Q21. Which of the following best defines system software?
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 21–30 of 200 questions
Q22. Consider the following statements comparing compilers and interpreters:
I. A compiler translates the entire source code into machine code at once.
II. An interpreter translates and executes the code line by line.
III. Compiled programs generally run faster than interpreted ones.
IV. Interpreters consume less memory during translation than compilers.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. A compiler translates the entire source code into machine code at once.
II. An interpreter translates and executes the code line by line.
III. Compiled programs generally run faster than interpreted ones.
IV. Interpreters consume less memory during translation than compilers.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Compilers and interpreters are distinct translation tools for programming languages. A compiler converts the entire source code into machine code before execution, resulting in faster performance. Conversely, an interpreter translates and executes code line by line, consuming less memory during the process. Understanding these differences is essential for developers when choosing the most appropriate tool for specific software development needs.
Q23. Which of the following is not considered a utility software?
Explanation
Utility software performs specific tasks related to the maintenance and optimization of a computer system, such as disk defragmentation, antivirus protection, and file backups. These tools ensure the computer runs smoothly and securely. In contrast, a Database Management System is classified as application software because its primary purpose is to allow users to create, manage, and query structured data.
Q24. Assembly language is classified as which type of programming language?
Explanation
Assembly language is classified as a low-level programming language because it provides a strong correspondence between the language instructions and the architecture’s machine code. It uses mnemonic symbols to represent machine operations, making it more readable than binary code while still remaining hardware-specific. This allows for precise control over computer resources, which is vital for system-level programming and driver development.
Q25. Given below are two statements regarding programming paradigms.
Statement I: C++ and Java are examples of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) languages.
Statement II: OOP utilizes concepts like inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Statement I: C++ and Java are examples of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) languages.
Statement II: OOP utilizes concepts like inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Object-Oriented Programming is a paradigm centered around the concept of objects, which contain both data and code. Languages like C++ and Java are prominent examples that implement core OOP principles including inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation. These concepts allow developers to create modular, reusable, and maintainable software architectures, which is essential for managing the complexity of modern application development.
Q26. Identify the odd one out among the following terms.
Explanation
Python, Java, and C++ are high-level programming languages used by developers to write software and create applications. Each language follows specific syntax rules and paradigms to communicate instructions to a computer. Linux, however, is an operating system, which is system software that manages hardware and provides the environment where these programming languages and their resulting applications function.
Q27. Match List I with List II.
| Software Type | Example |
|---|---|
| A. Operating System | i. BIOS |
| B. Application Software | ii. Microsoft Word |
| C. Utility Software | iii. Disk Cleanup |
| D. Firmware | iv. Windows 11 |
Explanation
Software types are categorized by their specific functions within a computing environment. Operating systems like Windows 11 manage resources, while application software like Microsoft Word performs user-specific tasks. Utility software such as Disk Cleanup maintains system health, and firmware like BIOS provides low-level hardware control. This classification helps in understanding how different software layers interact to provide a complete experience.
Q28. Which of the following correctly defines firmware?
Explanation
Firmware is a specific class of computer software that provides the low-level control for a device’s specific hardware. Usually stored on non-volatile memory devices like ROM, EPROM, or flash memory, it remains intact even when power is lost. Firmware acts as a permanent set of instructions that allows hardware to communicate with other software, ensuring the device operates correctly.
Q29. If a new printer is connected to a computer but fails to operate, which specific type of system software is most likely missing?
Explanation
A device driver is a specialized type of system software that acts as a translator between the operating system and a specific hardware peripheral, such as a printer. Without the correct driver, the OS cannot communicate commands to the hardware effectively. Installing the appropriate driver ensures that the printer’s unique features and functions are recognized and utilized by the computer system.
Q30. What is a primary beneficial effect of adopting open-source software like Linux in enterprise environments?
Explanation
Open-source software like Linux provides enterprises with the freedom to view, modify, and redistribute the source code without significant licensing fees. This transparency allows for high customizability, enabling organizations to tailor the software to their specific operational needs. Additionally, the collaborative nature of open-source development often leads to robust security and innovation, making it a cost-effective alternative.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | (c) Manages resources and platforms |
| 22 | (d) I, II, III, and IV |
| 23 | (d) Database Management System |
| 24 | (a) Low-level language |
| 25 | (a) Both Statement I and II are correct |
| 26 | (a) Linux |
| 27 | (a) A-iv, B-ii, C-iii, D-i |
| 28 | (b) Low-level ROM-based hardware control |
| 29 | (c) Device driver |
| 30 | (d) Low cost and high customizability |
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.