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NIELIT CCC+ practice questions

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Question 1Computer Fundamentals

In the standard von Neumann architecture studied in computer fundamentals, what is the primary function of the control unit?

  1. It performs arithmetic and logical operations on data
  2. It fetches instructions, decodes them, and directs other units to execute them Correct answer.
  3. It converts analog signals into digital form for processing
  4. It stores the program and data currently in use

Explanation

The control unit coordinates the processor by fetching each instruction from memory, decoding it, and generating control signals that tell the ALU, registers, and memory what to do. It does not itself perform calculations or hold the program.

Question 2Computer Fundamentals

Which of the following is classified as system software rather than application software?

  1. A web browser used to access websites
  2. An operating system that manages hardware and provides services to programs Correct answer.
  3. A photo editor used to retouch images
  4. A spreadsheet program used for budgeting

Explanation

System software exists to manage hardware resources and provide a platform on which other programs run, and the operating system is the core example. Application software such as spreadsheets, editors, and browsers is designed for end-user tasks.

Question 3Computer Fundamentals

A file on a disk is reported as 4 KB in size. Approximately how many bytes does it contain, using the common 1 KB = 1024 bytes convention?

  1. 4196 bytes
  2. 4096 bytes Correct answer.
  3. 4000 bytes
  4. 1024 bytes

Explanation

Using the binary convention, 1 KB equals 1024 bytes, so 4 KB equals 4 multiplied by 1024, which is 4096 bytes. The decimal value 4000 applies only when 1 KB is treated as exactly 1000 bytes.

Question 4Computer Fundamentals

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

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

Explanation

RAM is volatile working memory: it holds programs and data while the machine is powered and its contents are lost on power-off. ROM, flash memory, and hard disks are non-volatile and retain data without power.

Question 5Computer Fundamentals

Which input device is designed specifically to read pencil marks in predetermined positions on an answer sheet?

  1. Bar code reader
  2. Magnetic ink character reader
  3. Digitizer tablet
  4. Optical mark reader Correct answer.

Explanation

An optical mark reader detects the presence of marks in fixed positions on a form, which is why it is used for multiple-choice answer sheets and surveys. Bar code readers, digitizers, and MICR devices read entirely different kinds of input.

Question 6Computer Fundamentals

Which file extension typically identifies a plain text document that can be opened in any basic text editor?

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

Explanation

A .txt extension denotes an unformatted plain text file that any basic text editor can display. The other extensions identify executables, bitmap images, and dynamic libraries, which are not plain text documents.

Question 7Computer Fundamentals

What is the main purpose of a computer network in an office environment?

  1. To cool the hardware components during operation
  2. To share resources such as files, printers, and an internet connection Correct answer.
  3. To convert source code into machine code
  4. To increase the clock speed of each processor

Explanation

A network connects computers so that they can share resources including files, printers, storage, and a common internet link. It does not change processor speed, compile programs, or provide cooling.

Question 8Computer Fundamentals

Which of the following best describes an operating system's role in file management?

  1. It translates all user files into binary machine code
  2. It organises files into directories and controls how they are created, read, and deleted Correct answer.
  3. It guarantees that no file can ever be corrupted
  4. It compresses every file automatically before saving

Explanation

The operating system provides a file system that organises data into directories and manages creation, reading, writing, and deletion. It does not guarantee corruption-free storage, automatically compress everything, or translate data files into machine code.

Question 9Computer Fundamentals

The decimal number 45 is to be represented in binary. What is the correct 8-bit representation?

  1. 01010101
  2. 00101111
  3. 00111101
  4. 00101101 Correct answer.

Explanation

45 equals 32 + 8 + 4 + 1, so the bits for 32, 8, 4, and 1 are set, giving 00101101. Checking the place values confirms that no other option sums to 45.

Question 10Computer Fundamentals

Which statement correctly distinguishes a compiler from an interpreter?

  1. A compiler works only with assembly language and an interpreter only with machine code
  2. A compiler executes the program line by line without producing an object file
  3. An interpreter translates the entire program before execution begins
  4. A compiler translates the whole program into object code before execution, while an interpreter translates and executes it statement by statement Correct answer.

Explanation

A compiler processes the complete source program and produces object code before the program runs, whereas an interpreter translates and executes statements one at a time. This difference affects error reporting and execution speed.

Question 11Computer Fundamentals

A user wants to keep frequently accessed data for the fastest possible access during processing. Which memory should hold this data?

  1. Cache memory Correct answer.
  2. Virtual memory on disk
  3. Optical disc
  4. Magnetic tape

Explanation

Cache memory sits close to the processor and is the fastest storage in the hierarchy, so frequently used data placed there is accessed with minimal delay. Tape, optical discs, and virtual memory are all far slower.

Question 12Computer Fundamentals

Which of the following is a characteristic of a solid-state drive (SSD) compared with a conventional hard disk drive?

  1. It requires an optical laser to read data
  2. It has no moving parts and offers faster random access Correct answer.
  3. It can only be written once and cannot be erased
  4. It stores data on spinning magnetic platters

Explanation

An SSD uses flash memory with no moving parts, which gives faster random access and greater shock resistance than a mechanical hard disk. It is rewritable and does not use magnetic platters or a laser.

Question 13Computer Fundamentals

A user presses the Print Screen key on a Windows system. What does this action typically do?

  1. It deletes the contents of the Recycle Bin
  2. It copies an image of the current screen to the clipboard Correct answer.
  3. It sends the current screen to the default printer immediately
  4. It restarts the computer in safe mode

Explanation

On Windows, Print Screen captures an image of the current screen and places it on the clipboard so it can be pasted into an application. It does not print directly, restart the machine, or clear the Recycle Bin.

Question 14Computer Fundamentals

In a spreadsheet, a cell reference such as $B$4 is described as an absolute reference. What happens when this formula is copied to another cell?

  1. The column changes but the row stays fixed
  2. Both the column and the row remain fixed Correct answer.
  3. The row changes but the column stays fixed
  4. Both the column and the row change relative to the new position

Explanation

The dollar signs lock both the column letter and the row number, so $B$4 continues to point to the same cell wherever the formula is copied. Removing one dollar sign would make only that part relative.

Question 15Computer Fundamentals

Which protocol is primarily responsible for transferring web pages between a web server and a browser?

  1. HTTP Correct answer.
  2. FTP
  3. SMTP
  4. DHCP

Explanation

HTTP (and its secure form HTTPS) defines how a browser requests web pages and how a server responds. SMTP handles mail delivery, FTP transfers files, and DHCP assigns network configuration.

Question 16Computer Fundamentals

A computer's IP address is 192.168.1.20. Which statement about this address is correct?

  1. It is a loopback address used for testing
  2. It is a private address used within a local network Correct answer.
  3. It is a public address routable directly on the internet
  4. It is a broadcast address for the whole internet

Explanation

The range 192.168.x.x belongs to the private address blocks defined for local networks, so it is not routed directly on the public internet. Loopback testing uses 127.0.0.1.

Question 17Computer Fundamentals

Which utility in Windows is used to check basic connectivity between two hosts by sending small request packets and measuring the reply?

  1. defrag
  2. ping Correct answer.
  3. chkdsk
  4. tasklist

Explanation

The ping command sends ICMP echo requests to a host and reports whether replies arrive and how long they take, which tests basic connectivity. The other tools check disks, defragment storage, or list running processes.

Question 18Computer Fundamentals

In a word processor, which feature is used to place the same heading text automatically at the top of every page of a document?

  1. Mail merge
  2. Header Correct answer.
  3. Footnote
  4. Spell check

Explanation

A header is a region repeated at the top of each page, so text placed there appears throughout the document. Mail merge, footnotes, and spell check serve entirely different purposes.

Question 19Computer Fundamentals

Which statement best explains why hexadecimal notation is widely used when working with computer memory?

  1. Hexadecimal can represent fractions that binary cannot represent
  2. Hexadecimal numbers are processed by the CPU faster than binary numbers
  3. Each hexadecimal digit maps exactly to four binary bits, giving a compact representation of binary values Correct answer.
  4. Hexadecimal is the only notation a computer can store internally

Explanation

Because one hex digit corresponds exactly to four bits, a byte is written with two hex digits, making long binary strings shorter and easier to read without any conversion error. Computers still store and process data in binary.

Question 20Computer Fundamentals

A user wants to reduce the chance of losing important files if the main disk fails. Which practice is most appropriate?

  1. Keeping regular backups on a separate storage device Correct answer.
  2. Increasing the size of the page file
  3. Defragmenting the disk every day
  4. Renaming the files with shorter names

Explanation

A backup stored on separate media survives failure of the main disk, which is the core protection against data loss. Page file size, defragmentation, and file naming do not provide a copy of the data elsewhere.

Question 21Computer Fundamentals

Which generation of computers is associated with the introduction of integrated circuits, replacing individual transistors?

  1. First generation
  2. Second generation
  3. Third generation Correct answer.
  4. Fourth generation

Explanation

Third-generation computers used integrated circuits, in which many transistors were fabricated on a single chip, replacing discrete transistors. First generation used vacuum tubes, second used transistors, and fourth used microprocessors.

Question 22Computer Fundamentals

A signed 8-bit binary number is stored in two's complement form as 11110110. What decimal value does it represent?

  1. 246
  2. -9
  3. -8
  4. -10 Correct answer.

Explanation

The leading bit is 1, so the value is negative. Inverting the bits gives 00001001 (9) and adding 1 gives 10, so the stored value is -10. Reading it as unsigned would give 246, which ignores the sign bit.

Question 23Computer Fundamentals

A program repeatedly accesses a small block of instructions, and the processor keeps that block in cache. Which principle does this behaviour illustrate?

  1. The principle of locality of reference Correct answer.
  2. The principle of virtual memory paging
  3. The principle of redundant array storage
  4. The principle of instruction pipelining

Explanation

Locality of reference states that programs tend to reuse the same instructions and data within short periods, so keeping them in fast cache yields a high hit rate. Paging, RAID, and pipelining address different problems.

Question 24Computer Fundamentals

A subnet mask of 255.255.255.192 is applied to a network. How many host addresses are available in each subnet, excluding the network and broadcast addresses?

  1. 64
  2. 30
  3. 62 Correct answer.
  4. 126

Explanation

The mask 255.255.255.192 leaves 6 host bits, since 192 in binary is 11000000 and the remaining bits are zero. Six host bits give 64 addresses, and subtracting the network and broadcast addresses leaves 62 usable hosts.

Question 25Computer Fundamentals

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between hardware, the operating system, and application software?

  1. Application software and the operating system both run without any hardware support
  2. The operating system sits between application software and hardware, managing resources and providing services through system calls Correct answer.
  3. Application software communicates directly with hardware without involving the operating system
  4. Hardware controls the operating system, which in turn dictates what application software may compute

Explanation

The operating system acts as an intermediary: applications request services through system calls, and the operating system allocates hardware resources such as memory, processor time, and devices. Direct hardware access by ordinary applications would bypass protection and scheduling.

Question 26Computer Fundamentals

Which unit is used to describe the clock speed of a modern processor, indicating how many cycles it completes per second?

  1. Gigabyte (GB)
  2. Milliampere-hour (mAh)
  3. Megapixel (MP)
  4. Gigahertz (GHz) Correct answer.

Explanation

Clock speed is measured in hertz, and modern CPUs run at billions of cycles per second, expressed in gigahertz. Gigabyte measures storage capacity, megapixel measures image resolution, and milliampere-hour measures battery charge.

Question 27Computer Fundamentals

Which type of software is a web browser such as Firefox classified as?

  1. Firmware
  2. Utility for hardware control
  3. System software
  4. Application software Correct answer.

Explanation

A web browser is designed to help the user perform a task, so it belongs to application software. System software such as the operating system manages hardware, and firmware is stored permanently on a chip to control devices.

Question 28Computer Fundamentals

In the context of computer architecture, what does the abbreviation ALU stand for?

  1. Automatic Logic Unit
  2. Arithmetic Logic Unit Correct answer.
  3. Array Loader Utility
  4. Analog Link Unit

Explanation

The Arithmetic Logic Unit is the part of the CPU that performs arithmetic operations such as addition and logical operations such as comparisons. It works together with the control unit and registers inside the processor.

Question 29Computer Fundamentals

Which of the following is an example of an input device used to capture handwritten signatures directly into a computer?

  1. Digitizer tablet Correct answer.
  2. Plotter
  3. Monitor
  4. Laser printer

Explanation

A digitizer tablet converts pen or stylus movement into digital coordinates, so it can capture a handwritten signature. Plotters and printers are output devices, and a monitor displays output rather than capturing input.

Question 30Computer Fundamentals

Which numbering system uses only the digits 0 and 1 and is the basis of digital data representation?

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

Explanation

Binary uses base 2 with only the symbols 0 and 1, matching the two stable states of digital circuits. Decimal uses ten digits, octal uses eight, and hexadecimal uses sixteen symbols.

Question 31Computer Fundamentals

Which memory is volatile, meaning its contents are lost when the computer is switched off?

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

Explanation

RAM is volatile memory used to hold programs and data currently in use, and it loses its contents when power is removed. ROM, hard disks, and flash drives retain data without power.

Question 32Computer Fundamentals

Which of the following best describes a local area network (LAN)?

  1. A network covering a single building or campus Correct answer.
  2. A network spanning several countries
  3. A network that requires satellite links for every device
  4. A network that connects only two computers by cable

Explanation

A LAN connects devices within a limited geographic area such as a room, building, or campus and is usually managed by one organisation. Wider coverage across countries is a WAN, and LANs commonly connect many devices.

Question 33Computer Fundamentals

What does the acronym GUI stand for in the context of operating systems?

  1. Graphical User Interface Correct answer.
  2. General User Interface
  3. Guided User Interaction
  4. Global Utility Interface

Explanation

A Graphical User Interface lets users interact with the computer through windows, icons, menus, and a pointer instead of typing commands. It is a defining feature of modern desktop operating systems.

Question 34Computer Fundamentals

A file is 2 GB in size. Approximately how many megabytes does it contain?

  1. 1,024 MB
  2. 20,480 MB
  3. 200 MB
  4. 2,048 MB Correct answer.

Explanation

One gigabyte equals 1,024 megabytes, so 2 GB equals 2 × 1,024 = 2,048 MB. Option 1,024 MB is only 1 GB, and the other values greatly misstate the conversion.

Question 35Computer Fundamentals

The binary number 1101 is to be converted to decimal. What is the result?

  1. 14
  2. 13 Correct answer.
  3. 11
  4. 15

Explanation

Evaluating place values 8+4+0+1 gives 13. Each bit position represents a power of two from the left, so 1101 equals 8 + 4 + 1 = 13.

Question 36Computer Fundamentals

Which of the following is the primary function of the computer's control unit?

  1. Directing the sequence of operations and coordinating other units Correct answer.
  2. Converting analog signals to digital form
  3. Performing arithmetic on operands
  4. Storing the operating system permanently

Explanation

The control unit fetches instructions, decodes them, and issues signals that coordinate the ALU, memory, and I/O devices. Arithmetic is handled by the ALU, and permanent storage is on secondary devices.

Question 37Computer Fundamentals

Which type of software translates a high-level language program into machine code before the program is executed, producing an executable file?

  1. Linker
  2. Compiler Correct answer.
  3. Assembler
  4. Loader

Explanation

A compiler translates the entire source program into machine code, producing an object or executable file that can run later. An assembler handles assembly language, and a loader places a program in memory for execution.

Question 38Computer Fundamentals

Which of the following is a function of the operating system's process management?

  1. Assigning IP addresses to network devices
  2. Rendering images on the monitor
  3. Deciding which process gets CPU time and when Correct answer.
  4. Converting source code into object code

Explanation

Process management includes scheduling processes, allocating CPU time, and handling creation and termination of processes. Compilation, IP address assignment, and image rendering are handled by other software or hardware.

Question 39Computer Fundamentals

A user wants to send an email message with an attached document to a colleague. Which pair of protocols is most directly involved in sending and receiving that email?

  1. TCP and ARP
  2. DNS and DHCP
  3. SMTP and IMAP Correct answer.
  4. HTTP and FTP

Explanation

SMTP is used to send outgoing mail, while IMAP lets a client retrieve and manage messages on the server. HTTP and FTP are for web and file transfer, and DNS and DHCP serve other network functions.

Question 40Computer Fundamentals

Which of the following is the correct order of the stages in the machine cycle of a CPU?

  1. Fetch, decode, execute, store Correct answer.
  2. Execute, fetch, decode, store
  3. Store, decode, fetch, execute
  4. Decode, fetch, execute, store

Explanation

The CPU first fetches the instruction from memory, then decodes it to determine the operation, then executes it, and finally stores the result. This fetch-decode-execute-store sequence repeats for each instruction.

Question 41Computer Fundamentals

Which type of printer works by striking an inked ribbon against paper and is still used for multi-part carbon forms?

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

Explanation

A dot matrix printer uses pins to strike an inked ribbon, producing impact that can print through carbon copies. Inkjet, laser, and thermal printers are non-impact and cannot create carbon copies in the same way.

Question 42Computer Fundamentals

Which of the following is an example of system software that is stored in read-only memory and controls a device at startup?

  1. BIOS firmware Correct answer.
  2. Web browser
  3. Word processor
  4. Spreadsheet application

Explanation

BIOS firmware is stored in ROM on the motherboard and runs at startup to initialise hardware and begin booting the operating system. The other options are application programs installed on storage.

Question 43Computer Fundamentals

A user needs to convert the decimal number 156 into hexadecimal. What is the correct result?

  1. A6
  2. C9
  3. B4
  4. 9C Correct answer.

Explanation

Dividing 156 by 16 gives 9 with a remainder of 12, and 12 is written as C in hexadecimal, so the result is 9C. Checking gives 9 × 16 + 12 = 144 + 12 = 156.

Question 44Computer Fundamentals

Which statement best describes the difference between primary memory and secondary storage?

  1. Secondary storage is faster than primary memory for CPU access.
  2. Primary memory is non-volatile, while secondary storage is volatile.
  3. Primary memory has larger capacity than secondary storage in all systems.
  4. Primary memory is directly accessed by the CPU, while secondary storage is accessed through I/O and is non-volatile. Correct answer.

Explanation

Primary memory such as RAM is directly addressable by the CPU and is volatile, while secondary storage such as disks retains data and is reached through I/O operations. This makes secondary storage slower but permanent.

Question 45Computer Fundamentals

A user notices that a computer slows down when many programs are open at once. Which resource is most likely to be exhausted?

  1. The keyboard buffer
  2. The monitor's refresh rate
  3. Available RAM Correct answer.
  4. The printer spooler

Explanation

When many programs run simultaneously, they compete for RAM to hold their working data, and exhausting RAM forces swapping to disk, which slows the system. Refresh rate, keyboard buffer, and printer spooler do not scale with the number of open programs.

Question 46Computer Fundamentals

A company wants its employees to access shared files from any office computer without copying files to each machine. Which technology best meets this requirement?

  1. A higher-resolution monitor
  2. A faster printer
  3. A larger local hard disk in each computer
  4. A file server on the local network Correct answer.

Explanation

A file server stores shared files centrally so any authorised client on the network can access them without local copies. Larger local disks, monitors, and printers do not provide shared access across machines.

Question 47Computer Fundamentals

A signed 8-bit number is stored in one's complement form as 10010110. What decimal value does it represent?

  1. -106
  2. -23
  3. -105 Correct answer.
  4. -22

Explanation

In one's complement, a negative number is formed by inverting all bits of its positive value. Inverting 10010110 gives 01101001, which is 105, so the stored value represents -105.

Question 48Computer Fundamentals

A processor uses a two-level cache with L1 and L2. Which statement best explains why L2 is usually larger but slower than L1?

  1. L2 is physically farther from the CPU and therefore always faster
  2. L2 is used only when the computer is switched off
  3. L2 is built from cheaper, denser memory, so it can hold more data at the cost of higher access latency Correct answer.
  4. L1 is made of secondary storage, which is why it is smaller

Explanation

L1 is small and built with fast, expensive memory close to the core, while L2 uses denser, cheaper memory that holds more data but takes more cycles to access. The trade-off balances speed and capacity in the cache hierarchy.

Question 49Computer Fundamentals

A subnet uses the mask 255.255.255.224. How many usable host addresses does each subnet provide, excluding the network and broadcast addresses?

  1. 30 Correct answer.
  2. 32
  3. 62
  4. 14

Explanation

The mask 255.255.255.224 leaves five host bits (32 - 27 = 5), giving 2^5 = 32 addresses per subnet. Subtracting the network and broadcast addresses leaves 30 usable host addresses.

Question 50Computer Fundamentals

A student claims that hexadecimal is preferred over binary for representing memory addresses. Which reasoning best supports this claim?

  1. Each hexadecimal digit maps exactly to four binary bits, so addresses are shorter while preserving the exact bit pattern Correct answer.
  2. Hexadecimal digits are processed faster by the ALU than binary digits
  3. Hexadecimal numbers can store larger values than binary numbers of the same bit length
  4. Hexadecimal removes the need for any binary conversion inside the CPU

Explanation

Because four binary bits correspond to one hexadecimal digit, a long binary address can be written compactly in hexadecimal without losing information. The CPU still works in binary internally, and the value range depends on bit length, not notation.