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Maharashtra HSC IT (Arts) study materials
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Maharashtra HSC IT (Arts) practice questions

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Question 1Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

Which unit of memory is exactly equal to 1024 megabytes (MB)?

  1. One gigabyte (GB) Correct answer.
  2. One kilobyte (KB)
  3. One byte
  4. One terabyte (TB)

Explanation

Computer memory units scale in powers of 1024, so 1024 MB combine to form one gigabyte. A kilobyte is smaller than a megabyte, and a terabyte is 1024 times larger than a gigabyte.

Question 2Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

In the context of computer hardware, what does the abbreviation CPU stand for?

  1. Core Peripheral Unit
  2. Central Processing Unit Correct answer.
  3. Computer Power Unit
  4. Central Program Utility

Explanation

The CPU is the Central Processing Unit, the component that fetches, decodes and executes instructions. The other expansions do not describe any standard hardware component.

Question 3Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

Which of the following is an example of primary memory in a computer system?

  1. Hard disk drive
  2. DVD-ROM
  3. Pen drive
  4. RAM Correct answer.

Explanation

Primary memory is directly accessed by the CPU and holds data currently in use; RAM is the standard example. Hard disks, pen drives and DVDs are secondary storage devices.

Question 4Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

Which of these devices is classified as an input device?

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

Explanation

A scanner converts a physical document into digital data fed into the computer, so it is an input device. Plotters, monitors and speakers all present processed results to the user and are output devices.

Question 5Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

Which type of software is the Windows operating system an example of?

  1. Application software
  2. Programming language
  3. Utility firmware
  4. System software Correct answer.

Explanation

An operating system is system software because it manages hardware resources and provides a platform for other programs. Application software performs user-oriented tasks on top of the operating system.

Question 6Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

Which number system uses only the digits 0 and 1?

  1. Hexadecimal
  2. Octal
  3. Decimal
  4. Binary Correct answer.

Explanation

The binary system has a base of 2 and therefore uses only the symbols 0 and 1. Decimal uses ten digits, octal eight, and hexadecimal sixteen symbols.

Question 7Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

What is the primary function of a computer's motherboard?

  1. To display graphical output on screen
  2. To connect and allow communication among components Correct answer.
  3. To convert AC power into DC power
  4. To store the operating system permanently

Explanation

The motherboard is the main circuit board that provides slots, sockets and buses so the CPU, memory and peripherals can communicate. Storage, power conversion and display are handled by other dedicated components.

Question 8Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

A file on a disk is 3 KB in size. Approximately how many bytes does it contain?

  1. 3072 bytes Correct answer.
  2. 1024 bytes
  3. 3,000,000 bytes
  4. 3000 bytes

Explanation

One kilobyte equals 1024 bytes, so 3 KB equals 3 × 1024 = 3072 bytes. Multiplying by 1000 or by a million gives decimal or megabyte-scale results that are incorrect here.

Question 9Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

The binary number 1011 equals which decimal value?

  1. 15
  2. 11 Correct answer.
  3. 13
  4. 9

Explanation

Reading place values from the right, 1011 is 1×8 + 0×4 + 1×2 + 1×1 = 8 + 2 + 1 = 11. Each option other than 11 corresponds to a different bit pattern.

Question 10Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

Which memory is volatile and loses its contents when power is switched off?

  1. RAM Correct answer.
  2. Flash memory
  3. Hard disk
  4. ROM

Explanation

RAM is volatile memory that holds currently running programs and data, and its contents vanish when power is removed. ROM, hard disks and flash memory are non-volatile and retain data without power.

Question 11Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

Which of the following best describes the purpose of cache memory in a processor?

  1. To permanently archive user documents
  2. To hold frequently used data close to the CPU for faster access Correct answer.
  3. To provide backup power during outages
  4. To convert analog signals into digital form

Explanation

Cache memory is a small, fast memory placed between the CPU and main memory to store frequently accessed instructions and data, reducing average access time. It is not a permanent store, a converter or a power source.

Question 12Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

A student wants to print a large engineering drawing with high precision. Which output device is most suitable?

  1. Plotter Correct answer.
  2. Speaker
  3. Dot matrix printer
  4. Laser printer

Explanation

Plotters are designed to draw continuous lines and are used for large technical drawings such as CAD plans. Dot matrix and laser printers are better suited to text and ordinary documents.

Question 13Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

Which of the following is an example of system software?

  1. Device driver Correct answer.
  2. Spreadsheet program
  3. Photo editor
  4. Web browser

Explanation

Device drivers are system software because they let the operating system communicate with hardware. Spreadsheets, photo editors and browsers are application software used for specific user tasks.

Question 14Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

Which component of the CPU performs arithmetic operations such as addition and comparison?

  1. Control Unit
  2. Bus interface
  3. Arithmetic Logic Unit Correct answer.
  4. Register file

Explanation

The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) carries out arithmetic and logical operations. The control unit coordinates instruction flow, registers hold temporary data, and the bus interface manages communication.

Question 15Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

Which statement correctly distinguishes a compiler from an interpreter?

  1. A compiler and an interpreter both translate only machine code back into source code
  2. A compiler runs programs without translating them, while an interpreter only stores source code
  3. A compiler works only on hardware, while an interpreter works only on databases
  4. A compiler translates the whole program before execution, while an interpreter translates line by line during execution Correct answer.

Explanation

A compiler converts the entire source program into machine code before it runs, producing an executable file. An interpreter translates and executes the source statement by statement at run time.

Question 16Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

What is the hexadecimal equivalent of the binary number 1111?

  1. D
  2. 10
  3. E
  4. F Correct answer.

Explanation

Each hexadecimal digit represents four binary bits. The bit pattern 1111 equals decimal 15, which is written as F in hexadecimal.

Question 17Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

Which of these storage devices uses optical technology to read and write data?

  1. RAM module
  2. DVD-RW Correct answer.
  3. Solid-state drive
  4. Magnetic tape

Explanation

A DVD-RW stores data that is read and written using a laser, making it an optical storage device. SSDs use flash memory, magnetic tapes use magnetic fields, and RAM is volatile primary memory.

Question 18Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

A user reports that the computer starts but shows no display on the monitor. Which component should be checked first as the most direct cause?

  1. The sound card
  2. The keyboard connection
  3. The printer driver
  4. The monitor cable and graphics adapter Correct answer.

Explanation

A blank display usually points to a fault in the video path, namely the monitor cable or the graphics adapter that drives the display. Input devices, printer drivers and audio hardware do not control screen output.

Question 19Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

Which of the following pairs correctly matches a device with its category?

  1. Light pen - input device Correct answer.
  2. Plotter - input device
  3. Speaker - input device
  4. OMR - output device

Explanation

A light pen is a pointing input device used to select items on a screen. OMR and plotters produce or process output, and a speaker is an output device.

Question 20Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

The decimal number 25 is represented in binary as which of the following?

  1. 10101
  2. 10011
  3. 11010
  4. 11001 Correct answer.

Explanation

25 = 16 + 8 + 1, which sets the 16, 8 and 1 place values, giving 11001. The other patterns add up to 21, 19 and 26 respectively.

Question 21Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

A computer has 4 GB of RAM. How many megabytes of RAM does it contain?

  1. 4000 MB
  2. 4096 MB Correct answer.
  3. 4,000,000 MB
  4. 1024 MB

Explanation

Since 1 GB equals 1024 MB, 4 GB equals 4 × 1024 = 4096 MB. Using 1000 or a million per gigabyte gives incorrect decimal values.

Question 22Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

Which sequence correctly orders the memory hierarchy from fastest access to slowest access?

  1. Registers → cache → main memory → hard disk Correct answer.
  2. Hard disk → main memory → cache → registers
  3. Main memory → cache → registers → hard disk
  4. Cache → registers → hard disk → main memory

Explanation

Registers inside the CPU are fastest, followed by cache memory, then main memory (RAM), and finally secondary storage such as a hard disk. Speed decreases as we move away from the processor.

Question 23Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

A user needs software that is freely distributed with its source code available for modification and redistribution. Which category of software meets this requirement?

  1. Shareware
  2. Freeware
  3. Open-source software Correct answer.
  4. Proprietary software

Explanation

Open-source software provides source code that users may study, modify and redistribute under its licence. Freeware and shareware may be free of cost but do not necessarily include source code or modification rights.

Question 24Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics

Why does a computer use binary representation internally rather than decimal representation?

  1. Binary numbers require more storage space, so they are preferred
  2. Digital circuits have two stable states (on and off) that map naturally to 0 and 1 Correct answer.
  3. Binary digits are easier for humans to read than decimal digits
  4. Decimal digits cannot be represented in any electronic circuit

Explanation

Electronic circuits are most reliable when they distinguish just two voltage states, high and low, which map directly to 1 and 0. Decimal digits would require ten reliably distinguishable states, increasing complexity and error.

Question 25Operating Systems and File Management

In a GUI operating system, which component is primarily responsible for managing files, folders and drives through a visual interface?

  1. File Explorer Correct answer.
  2. Task Manager
  3. Device Manager
  4. Disk Defragmenter

Explanation

File Explorer (called Windows Explorer in older versions) is the graphical shell used to browse drives, create and rename folders, copy or move files and change file attributes. Task Manager, Device Manager and Disk Defragmenter are utility tools with narrower purposes and do not provide general file management.

Question 26Operating Systems and File Management

A student wants a single folder to open with a name that sorts correctly and contains no spaces. Which file naming practice best satisfies this requirement?

  1. Use a slash inside the name, such as unit/1/notes
  2. Use a hyphen or underscore between words, such as unit-1_notes Correct answer.
  3. Use a space between every word, such as unit 1 notes
  4. Use only uppercase letters with spaces, such as UNIT 1 NOTES

Explanation

Operating systems allow spaces in file names, but spaces can break command-line usage and sorting behaviour, so joining words with a hyphen or underscore keeps names readable and sortable. A slash is a path separator and cannot appear inside a single file name.

Question 27Operating Systems and File Management

Which file extension normally indicates a plain text document that can be opened in Notepad without any special application?

  1. .msi
  2. .txt Correct answer.
  3. .dll
  4. .exe

Explanation

A .txt file stores unformatted text characters and is handled by any text editor, including Notepad. The other extensions are used for executable programs, shared libraries and installer packages, which are binary formats.

Question 28Operating Systems and File Management

What is the main purpose of a folder (directory) in a file system?

  1. To convert files from one format to another
  2. To compress files so that they occupy less disk space
  3. To store the passwords of user accounts
  4. To group related files and other folders in a hierarchy Correct answer.

Explanation

A folder is a container that organises files and subfolders into a tree structure, making storage easier to navigate and manage. Compression, format conversion and password storage are tasks performed by separate tools or system components.

Question 29Operating Systems and File Management

Which keyboard shortcut is commonly used in Windows to rename a selected file or folder?

  1. F2 Correct answer.
  2. Alt+F4
  3. F5
  4. Ctrl+C

Explanation

Pressing F2 on a selected item in File Explorer places its name in edit mode so it can be renamed. F5 refreshes the view, Ctrl+C copies the item and Alt+F4 closes the active window.

Question 30Operating Systems and File Management

A user deletes a file by pressing Delete while it is selected in File Explorer. What normally happens to that file on a Windows system?

  1. It is renamed with a .bak extension
  2. It is moved to the Recycle Bin and can be restored Correct answer.
  3. It is overwritten immediately with zeros on disk
  4. It is copied to the clipboard for later pasting

Explanation

The Delete key sends a file to the Recycle Bin, from which it can be restored to its original location. Permanent erasure usually requires Shift+Delete or emptying the Recycle Bin, and renaming or copying are separate actions.

Question 31Operating Systems and File Management

A user needs to move a file from one folder to another on the same drive. Which action performs a move rather than a copy?

  1. Copy the file and then paste it into the destination folder
  2. Use Send to and choose the destination folder
  3. Cut the file and then paste it into the destination folder Correct answer.
  4. Press Ctrl+C and then Ctrl+V in the destination folder

Explanation

Cut followed by Paste removes the file from its original location and places it in the new folder, which is a move. Copy with Paste leaves the original in place, and Send to creates a copy or shortcut depending on the target chosen.

Question 32Operating Systems and File Management

What does the read-only attribute on a file prevent?

  1. Scanning of the file by antivirus software
  2. Modification of the file contents until the attribute is cleared Correct answer.
  3. Copying of the file to removable media
  4. Opening of the file in any application

Explanation

The read-only attribute signals that the file should not be altered, so editors refuse to save changes until the attribute is removed. The file can still be opened for reading, copied and scanned by security software.

Question 33Operating Systems and File Management

Which path is an absolute path to a file on a Windows drive?

  1. project.docx
  2. Documents\project.docx
  3. ..\project.docx
  4. C:\Users\Riya\Documents\project.docx Correct answer.

Explanation

An absolute path begins at the root of a drive and names every folder down to the file, as in C:\Users\Riya\Documents\project.docx. The other examples are relative paths interpreted from the current working directory.

Question 34Operating Systems and File Management

A file named report.txt and a folder named report exist in the same directory. Why is this normally allowed on Windows?

  1. Windows automatically renames the folder to report_folder
  2. The file name and folder name differ because the extension is part of the file name Correct answer.
  3. The extension .txt hides the file from the directory listing
  4. Files and folders are stored in separate file systems

Explanation

Windows treats the extension as part of the file name, so report.txt and a folder called report are distinct entries and can coexist. The operating system does not silently rename the folder, and files and folders share one namespace in a directory.

Question 35Operating Systems and File Management

Which utility in Windows is used to reduce the disk space occupied by a set of files by combining them into a single archive?

  1. Compress to ZIP folder Correct answer.
  2. Disk Cleanup
  3. Disk Management
  4. System Restore

Explanation

The Compress to ZIP folder command packs selected files into one compressed archive with a .zip extension, reducing total size and simplifying transfer. Disk Cleanup removes temporary files, Disk Management partitions drives and System Restore rolls back system state.

Question 36Operating Systems and File Management

What is the function of the Recycle Bin in a Windows system?

  1. It records the history of every application installed
  2. It contains device drivers for connected hardware
  3. It temporarily holds deleted files so they can be restored Correct answer.
  4. It permanently stores backup copies of all system files

Explanation

The Recycle Bin is a special folder that retains deleted files until it is emptied, allowing users to restore them to their original location. It does not back up system files, log installations or hold drivers.

Question 37Operating Systems and File Management

A student copies a 4 GB video file onto a pen drive formatted with the FAT32 file system. The copy fails with a file-too-large error. What is the most likely cause?

  1. FAT32 cannot store a single file larger than 4 GB Correct answer.
  2. The video file extension is not recognised by FAT32
  3. The pen drive has no read-only attribute set
  4. FAT32 requires the file to be compressed before copying

Explanation

The FAT32 file system limits individual files to just under 4 GB because of its 32-bit file size field. Reformatting the drive to exFAT or NTFS removes this limit. Extension recognition and compression are not the cause of the failure.

Question 38Operating Systems and File Management

Which action creates a shortcut to a file without duplicating the file contents?

  1. Choose Send to and select a compressed folder
  2. Drag the file to another folder while holding Ctrl
  3. Right-click the file and choose Create shortcut Correct answer.
  4. Right-click the file and choose Copy

Explanation

A shortcut is a small link file that points to the original item, so no contents are duplicated. Copying or Ctrl-dragging creates a full duplicate, and sending to a compressed folder creates an archive copy.

Question 39Operating Systems and File Management

Which combination of attributes makes a file hidden and protected from accidental modification?

  1. Archive and system
  2. Indexed and sparse
  3. Hidden and read-only Correct answer.
  4. Compressed and encrypted

Explanation

The Hidden attribute removes the item from normal listings, and Read-only prevents saving changes to the contents. Archive marks files for backup, System marks operating system files, and the remaining attributes relate to storage and indexing rather than visibility or protection.

Question 40Operating Systems and File Management

A user wants to find every .jpg file inside a folder and all of its subfolders. Which search pattern in the File Explorer search box achieves this?

  1. ?jpg
  2. *.jpg Correct answer.
  3. *jpg*
  4. jpg.

Explanation

The wildcard * matches any sequence of characters, so *.jpg matches every file name ending in .jpg in the current folder and its subfolders. A question mark matches exactly one character, and the other patterns do not correctly describe the extension.

Question 41Operating Systems and File Management

A directory listing shows the entry .. (two dots). What does this entry represent?

  1. The parent directory of the current directory Correct answer.
  2. The root directory of the drive
  3. The current directory itself
  4. A hidden file named with two dots

Explanation

In hierarchical file systems a single dot refers to the current directory, while two dots refer to its parent, allowing relative navigation such as cd .. to move up one level. It is a directory reference, not a file or the drive root.

Question 42Operating Systems and File Management

An organisation wants a file system that supports file-level permissions, encryption and journaling on its Windows servers. Which file system should be chosen?

  1. ISO 9660
  2. NTFS Correct answer.
  3. FAT16
  4. FAT32

Explanation

NTFS provides access control lists, encryption through EFS and journaling for crash recovery, which FAT variants lack. ISO 9660 is a read-only optical disc format and is unsuitable for server storage.

Question 43Operating Systems and File Management

A user reports that a folder shows a size of 0 bytes although it contains many files. Which explanation is most consistent with how folders are reported in Windows?

  1. The files have been compressed and therefore count as zero bytes
  2. The folder entry itself stores only metadata, so its size excludes the files it contains Correct answer.
  3. The folder has been marked read-only, which hides the total size
  4. The files are stored in the Recycle Bin and are no longer counted

Explanation

A folder is a directory entry that holds metadata such as the list of contained names and attributes, so its own size does not include the contents of the files inside it. Tools that report folder size must add up the sizes of all contained files separately.

Question 44Operating Systems and File Management

A user deletes a file with Shift+Delete and then realises it is needed. Why is recovery through the Recycle Bin impossible?

  1. Shift+Delete moves the file to a hidden system folder
  2. Shift+Delete copies the file to the clipboard before deleting
  3. Shift+Delete encrypts the file so it cannot be listed
  4. Shift+Delete bypasses the Recycle Bin and removes the directory entry directly Correct answer.

Explanation

Shift+Delete skips the Recycle Bin and unlinks the file from the directory, so no Recycle Bin entry exists to restore. Recovery then requires a file-recovery tool that scans free disk space before it is overwritten.

Question 45Word Processing and Document Preparation

In a word processor, which keyboard shortcut is used to save an already-named document without opening the Save As dialog box?

  1. Ctrl + O
  2. Ctrl + P
  3. Ctrl + N
  4. Ctrl + S Correct answer.

Explanation

Ctrl + S is the standard command that writes the current document to its existing file name and location. It updates the stored file directly, so no dialog appears unless the file has never been named. Ctrl + P sends the document to a printer instead of saving it.

Question 46Word Processing and Document Preparation

A student wants the heading 'My Project Report' to appear at the top of every printed page. Which word processing feature should be used?

  1. Footnote
  2. Text box
  3. Comment
  4. Header Correct answer.

Explanation

A header is a region at the top margin that repeats automatically on every page of the section. Content placed there is not typed page by page, so it appears on all printed pages. A footnote sits at the bottom of one page, and a text box is anchored to a single position.

Question 47Word Processing and Document Preparation

Which file extension is the default native format for documents created in Microsoft Word?

  1. DOCX Correct answer.
  2. XLSX
  3. PPTX
  4. PDF

Explanation

DOCX is the Office Open XML word processing format used by default when a Word document is saved. It stores text, formatting and objects in a zipped XML package. XLSX belongs to spreadsheets and PPTX to presentations.

Question 48Word Processing and Document Preparation

What is the default alignment of body text when a new blank document is created in a word processor?

  1. Right aligned
  2. Centred
  3. Left aligned Correct answer.
  4. Justified

Explanation

New documents use left alignment, in which text begins at the left margin and the right edge stays ragged. Justified alignment is applied deliberately because it stretches word spacing to make both edges flush.

Question 49Word Processing and Document Preparation

Which feature is used to arrange names in alphabetical order in a list?

  1. Sort Correct answer.
  2. Spell Check
  3. Word Count
  4. Find and Replace

Explanation

The Sort command reorders selected paragraphs or table rows according to the chosen key, such as text in ascending alphabetical order. It works on paragraphs separated by paragraph marks as well as on table rows.

Question 50Word Processing and Document Preparation

A paragraph mark (¶) shown on screen indicates what?

  1. A hidden comment
  2. A spelling error
  3. The end of a paragraph Correct answer.
  4. A page break

Explanation

The paragraph mark is a non-printing character that records where one paragraph ends and the next begins. Formatting such as alignment and indents is stored with that mark. It is visible only when formatting marks are displayed and never prints.