Computer Science/IT MCQs
Topic Notes: Computer Science/IT
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
5381
The very first message sent over the ARPANET in 1969 was intended to be the word "LOGIN". What was actually transmitted before the system crashed?
Answer:
"LO"
The first ARPANET link was established between UCLA and the Stanford Research Institute. The programmer, Charley Kline, successfully transmitted the 'L' and the 'O' before the system crashed, making the first message "LO".
5382
The Domain Name System (DNS) is responsible for:
Answer:
Translating human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses
DNS acts like a phonebook for the Internet. When a user types a domain name like [www.google.com](https://www.google.com) into their browser, DNS servers translate that name into the numerical IP address required to locate the correct server.
5383
The first commercially produced microprocessor, which effectively put an entire CPU onto a single chip, was the:
Answer:
Intel 4004
Released by Intel in 1971, the 4004 was the first microprocessor. It was originally designed for a Japanese calculator company, Busicom, and its invention paved the way for the microcomputer revolution.
5384
What does "SQL" stand for in the context of database management?
Answer:
Structured Query Language
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is the standard language used to communicate with and manipulate relational databases, allowing users to retrieve, insert, update, and delete data.
5385
Which pioneering web browser, featuring a graphical user interface, significantly contributed to the widespread adoption and popularization of the World Wide Web during the early 1990s?
Answer:
Mosaic
Mosaic, developed at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) in 1993, was revolutionary because it was the first web browser to display images directly within the text of a web page (inline graphics), rather than requiring them to be viewed in separate windows. This innovation, combined with its intuitive graphical user interface (GUI), made the World Wide Web much more accessible and appealing to a mainstream audience, playing a crucial role in its popularization and the beginning of the dot-com boom. While 'WorldWideWeb' (later renamed 'Nexus') was the very first browser, it was a text-based browser developed by Tim Berners-Lee. Netscape Navigator (developed by a team that included former Mosaic developers) and Internet Explorer came later and built upon Mosaic's groundwork.
5386
Which year marks the completion of the Harvard Mark I, recognized as the advent of the first large-scale electro-mechanical computer?
Answer:
1944
The Harvard Mark I, officially known as the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC), was completed in 1944. This pioneering machine, developed at Harvard University under the supervision of Howard Aiken and constructed by IBM, is widely considered the first large-scale electro-mechanical computer. It played a significant role in scientific and military calculations, particularly for the U.S. Navy during World War II, demonstrating the potential of automated computation.
5387
Which pioneering figure in computing is often recognized for her foundational work on Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine and is widely considered the 'first computer programmer'?
Answer:
Ada Lovelace
Ada Lovelace is historically significant for her contributions to Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine. She wrote what is considered the first algorithm intended to be carried out by a machine, making her widely regarded as the 'first computer programmer'. While the term 'Mother of Computer' is not a universally accepted or standard historical title for her, the question refers to a foundational female figure in computer history, for which Ada Lovelace is the most fitting choice among the options provided. Grace Hopper was a prominent computer scientist and U.S. Navy rear admiral who developed the first compiler; Katherine Johnson was a brilliant mathematician who calculated orbital mechanics for NASA; and Marie Curie was a pioneering physicist and chemist. Therefore, Ada Lovelace is the correct answer in this context.
5388
The concept of "Moore's Law," which predicted the exponential growth of computing power, states that the number of transistors on an integrated circuit doubles approximately every:
Answer:
Two years
In 1965, Intel co-founder Gordon Moore observed that the number of transistors on a microchip was doubling roughly every two years. This prediction held true for several decades and became the guiding principle for the semiconductor industry.
5389
Which generation of computers is primarily characterized by the integration of the microprocessor, leading to significant advancements in computing power and miniaturization?
Answer:
Fourth Generation (1970s-Present)
The Fourth Generation of computers, spanning from the 1970s to the present, is unequivocally defined by the invention and widespread adoption of the microprocessor. This revolutionary component integrated all the essential functions of a computer's central processing unit (CPU) onto a single, tiny silicon chip. This allowed for unprecedented miniaturization, increased processing speeds, and reduced costs, directly paving the way for the development of personal computers (PCs), handheld devices, and the eventual ubiquitous presence of computing in everyday life. Earlier generations used vacuum tubes (First), transistors (Second), and integrated circuits (Third) for their core logic, but none achieved the level of integration and impact seen with the microprocessor.
5390
The protocol primarily used to transfer files from one host to another over a TCP-based network, such as the Internet, is:
Answer:
FTP
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a client and server on a computer network.