Q1. Which core electronic component was primarily utilized in the design of first-generation computers?
Computers, Information and Communication Technology: RAS Prelims MCQs
200 RAS Prelims MCQs on computers, information and communication technology cover the generations of computers, the parts of the CPU, memory types and networking. The first and second generations, analog computers, the control unit, cache and RAM, the memory hierarchy and the SSD are asked as definitions and sequences, with the explanations giving the reason for each design.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 200 questions
Q2. What was the major technological shift that characterized second-generation computers compared to the first generation?
Explanation
The transition from vacuum tubes to transistors defined the second generation of computing between 1956 and 1963. Transistors were significantly smaller, faster, cheaper, and more energy-efficient than their predecessors. This shift allowed computers to become more compact and reliable, facilitating the development of high-level programming languages and expanding the practical utility of computers across various industries.
Q3. Which of the following is not a characteristic of fourth-generation computers?
Explanation
Fourth-generation computers are characterized by the use of Very Large Scale Integration technology and microprocessors, which revolutionized personal computing. Unlike earlier generations that relied on cumbersome punch cards for data entry and processing, modern systems utilize sophisticated input devices like keyboards and mice. This era focused on portability, high-speed processing, and the widespread democratization of technology.
Q4. Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as
Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Third-generation computers were significantly faster and smaller than their predecessors.
Reason (R): Third-generation computers used Integrated Circuits (ICs) which packed multiple transistors onto a single silicon chip.
Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Third-generation computers were significantly faster and smaller than their predecessors.
Reason (R): Third-generation computers used Integrated Circuits (ICs) which packed multiple transistors onto a single silicon chip.
Explanation
Third-generation computers introduced integrated circuits, which combined numerous electronic components onto small silicon chips. This technological advancement directly resulted in machines that were notably faster, more reliable, and smaller than previous models. By replacing individual transistors with integrated circuits, manufacturers achieved greater computational efficiency, making the assertion and its supporting reasoning both factually accurate and logically linked.
Q5. Given below are two statements regarding computer types.
Statement I: Mainframe computers are primarily used for large-scale data processing by enterprises.
Statement II: Supercomputers are specialized for tasks requiring immense mathematical calculations, such as weather forecasting.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Statement I: Mainframe computers are primarily used for large-scale data processing by enterprises.
Statement II: Supercomputers are specialized for tasks requiring immense mathematical calculations, such as weather forecasting.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Mainframe computers are designed to handle massive volumes of data and simultaneous user transactions, making them essential for large enterprise operations. In contrast, supercomputers focus on executing complex mathematical simulations and intensive scientific calculations like climate modeling. Both definitions accurately describe the distinct roles these powerful computing systems play in modern data processing and high-performance scientific research environments.
Q6. Identify the correct statement regarding India’s indigenous supercomputer development.
Explanation
India achieved a significant milestone in high-performance computing with the development of PARAM 8000. This indigenous supercomputer was designed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, known as C-DAC, and officially launched in 1991. Its creation marked India’s entry into the global supercomputing arena, demonstrating the nation’s capability to build advanced technological infrastructure independently of foreign suppliers.
Q7. Which classification of computers operates on continuous variable data rather than discrete binary data?
Explanation
Analog computers process information by measuring physical quantities that vary continuously, such as electrical voltage, hydraulic pressure, or mechanical movement. Unlike digital computers that use discrete binary digits, analog systems are particularly effective for solving complex differential equations and simulating real-world physical systems in real-time. These characteristics make them suitable for specialized engineering applications and scientific research.
Q8. Match List I with List II.
| Computer Generations | Key Technology |
|---|---|
| A. First Gen | i. Transistors |
| B. Second Gen | ii. Vacuum Tubes |
| C. Third Gen | iii. Microprocessors |
| D. Fourth Gen | iv. Integrated Circuits |
Explanation
Computer evolution is categorized by specific technological milestones. The first generation utilized vacuum tubes, while the second generation introduced transistors. The third generation was defined by integrated circuits, leading to the fourth generation’s use of microprocessors. This progression reflects the continuous miniaturization and increased efficiency of electronic components, which has driven the rapid development of modern computing power.
Q9. Identify the odd one out among the following computer classifications.
Explanation
Microcomputers, minicomputers, and mainframe computers are classified based on their size, processing power, and intended use within the digital computing framework. These systems all process discrete binary data. Conversely, analog computers represent a fundamentally different category because they operate on continuous physical variables. This distinction in data processing methodology separates analog systems from the various classes of digital machines.
Q10. Which pair correctly matches the computer generation with its dominant programming language paradigm?
Explanation
The second generation of computers marked a shift from primitive machine code to assembly languages, which used mnemonic codes for instructions. This allowed programmers to write code more efficiently than using purely binary sequences. While first-generation machines relied on machine language, subsequent generations introduced high-level languages and natural language processing, reflecting the ongoing evolution of human-computer interaction paradigms.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Vacuum tubes |
| 2 | (a) Transistors |
| 3 | (c) Reliance on punch cards for input |
| 4 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 5 | (c) Both Statement I and II are true |
| 6 | (b) PARAM 8000 was developed by C-DAC in 1991. |
| 7 | (d) Analog computers |
| 8 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 9 | (c) Analog computer |
| 10 | (a) Second Generation - Assembly languages |
Key facts from Computers, Information and Communication Technology
- First-generation computers used vacuum tubes; the second generation moved to transistors.
- Analog computers work on continuous variable data rather than discrete binary data.
- The Control Unit directs and coordinates the operations of the CPU.
- Cache memory gives the fastest access to the CPU; the hierarchy from fastest to slowest is registers, cache, RAM and magnetic disk.
- Adding more RAM to a system with many page faults reduces its dependence on virtual memory.
- An SSD differs from an HDD by the use of NAND flash memory.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Computers, Information and Communication Technology?
This page has 200 practice MCQs on Computers, Information and Communication Technology (Science and Technology). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What was used in first-generation computers?
Vacuum tubes. They were large, used much power and produced heat. The second generation replaced them with transistors, which were smaller, faster and more reliable, and later generations moved to integrated circuits and microprocessors.
Which memory is fastest for the CPU?
Cache memory, apart from the registers inside the CPU. The memory hierarchy from fastest to slowest is registers, cache, RAM and magnetic disk, and capacity increases as speed falls.
How does an SSD differ from an HDD?
An SSD stores data in NAND flash memory with no moving parts, while a hard disk drive uses spinning magnetic platters. As a result an SSD is faster, quieter and more resistant to shock.