1. A program that runs inside a web browser without installation is a:
- BIOS
- device driver
- compiler
- web application
Answer: D) web application
Explanation: E.g. Gmail, Google Docs.
MCQs / Computer Science / Computer Software
Computer Software MCQs — Computer Science
44 multiple-choice questions on Computer Software from Computer Science, each with the correct answer and, where available, a teacher's explanation. Read through them to revise the chapter, then practise the same questions one by one to test yourself.
2. A compiler translates:
- one line at a time
- the whole program at once
- only assembly language
- machine code into English
Answer: B) the whole program at once
Explanation: It produces an object/executable program.
3. Which statement is correct?
- Application software can run without an OS on a PC
- Application software runs on top of system software
- Device drivers are application software
- System software runs on top of application software
Answer: B) Application software runs on top of system software
Explanation: Applications need the platform provided by system software.
4. Software distributed free for a limited trial period is:
- open source
- freeware
- public domain
- shareware / trialware
Answer: D) shareware / trialware
Explanation: You must pay to continue after the trial.
5. Software that is free to use but whose source code is not available is:
- open-source software
- freeware
- shareware
- custom software
Answer: B) freeware
Explanation: Freeware is free of cost only.
6. Duolingo and typing tutors are examples of:
- system software
- device drivers
- educational software
- business software
Answer: C) educational software
Explanation: They help people learn.
7. Software designed to perform specific tasks for the user is:
- system software
- firmware
- a device driver
- application software
Answer: D) application software
Explanation: E.g. word processing or accounting.
8. Assembly language uses short words such as ADD and MOV called:
- protocols
- mnemonics
- pixels
- macros only
Answer: B) mnemonics
Explanation: Mnemonics are memory-aid codes.
9. A translator that converts assembly language into machine code is a(n):
- interpreter
- linker only
- compiler
- assembler
Answer: D) assembler
Explanation: Assemblers translate mnemonics to machine code.
10. Windows, Linux and macOS are examples of:
- operating systems
- application software
- compilers
- utilities only
Answer: A) operating systems
Explanation: They are system software.
11. Which of the following is system software?
- Photoshop
- MS Word
- Operating system
- A video game
Answer: C) Operating system
Explanation: The OS manages hardware and runs applications.
12. Which category does a device driver belong to?
- System software
- Entertainment software
- Freeware only
- Application software
Answer: A) System software
Explanation: Drivers are part of system software.
13. Software that performs maintenance tasks like backup, disk cleanup and virus scanning is:
- a compiler
- application software
- firmware only
- utility software
Answer: D) utility software
Explanation: Utilities maintain and optimise the computer.
14. Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure mainly provide:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- printer drivers
- only video games
- word processors
Answer: A) Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Explanation: They rent servers, storage and networking.
15. Software developed specially for the needs of one organisation is called:
- shareware
- packaged software
- freeware
- custom (tailor-made) software
Answer: D) custom (tailor-made) software
Explanation: Custom software fits specific requirements.
16. Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are examples of:
- SaaS (Software as a Service)
- device drivers
- IaaS
- operating systems only
Answer: A) SaaS (Software as a Service)
Explanation: Users use the software through the Internet.
17. Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn are:
- compilers
- device drivers
- utility programs
- social media applications
Answer: D) social media applications
Explanation: They let people share content and connect.
18. Computers directly understand only:
- Python
- assembly language
- machine language
- English
Answer: C) machine language
Explanation: Machine language is binary (0s and 1s).
19. Which language is usually run by an interpreter?
- C++
- Python
- Machine code
- C
Answer: B) Python
Explanation: Python is commonly interpreted.
20. QuickBooks and payroll programs are examples of:
- utilities
- entertainment software
- operating systems
- business software
Answer: D) business software
Explanation: They support business operations.
21. A disk defragmenter:
- compresses images only
- installs drivers
- deletes all files
- rearranges file fragments so they are stored together
Answer: D) rearranges file fragments so they are stored together
Explanation: Defragmenting speeds up HDD access.
22. Which is a limitation of application software?
- It controls the CPU directly
- It cannot run without system software
- It is always free
- It never needs updates
Answer: B) It cannot run without system software
Explanation: Applications depend on the OS.
23. Language processors are a type of:
- system software
- entertainment software
- application software
- hardware
Answer: A) system software
Explanation: They help create other software.
24. A program that makes copies of files to restore them later is a:
- device driver
- browser
- backup utility
- compiler
Answer: C) backup utility
Explanation: Backups protect against data loss.
25. Delivering software, storage and computing power over the Internet on demand is called:
- cloud computing
- batch processing
- compilation
- defragmentation
Answer: A) cloud computing
Explanation: Cloud services are rented over the Internet.
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Practise Computer Software MCQs
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