Computers and Microprocessors Quiz – Set 5
Attempt each question, then click “Show answer” to reveal the correct option and a brief explanation.
1. In a typical hierarchy, which memory is closest to the CPU?
Correct answer: C. Cache memory — It sits between CPU registers and RAM, providing very fast access.
2. Which of the following is NOT an operating system?
Correct answer: C. MS Word — It is an application software that runs on an OS.
3. The unit that converts digital signals produced by the computer into analog signals suitable for transmission over telephone lines is:
Correct answer: B. Modem — It modulates and demodulates signals for communication.
4. Which of the following file systems is commonly used in Windows operating systems?
Correct answer: B. NTFS — New Technology File System is standard on modern Windows systems.
5. Which component is responsible for generating the system clock signal on a motherboard?
Correct answer: B. Crystal oscillator — It provides a stable frequency for timing CPU operations.
6. In microprocessor context, “CPI” stands for:
Correct answer: A. Cycles Per Instruction — It indicates how many clock cycles an instruction takes on average.
7. Which scheduling algorithm in operating systems selects the process with the smallest CPU burst time next?
Correct answer: C. SJF — It minimizes average waiting time but requires knowing or estimating burst length.
8. A “device driver” is:
Correct answer: B. Software interface for hardware — Drivers translate OS commands into device-specific signals.
9. Which number system has base 16?
Correct answer: D. Hexadecimal — It uses digits 0–9 and letters A–F.
10. In microprocessors, “instruction pipeline hazard” refers to:
Correct answer: B. Condition causing pipeline stall — Hazards can be data, control, or structural.
11. Which of the following BEST describes a “kernel” in an operating system?
Correct answer: B. Core OS component — The kernel runs in privileged mode and controls system resources.
12. In microprocessor interrupt handling, a “vectored interrupt” means:
Correct answer: B. Unique vector/address — Vectored interrupts reduce overhead in identifying the correct service routine.
13. Which of the following is MOST closely associated with “fault tolerance” in computer systems?
Correct answer: B. Redundancy — Fault-tolerant systems continue operating even when some components fail.
14. Which of these is a typical function of the “memory management unit” (MMU)?
Correct answer: B. Address translation — MMUs support virtual memory, protection, and isolation.
15. A “bitwise AND” operation between two bits will output 1 when:
Correct answer: C. Both inputs are 1 — AND corresponds to logical multiplication.
16. Which CPU feature allows different instructions from multiple threads to be executed in overlapping fashion on a single core (beyond basic pipelining)?
Correct answer: A. Hyper-threading / SMT — It exposes multiple logical processors per physical core.
17. In networking, “bandwidth” commonly refers to:
Correct answer: B. Data transfer capacity — Higher bandwidth means more data can flow per second.
18. Which of the following is a common example of an “embedded operating system”?
Correct answer: B. RTOS in automotive ECUs — Embedded OSes run on dedicated hardware for specific control tasks.
19. Which of these best describes “firm real-time” systems?
Correct answer: B. Result useless if late — Hard real-time is catastrophic if missed; firm real-time is serious but not fatal to system integrity.
20. In binary, what is the two’s complement representation of –5 using 4 bits?
Correct answer: B. 1011₂ — 5 is 0101₂; invert bits → 1010₂; add 1 → 1011₂ (two’s complement = –5).
