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UPMSP High School IT & ITeS study materials
UPMSP High School IT & ITeS study resources

UPMSP High School IT & ITeS practice questions

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Question 1Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

Which unit is the smallest addressable storage location in a computer's main memory?

  1. Nibble
  2. Byte Correct answer.
  3. Bit
  4. Word

Explanation

Main memory is organised as a sequence of individually addressable bytes, and each address points to one byte. A bit is smaller but cannot be addressed on its own, so the byte is the basic addressable unit.

Question 2Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

A file is reported as 2 MB. Approximately how many bytes does it contain?

  1. 2,000,000,000 bytes
  2. 20,000 bytes
  3. 2,000,000 bytes Correct answer.
  4. 2,000 bytes

Explanation

The prefix mega means one million, so 2 MB is about 2 × 1,000,000 bytes, roughly two million bytes. In binary terms it is close to 2 × 1,048,576 bytes, which is still of the order of millions, not thousands or billions.

Question 3Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

Which component of a computer system performs arithmetic and logical operations on data?

  1. Arithmetic Logic Unit Correct answer.
  2. Input device
  3. Control unit
  4. Main memory

Explanation

The Arithmetic Logic Unit, part of the CPU, carries out calculations such as addition and comparisons such as greater-than tests. The control unit only directs the flow of instructions and data, while memory and input devices store or supply data.

Question 4Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

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

  1. A spreadsheet program
  2. A web browser
  3. An operating system Correct answer.
  4. A photo editor

Explanation

System software manages the hardware and provides a platform on which other programs run, and the operating system is its central example. Spreadsheets, photo editors and browsers are application software written to perform user tasks on top of that platform.

Question 5Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

In a computer, which of the following is a volatile memory?

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

Explanation

RAM loses its stored contents when power is switched off, which makes it volatile. ROM, hard disks and flash drives retain data without power and are therefore non-volatile.

Question 6Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

Which number system uses only the digits 0 and 1?

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

Explanation

The binary system has a base of two, so each digit, called a bit, can only be 0 or 1. Other systems use more digit symbols: ten for decimal, eight for octal and sixteen for hexadecimal.

Question 7Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

Which device is classified as an output device?

  1. Keyboard
  2. Monitor Correct answer.
  3. Microphone
  4. Scanner

Explanation

A monitor presents processed results to the user and therefore belongs to the output category. Scanners, keyboards and microphones all bring data into the computer and are input devices.

Question 8Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

Which of the following is a valid example of a computer network?

  1. Two computers connected by a cable to share files Correct answer.
  2. A printer attached to one computer
  3. A pen drive storing backup copies
  4. A single laptop running a word processor

Explanation

A network requires two or more devices connected so that they can exchange data and share resources. A lone computer, a locally attached printer and a storage device all lack that communication link between independent machines.

Question 9Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

The decimal number 13 is written in binary as:

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

Explanation

Binary 1101 equals 8 + 4 + 0 + 1, which is 13. Checking place values from left to right confirms the sum, so only this pattern represents the decimal value 13.

Question 10Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

What is the primary function of the control unit in a processor?

  1. It stores the program currently being executed
  2. It converts analogue signals into digital values
  3. It fetches, decodes and coordinates the execution of instructions Correct answer.
  4. It performs addition and comparison of operands

Explanation

The control unit sequences the machine cycle: it fetches instructions, decodes them and issues signals that make other units carry out the required operations. Storing programs, arithmetic and analogue conversion are handled by other parts of the system.

Question 11Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

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

  1. Secondary memory is volatile while primary memory keeps data permanently
  2. Primary memory has larger capacity than secondary memory in a typical computer
  3. Primary memory is directly accessed by the CPU while secondary memory needs input/output channels Correct answer.
  4. Primary memory is slower and cheaper per byte than secondary memory

Explanation

Primary memory such as RAM is connected directly to the processor and holds the instructions and data in active use. Secondary storage such as disks is accessed through controllers and is used for long-term, larger-capacity storage.

Question 12Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

Which of these is a function performed by an operating system?

  1. Managing files and allocating memory to running programs Correct answer.
  2. Designing web pages for a website
  3. Compiling source code into machine code
  4. Editing digital photographs

Explanation

An operating system acts as a resource manager, controlling memory allocation, file storage, process scheduling and device access. Compilation, web design and image editing are tasks of specific application programs.

Question 13Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

A student wants to convert the binary number 10110 to decimal. What is the result?

  1. 18
  2. 20
  3. 26
  4. 22 Correct answer.

Explanation

Adding the place values where bits are 1 gives 16 + 0 + 4 + 2 + 0, which totals 22. Each position doubles from right to left, so the leftmost 1 contributes sixteen.

Question 14Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

Which storage medium uses laser light to read and write data?

  1. Solid-state drive
  2. Optical disc Correct answer.
  3. Magnetic tape
  4. Magnetic hard disk

Explanation

Optical discs such as CDs and DVDs store data as pits and lands that are read by a laser beam. Hard disks and tape use magnetic fields, while solid-state drives use flash memory cells with no moving optical parts.

Question 15Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

Which topology connects every device to a single central device such as a switch?

  1. Mesh topology
  2. Ring topology
  3. Star topology Correct answer.
  4. Bus topology

Explanation

In a star topology each node has its own link to a central hub or switch, which forwards traffic between them. Ring and bus layouts use a shared circular or shared-cable path, and mesh links nodes to many others directly.

Question 16Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

Which of the following best explains why hexadecimal notation is used when displaying memory addresses?

  1. It stores more data per byte than binary does
  2. Each hexadecimal digit represents exactly four binary bits, giving a compact form Correct answer.
  3. It is the only format the processor can execute directly
  4. It allows negative numbers to be represented without a sign

Explanation

Hexadecimal is base sixteen, and one hex digit maps precisely onto four bits, so a byte is written with just two characters. This compactness makes long binary addresses easier to read without changing the underlying data.

Question 17Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

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

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

Explanation

A compiler translates the whole source program in one pass and produces an object or executable file that can be run later. An interpreter translates and executes statements one at a time, while the linker and loader only combine and place already-translated code.

Question 18Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

Which characteristic distinguishes a solid-state drive from a magnetic hard disk?

  1. It cannot store an operating system
  2. It loses data when power is switched off
  3. It is always slower for random access
  4. It has no moving mechanical parts Correct answer.

Explanation

A solid-state drive stores data in flash memory chips, so it has no spinning platters or moving heads, which gives faster access and greater shock resistance. It is non-volatile and is routinely used to hold operating systems.

Question 19Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

A computer has 8-bit registers and uses unsigned binary. What is the largest decimal value it can hold in one register?

  1. 256
  2. 128
  3. 255 Correct answer.
  4. 512

Explanation

With eight bits, the number of distinct patterns is 2 raised to the power 8, which is 256. Counting from zero upward, the largest unsigned value is therefore 255.

Question 20Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

Which memory is directly embedded on the CPU chip and is the fastest cache level?

  1. L1 cache Correct answer.
  2. Virtual memory
  3. Secondary cache on disk
  4. Main memory

Explanation

L1 cache sits on the processor die closest to the execution units and has the shortest access latency of the cache levels. Main memory is off-chip, virtual memory is a disk-backed extension, and disks are far slower than any cache.

Question 21Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

A technician converts the hexadecimal value 2F to decimal. Which result is correct?

  1. 47 Correct answer.
  2. 63
  3. 31
  4. 45

Explanation

In hexadecimal, 2F means 2 × 16 + 15, because F stands for fifteen. That gives 32 + 15, which equals 47.

Question 22Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

An 8-bit register stores the signed value -5 using two's complement. Which bit pattern is stored?

  1. 10000101
  2. 11111010
  3. 00000101
  4. 11111011 Correct answer.

Explanation

Two's complement of 5 is found by inverting 00000101 to 11111010 and adding one, giving 11111011. The leading 1 marks the number as negative, and the value equals -128 + 123, that is -5.

Question 23Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

Why does a computer system normally include both cache memory and main memory instead of relying only on the fastest memory available?

  1. Fast memory is costly and power-hungry, so a small fast cache backs a larger slower memory Correct answer.
  2. Cache memory is cheaper per byte than main memory
  3. Cache memory permanently stores the operating system
  4. Main memory cannot store program instructions

Explanation

A memory hierarchy balances speed against cost: a small amount of expensive fast cache holds recently used data, while larger cheaper RAM holds the rest of the working set. This gives near-cache performance at an affordable total cost.

Question 24Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

A network uses the star topology with a single central switch. Which statement best analyses the effect of a failure of that central switch?

  1. The network automatically reconfigures into a ring and continues
  2. Only wireless devices are affected while wired devices continue
  3. Only the device on the failed port loses connectivity
  4. All connected devices lose the ability to communicate through the network Correct answer.

Explanation

In a star topology all traffic passes through the central device, so its failure isolates every attached node from the others. This single point of failure is the main reliability drawback of the star design.

Question 25Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

A program's execution time is dominated by repeated access to a large array held in main memory. Adding a larger cache is expected to improve performance mainly because:

  1. It increases the capacity of the main memory
  2. It raises the probability that requested data is found in fast memory Correct answer.
  3. It reduces the number of instructions the program must execute
  4. It increases the clock speed of the processor

Explanation

A larger cache can hold more of the working set, raising the hit ratio so that more requests are served at cache speed instead of waiting for main memory. Clock speed, RAM capacity and instruction count are separate properties unaffected by cache size.

Question 26Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

In the IT & ITeS syllabus, the physical parts of a computer such as the keyboard, monitor and motherboard are together known as:

  1. Hardware Correct answer.
  2. Firmware
  3. Shareware
  4. Software

Explanation

Hardware refers to the tangible, physical components of a computer system that can be seen and touched, such as the keyboard, monitor, CPU and motherboard. Software, by contrast, is the set of instructions and programs that run on this equipment.

Question 27Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

A shopkeeper wants to store a list of customer names with their telephone numbers and quickly sort or filter the records by name. Which application software is most appropriate for this task?

  1. A spreadsheet program Correct answer.
  2. A media player
  3. An antivirus utility
  4. A web browser

Explanation

A spreadsheet program organises data in rows and columns, allowing records such as names and telephone numbers to be entered, sorted and filtered easily. This tabular structure makes it suitable for small databases of customer information.

Question 28Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

A program written in a high-level language must be converted before the CPU can execute it. Which statement correctly describes the role of a compiler?

  1. It translates the whole program into machine code and saves it as an executable file. Correct answer.
  2. It executes the source code one line at a time without producing an output file.
  3. It converts machine code back into high-level source code for editing.
  4. It links the program to the operating system only while the program is running.

Explanation

A compiler reads the entire high-level source program and translates it into machine code, storing the result as an executable file that can be run later without the compiler present. This differs from an interpreter, which translates and executes line by line.

Question 29Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

A user wants to send a single document to a colleague so that the colleague can read it on any device without the original word-processing software, while keeping the page layout fixed. Which action best meets this requirement?

  1. Save the document in the native word-processor format and attach it.
  2. Copy the text into the body of the email message.
  3. Compress the native file into a ZIP archive before attaching it.
  4. Export the document to PDF format and attach it. Correct answer.

Explanation

PDF is a portable document format that preserves the layout and can be opened on almost any device with a free viewer, so the recipient does not need the original word-processing software. The native format and a ZIP archive both still require compatible software to read the content.

Question 30Fundamentals of Information Technology and Computer Systems

A computer has a 12-bit address bus and each memory location stores one byte. What is the total addressable memory, and what happens if a program tries to access an address beyond this range?

  1. 2 KB, and any higher address is redirected to the cache memory for execution
  2. 4 KB, and any higher address cannot be generated on the address bus and is rejected as invalid Correct answer.
  3. 4 KB, and any higher address is treated as a valid address by wrapping around to zero
  4. 8 KB, and any higher address is automatically stored on the hard disk instead

Explanation

With 12 address lines the CPU can form 2^12 = 4096 distinct addresses, and with one byte per location this gives 4096 bytes, that is 4 KB. An address needing more than 12 bits cannot be placed on the address bus, so the access is invalid and the system reports an error rather than silently wrapping or redirecting.

Question 31Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

In a word processor, which keyboard shortcut places the copied text at the cursor position while keeping the original text in place?

  1. Ctrl + Z
  2. Ctrl + C
  3. Ctrl + X
  4. Ctrl + V Correct answer.

Explanation

Paste is the command that inserts clipboard content at the cursor, and Ctrl + V is its standard shortcut in word processing software. The original selection stays in the document because paste does not remove anything.

Question 32Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

A spreadsheet cell displays ###### instead of a value. What does this indicate about the cell?

  1. The column is too narrow to display the formatted number Correct answer.
  2. The formula contains a division by zero error
  3. The workbook has been protected by a password
  4. The cell contains text instead of a number

Explanation

Spreadsheet programs show a row of hash marks when a numeric or date result cannot fit inside the current column width. Widening the column or reducing the font size reveals the actual value. The stored value itself is unchanged.

Question 33Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

Which file extension is normally used when saving a presentation so that it can be reopened and edited later in the same presentation software?

  1. .csv
  2. .pptx Correct answer.
  3. .txt
  4. .docx

Explanation

A presentation saved in its native format keeps slides, layouts, animations and speaker notes editable. The .pptx extension is the standard native format for modern presentation files. Other extensions belong to plain text, spreadsheets or word processing.

Question 34Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

In a spreadsheet, what does the formula =SUM(B2:B10) compute?

  1. The number of filled cells between B2 and B10
  2. The largest value found in column B
  3. The total of all values in the range B2 through B10 Correct answer.
  4. The product of the values in B2 and B10

Explanation

The colon in B2:B10 defines a rectangular range from the first cell to the last cell. SUM adds every numeric entry inside that range and ignores text and blanks. It is not limited to the two end cells.

Question 35Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

Which alignment setting should be applied to a paragraph so that its text is spread evenly between the left and right margins?

  1. Centre
  2. Right align
  3. Justify Correct answer.
  4. Left align

Explanation

Justified alignment stretches the spaces in each line so that both edges of the paragraph line up with the margins. This is common in formal reports and printed documents. The other settings leave one edge ragged.

Question 36Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

In a presentation, what is the purpose of the slide master?

  1. To define shared fonts, colours and placeholder positions for all slides Correct answer.
  2. To compress the images used in the file
  3. To store the speaker notes for each slide
  4. To record the narration for a slide show

Explanation

The slide master holds the theme-level design settings that every slide based on it inherits. Editing the master once updates background, fonts, colours and placeholder placement across the deck. Individual slides can still override some settings.

Question 37Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

Which spreadsheet reference type keeps the row fixed but allows the column to change when the formula is copied across?

  1. A$1 Correct answer.
  2. A1
  3. $A$1
  4. $A1

Explanation

In A$1 the dollar sign before the row number locks row 1, while the column letter stays relative. Copying the formula to another column therefore shifts the column but always reads row 1. A full absolute reference would lock both parts.

Question 38Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

A teacher wants a numbered list where new items continue the numbering automatically. Which word processing feature should be used?

  1. Text wrapping
  2. Automatic numbering Correct answer.
  3. Mail merge
  4. Track changes

Explanation

Automatic numbering inserts sequence numbers as list items are added, so the count continues without manual retyping. It is applied to selected paragraphs from the paragraph formatting group. Typing numbers manually breaks this behaviour.

Question 39Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

A spreadsheet contains the values 10, 20, 30 and 40 in cells A1 to A4. What result does =AVERAGE(A1:A4) return?

  1. 100
  2. 25 Correct answer.
  3. 10
  4. 30

Explanation

AVERAGE adds the four values to get 100 and then divides by the count of numeric entries, which is 4. The result is therefore 25. It differs from SUM, which would return 100.

Question 40Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

A student types 5/12 in a spreadsheet cell and the cell shows a date instead of a fraction. Which action makes the cell display the fraction 5/12?

  1. Press Enter twice after typing
  2. Apply the currency number format
  3. Format the cell as Text before typing the value Correct answer.
  4. Increase the column width

Explanation

A value containing a slash is interpreted as a date when the cell uses a general or date format. Setting the cell format to Text, or entering an apostrophe before the value, keeps the characters as typed. Changing width or currency format does not change the underlying interpretation.

Question 41Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

A report needs the same header text at the top of every printed page. Which word processing feature achieves this?

  1. Footnotes
  2. Page header Correct answer.
  3. Section break
  4. Text box on the first page

Explanation

Content placed in a page header repeats automatically at the top of every page that uses that header setting. It is part of the page layout rather than the body text. A text box placed manually would appear on one page only.

Question 42Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

A spreadsheet has a list of students in column A and marks in column B. Which formula counts how many students scored more than 60?

  1. =COUNT(B2:B50)
  2. =MAX(B2:B50)
  3. =COUNTIF(B2:B50,">60") Correct answer.
  4. =SUMIF(B2:B50,">60")

Explanation

COUNTIF counts the cells in a range that satisfy a single condition, and the condition is written as a text string with the comparison operator. Here it counts marks strictly greater than 60. SUMIF would add those marks instead of counting them.

Question 43Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

A presentation slide contains a chart linked to a spreadsheet. Which statement describes the effect of changing the source data in the spreadsheet?

  1. The chart is deleted automatically
  2. The chart updates only after the presentation is reopened
  3. The chart keeps the old values permanently
  4. The chart reflects the change when the link is updated Correct answer.

Explanation

A linked chart keeps a connection to its source data, so refreshing the link pulls the current values into the slide. The chart is not frozen at the moment of insertion. Breaking the link would stop further updates.

Question 44Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

In a long word processing document, which feature builds a table of contents automatically from chapter titles?

  1. Using a bulleted list for the titles
  2. Inserting page breaks before each title
  3. Applying heading styles to the titles Correct answer.
  4. Typing the titles in bold

Explanation

An automatic table of contents collects paragraphs that carry heading styles such as Heading 1 or Heading 2. Applying those styles lets the table be generated and refreshed with correct page numbers. Bold text or manual breaks carry no structural meaning.

Question 45Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

A spreadsheet formula in cell C1 is =A1*B1. It is copied down to C2. What does C2 contain?

  1. =A1*B2
  2. =A2*B1
  3. =A2*B2 Correct answer.
  4. =A1*B1

Explanation

Relative references adjust by the number of rows and columns the formula is moved. Copying one row down changes every relative row number by one, giving =A2*B2. Absolute references would be needed to keep a row fixed.

Question 46Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

A spreadsheet cell shows the error #REF!. Which situation most likely caused it?

  1. A text value is used where a number is required
  2. A column is too narrow for the result
  3. A formula refers to a cell that was deleted Correct answer.
  4. A number is divided by an empty cell

Explanation

The #REF! error means a formula points to a reference that no longer exists, typically after rows or columns were deleted. Restoring the reference or editing the formula clears the error. Other error values signal different problems.

Question 47Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

A mail merge is being prepared to send the same letter to many parents with individual names. Which component supplies the names?

  1. The data source Correct answer.
  2. The print layout
  3. The merge field placeholder
  4. The main document

Explanation

In mail merge the main document holds the fixed letter text, while the data source holds the variable records such as names and addresses. Merge fields in the main document mark where each record value is inserted. Without a data source, no personalisation occurs.

Question 48Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

A presentation is set to advance slides automatically every 10 seconds, but during a live talk the presenter wants to move forward manually. Which setting should be changed?

  1. Change the slide size to widescreen
  2. Hide the slide numbers on each slide
  3. Apply a different theme to the deck
  4. Turn off the automatic slide timings for the show Correct answer.

Explanation

Automatic advancement is controlled by recorded slide timings, which can be disabled so the presenter clicks to advance. Theme, slide size and numbering do not affect when slides change. Removing the timings restores manual control.

Question 49Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

A spreadsheet cell contains =IF(B2>=40,"Pass","Fail"). What is displayed when B2 holds 40?

  1. An error value
  2. Fail
  3. 40
  4. Pass Correct answer.

Explanation

The condition B2>=40 is true when B2 equals 40, because the operator includes equality. The IF function therefore returns the first result, the text Pass. Using > alone would have returned Fail at exactly 40.

Question 50Office Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation)

Which change makes a spreadsheet range easier to read by applying alternating fill colours to rows automatically?

  1. Converting the range into a table with a banded row style Correct answer.
  2. Applying the currency format to the range
  3. Merging all cells in the range
  4. Freezing the top row of the sheet

Explanation

Formatting a range as a table applies a table style, and banded rows shade alternate rows automatically as the data grows. Merging, currency formatting and freezing panes do not produce alternating colours. The banding stays consistent when rows are added.