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Quizzes > Computers & Technology > Computers & IT

Test Your Computer Skills - Start the Quiz!

Ready to ace this basic computer knowledge quiz? Dive in and prove your digital proficiency!

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Umera JangdaUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style laptop computer surrounded by quiz icons on golden yellow background

This free computer skills quiz helps you check your digital literacy and find areas to practice for everyday tasks like files, shortcuts, and safe browsing. Use it to practice before school or work, build confidence, and then try a short literacy quiz if you want more.

Which device is primarily responsible for executing instructions in a computer system?
SSD (Solid State Drive)
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
RAM (Random Access Memory)
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In Windows, which keyboard shortcut copies the selected text to the clipboard?
Ctrl + Z
Ctrl + X
Ctrl + C
Ctrl + V
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A file with the .xlsx extension is most likely opened with which application type?
Spreadsheet software
Email client
Image editor
Video player
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Which of the following is an example of an operating system?
PDF
Chrome
Windows 11
Python
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Which connector is symmetric and can be plugged in either orientation?
USB-A
USB-C
VGA
RJ45
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Emptying the Recycle Bin in Windows will permanently remove the files it contains.
True
False
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Which wireless security protocol is currently recommended for home Wi-Fi networks?
WPA3
WEP
WPA (TKIP)
Open (no password)
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Which command-line tool is commonly used to test basic network connectivity to a host?
mkdir
grep
ping
diff
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In spreadsheets, what does the formula =SUM(A1:A10) do?
Finds the average of A1 through A10
Adds the values from cells A1 through A10
Returns the largest value in A1 through A10
Counts how many cells are not empty in A1 through A10
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Which file system is commonly used by Windows for internal drives?
HFS+
NTFS
exFAT
EXT4
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Which backup strategy keeps an initial full backup and then saves only changes since the last backup of any kind?
Cloning
Mirror backup
Differential backup
Incremental backup
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DNS primarily translates which of the following?
Ports to protocols
Domain names to IP addresses
MAC addresses to hostnames
Emails to usernames
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On Windows, which command-line tool shows active network connections and listening ports?
ipconfig
netstat
chkdsk
format
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Which statement about file permissions on Unix-like systems is correct?
Execute permission allows editing a file
Execute permission is required to run a script or program
Read permission allows file deletion
Write permission allows listing directory contents
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A VPN primarily provides which benefit when using public Wi-Fi?
Increases your device's CPU speed
Blocks all ads automatically
Encrypts your traffic between your device and the VPN server
Guarantees anonymity and no tracking
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In version control systems like Git, which command creates a copy of a remote repository on your machine?
git commit
git clone
git merge
git pull
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Virtualization allows multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical host by abstracting which layer?
User accounts
Network protocols exclusively
Application interface only
Hardware resources
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Which scenario best describes the principle of least privilege?
Admins share a single high-privilege account
Users have only the minimum access needed to perform their tasks
Guests can install software
All staff have full access for convenience
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Public key cryptography enables which capability without sharing a secret key beforehand?
Faster disk read speeds
Secure key exchange and verification via asymmetric keys
Lossless audio compression
Passwordless local logins by default
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Which log is most useful for investigating failed logon attempts on Windows systems?
Setup log in Event Viewer
Windows Update log
Application log in Event Viewer
Security log in Event Viewer
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Core Computer Concepts -

    After the quiz, you'll grasp key hardware components, operating system basics, and software roles that power everyday computer use.

  2. Identify Common Software Applications -

    You'll recognize essential productivity tools and multimedia programs and understand the best scenarios for their use.

  3. Apply Effective File Management Techniques -

    Learn to organize, name, and store files efficiently to streamline your workflow and maintain digital order.

  4. Evaluate Cybersecurity Best Practices -

    Gain insights into basic security measures, such as creating strong passwords and practicing safe browsing, to protect your data.

  5. Assess Personal Digital Literacy Levels -

    Receive clear feedback on your strengths and gaps in basic computer knowledge to guide your ongoing learning journey.

  6. Improve Computer Proficiency Through Feedback -

    Use quiz results to set targeted goals and build practical IT skills for both academic and professional tasks.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Hardware vs. Software Fundamentals -

    Digital literacy starts with distinguishing physical components (CPU, RAM, peripherals) from the programs and operating systems that run on them. Remember the mnemonic "HOSS" (Hardware, Operating System, Software Suite) to keep layers clear when taking a computer skills quiz. This foundational concept is echoed in many university CS 101 syllabi and ensures you can troubleshoot and upgrade with confidence.

  2. Operating System Navigation & File Management -

    Proficiency in directory structures and file operations boosts your computer proficiency test scores by ensuring you can locate, create, and organize documents efficiently. Practice path naming like C:\Users\YourName\Documents\report.docx and toggling file extensions in Windows or macOS. According to university IT centers, mastering drag-and-drop, copy/paste shortcuts, and the hierarchy tree is key to digital literacy assessment success.

  3. Internet Protocols & Security Essentials -

    Understanding HTTP vs. HTTPS and the significance of SSL certificates (padlock icon) is crucial for safe browsing and acing an IT skills quiz for students. Recall that "S" in HTTPS stands for "Secure," protecting data in transit with encryption. Trusted sources like NIST stress that knowing basic network terms (IP address, DNS, firewall) underpins strong digital literacy.

  4. Productivity Software Proficiency -

    Most digital literacy assessments test familiarity with word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation tools - so practice key functions like SUM(A1:A5) in Excel, headers/footers in Word, and slide transitions in PowerPoint. Explore free tutorials on Microsoft Learn or university e-learning platforms to refine these skills. A tip from academic labs: create a cheat sheet of common shortcuts (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Alt+Tab) to reinforce muscle memory.

  5. Troubleshooting & Maintenance Routines -

    Effective IT troubleshooting follows a simple "RUS" cycle - Restart, Update, Scan - for identifying and resolving common issues like software hangs or malware. Regularly updating your OS and running antivirus scans are best practices endorsed by official institution guidelines. Mastering these steps not only boosts your computer skills quiz score but also keeps your system running smoothly.

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