WorksheetsUnit 1 What is Computing Test
Total questions: 45
Worksheet time: 22mins
Which device is recognized as the earliest calculating tool in recorded history?
Egyptian sundial for counting
Roman tally sticks ledger
Greek slide rule with markings
Chinese abacus with manual beads
In historical usage around 1613, what did the word “computer” most commonly refer to?
A mechanical counting device
A printed logarithm table
A person who performs calculations
An electronic vacuum tube system
Konrad Zuse’s Z1 is best described as:
Portable transistor microcomputer
Vacuum tube military calculator
Hand-cranked analog tabulator
Early binary mechanical computer
What distinguishes ENIAC from earlier computing concepts and prototypes?
First machine with a mouse interface
First electronic general‑purpose computer
First device using magnetic disks
First handheld programmable calculator
Which statement best contrasts ENIAC and UNIVAC?
ENIAC was portable; UNIVAC was pocket‑sized
ENIAC was commercial; UNIVAC was purely theoretical
ENIAC handled wartime computations; UNIVAC served business data
ENIAC used transistors; UNIVAC used beads on rods
Why is studying inclusion and bias important in the history of computing?
It proves only one nation led all innovations
Historical narratives can omit diverse contributors
It shows modern devices are always unbiased
It eliminates the need to learn technical details
Which component is primarily responsible for executing instructions and processing data?
RAM — temporary working memory
CPU — central processor of the system
GPU — graphics rendering processor
ROM — non‑volatile firmware storage
What is the main difference between RAM and ROM?
RAM is slower; ROM is faster
RAM is volatile; ROM is non‑volatile
RAM is external; ROM is internal
RAM stores firmware; ROM runs programs
Which set lists only input devices?
Keyboard, mouse, scanner
Monitor, printer, speakers
SSD, HDD, cloud drive
Motherboard, power supply, CPU
What is the role of device drivers in a computer system?
Supply electrical power to components
Store long‑term user data
Execute user applications directly
Provide interface between OS and hardware
Which statement best describes system software compared to application software?
Application software runs without an OS
System software manages hardware and resources
System software is for end‑user tasks only
Application software configures BIOS and boot
In a typical process flow, what happens right after the CPU retrieves program instructions from memory?
The CPU uses a device driver to prepare output
The user issues an input command
The printer stores the output in ROM
The OS powers off the computer
Which group contains only storage devices for long‑term data retention?
Hard drives, SSDs, cloud services
Keyboard, touchscreen, microphone
Speakers, monitors, projectors
CPU, RAM, logic gates
Which statement about bits and bytes is accurate?
A bit stores long‑term firmware
A byte is a single binary digit
A bit is 8 bytes, common unit
A byte is 8 bits, basic data unit
What is the primary purpose of an operating system?
Manage resources, provide interfaces, enable apps
Render graphics for games and videos
Back up data to external cloud storage
Encrypt all network traffic automatically
Which classification correctly pairs device type with example?
Storage device — keyboard
Processing unit — speaker
Output device — printer
Input device — monitor
Which best defines an abacus in the context of early computing devices?
Mechanical engine that executes stored programs
Manual counting tool using beads on rods
Paper algorithm chart for step procedures
Electronic calculator for binary arithmetic
What is the most accurate definition of an algorithm?
A binary code pattern for machine logic
A compiled application for user tasks
A hardware board connecting CPU and memory
A step-by-step procedure to solve a problem
Ada Lovelace is best known for which contribution?
Writing notes on algorithms for Babbage’s machine
Inventing the abacus used for early arithmetic
Designing modern GPU graphics architectures
Creating the first commercial LAN standard
Which statement correctly defines the binary number system?
Uses only digits 0 and 1 for representation
Uses trinary digits −1, 0, and +1
Uses base ten digits from 0 through 9
Uses hexadecimal symbols 0–9 and A–F
What is a bit in digital computing?
A single binary digit, either 0 or 1
A group of eight binary digits
A software instruction for the CPU
A hardware chip storing firmware
Which option accurately describes a byte?
Group of eight bits used as a unit
Nonvolatile block holding firmware data
Volatile memory storing current programs
Single digit representing binary state
Which component is the CPU responsible for?
Providing wireless links between LANs
Rendering images and video output
Managing long-term storage of user data
Executing program instructions and computations
Which choice best defines hardware in a computer system?
Network rules for connecting multiple computers
Low-level ROM code controlling device behavior
Physical components like CPU, memory, and motherboard
Programs and applications that users interact with
What is an input device used for?
Storing firmware in read-only memory chips
Providing data or control signals to a computer
Displaying information from the computer to users
Connecting geographically dispersed local networks
Which option describes an output device?
Executes program instructions within the CPU
Provides data entry like keyboard or scanner input
Connects computers within a single building
Conveys information from the computer to the user
What does a LAN primarily connect?
Firmware modules loaded into nonvolatile memory
Standalone devices via Bluetooth peripherals
Multiple WANs across international regions
Computers within a limited area such as a building
The motherboard’s primary role is to do what?
Execute instructions and manage all computations
Store long-term files and application data for users
Connect CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals on a main board
Provide network routing between LAN and WAN links
Which description best matches an operating system?
System software that manages hardware and provides interfaces
Firmware code that initializes devices during startup
User application for tasks like word processing
Graphics driver enabling rendering and display output
Which description fits ENIAC / UNIVAC most accurately?
Wearable devices for health tracking
Cloud servers for web applications
Modern smartphones with neural chips
Early electronic general‑purpose computers
What is the defining feature of system software?
Applications for editing photos
Software managing hardware and services
Scripts automating website content
Games designed for entertainment
Which option describes a program / software / application?
Set of instructions directing hardware
Physical components like CPU and RAM
Nonvolatile chip storing firmware
Network connecting distant buildings
Which capability is central to Artificial Intelligence systems?
Transmitting data across long distances
Rendering 3D graphics quickly
Performing tasks needing human‑like reasoning
Storing firmware in read‑only chips
Machine Learning differs from traditional programming because systems do what?
Improve performance by learning from data
Run only on quantum hardware
Store instructions permanently in ROM
Communicate directly with human brains
Neuromorphic computing hardware is inspired by what?
Fiber‑optic communication lines
Cloud data center architecture
The brain’s structure and function
Classical pipeline processing
A brain‑computer interface enables which capability?
Direct communication between brain and device
Secure routing across wide networks
Local processing near data sources
Parallel graphics rendering for games
Edge computing is primarily about which strategy?
Processing data near its source on devices
Archiving data on magnetic tapes
Training models only in the cloud
Encrypting packets for internet traffic
What was the brand of the first commercially sold portable computer?
IBM
Apple
Atari
Dell
How much did the first portable computer weigh?
55 lbs
15 lbs
34 lbs
12 lbs
What does CPU stand for?
Central Processing Unit
Computer Parts Unlimited
Central Programming Unit
Which stores output from a computer:
Scanner
Keyboard
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Flash Drive
Who is considered the world's first computer programmer?
Charles Babbage
Ada Lovelace
Lord Byron
De Prony
Who is considered the father of modern computer science and artificial intelligence?
Alan Turing
Charles Babbage
John von Neumann
Ada Lovelace
