I85PREP
⌘ K
NIELIT CCC study materials
NIELIT CCC study resources

NIELIT CCC practice questions

One question at a time. Build your NIELIT CCC 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 1Introduction to Computer

Which unit of computer memory is exactly equal to 1024 megabytes?

  1. One terabyte
  2. One kilobyte
  3. One nibble
  4. One gigabyte Correct answer.

Explanation

Memory units in computing rise in powers of 1024: 1024 bytes make a kilobyte, 1024 kilobytes make a megabyte, and 1024 megabytes make one gigabyte. A terabyte is far larger, being 1024 gigabytes.

Question 2Introduction to Computer

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

  1. Computer Peripheral Utility
  2. Central Processing Unit Correct answer.
  3. Control Program Unit
  4. Central Printing Utility

Explanation

The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the component that fetches, decodes and executes program instructions. It is often described as the brain of the computer because it performs the arithmetic and logical operations.

Question 3Introduction to Computer

Which of the following is an example of system software rather than application software?

  1. A photo editor
  2. A spreadsheet program
  3. An operating system Correct answer.
  4. A word processor

Explanation

System software manages hardware and provides a platform on which other programs run; an operating system is the classic example. Word processors, spreadsheets and photo editors are application software written to perform user tasks.

Question 4Introduction to Computer

Which of these devices is classified as an input device?

  1. A plotter
  2. A scanner Correct answer.
  3. A monitor
  4. A speaker

Explanation

An input device sends data from the user into the computer, and a scanner converts printed images or text into digital form for the system. Monitors, plotters and speakers all present results outward and are output devices.

Question 5Introduction to Computer

Which number system uses only the digits 0 and 1?

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

Explanation

The binary number system is base 2 and therefore uses only the two symbols 0 and 1, which map directly to the off and on states of digital circuits. Decimal uses ten digits, octal eight, and hexadecimal sixteen.

Question 6Introduction to Computer

What is the primary function of RAM in a computer?

  1. To convert analog signals into digital form
  2. To hold programs and data currently being used by the processor Correct answer.
  3. To store the firmware that starts the machine
  4. To permanently archive files for later retrieval

Explanation

RAM is the main working memory; it temporarily holds the instructions and data that the CPU is actively processing. Its contents are volatile, so they are lost when power is removed, which distinguishes it from permanent storage.

Question 7Introduction to Computer

Which generation of computers is characterised by the use of integrated circuits?

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

Explanation

Third-generation computers replaced discrete transistors with integrated circuits, which packed many components onto a single chip and made machines smaller and more reliable. The first generation used vacuum tubes and the second used transistors.

Question 8Introduction to Computer

What does the acronym GUI stand for in computing?

  1. General Utility Interface
  2. Graphical User Interface Correct answer.
  3. Guided User Installation
  4. Global Uniform Input

Explanation

A Graphical User Interface lets users interact with a system through visual elements such as windows, icons, menus and a pointer instead of typing commands. It is contrasted with a command-line interface.

Question 9Introduction to Computer

The decimal number 13 is represented in 4-bit binary as which of the following?

  1. 1001
  2. 1011
  3. 1101 Correct answer.
  4. 1110

Explanation

Thirteen equals 8 + 4 + 1, so the bits for place values 8, 4, 2 and 1 are 1, 1, 0 and 1 respectively. Reading from the most significant bit gives 1101.

Question 10Introduction to Computer

Which memory is non-volatile and normally stores the firmware used to boot a computer?

  1. Virtual memory
  2. ROM Correct answer.
  3. Cache memory
  4. RAM

Explanation

Read-Only Memory retains its contents when power is switched off, so it is suitable for firmware such as the boot instructions. RAM, cache and virtual memory are all volatile working storage areas.

Question 11Introduction to Computer

A user wants to print a large engineering drawing on a wide sheet of paper. Which output device is most appropriate?

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

Explanation

Plotters are designed to draw continuous lines on large sheets, which makes them suitable for engineering drawings, maps and architectural plans. Ordinary printers handle standard page sizes and a monitor only displays output.

Question 12Introduction to Computer

Which of the following best describes an operating system?

  1. A program that compiles source code into machine code
  2. Software that manages hardware resources and provides services to application programs Correct answer.
  3. A device driver supplied with a printer
  4. An application used to browse the internet

Explanation

An operating system acts as an intermediary between the user, application programs and hardware, managing memory, processors, files and input/output devices. Compilers, drivers and browsers are separate programs that run on top of it.

Question 13Introduction to Computer

What is the main advantage of solid-state storage such as an SSD over a magnetic hard disk?

  1. It has no moving parts, so access is faster and more shock-resistant Correct answer.
  2. It requires no electrical power to retain data
  3. It can only be read and never written to
  4. It stores data using magnetism on rotating platters

Explanation

An SSD stores data in flash memory cells with no spinning platters or moving heads, so it offers faster access, lower power use and greater resistance to physical shock. Magnetic disks rely on rotating platters and mechanical read/write heads.

Question 14Introduction to Computer

Which of these is an example of an open-source operating system?

  1. MS-DOS
  2. Windows 11
  3. Linux Correct answer.
  4. macOS

Explanation

Linux is distributed with source code that anyone may inspect, modify and redistribute under open-source licences such as the GNU GPL. Windows, macOS and MS-DOS are proprietary products whose source is not openly released.

Question 15Introduction to Computer

In a computer, what is the role of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU)?

  1. To store the boot program permanently
  2. To manage the flow of data over a network
  3. To perform arithmetic and logical operations on data Correct answer.
  4. To convert digital signals into audio output

Explanation

The ALU is the part of the CPU that carries out calculations such as addition and comparison and logical operations such as AND, OR and NOT. It works on data held in registers under the direction of the control unit.

Question 16Introduction to Computer

Which file extension typically identifies an executable program file on a Windows system?

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

Explanation

The .exe extension marks a Windows executable file that the operating system can load and run. The other extensions indicate plain text, an image and a word-processor document respectively.

Question 17Introduction to Computer

What is the hexadecimal equivalent of the binary number 1111?

  1. F Correct answer.
  2. 7
  3. 15
  4. E

Explanation

Each hexadecimal digit represents four binary bits, and the binary value 1111 equals decimal 15, which is written as F in hexadecimal. The symbol 15 is not a single valid hexadecimal digit.

Question 18Introduction to Computer

Which of the following is an example of a utility program?

  1. A music player
  2. An antivirus scanner Correct answer.
  3. A web browser
  4. A presentation package

Explanation

Utility programs perform housekeeping tasks that help maintain the system, such as virus scanning, disk cleanup, backup and compression. Browsers, presentation packages and media players are application software for user tasks.

Question 19Introduction to Computer

A computer has 4 GB of RAM. Approximately how many megabytes is that?

  1. 4000 MB
  2. 400 MB
  3. 4096 MB Correct answer.
  4. 1024 MB

Explanation

Because memory is measured in powers of 1024, one gigabyte equals 1024 megabytes, so 4 GB is 4 × 1024 = 4096 MB. Using 1000 as the multiplier would give the decimal approximation of 4000 MB, which is not the binary value.

Question 20Introduction to Computer

Which statement about cache memory is correct?

  1. It is located on the hard disk as a swap area
  2. It permanently stores the operating system files
  3. It is a small, fast memory placed between the CPU and main memory to reduce access time Correct answer.
  4. It is larger and slower than main memory

Explanation

Cache is a small block of very fast memory, often on the CPU itself, that holds recently or frequently used data so the processor does not have to wait for slower main memory. It is smaller and faster than RAM, not a permanent store.

Question 21Introduction to Computer

Which of the following best explains why computers use binary representation internally?

  1. Binary arithmetic avoids the need for any logic gates
  2. Binary is the only system humans can read easily
  3. Binary numbers are shorter to write than decimal numbers
  4. Digital circuits have two stable states, so two symbols map naturally onto them Correct answer.

Explanation

Electronic circuits are most reliable when they distinguish just two voltage levels, representing 0 and 1, so data is encoded in binary. Binary is in fact longer to write than decimal and still requires logic gates to process.

Question 22Introduction to Computer

A program is being run on a computer with limited physical RAM. Which technique lets the system keep executing by using disk space as an extension of memory?

  1. Spooling
  2. Buffering
  3. Caching
  4. Virtual memory Correct answer.

Explanation

Virtual memory allows the operating system to move inactive pages from RAM to a swap area on disk and bring them back when needed, so programs larger than physical memory can still run. Caching, spooling and buffering improve speed or manage device queues but do not extend memory capacity.

Question 23Introduction to Computer

Which statement correctly distinguishes a compiler from an interpreter?

  1. A compiler requires no source code, while an interpreter requires source code
  2. A compiler works only with assembly language, while an interpreter works only with machine code
  3. A compiler translates the whole program before execution, while an interpreter translates and executes it line by line Correct answer.
  4. A compiler executes source code directly, while an interpreter produces an object file

Explanation

A compiler reads the entire source program and produces object code that is executed later, reporting errors after the whole translation. An interpreter analyses and runs the program statement by statement, which allows immediate feedback but generally slower execution.

Question 24Introduction to Computer

In a computer, which bus carries the address of the memory location that the CPU wants to access?

  1. The power bus
  2. The address bus Correct answer.
  3. The data bus
  4. The control bus

Explanation

The address bus is unidirectional and carries the memory or device address selected by the CPU. The data bus moves the actual contents, while the control bus carries signals such as read and write commands.

Question 25Introduction to Computer

A file of 3 KB is to be sent over a link. Approximately how many bits does the file contain, treating 1 KB as 1024 bytes?

  1. 24576 bits Correct answer.
  2. 24576 bytes
  3. 3072 kilobytes
  4. 3072 bits

Explanation

Three kilobytes is 3 × 1024 = 3072 bytes, and each byte contains 8 bits, so the total is 3072 × 8 = 24576 bits. The other choices confuse bytes with bits or misapply the conversion.

Question 26Introduction to Computer

Which unit of a computer is responsible for coordinating and controlling all other hardware units and sequencing the fetch-decode-execute cycle?

  1. Control Unit Correct answer.
  2. Arithmetic Logic Unit
  3. Input Unit
  4. Main Memory

Explanation

The control unit directs the operation of the processor by decoding instructions and generating control signals that sequence data flow between units. It does not perform calculations itself but orchestrates them. The ALU performs arithmetic and logic, memory stores data, and the input unit brings data in.

Question 27Introduction to Computer

A user needs a single storage medium that can hold about 25 GB of data and is commonly used for high-definition movies and console games. Which optical disc standard fits this requirement?

  1. CD-ROM
  2. Magnetic tape cartridge
  3. DVD-ROM
  4. Blu-ray disc Correct answer.

Explanation

A single-layer Blu-ray disc holds about 25 GB, which is why it is used for HD video and game distribution. CDs hold roughly 700 MB and DVDs about 4.7 GB per layer, both well short of 25 GB. Magnetic tape is a sequential backup medium, not an optical distribution disc.

Question 28Introduction to Computer

Which number system uses the digits 0 through 7 only and is often used as a shorthand for groups of three binary bits?

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

Explanation

Octal is base 8 and uses digits 0 to 7, so each octal digit maps exactly to three binary bits. Binary uses two digits, decimal uses ten, and hexadecimal uses sixteen digits including A to F.

Question 29Introduction to Computer

In the context of computer hardware, what does the term 'peripheral' refer to?

  1. The set of instructions executed by the processor
  2. The internal registers of the CPU
  3. Any device connected to and controlled by the computer but external to the CPU and main memory Correct answer.
  4. The firmware stored in ROM

Explanation

Peripherals are devices such as keyboards, printers, and scanners that attach to the computer and are controlled by it, but are not part of the core CPU and memory. Registers are internal to the CPU, firmware is software stored in ROM, and instructions form programs.

Question 30Introduction to Computer

A student wants to connect a laptop to a wired local network in a laboratory. Which port on the laptop should be used?

  1. USB-C charging port
  2. 3.5 mm audio jack
  3. HDMI port
  4. RJ-45 Ethernet port Correct answer.

Explanation

Wired local area networks use twisted-pair cabling terminated with RJ-45 connectors, so the Ethernet port is the correct interface. HDMI carries audio and video, USB-C may carry power or data, and the audio jack carries analogue sound.

Question 31Introduction to Computer

Which of the following best describes the role of an input device in a computer system?

  1. It performs arithmetic and logical operations on data
  2. It permanently stores files between sessions
  3. It converts processed results into human-readable form
  4. It accepts data and instructions from the user or environment and converts them into machine-readable form Correct answer.

Explanation

Input devices such as keyboards, mice, and scanners capture data from the outside world and translate it into a form the computer can process. Producing output, storing files, and performing calculations are tasks of other units.

Question 32Introduction to Computer

A user copies a 2 GB video file onto a USB flash drive. Which characteristic of the flash drive most directly determines how long the copy will take?

  1. Its physical length
  2. Its file system volume label
  3. Its number of partitions
  4. Its write speed in megabytes per second Correct answer.

Explanation

Transfer time is essentially the file size divided by the sustained write speed of the drive, so write throughput is the decisive factor. Physical dimensions, volume labels, and partition counts do not affect how quickly data is written.

Question 33Introduction to Computer

What is the main purpose of a device driver in an operating system?

  1. To translate high-level source code into machine code
  2. To allow the operating system to communicate with and control a specific hardware device Correct answer.
  3. To compress files before they are stored on disk
  4. To scan the system for malicious software

Explanation

A device driver is software that provides the interface between the operating system and a particular piece of hardware, translating generic commands into device-specific instructions. Compilers translate source code, antivirus tools scan for malware, and compression utilities reduce file size.

Question 34Introduction to Computer

A user types a document and saves it. Later the power fails before the document is saved again. Which type of memory retained the saved copy?

  1. Cache memory
  2. CPU registers
  3. Volatile RAM
  4. Non-volatile secondary storage Correct answer.

Explanation

Saved files are written to secondary storage such as a hard disk or SSD, which is non-volatile and keeps data without power. RAM, registers, and cache are volatile and lose their contents when power is removed.

Question 35Introduction to Computer

Which of the following is a valid example of an operating system function related to file management?

  1. Creating, naming, and organising files into directories Correct answer.
  2. Converting analogue sound into digital form
  3. Converting a decimal number to binary
  4. Executing arithmetic operations in the ALU

Explanation

File management is an operating system service: the OS creates, names, stores, and organises files within a directory hierarchy and controls access to them. Number conversion, ALU arithmetic, and analogue-to-digital conversion are hardware or application-level tasks.

Question 36Introduction to Computer

A program's instructions and data must be brought into the CPU before execution. Which sequence correctly describes the machine cycle?

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

Explanation

The machine cycle begins when the control unit fetches the instruction from memory, then decodes it to determine the operation, then executes it, and finally stores any result. The other orderings place decode or execute before the instruction is even fetched, which is impossible.

Question 37Introduction to Computer

A computer's CPU has a 32-bit address bus. What is the maximum number of distinct memory addresses it can directly reference?

  1. 32 addresses
  2. 32 × 1024 addresses
  3. 2 × 32 addresses
  4. 2^32 addresses Correct answer.

Explanation

Each address line can carry one of two values, so n address lines allow 2^n distinct addresses. With 32 lines this gives 2^32, roughly 4 gigabytes of byte-addressable space. The other options treat the bus width as a simple multiplier, which is incorrect.

Question 38Introduction to Computer

Which statement about the relationship between hardware and software is correct?

  1. Software physically stores itself in the CPU permanently
  2. Hardware and software are the same thing described differently
  3. Hardware can execute instructions only with the help of software, and software needs hardware to run Correct answer.
  4. Software can run without any hardware

Explanation

Hardware and software are complementary: the physical circuits execute machine instructions, while software supplies those instructions and directs the hardware. Neither is useful alone, since software needs a processor and hardware needs programs to perform meaningful work.

Question 39Introduction to Computer

A company wants to reduce the physical space used by its backup archive while keeping the data readable in future. Which approach best reflects a sensible use of storage technology?

  1. Use high-capacity magnetic tape or external drives with periodic verification Correct answer.
  2. Delete all backups to save space
  3. Store backups only in cache memory
  4. Store all backups on volatile RAM to speed retrieval

Explanation

Backups require non-volatile media with large capacity, such as magnetic tape or external drives, and periodic verification ensures the data remains readable. RAM and cache are volatile and unsuitable for archiving, and deleting backups removes the protection entirely.

Question 40Introduction to Computer

A user is comparing two printers for a small office. One is an impact printer and the other is a non-impact printer. Which pair correctly matches each printer type with a technology it uses?

  1. Impact: laser; Non-impact: dot matrix
  2. Impact: laser; Non-impact: inkjet
  3. Impact: dot matrix; Non-impact: laser Correct answer.
  4. Impact: inkjet; Non-impact: thermal

Explanation

Impact printers form characters by physically striking an inked ribbon against the paper, and the dot matrix printer is the classic example still used for multi-part carbon forms. Non-impact printers form images without striking the paper, and laser printing does this by fusing toner onto the page. Inkjet and thermal printers are also non-impact technologies, so any pairing that places them under impact is incorrect.

Question 41Operating System

In a typical Windows installation, which file system is the default for the volume that holds the operating system, because it supports file-level permissions, encryption and large volumes?

  1. FAT32
  2. exFAT
  3. NTFS Correct answer.
  4. CDFS

Explanation

NTFS is the native file system of modern Windows versions and is required for features such as access control lists, EFS encryption, compression, quotas and journaling. FAT32 and exFAT lack these security features, and CDFS is a read-only format used for optical media.

Question 42Operating System

A user wants to keep a program's window visible above all other open windows while working in another application. Which window control should be used?

  1. Maximize
  2. Restore Down
  3. Always on Top Correct answer.
  4. Minimize

Explanation

The Always on Top setting pins a window so it stays in the foreground even when another window receives focus. Minimize hides the window to the taskbar, Maximize enlarges it to full screen, and Restore Down returns it to its previous size, none of which keep it above other windows.

Question 43Operating System

Which keyboard shortcut switches between open applications in Windows by cycling through them while the keys are held?

  1. Windows + E
  2. Ctrl + C
  3. Shift + Delete
  4. Alt + Tab Correct answer.

Explanation

Holding Alt and pressing Tab repeatedly moves the selection through the list of open windows, releasing Alt activates the chosen one. The other combinations perform copy, permanent delete and opening File Explorer respectively.

Question 44Operating System

What is the primary purpose of the Recycle Bin in Windows?

  1. To store backup copies of the registry
  2. To compress files and free disk space
  3. To temporarily hold deleted files so they can be restored Correct answer.
  4. To queue print jobs before printing

Explanation

Files deleted from local drives are moved to the Recycle Bin rather than erased immediately, allowing the user to restore them if deleted by mistake. Emptying the Recycle Bin or deleting with Shift held removes them permanently.

Question 45Operating System

Which of the following best describes the function of the kernel in an operating system?

  1. It provides the graphical desktop and icons seen by the user
  2. It manages hardware resources and provides core services to programs Correct answer.
  3. It stores user documents in folders on the disk
  4. It compiles source code into executable programs

Explanation

The kernel is the privileged core of the operating system that schedules processes, manages memory and mediates access to devices. The desktop shell, file storage and compilers are separate components that run on top of the kernel's services.

Question 46Operating System

A file named report.txt is stored in C:\Users\Ravi\Documents. Which term describes the part \Users\Ravi\Documents?

  1. The file attribute
  2. The path of the file Correct answer.
  3. The file size
  4. The file extension

Explanation

A path specifies the location of a file within the directory hierarchy, listing the folders that must be traversed to reach it. The extension is the suffix after the dot, attributes are properties such as read-only, and size is the space the file occupies.

Question 47Operating System

Which type of software is an operating system such as Linux, as opposed to a word processor?

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

Explanation

An operating system is system software because it manages hardware and provides the platform on which other programs run. A word processor is application software that performs a specific user task and depends on the operating system.

Question 48Operating System

On a Windows desktop, what does double-clicking a shortcut icon do?

  1. It creates a duplicate copy of the target file
  2. It moves the original program to the Recycle Bin
  3. It opens the program or file that the shortcut points to Correct answer.
  4. It permanently deletes the shortcut

Explanation

A shortcut is a small link file holding the path of a target; activating it launches that target. The original program or document remains where it is, and the shortcut itself is only removed if the user deletes it.

Question 49Operating System

A user needs to find every file on drive D: whose name ends with .jpg. Which Windows search technique accomplishes this?

  1. Type *.jpg in the File Explorer search box for drive D: Correct answer.
  2. Type ?.jpg in the Command Prompt
  3. Type jpg* in the Run dialog
  4. Rename the folder to jpg

Explanation

In Windows search, the asterisk is a wildcard matching any number of characters, so *.jpg returns all files with that extension. The question mark matches exactly one character, and the Run dialog expects a program or path rather than a search pattern.

Question 50Operating System

A computer has 4 GB of RAM and the operating system needs to run programs larger than available memory. Which mechanism allows this?

  1. Disk defragmentation
  2. Disk compression
  3. Plug and Play detection
  4. Virtual memory using a paging file Correct answer.

Explanation

Virtual memory extends usable memory by moving inactive pages from RAM to a paging file on disk and swapping them back when needed. Defragmentation, compression and device detection do not provide additional addressable memory.