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Introduction and History of Computers MCQs — Computer Science

50 multiple-choice questions on Introduction and History of Computers 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.

1. Expert systems, robotics and voice recognition are associated with:

  1. first-generation computers
  2. second-generation computers
  3. fifth-generation computers
  4. mechanical calculators

Answer: C) fifth-generation computers

Explanation: These are AI applications.

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2. Operating systems and multiprogramming became common in the:

  1. first generation
  2. fifth generation
  3. second generation
  4. third generation

Answer: D) third generation

Explanation: 3rd-generation machines (e.g. IBM System/360) used OS and multiprogramming.

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3. Which sequence correctly shows the basic computer processing cycle?

  1. Output → Process → Input
  2. Input → Output → Process
  3. Input → Process → Output
  4. Process → Input → Output

Answer: C) Input → Process → Output

Explanation: Data is entered (input), processed by the CPU and then results are produced (output).

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4. The ability of a computer to work for hours without tiredness or loss of accuracy is called:

  1. versatility
  2. storage
  3. diligence
  4. automation

Answer: C) diligence

Explanation: Diligence: a computer does not get tired or bored.

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5. Online classes, e-libraries and computer-based tests are applications of computers in:

  1. agriculture
  2. education
  3. defence
  4. manufacturing

Answer: B) education

Explanation: These are uses of computers in teaching and learning.

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6. First-generation computers used:

  1. integrated circuits
  2. vacuum tubes
  3. transistors
  4. microprocessors

Answer: B) vacuum tubes

Explanation: Vacuum tubes were the switching devices of the 1st generation.

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7. Hollerith's company later became:

  1. Intel
  2. IBM
  3. Apple
  4. Microsoft

Answer: B) IBM

Explanation: The Tabulating Machine Company merged into what became IBM.

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8. Which of the following is an example of information rather than data?

  1. A pile of unchecked answer sheets
  2. A list of roll numbers
  3. 65, 80, 71, 72
  4. "Class average in the ICT test is 72%"

Answer: D) "Class average in the ICT test is 72%"

Explanation: Only the average has been processed and carries meaning.

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9. Processed, organised and meaningful data is called:

  1. information
  2. code
  3. input
  4. data

Answer: A) information

Explanation: Information is the result of processing data.

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10. Personal computers, GUI and the Internet are features of the:

  1. third generation
  2. first generation
  3. fourth generation
  4. second generation

Answer: C) fourth generation

Explanation: Microprocessors made PCs, GUIs and networking common.

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11. Hollerith's tabulator and Mark I belong to which stage?

  1. Manual
  2. Electronic
  3. Mechanical
  4. Electromechanical

Answer: D) Electromechanical

Explanation: Both combined electrical power with mechanical parts.

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12. Which machine had a "mill" and a "store", similar to a modern CPU and memory?

  1. Analytical Engine
  2. Pascaline
  3. Abacus
  4. Difference Engine

Answer: A) Analytical Engine

Explanation: The Analytical Engine's mill processed data and the store held numbers.

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13. In a school result system, calculating the percentage of each student is part of the:

  1. storage stage
  2. processing stage
  3. input stage
  4. output stage

Answer: B) processing stage

Explanation: Calculation is done by the CPU during processing.

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14. Printing the result card is part of the:

  1. processing stage
  2. control stage
  3. input stage
  4. output stage

Answer: D) output stage

Explanation: Printing produces results for the user, so it is output.

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15. CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) is used to:

  1. edit newspapers
  2. teach students online
  3. control machines that produce goods
  4. design websites

Answer: C) control machines that produce goods

Explanation: CAM uses computers to control machine tools on the factory floor.

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16. VLSI stands for:

  1. Very Large Scale Integration
  2. Virtual Large Storage Interface
  3. Variable Logic System Integration
  4. Very Low Speed Interface

Answer: A) Very Large Scale Integration

Explanation: VLSI places thousands to millions of transistors on one chip.

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17. Mark I was mainly a(n):

  1. fully mechanical calculator
  2. microprocessor-based computer
  3. electromechanical computer
  4. vacuum-tube computer

Answer: C) electromechanical computer

Explanation: It used electrically operated relays and mechanical switches.

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18. Assembly language and early high-level languages like FORTRAN and COBOL appeared in the:

  1. second generation
  2. first generation
  3. fourth generation
  4. fifth generation

Answer: A) second generation

Explanation: 2nd-generation computers moved beyond pure machine language.

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19. Who is known as the "Father of Computers"?

  1. Charles Babbage
  2. John von Neumann
  3. Blaise Pascal
  4. Howard Aiken

Answer: A) Charles Babbage

Explanation: Babbage designed the Difference Engine and the general-purpose Analytical Engine.

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20. Which was a first-generation computer?

  1. IBM System/360
  2. IBM PC
  3. ENIAC
  4. Apple Macintosh

Answer: C) ENIAC

Explanation: ENIAC (1946) used about 18,000 vacuum tubes.

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21. Which statement about computers is TRUE?

  1. A computer feels tired after long work
  2. A computer can decide on its own what to do
  3. A computer works without any program
  4. A computer has no intelligence of its own and only follows instructions

Answer: D) A computer has no intelligence of its own and only follows instructions

Explanation: Computers have no IQ; they only carry out the program given to them.

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22. The oldest known calculating device is the:

  1. abacus
  2. Analytical Engine
  3. slide rule
  4. Pascaline

Answer: A) abacus

Explanation: The abacus (about 3000 BC) used beads on rods for counting.

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23. Information is mainly used for:

  1. entering into the computer as raw input
  2. replacing hardware
  3. decision making
  4. storing in the CPU only

Answer: C) decision making

Explanation: Managers and users take decisions based on information.

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24. Integrated circuits (ICs) were introduced in the:

  1. fourth generation
  2. fifth generation
  3. second generation
  4. third generation

Answer: D) third generation

Explanation: ICs put many transistors on one chip (1964–71).

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25. IBM System/360 belongs to the:

  1. fifth generation
  2. third generation
  3. second generation
  4. first generation

Answer: B) third generation

Explanation: It was a famous IC-based mainframe family (1964).

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