I85PREP
⌘ K
ICDL Computer & Online Essentials study materials
ICDL Computer & Online Essentials study resources

ICDL Computer & Online Essentials (ICDL) practice questions

One question at a time. Build your ICDL Computer & Online Essentials understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Computer Essentials

Which type of software is an operating system classified as?

  1. Firmware driver
  2. Application software
  3. System software Correct answer.
  4. Utility plug-in

Explanation

An operating system manages hardware and provides services for other programs, so it belongs to the system software category. Application software runs on top of the operating system to perform user tasks.

Question 2Computer Essentials

What is the main function of an operating system?

  1. Managing hardware and providing services to programs Correct answer.
  2. Scanning files for malicious content
  3. Creating backups of user documents
  4. Compiling source code into machine code

Explanation

The operating system coordinates memory, storage, processors and devices, and supplies common services that applications rely on. The other tasks listed are performed by specific applications rather than by the operating system itself.

Question 3Computer Essentials

A user wants to keep several applications open at once and switch between them. Which resource does the operating system mainly allocate to make this possible?

  1. Printer spool space
  2. Screen brightness
  3. Network bandwidth
  4. Random access memory Correct answer.

Explanation

Running multiple programs at the same time requires the operating system to divide RAM among them so each has working space. Screen brightness, printer spooling and network bandwidth do not determine how many programs can be held open.

Question 4Computer Essentials

Which file name extension typically identifies a compressed archive that may contain several files?

  1. .exe
  2. .zip Correct answer.
  3. .mp3
  4. .txt

Explanation

A .zip extension marks a compressed archive that can hold one or many files bundled together. The other extensions identify plain text, an executable program and an audio file respectively.

Question 5Computer Essentials

In a file system, what does a folder (directory) do?

  1. Stores the contents of a file in compressed form
  2. Assigns a drive letter to a storage device
  3. Encrypts files so they cannot be opened
  4. Groups related files together for organisation Correct answer.

Explanation

A folder is a container used to organise files and other folders into a logical hierarchy. It does not itself compress, encrypt or name drives.

Question 6Computer Essentials

A document has been deleted and moved to the Recycle Bin. What happens when the Recycle Bin is emptied?

  1. The file is permanently removed from that storage Correct answer.
  2. The file is restored to its original folder
  3. The file is moved to a backup folder
  4. The file becomes read-only

Explanation

Emptying the Recycle Bin discards the items it holds, freeing the space they occupied on that drive. Until that point, items in the bin can usually be restored.

Question 7Computer Essentials

Which action is the safest way to remove a USB flash drive from a computer?

  1. Shut down the monitor and remove the drive
  2. Use the safe-eject or unmount option first Correct answer.
  3. Pull the drive out while a file is copying
  4. Delete all files on the drive before removing it

Explanation

Using the safe-eject or unmount command tells the operating system to finish all pending writes before the device is disconnected. Removing a drive during a write can corrupt files on it.

Question 8Computer Essentials

What does the term 'boot process' describe?

  1. Starting the computer and loading the operating system Correct answer.
  2. Installing updates after shutdown
  3. Formatting a hard disk before first use
  4. Logging a user out of a session

Explanation

Booting is the sequence that runs when power is applied, ending with the operating system loaded and ready for use. Updates, formatting and logging out are separate operations.

Question 9Computer Essentials

Which of these is an example of an input device?

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

Explanation

A scanner captures information from the outside world and sends it into the computer, making it an input device. Monitors, printers and speakers all present output from the computer to the user.

Question 10Computer Essentials

A user needs to connect a device that transfers data quickly over short distances and does not require a cable. Which technology fits?

  1. SATA
  2. Bluetooth Correct answer.
  3. Ethernet
  4. VGA

Explanation

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology used to link peripherals and devices without cables. Ethernet, VGA and SATA are all wired connection standards.

Question 11Computer Essentials

What is the primary purpose of a firewall on a computer?

  1. To increase the speed of downloads
  2. To convert documents into other formats
  3. To filter network traffic according to security rules Correct answer.
  4. To compress files before sending them

Explanation

A firewall inspects incoming and outgoing network traffic and allows or blocks it based on configured rules. It is a security control, not a performance or file-conversion tool.

Question 12Computer Essentials

Which practice best protects a computer against malware arriving through email attachments?

  1. Disabling the operating system updates
  2. Storing all files on the desktop
  3. Using the same password on every account
  4. Opening attachments only from known senders after scanning them Correct answer.

Explanation

Attachments from trusted senders should still be scanned, because malware can arrive from a compromised contact. Keeping software updated and using unique passwords are also good habits, but the direct defence against attachments is scanning and caution.

Question 13Computer Essentials

What distinguishes a strong password from a weak one?

  1. It is short and easy to remember
  2. It mixes length with varied character types Correct answer.
  3. It repeats a common dictionary word
  4. It uses only lowercase letters

Explanation

Longer passwords that combine upper and lower case, digits and symbols are much harder to guess or crack. Short, single-case or dictionary-based passwords are vulnerable to automated attacks.

Question 14Computer Essentials

A user is asked to enter a code from an authenticator app in addition to a password. Which security concept does this illustrate?

  1. Two-factor authentication Correct answer.
  2. Single sign-on
  3. Disk defragmentation
  4. Data compression

Explanation

Combining something you know (a password) with something you have (a code from an app) is two-factor authentication. It adds a second independent check so a stolen password alone is not enough.

Question 15Computer Essentials

Which of these describes a computer virus?

  1. A protocol for sending email
  2. A hardware fault in memory chips
  3. A type of network cable
  4. A program that replicates by attaching to other files Correct answer.

Explanation

A virus is malicious code that inserts itself into host files or programs and spreads when those are run. It is software, not a hardware fault, protocol or cable.

Question 16Computer Essentials

Why should a user keep the operating system and applications updated?

  1. Updates close known security gaps and fix errors Correct answer.
  2. Updates remove the need for backups
  3. Updates make passwords unnecessary
  4. Updates always reduce disk space

Explanation

Vendors release updates to patch vulnerabilities and correct defects, which reduces the risk of exploitation. Updates do not replace backups or passwords, and they may increase rather than reduce space used.

Question 17Computer Essentials

A user wants to prevent unauthorised people from reading files on a stolen laptop. Which measure addresses this directly?

  1. Increasing the screen resolution
  2. Renaming the user account
  3. Encrypting the storage drive Correct answer.
  4. Clearing the browser cache

Explanation

Full-disk encryption scrambles stored data so it cannot be read without the correct key or credentials. Resolution, account names and cache clearing do not protect file contents.

Question 18Computer Essentials

What is the purpose of compressing a folder before sending it by email?

  1. To make the files open without software
  2. To reduce its size so it transfers more easily Correct answer.
  3. To increase the number of files it contains
  4. To change the file types inside it

Explanation

Compression reduces the space the data occupies, which speeds transfer and helps meet attachment size limits. It does not add files, convert their formats or remove the need for software to open them.

Question 19Computer Essentials

Which statement about saving a file is correct?

  1. Saving closes the application automatically
  2. Saving deletes the previous version permanently
  3. Saving only works for image files
  4. Saving keeps the current content in a named file on storage Correct answer.

Explanation

Saving writes the current content to a file at a chosen location so it persists after the program closes. It does not close the application, necessarily erase earlier versions, or apply only to images.

Question 20Computer Essentials

A user copies a file from a USB drive to the desktop. What happens to the original file on the USB drive?

  1. It remains unchanged on the USB drive Correct answer.
  2. It is deleted from the USB drive
  3. It is moved into the Recycle Bin
  4. It becomes read-only on the USB drive

Explanation

Copying creates a duplicate at the destination while the source file stays in place. Only a move or cut operation removes the original from its location.

Question 21Computer Essentials

Which of these is a function of a device driver?

  1. Compressing files during download
  2. Managing user passwords
  3. Encrypting user documents
  4. Allowing the operating system to communicate with a device Correct answer.

Explanation

A driver translates commands between the operating system and a specific piece of hardware. Encryption, compression and password management are handled by other types of software.

Question 22Computer Essentials

A user reports that a program runs slowly when many other programs are open. Which explanation is most likely?

  1. Available memory is being shared among too many programs Correct answer.
  2. The monitor refresh rate is too high
  3. The keyboard layout is set incorrectly
  4. The printer is out of paper

Explanation

When many programs run at once they compete for limited memory, and the system slows as it swaps data to disk. Refresh rate, keyboard layout and printer status do not cause general program slowness.

Question 23Computer Essentials

What is the difference between sleep and shut down?

  1. Sleep deletes all open files; shut down keeps them
  2. Sleep requires a network connection; shut down does not
  3. Sleep is only available on servers; shut down only on laptops
  4. Sleep keeps the session in memory for a fast resume; shut down ends it Correct answer.

Explanation

Sleep places the computer in a low-power state while preserving the session in memory so work resumes quickly. Shut down closes programs and powers the machine off, requiring a full start-up next time.

Question 24Computer Essentials

Why is it advisable to back up important files to a separate location?

  1. It makes the files open faster
  2. It increases the storage capacity of the computer
  3. It allows recovery if the original storage fails Correct answer.
  4. It removes the need for antivirus software

Explanation

A backup is a copy kept elsewhere, so if the original drive fails or is damaged the data can be restored. Backups do not speed up access, replace antivirus protection or add capacity to the original drive.

Question 25Computer Essentials

A colleague shares a file link that requires signing in with a company account before opening. What does this indicate about the file's access control?

  1. The file is publicly editable by anyone
  2. Access is restricted to authenticated users Correct answer.
  3. The file cannot be opened by any account
  4. The file has been permanently deleted

Explanation

Requiring a sign-in means the sharing service checks the user's identity before granting access, so only authenticated accounts can open it. Public files would not prompt for credentials, and a deleted file would not be reachable at all.

Question 26Computer Essentials

Which type of software is an operating system?

  1. A media player
  2. System software Correct answer.
  3. A web browser
  4. A spreadsheet application

Explanation

An operating system is classified as system software because it manages hardware and provides the platform on which other programs run. Applications such as browsers, spreadsheets and media players run on top of it.

Question 27Computer Essentials

Which component carries out the instructions of a program and is often described as the brain of the computer?

  1. The hard disk
  2. The central processing unit Correct answer.
  3. The random access memory
  4. The power supply unit

Explanation

The central processing unit executes program instructions and performs calculations. Storage and memory hold data, but the processing itself happens in the CPU.

Question 28Computer Essentials

What is the main purpose of random access memory in a computer?

  1. To connect the computer to a network
  2. To store files permanently after the computer is switched off
  3. To hold programs and data currently in use for quick access Correct answer.
  4. To display images on the screen

Explanation

RAM is working memory that holds the programs and data the computer is actively using so the processor can reach them quickly. Its contents are lost when power is removed, so it is not permanent storage.

Question 29Computer Essentials

Which file extension typically indicates a plain text document?

  1. .jpg
  2. .txt Correct answer.
  3. .mp3
  4. .exe

Explanation

The extension at the end of a file name tells the operating system which type of content to expect. A .txt file is plain text, whereas the other extensions denote images, audio and programs.

Question 30Computer Essentials

What does the term 'user interface' refer to in an operating system?

  1. The part of the system through which a person interacts with the computer Correct answer.
  2. The amount of storage available on the drive
  3. The speed at which the processor runs
  4. The physical ports on the back of the computer

Explanation

The user interface is the means by which a person gives commands and receives feedback, whether through graphical elements or typed commands. It is about interaction, not hardware ports or performance figures.

Question 31Computer Essentials

Which of these is an example of an output device?

  1. A monitor Correct answer.
  2. A scanner
  3. A microphone
  4. A keyboard

Explanation

Output devices present processed results to the user, and a monitor displays visual output. Scanners, microphones and keyboards send data into the computer instead.

Question 32Computer Essentials

What is the purpose of a file management application such as File Explorer?

  1. To connect to a printer
  2. To browse, organise and manage files and folders Correct answer.
  3. To scan the computer for viruses
  4. To edit photographs

Explanation

File management tools let users view the folder structure and create, move, rename or delete files and folders. Other tasks such as antivirus scanning or image editing belong to dedicated programs.

Question 33Computer Essentials

Which of these best describes an icon on a desktop?

  1. A type of network cable
  2. A security certificate
  3. A unit of storage capacity
  4. A small graphic that represents a program, file or folder Correct answer.

Explanation

An icon is a small pictorial symbol that stands for something the user can open or act on, such as an application, file or folder. It is a visual shortcut rather than a cable, certificate or capacity measure.

Question 34Computer Essentials

A user wants to rename a folder in a file manager. Which approach is appropriate?

  1. Right-click the folder and choose the rename option, then type a new name Correct answer.
  2. Copy the folder and paste it into the same location
  3. Delete the folder and create a new one with a different name
  4. Open every file inside the folder and change its contents

Explanation

Renaming is a direct operation on the folder itself, available through the context menu or a keyboard shortcut. Recreating the folder or altering its contents does not rename it and risks losing data.

Question 35Computer Essentials

A user drags a file from one folder to another on the same drive. What is the result?

  1. The file is copied and remains in both folders
  2. The file is permanently deleted
  3. The file is moved and no longer exists in the original folder Correct answer.
  4. A shortcut to the file is created

Explanation

Dragging within the same drive performs a move by default, so the file leaves its original location and appears in the target folder. Copying requires a modifier key or a copy command.

Question 36Computer Essentials

Which statement about the difference between a file and a folder is correct?

  1. A folder can contain files and other folders, while a file holds content Correct answer.
  2. A file can contain folders, while a folder holds only text
  3. A folder is always larger than a file
  4. A file and a folder are the same thing with different icons

Explanation

A folder is a container used to organise items, and it may hold files and subfolders. A file is the individual unit that stores content such as text, images or programs.

Question 37Computer Essentials

What is the main function of an operating system's file system?

  1. To translate documents into other languages
  2. To manage the computer's cooling fans
  3. To increase the brightness of the display
  4. To organise and track how data is stored and retrieved on a drive Correct answer.

Explanation

A file system defines how files are named, stored and located on a storage device so the operating system can retrieve them reliably. It is concerned with data organisation, not display settings or hardware cooling.

Question 38Computer Essentials

A user wants to find all files modified last week in a large folder. Which method is most efficient?

  1. Rename every file with the date
  2. Use the search or sort function with a date filter Correct answer.
  3. Delete the folder and start again
  4. Open each file in turn and check its contents

Explanation

Search and sort tools can filter items by properties such as modification date, quickly narrowing a large set to the relevant files. Manual inspection or destructive actions are slow and risky.

Question 39Computer Essentials

Which action changes the appearance of the desktop, such as its background image?

  1. Changing the keyboard layout
  2. Reinstalling the operating system
  3. Adjusting the personalisation or display settings Correct answer.
  4. Defragmenting the hard disk

Explanation

Desktop background, colours and themes are configured through personalisation settings. The other actions affect system installation, storage performance or input behaviour rather than desktop appearance.

Question 40Computer Essentials

What is the purpose of the print queue?

  1. To convert documents into image files
  2. To hold documents waiting to be printed in order Correct answer.
  3. To store the printer's ink levels
  4. To connect the printer to the network

Explanation

When several documents are sent to a printer, they are held in a queue and processed one after another. The queue manages the order of pending print jobs rather than ink levels or connectivity.

Question 41Computer Essentials

A file is described as read-only. What does this mean for the user?

  1. The file can be opened and viewed but not changed without altering its properties Correct answer.
  2. The file is encrypted and cannot be opened
  3. The file will be deleted when closed
  4. The file can only be opened by an administrator

Explanation

A read-only attribute prevents saving changes to the file until the attribute is removed. It does not encrypt the file, restrict it to administrators or schedule deletion.

Question 42Computer Essentials

What is the difference between a local account and a network account on a computer?

  1. A local account can access the internet, while a network account cannot
  2. A local account is only for guests, while a network account is only for administrators
  3. A local account has no password, while a network account always does
  4. A local account is valid only on that computer, while a network account is managed centrally and can be used across systems Correct answer.

Explanation

A local account's credentials are stored on the individual machine, whereas a network account is held on a server and can authenticate the user on multiple connected systems. Password rules and privileges vary independently of this distinction.

Question 43Computer Essentials

A user wants to give a colleague access to a single shared folder without granting access to the rest of the drive. Which approach is most appropriate?

  1. Disable the password on the user's account
  2. Copy the entire drive to the colleague's computer
  3. Give the colleague an administrator account
  4. Set permissions on that folder only for the colleague's account Correct answer.

Explanation

Permissions can be assigned at the folder level so access is limited to the intended resource. Granting broad privileges or copying everything exposes more data than necessary.

Question 44Computer Essentials

Why does an operating system use a paging or virtual memory mechanism?

  1. To increase the physical size of the hard disk
  2. To extend usable memory by temporarily moving data to storage when RAM is full Correct answer.
  3. To speed up the network connection
  4. To encrypt files on the drive

Explanation

When physical memory is exhausted, the system can move less-used pages to storage and bring them back when needed, effectively extending working memory. This trades speed for capacity and does not change disk size, network speed or encryption.

Question 45Computer Essentials

Which statement best explains why a solid-state drive generally starts programs faster than a mechanical hard disk?

  1. It does not require a file system
  2. It has no moving parts, so data can be accessed with lower delay Correct answer.
  3. It connects only to wireless networks
  4. It stores more data than any hard disk

Explanation

A solid-state drive uses electronic memory with no mechanical heads or spinning platters, so random access is much quicker. Capacity and file system requirements are separate matters, and storage devices are not network-only.

Question 46Computer Essentials

A user notices that a folder's contents changed even though the user made no edits. Which explanation is most plausible?

  1. Another account with access to the folder modified the files Correct answer.
  2. The keyboard layout was changed
  3. The monitor is displaying an outdated image
  4. The printer is offline

Explanation

Files can be changed by any account that has permission to write to them, including over a network. Display, input and printing settings do not alter stored file contents.

Question 47Computer Essentials

What does it mean when a file is stored 'in the cloud'?

  1. It is stored only in the computer's RAM
  2. It is saved on the printer's internal memory
  3. It exists only while the computer is switched on
  4. It is kept on remote servers and accessed over the internet Correct answer.

Explanation

Cloud storage keeps files on servers operated remotely, and users reach them through an internet connection. This is distinct from volatile memory or device-local storage.

Question 48Computer Essentials

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

  1. A word processor
  2. A video game
  3. A photo editor
  4. A device driver Correct answer.

Explanation

Device drivers are system software because they let the operating system communicate with hardware. Word processors, photo editors and games are applications intended for user tasks.

Question 49Computer Essentials

A user's computer displays the correct time after a restart but drifts over several days. Which setting is most relevant to correcting this automatically?

  1. Synchronising the clock with an internet time server Correct answer.
  2. Increasing the screen resolution
  3. Changing the desktop theme
  4. Enabling the print queue

Explanation

Time synchronisation services periodically adjust the system clock using a reliable internet time source, correcting drift. Display, appearance and printing settings have no effect on the clock.

Question 50Computer Essentials

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between hardware and software?

  1. Hardware and software are both physical components
  2. Software cannot run without being installed on hardware, but hardware can run without software
  3. Hardware is the physical equipment, and software is the set of instructions it executes Correct answer.
  4. Hardware is the instructions, and software is the physical equipment

Explanation

Hardware refers to tangible components such as the processor and memory, while software consists of programs and instructions. The two work together, with software directing what the hardware does.