardless of the width of the data bus.

Question 30Computer Systems and Hardware

A computer has 4 GB of RAM. The operating system reserves 512 MB for itself and each running application needs 700 MB. A user opens four applications at once. Which statement best describes what happens?

  1. All four applications fit comfortably in RAM with over 1 GB to spare
  2. The operating system will refuse to open the fourth application
  3. The applications together exceed available RAM, so the system must use virtual memory Correct answer.
  4. The processor clock speed automatically increases to make the applications fit

Explanation

The four applications need 2800 MB, and after the operating system reserves 512 MB only about 3584 MB of the 4096 MB remains, so the total demand of roughly 3312 MB is close to the limit and paging to virtual memory becomes necessary as further data is loaded. When physical memory cannot hold all active pages, the operating system moves some to disk.

Question 31Software and Applications

Which type of software is a web browser such as a program used to view pages on the internet?

  1. Operating system
  2. System software
  3. Utility firmware
  4. Application software Correct answer.

Explanation

Software is broadly divided into system software, which manages the hardware and provides a platform, and application software, which lets the user perform a specific task. A web browser performs a user-facing task, so it is application software.

Question 32Software and Applications

What is the main purpose of an operating system?

  1. To scan the computer for viruses
  2. To translate source code into machine code
  3. To manage hardware resources and provide a platform for programs Correct answer.
  4. To create spreadsheets and documents

Explanation

An operating system controls memory, processor time, storage and input/output devices, and provides services that application programs rely on. Without it, applications could not safely share the hardware.

Question 33Software and Applications

A school wants to install one program on many computers at once and control settings centrally. Which type of operating system is most suitable?

  1. An embedded operating system
  2. A real-time operating system
  3. A network operating system on a server Correct answer.
  4. A single-user stand-alone system

Explanation

A network operating system runs on a server and manages users, shared resources and central configuration across many client machines. Central installation and control of settings are typical server functions.

Question 34Software and Applications

Which statement best describes the difference between a compiler and an interpreter?

  1. A compiler works only with assembly language, while an interpreter works only with machine code.
  2. A compiler translates the whole program before running it, while an interpreter translates and runs it statement by statement. Correct answer.
  3. A compiler is hardware, while an interpreter is software.
  4. A compiler runs the source code line by line, while an interpreter produces an executable file.

Explanation

A compiler converts the entire source program into object or machine code in one pass before execution, so errors are reported together. An interpreter translates and executes one statement at a time, stopping at the first error it meets.

Question 35Software and Applications

What is the role of a device driver?

  1. To store the user's personal files securely
  2. To convert a high-level program into machine code
  3. To allow the operating system to communicate with a particular hardware device Correct answer.
  4. To provide a graphical interface for the user

Explanation

A device driver is system software that contains the instructions needed to control one specific piece of hardware. It translates general commands from the operating system into signals the device understands.

Question 36Software and Applications

Which of these is an example of system software rather than application software?

  1. A web-based email client
  2. A photo-editing program
  3. A payroll package
  4. A utility that defragments a disk Correct answer.

Explanation

Utilities are programs that maintain, protect or tune the computer and are classed as system software. Photo editors, payroll packages and email clients exist to carry out a user task, so they are application software.

Question 37Software and Applications

A user interface in which the user types commands at a prompt is called what?

  1. A command-line interface Correct answer.
  2. A menu-driven interface
  3. A graphical user interface
  4. A natural-language interface

Explanation

A command-line interface accepts typed commands and parameters, and the user must know the exact syntax. Graphical interfaces use windows and icons, while menu-driven interfaces present lists of choices.

Question 38Software and Applications

Which file format is most suitable for storing a photograph that must keep high quality while remaining reasonably small?

  1. Plain text (.txt)
  2. Comma-separated values (.csv)
  3. Joint Photographic Experts Group (.jpg) Correct answer.
  4. Hypertext Markup Language (.html)

Explanation

The JPEG format stores images using compression that greatly reduces file size while keeping acceptable photographic quality. The other formats listed store text, not pictures.

Question 39Software and Applications

Which software category would be used to remove unnecessary temporary files and free disk space?

  1. Web authoring software
  2. Presentation software
  3. Utility software Correct answer.
  4. Database management software

Explanation

Utility programs perform housekeeping tasks such as cleaning temporary files, compressing data, backing up and checking disks. They support the smooth running of the system rather than producing user documents.

Question 40Software and Applications

What does the term 'open source' mean for a piece of software?

  1. The software is always free of charge to every user
  2. The source code is made available so that others may study and modify it Correct answer.
  3. The software has no licence conditions of any kind
  4. The software may be used only on computers connected to the internet

Explanation

Open source refers to the availability of the human-readable source code, which others may inspect, change and redistribute under the terms of its licence. Free of charge and open source are not the same thing.

Question 41Software and Applications

A company needs software for many employees but wants to pay once and avoid recurring subscription fees. Which licensing model fits best?

  1. A perpetual single-user licence
  2. A monthly subscription for one user
  3. A free trial licence
  4. A perpetual site licence Correct answer.

Explanation

A site licence allows the software to be installed on many machines at one organisation under a single payment. This suits a company needing many installations without repeated fees.

Question 42Software and Applications

Which of these tasks is performed by an operating system rather than by application software?

  1. Allocating memory to a running program Correct answer.
  2. Editing the colours in a digital photograph
  3. Designing a poster for a school event
  4. Calculating totals in a spreadsheet

Explanation

Memory management is a core operating-system function: it decides which program gets which memory and reclaims memory when a program ends. The other tasks are user activities carried out in application programs.

Question 43Software and Applications

What is the main advantage of using a graphical user interface over a command-line interface for a beginner?

  1. It always uses less memory
  2. It prevents all computer errors
  3. It removes the need for an operating system
  4. It allows tasks to be performed by recognising icons and menus instead of memorising commands Correct answer.

Explanation

A graphical interface lets users point at visible icons and choose from menus, so no command syntax has to be learned. This makes it easier for beginners, although it generally uses more memory than a command line.

Question 44Software and Applications

A programmer writes a program in a high-level language. Why must it be translated before the processor can run it?

  1. Because high-level code is written in a form the processor cannot execute directly Correct answer.
  2. Because translation makes the program shorter to type
  3. Because the processor can run only programs stored on disk
  4. Because high-level languages cannot store numbers

Explanation

High-level statements resemble English and are independent of any particular processor, so the processor cannot execute them as they stand. A translator converts them into machine code made of instructions the processor understands.

Question 45Software and Applications

Which of the following best describes an integrated development environment (IDE)?

  1. A program that only checks spelling in documents
  2. A single package combining an editor, translator and debugging tools Correct answer.
  3. A type of operating system for mobile phones
  4. A device for connecting printers to a network

Explanation

An IDE brings together the tools a programmer needs, typically a source editor, a compiler or interpreter, and a debugger, within one interface. This speeds up writing, testing and correcting programs.

Question 46Software and Applications

A hospital uses a program that must respond to sensor readings within a guaranteed fraction of a second. Which type of operating system is required?

  1. A stand-alone single-user system
  2. A real-time operating system Correct answer.
  3. A multi-user time-sharing system
  4. A batch processing system

Explanation

A real-time operating system is designed to respond to events within a strict and predictable time limit, which is essential when sensors and equipment must be controlled instantly. Missing the deadline could endanger patients.

Question 47Software and Applications

Why does a compiler usually report all syntax errors in a program together, while an interpreter often stops at the first one?

  1. Because an interpreter cannot detect syntax errors at all
  2. Because a compiler ignores errors and runs the program anyway
  3. Because an interpreter translates the entire program before running it
  4. Because a compiler analyses the whole source file before producing output Correct answer.

Explanation

A compiler reads and analyses the complete source program before generating object code, so it can list every error it finds. An interpreter works statement by statement and halts at the first statement it cannot translate.

Question 48Software and Applications

A small business is choosing between proprietary software and open-source software for its accounts. Which pair of statements is correct?

  1. Proprietary software usually requires a paid licence and offers vendor support; open-source software can be modified but support may be community-based. Correct answer.
  2. Proprietary software always includes source code; open-source software never allows modification.
  3. Proprietary software is illegal to copy; open-source software may be copied without any licence terms.
  4. Proprietary software cannot be updated; open-source software updates itself automatically.

Explanation

Proprietary software is supplied under a paid licence, and the vendor normally provides support and updates. Open-source software exposes its source code so it can be adapted, but support often comes from a community rather than a single company.

Question 49Software and Applications

Which statement about the relationship between an operating system and application software is correct?

  1. Application software and the operating system are the same kind of program
  2. The operating system provides services that application software uses to access hardware Correct answer.
  3. Application software must be installed before the operating system
  4. Application software provides services that the operating system uses to start up

Explanation

Applications cannot operate hardware directly in a controlled way; they request services such as file access, memory and printing from the operating system. The operating system therefore sits between applications and the hardware.

Question 50Software and Applications

Which of these is a typical function of a word-processing application rather than a spreadsheet?

  1. Sorting records into alphabetical order by field
  2. Recalculating a column of figures automatically
  3. Plotting a line graph of monthly sales
  4. Checking spelling and grammar in a letter Correct answer.

Explanation

Word processors are designed for creating and formatting text documents and include tools such as spelling and grammar checking. Automatic recalculation, sorting records and charting numerical data are spreadsheet functions.