Computers and Microprocessors Quiz – Set 4
Attempt each question, then click “Show answer” to reveal the correct option and a brief explanation.
1. In computer architecture, which of the following best describes “Harvard architecture”?
Correct answer: A. Separate memory and buses — Harvard architecture improves throughput by separating instruction and data paths.
2. Which of the following is a primary advantage of solid-state drives (SSDs) over hard disk drives (HDDs)?
Correct answer: B. No moving parts and faster access — SSDs give quicker boot and load times compared to HDDs.
3. In the context of microprocessors, “micro-operations” refer to:
Correct answer: B. Elementary operations on register data — Each instruction is broken down into multiple micro-operations.
4. Which of the following best describes “microprogramming” in CPU design?
Correct answer: B. Micro-instructions in control memory — Microprogrammed control units use microcode to generate control signals.
5. In an instruction like “ADD R1, R2”, the registers R1 and R2 are examples of:
Correct answer: B. Operands — They are the data values or addresses on which the opcode operates.
6. Which of the following most accurately describes “spooling” in computing?
Correct answer: B. Holding data in a queue — Spooling allows devices like printers to work at their own speed.
7. Which of the following is NOT a valid type of ROM?
Correct answer: D. DRAM — Dynamic RAM is volatile main memory, not read-only memory.
8. In the context of computer buses, which of the following statements is true?
Correct answer: B. Control bus carries control signals — It coordinates and directs operations across the system.
9. Which of the following best describes “addressing mode” in microprocessor instructions?
Correct answer: B. Technique to specify operand location — Examples include immediate, direct, indirect, register, etc.
10. In binary arithmetic, what is 1011₂ + 0110₂ equal to (in binary)?
Correct answer: C. 11001₂ — 11 + 6 = 17 in decimal, which is 10001₂; but 1011₂ (11) + 0110₂ (6) = 10001₂ (correct). (Note: keys for exam: 10001₂.)
11. Which of the following best explains “stack” in microprocessor-based systems?
Correct answer: B. LIFO memory region — The stack supports procedure calls, recursion, and context saving.
12. The “stack pointer” (SP) register typically holds:
Correct answer: C. Address of top of stack — It changes as data is pushed to or popped from the stack.
13. Which of the following is a typical function of the BIOS/UEFI firmware?
Correct answer: B. Initializing hardware and starting OS — BIOS/UEFI performs POST and hands control to the bootloader.
14. In terms of processor performance, which of the following combinations is generally desirable?
Correct answer: B. Low latency, high throughput — This means quick response and high volume of processed work.
15. “Parallel processing” in computer systems refers to:
Correct answer: B. Multiple computations simultaneously — Parallelism improves speed for suitable tasks.
16. In a computer network, which device typically connects different networks and routes data between them?
Correct answer: C. Router — Routers forward packets between different networks using IP addresses.
17. In an operating system, “virtualization” primarily means:
Correct answer: B. Creating virtual hardware/OS environments — Hypervisors allow multiple virtual machines on one host.
18. “Unicode” was developed to:
Correct answer: B. Universal character encoding — Unicode supports a wide range of global scripts beyond ASCII.
19. Which of the following is the correct full form of “ALU”?
Correct answer: A. Arithmetic Logic Unit — It performs computational and logical operations.
20. Which of the following best describes “overclocking” a CPU?
Correct answer: B. Higher-than-rated clock speed — Overclocking can improve performance but may increase heat and reduce stability.
