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Question 1Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
In a computer system, which component is primarily responsible for carrying out arithmetic and logical operations on data?
- The Arithmetic Logic Unit inside the CPU Correct answer.
- The RAM module
- The hard disk controller
- The power supply unit
Explanation
The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is the part of the central processing unit that performs arithmetic such as addition and logical comparisons such as AND, OR and equality tests. Other hardware units feed it data or store results, but the actual computation happens in the ALU.
Question 2Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
Which of the following best describes the function of RAM in an IT-enabled workplace computer?
- It converts digital signals into analogue video output
- It assigns IP addresses to devices on the office network
- It holds currently running programs and data temporarily for fast CPU access Correct answer.
- It permanently stores the operating system between shutdowns
Explanation
Random Access Memory is volatile working memory: it holds the instructions and data of active programs so the CPU can reach them quickly, and its contents are lost when power is removed. Permanent storage is the job of secondary storage such as an SSD or hard disk.
Question 3Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
A user reports that a spreadsheet file opens slowly and the system shows very high disk activity while RAM usage stays close to 100 percent. Which explanation fits best?
- The keyboard driver is outdated
- The monitor refresh rate is set too low
- The system is paging data between RAM and the storage drive because physical memory is exhausted Correct answer.
- The network cable is faulty
Explanation
When physical RAM is fully used, the operating system moves pages of memory to a swap or page file on disk, which causes heavy disk activity and slow response. Adding RAM or closing memory-hungry applications reduces this paging behaviour.
Question 4Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
Which statement correctly distinguishes an operating system from application software?
- The operating system manages hardware and provides services to programs, while application software performs user-oriented tasks Correct answer.
- Application software manages hardware resources, while the operating system only edits documents
- The operating system is always open source, whereas application software is always proprietary
- Both are firmware stored in ROM and cannot be changed
Explanation
The operating system is system software that controls hardware, schedules processes, manages files and memory, and offers services to other programs. Application software such as a word processor or spreadsheet runs on top of these services to carry out user tasks.
Question 5Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
A company wants each employee's desktop settings, documents and applications to follow the employee to any office workstation. Which approach addresses this requirement most directly?
- Using roaming user profiles with folder redirection on a domain network Correct answer.
- Increasing the screen resolution on every workstation
- Replacing all hard disks with larger ones
- Installing a second operating system on each workstation
Explanation
Roaming profiles store a user's profile on a server so it is downloaded at logon to any domain-joined machine, and folder redirection keeps documents on a central share. Together they let settings and files follow the user rather than staying tied to one computer.
Question 6Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
Which file system is the native default for modern Windows installations and supports features such as journaling and file-level permissions?
- ISO 9660
- NTFS Correct answer.
- FAT32
- ext4
Explanation
NTFS is the standard file system for current Windows versions and provides journaling, access control lists, encryption and large volume support. FAT32 lacks permission control and has a 4 GB per-file limit, while ext4 and ISO 9660 belong to other platforms or media.
Question 7Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
A numeric data type in a database or spreadsheet stores whole numbers, while a text data type stores characters. Which situation is best handled by a numeric type?
- Storing the quantity of items ordered for arithmetic totals Correct answer.
- Saving a scanned signature image
- Capturing a paragraph of feedback comments
- Recording a customer's postal code with leading zeros
Explanation
Quantities that will be summed, averaged or compared numerically should use a numeric type so calculations work correctly. Identifiers with leading zeros, images and free text need text or binary types instead.
Question 8Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
What does the term 'software piracy' refer to in the context of IT and ITeS workplace ethics?
- Using a password manager to protect credentials
- Installing an operating system update without a reboot
- Copying or distributing licensed software without the permission of the rights holder Correct answer.
- Backing up company data to an external drive
Explanation
Software piracy is the unauthorised copying, installation or distribution of licensed software, which violates the licence agreement and copyright law. Organisations must track licences and use only legally acquired software to stay compliant.
Question 9Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
Which of the following is an example of a system utility rather than a productivity application?
- A word processor used to draft a letter
- A spreadsheet used to prepare a budget
- A presentation program used for a sales pitch
- A disk defragmentation or disk cleanup tool Correct answer.
Explanation
System utilities are maintenance programs that help the operating system run efficiently, such as disk cleanup, defragmentation, backup and antivirus tools. Word processors, presentation programs and spreadsheets are productivity applications aimed at user tasks.
Question 10Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
A technician needs to connect a workstation to a wired local area network. Which device typically provides multiple Ethernet ports so several computers can share one network segment?
- A graphics card
- A sound card
- A switch Correct answer.
- A UPS unit
Explanation
A network switch forwards frames between devices on a local area network and provides multiple Ethernet ports for connecting computers. It learns MAC addresses and sends traffic only to the relevant port.
Question 11Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
Which protocol is used to securely access a remote server's command line over an encrypted connection?
- SSH Correct answer.
- SNMP
- FTP
- Telnet
Explanation
Secure Shell (SSH) provides encrypted remote login and command execution, protecting credentials and session data from eavesdropping. Telnet offers similar remote access but transmits data in plain text.
Question 12Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
An office has 20 workstations that must all reach the internet through one public address. Which technology allows many private addresses to share a single public IP address?
- NAT Correct answer.
- DNS
- VLAN
- DHCP
Explanation
Network Address Translation rewrites private source addresses to a shared public address as traffic leaves the network, and maps replies back to the correct internal host. This conserves public IPv4 addresses and is typical in home and office routers.
Question 13Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
Which of these is the strongest example of a practice that protects data confidentiality in an ITeS delivery centre?
- Encrypting sensitive files and restricting access by role Correct answer.
- Emailing customer records to a personal account
- Sharing login credentials with a teammate to speed up work
- Writing passwords on a sticky note beside the monitor
Explanation
Confidentiality is protected by limiting access to those who need it and by encrypting sensitive data so it remains unreadable if exposed. Role-based access control and encryption together reduce the risk of unauthorised disclosure.
Question 14Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
A user receives an email that appears to come from the bank and asks them to click a link and re-enter their password. Which security threat does this describe?
- Defragmentation
- Phishing Correct answer.
- Overclocking
- Spooling
Explanation
Phishing is a social-engineering attack in which a message impersonates a trusted organisation to trick the recipient into revealing credentials or installing malware. Users should verify the sender and never enter passwords from an emailed link.
Question 15Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
Which backup strategy stores a full backup once and then only the data changed since that full backup on each following run?
- Mirroring only
- Incremental backup
- Differential backup Correct answer.
- Full backup every day
Explanation
A differential backup copies all changes made since the last full backup, so each successive differential grows larger but restoration needs only the full backup plus the latest differential. An incremental backup instead stores changes since the most recent backup of any kind.
Question 16Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
What is the main purpose of a disaster recovery plan in an IT services organisation?
- To define the marketing budget for the year
- To schedule routine staff training sessions
- To list the salaries of the IT support staff
- To describe how services and data will be restored after a major disruption Correct answer.
Explanation
A disaster recovery plan sets out the procedures, responsibilities and resources needed to restore critical systems and data after an outage or disaster. It usually defines recovery time and recovery point objectives so the business knows what must be restored first.
Question 17Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
A spreadsheet cell contains the formula =B2*C2. What happens when this formula is copied from row 2 to row 5 in the same columns?
- It becomes =B2*C5 because only one reference adjusts
- It becomes =B5*C5 because relative references adjust to the new row Correct answer.
- It stays =B2*C2 because formulas never change
- It produces an error because multiplication cannot be copied
Explanation
By default, cell references in a formula are relative, so copying the formula down shifts each reference by the same number of rows. Moving from row 2 to row 5 shifts B2 and C2 down three rows, producing =B5*C5.
Question 18Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
In a word processor, what is the effect of inserting a page break?
- It changes the font of the current paragraph
- It compresses the document to a smaller file size
- It forces the following content to begin on a new page Correct answer.
- It deletes all text after the cursor
Explanation
A page break is a formatting mark that ends the current page immediately, so subsequent content starts at the top of the next page. It is useful for separating chapters or sections without adding empty paragraphs.
Question 19Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
Which numbering system is used internally by digital computers to represent data and machine instructions?
- The decimal system
- The Roman numeral system
- The hexadecimal system only
- The binary system Correct answer.
Explanation
Digital circuits have two stable states, so computers represent values using the binary system of 0s and 1s. Hexadecimal is used mainly as a compact human-readable shorthand for binary, not as the internal representation.
Question 20Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
The binary number 1011 equals which decimal value?
- 11 Correct answer.
- 15
- 9
- 13
Explanation
Reading 1011 from left to right with place values 8, 4, 2 and 1 gives 8 + 0 + 2 + 1, which equals 11. Each binary digit contributes its place value only when it is set to 1.
Question 21Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
A logic gate outputs 1 only when both of its inputs are 1. Which gate is it?
- AND gate Correct answer.
- OR gate
- XOR gate
- NOT gate
Explanation
An AND gate produces a high output only for the input combination 1 and 1; any 0 input makes the output 0. This behaviour underlies logical conjunction in digital circuits.
Question 22Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
A user complains that a laptop battery drains quickly and the chassis becomes hot even when only a browser is open. Which diagnostic action is most appropriate first?
- Check running processes and battery health reports for abnormal power use Correct answer.
- Reinstall the operating system without any checks
- Increase the screen brightness to maximum
- Replace the motherboard immediately
Explanation
High drain and heat with light use usually point to a background process, malware or a failing battery, so reviewing process activity and battery health reports is a low-cost first step. Hardware replacement or reinstallation should follow only after evidence identifies the cause.
Question 23Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
An organisation stores customer records on a shared drive. Which combination best reduces the risk of both accidental deletion and unauthorised access?
- A single shared password known to all staff
- Storing the records only on each employee's local desktop
- Role-based permissions on the folder plus scheduled backups kept separately Correct answer.
- Disabling all logging to improve performance
Explanation
Access control limits who can read or change records, while separate backups allow recovery if data is deleted or corrupted. Using both controls addresses confidentiality and availability together rather than relying on one measure.
Question 24Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Systems
A web application becomes very slow only during peak hours, while CPU and memory on the server stay moderate but the database shows many long-running queries. Which conclusion is best supported?
- Inefficient database queries are a likely bottleneck under concurrent load Correct answer.
- The keyboard layout is set incorrectly
- The monitor is failing
- The network cable to the server is broken
Explanation
Moderate CPU and memory with long-running queries during peak load points to database inefficiency, such as missing indexes or unoptimised statements, rather than raw hardware shortage. Query tuning and indexing are the logical next steps.
Question 25Operating Systems and File Management
In a Windows file system, which character is NOT permitted in a file name?
- Colon (:) Correct answer.
- Tilde (~)
- Hyphen (-)
- Underscore (_)
Explanation
Windows reserves a specific set of characters that cannot appear in file or folder names, and the colon is one of them because it is used to separate a drive letter from a path. Underscores, hyphens and tildes are all legal name characters. A candidate saving a document should avoid reserved characters to prevent the operating system from rejecting the name.
Question 26Operating Systems and File Management
A user wants to move a file named report.docx from C:\Work to D:\Archive on a Windows computer. What happens to the file during this operation?
- The file is copied to the destination and then deleted from the source. Correct answer.
- The file is compressed before being transferred to the new drive.
- The file is renamed automatically to avoid a name clash.
- The file is copied to D:\Archive and the original stays in C:\Work.
Explanation
When a file is moved between two different drives or partitions, the operating system cannot simply relink the directory entry, so it performs a copy followed by a deletion of the source. Within the same volume a move only updates the directory entry. Understanding this difference explains why cross-drive moves take longer than moves on the same drive.
Question 27Operating Systems and File Management
Which Windows file extension typically identifies an executable program file?
- .csv
- .exe Correct answer.
- .jpg
- .txt
Explanation
The .exe extension marks a Windows executable image that the operating system loader can run as a program. The other extensions are associated with data files opened by an application rather than executed directly. File associations in Windows map each extension to the program that should handle it.
Question 28Operating Systems and File Management
An IT support technician needs to see hidden system files while troubleshooting a Windows machine. Which File Explorer option controls this?
- The 'Sort by' menu on the View tab
- The 'Pin to Quick access' command
- The 'Hidden items' checkbox on the View tab Correct answer.
- The 'Group by' setting in the Details pane
Explanation
File Explorer's View tab includes a checkbox labelled 'Hidden items' that toggles the display of files flagged with the hidden attribute. Sorting, grouping and pinning only change how visible items are arranged or accessed. System files may additionally require clearing the protected operating system files option.
Question 29Operating Systems and File Management
What is the primary function of the file allocation table in a FAT file system?
- It stores the user's login credentials for the volume.
- It records which clusters are free, used, or part of a chain. Correct answer.
- It compresses folders automatically when the disk is full.
- It encrypts every file stored on the volume.
Explanation
The file allocation table is an index of clusters that records whether each cluster is free, allocated, or the next link in a file's cluster chain. The operating system follows this chain to locate all the pieces of a file. It does not handle authentication, encryption, or compression.
Question 30Operating Systems and File Management
A user double-clicks a file but Windows reports that it cannot open the file because there is no associated app. What is the most appropriate next step?
- Change the file's extension to .exe.
- Delete the file because it is corrupted.
- Choose a program to open the file and set the association. Correct answer.
- Reinstall the operating system on the computer.
Explanation
Windows relies on file associations that map an extension to a default application. When no association exists, the user is prompted to select an installed program, and that choice can be stored as the default. Reinstalling the operating system or deleting the file is disproportionate, and renaming to .exe does not create the missing handler.
Question 31Operating Systems and File Management
Which statement best describes the difference between a file and a folder in an operating system?
- A file and a folder are identical in function and differ only in icon.
- A file stores data or instructions, while a folder groups files and other folders. Correct answer.
- A folder stores data, while a file only stores the folder's name.
- A file can contain folders, while a folder can only contain files.
Explanation
A file is the basic unit that holds content such as text, images, or program instructions, while a folder is a container used to organise files and subfolders into a hierarchy. Folders do not normally hold user data themselves. This distinction underpins the directory tree structure used by modern operating systems.
Question 32Operating Systems and File Management
A user running Windows wants to locate every file with the .pdf extension inside a folder tree. Which approach is most efficient?
- Rename the top folder to pdf and refresh the view.
- Use the search box in File Explorer with the query *.pdf. Correct answer.
- Open each subfolder manually and look at the file list.
- Open the Recycle Bin and sort by file type.
Explanation
File Explorer search supports wildcard patterns, so entering *.pdf returns all PDF files within the current folder and its subfolders. Manual browsing is slow and error-prone, and the Recycle Bin only holds deleted items. Renaming a folder has no effect on search results.
Question 33Operating Systems and File Management
Which Windows utility is designed to rearrange fragmented files on a traditional hard disk to improve access speed?
- Task Scheduler
- Disk Cleanup
- Disk Defragmenter Correct answer.
- Device Manager
Explanation
Disk Defragmenter reorganises fragmented file clusters into contiguous blocks so the read head travels less, which improves performance on mechanical hard disks. Disk Cleanup removes temporary files, Device Manager manages hardware, and Task Scheduler automates jobs. Solid-state drives generally should not be defragmented.
Question 34Operating Systems and File Management
A file has the read-only attribute set on a Windows volume. What is the direct effect for a standard user?
- The file is moved to the Recycle Bin after a set time.
- The file cannot be opened by any program.
- The file is automatically encrypted on the disk.
- The file's contents cannot be modified or saved over. Correct answer.
Explanation
The read-only attribute prevents changes to the file's contents while still allowing it to be opened and read. It does not encrypt, hide, or auto-delete the file. A user who needs to edit it must first clear the attribute or save under a new name.
Question 35Operating Systems and File Management
Which path correctly represents an absolute location of a file named notes.txt inside the Documents folder of user Asha on a Windows system?
- notes.txt\Documents\Asha
- C:\Users\Asha\Documents\notes.txt Correct answer.
- Documents\notes.txt\..
- ..\Documents\notes.txt
Explanation
An absolute path starts at the root of a drive and lists each folder in order down to the file. C:\Users\Asha\Documents\notes.txt follows that structure completely. The other options either reverse the order, use a relative parent reference, or place the file name in the wrong position.
Question 36Operating Systems and File Management
A user deletes a file from a USB flash drive on a Windows computer. Where does the file typically go?
- It is removed immediately without using the Recycle Bin Correct answer.
- Into the Recycle Bin of the USB drive
- Into a hidden system folder named Temp
- Into the Recycle Bin of the C: drive
Explanation
Removable drives are usually not configured with a Recycle Bin, so deleting a file from a USB flash drive removes it directly. On fixed internal drives the file is normally moved to the Recycle Bin and can be restored. This is why accidental deletions on removable media are harder to undo.
Question 37Operating Systems and File Management
What does the term 'root directory' refer to in a file system hierarchy?
- The folder that holds the most recently modified file
- The directory reserved for deleted files
- The folder that stores only executable programs
- The top-level directory from which all other folders branch Correct answer.
Explanation
The root directory is the highest point of a volume's directory tree, and every other folder descends from it. On Windows it is represented by the drive letter followed by a backslash, such as C:\. It is not defined by file age, deletion status, or content type.
Question 38Operating Systems and File Management
An organisation wants each employee's personal files protected so that other standard users on the same computer cannot read them. Which Windows feature is intended for this?
- Setting the hidden attribute on each folder
- Moving the files to the Public folder
- Encrypting File System on the user's folders Correct answer.
- Compressing the folders to save disk space
Explanation
Encrypting File System encrypts files so that only the authorised user account with the decryption key can read them, even if another user gains access to the disk. The hidden attribute only conceals items from casual view, and the Public folder is deliberately shared. Compression reduces size but provides no access control.
Question 39Operating Systems and File Management
Which action creates a shortcut to a file without duplicating the file's contents?
- Renaming the file with a new extension
- Moving the file to another folder on the same drive
- Right-clicking the file and choosing 'Create shortcut' Correct answer.
- Copying the file and pasting it into the same folder
Explanation
A shortcut is a small link file that points to the original file's location, so no content is duplicated and disk space is barely affected. Copying and pasting creates a full duplicate, while renaming or moving changes the original itself. Shortcuts are useful for placing quick access points on the desktop.
Question 40Operating Systems and File Management
A hard disk on a Windows PC shows almost no free space, yet the user insists no large personal files were added. Which explanation is most consistent with normal operating system behaviour?
- The disk automatically expands its capacity when it fills up.
- The operating system stores all deleted files permanently in RAM.
- The Recycle Bin may still hold deleted files that have not been emptied. Correct answer.
- Free space is fixed at installation and cannot change over time.
Explanation
Deleted files normally move to the Recycle Bin and continue to occupy disk space until the bin is emptied. Temporary files, updates, and system restore points can also consume space. Checking the Recycle Bin and running Disk Cleanup are standard first steps.
Question 41Word Processing and Document Preparation
In a word processor, which feature is used to automatically create a table of contents, page numbers, and consistent heading styles across a long document?
- Track changes and comments
- Spell check and thesaurus
- Styles and heading levels Correct answer.
- Mail merge and data sources
Explanation
Styles attach named formatting to paragraphs, and heading levels (Heading 1, Heading 2) form the structure a word processor uses to build an automatic table of contents and navigation pane. Consistent application of styles is what allows the TOC to be regenerated after edits.
Question 42Word Processing and Document Preparation
A candidate is preparing a résumé in a word processor and wants the bullet points to stay aligned when text is added. Which approach is most appropriate?
- Type each bullet character inside a table cell with manual tabs
- Press the spacebar repeatedly to line up each item
- Insert a screenshot of bullets drawn in a drawing tool
- Use the built-in bulleted list formatting with hanging indent Correct answer.
Explanation
Built-in list formatting applies a paragraph-level bullet with a hanging indent, so wrapped lines align under the text rather than under the bullet. Manual spaces break alignment as soon as the font or text changes, which is a common formatting fault in résumés.
Question 43Word Processing and Document Preparation
Which page setup option should be changed so that a report prints with content running down the long edge of an A4 sheet?
- Mirror margins
- Gutter position
- Landscape orientation
- Portrait orientation Correct answer.
Explanation
Portrait orientation places the shorter edge at the top, so text runs down the long edge and the page is taller than it is wide. Landscape rotates the page so text runs across the long edge horizontally.
Question 44Word Processing and Document Preparation
In a word processor, what is the primary purpose of the Find and Replace dialog when preparing a large training manual?
- To locate specific text and substitute it with new text throughout the document Correct answer.
- To change the document's default font for all new text
- To compress images so the file size is reduced
- To compare two versions of the document side by side
Explanation
Find and Replace searches for a text string and substitutes a replacement, optionally across the whole document, which is efficient for correcting repeated terms such as a renamed department. It changes content, not document defaults or file size.
Question 45Word Processing and Document Preparation
A clerk must send the same appointment letter to 200 applicants, with each letter showing the applicant's name and address. Which word processing feature is designed for this task?
- Document properties
- AutoCorrect
- Word count
- Mail merge Correct answer.
Explanation
Mail merge links a main document containing the fixed letter text with a data source holding fields such as name and address, producing one personalised copy per record. This avoids manually editing 200 separate letters.
Question 46Word Processing and Document Preparation
Which file format is most suitable when a finished offer letter must be shared so that its layout cannot easily be altered by the recipient?
- Comma-separated values (.csv)
- Rich Text Format (.rtf)
- Plain text (.txt)
- Portable Document Format (PDF) Correct answer.
Explanation
PDF preserves the visual layout and fonts and is difficult for a recipient to edit, which suits final documents circulated for reading or printing. Editable formats such as RTF or TXT do not lock the appearance.
Question 47Word Processing and Document Preparation
In a word processor, what does the Track Changes feature record while a reviewer edits a draft policy document?
- A list of spelling errors found in the document
- Only the final text, with earlier wording discarded
- The time spent editing each paragraph
- Each insertion, deletion, and formatting change attributed to the reviewer Correct answer.
Explanation
Track Changes marks insertions, deletions, and formatting modifications and attributes them to the reviewer, so an author can accept or reject each change. The original wording is retained as markup until it is resolved.
Question 48Word Processing and Document Preparation
A document uses a paragraph style for all section headings. A user edits the style to change its font colour. What happens to the existing headings?
- All paragraphs using that style update to the new colour Correct answer.
- The headings keep the old colour until each is reformatted manually
- The document reverts to the default template colour
- Only the heading where the cursor sits changes colour
Explanation
A style is a named collection of formatting; editing the style redefines it, and every paragraph based on that style inherits the change. This is the main advantage of styles over direct formatting for consistent documents.
Question 49Word Processing and Document Preparation
A table in a report has a header row that must repeat at the top of every printed page. Which setting achieves this?
- Distribute columns evenly
- Repeat as header row at the top of each page Correct answer.
- Allow row to break across pages
- Convert table to text
Explanation
Marking the first row as a repeating header row makes the word processor reprint it whenever the table continues onto a new page, keeping column meanings visible. It is a table property rather than a page property.
Question 50Word Processing and Document Preparation
Which section break type should be inserted so that a new chapter begins on a fresh page while the preceding chapter keeps its own page numbering format?
- Line break
- Continuous section break
- Next page section break Correct answer.
- Column break
Explanation
A next page section break starts the following section on a new page and allows that section to carry independent page setup, headers, and numbering. Continuous breaks keep content on the same page, so they cannot start a fresh chapter page.