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Quizzes > Computers & Technology > Computers & IT

Master Basic Computer Terminology - Take the Quiz Now!

Ready to Ace This Computer Basics Quiz? Test Your Computer Terminology Knowledge!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of keyboard mouse monitor gears on coral background for free basic computer terminology quiz

Are you eager to master basic computer terminology and boost your tech confidence? Our fun computer basics quiz invites everyone from curious beginners to budding IT pros to test their knowledge of key concepts. In just minutes, you'll see how well you know terms like CPU, RAM, and more - dive into our basic computer terminology quiz and explore a thorough basic computer terms list designed to sharpen your skills. Ready for a challenge? Click start to uncover your score, refine your understanding of vital computer definitions with our practical computer definitions guide, and crown yourself a terminology champion today!

What does CPU stand for?
Central Processing Unit
Computer Processing Unit
Central Peripheral Unit
Central Programming Unit
The CPU is the main chip that executes instructions and processes data. It acts as the brain of the computer, coordinating hardware components and operations. Without the CPU, a computer cannot perform tasks or run applications. These capabilities make the CPU one of the most critical parts of any computing device. source
What is the primary function of RAM?
Store data temporarily while a computer is running
Permanently store files
Process graphics
Boost network speed
RAM is a type of volatile memory used by the computer to store data and instructions that are actively in use. Because it is much faster than other storage, the CPU can quickly read and write information in RAM. However, its contents are lost when the power is turned off. RAM is essential for smooth multitasking and overall system performance. source
What does HDD stand for?
Hard Disk Drive
High Definition Drive
Hard Data Disk
Hybrid Disk Drive
A hard disk drive uses spinning magnetic platters to store and retrieve digital data. It is one of the most common types of non-volatile storage in computers. HDDs can offer large capacities at a relatively low cost per gigabyte. However, they are generally slower than solid-state solutions due to their mechanical nature. source
What does GPU stand for?
Graphics Processing Unit
General Purpose Unit
Graphics Performance Unit
General Processing Unit
A graphics processing unit is a specialized processor designed to accelerate the rendering of images and video. GPUs offload graphical tasks from the CPU, making them crucial for gaming, video editing, and scientific computation. Modern GPUs support parallel processing for complex calculations. Their performance improvements have been vital in fields like machine learning. source
What is an IP address?
A unique numerical label assigned to each device on a network
An email identifier
A type of processor
A file path
An IP address is a unique numerical label assigned to devices on a computer network. It enables devices to send and receive information over the internet or local networks. IP addresses follow specific formats such as IPv4 or IPv6. Correct addressing is essential for proper routing of data. source
What does HTTP stand for?
Hypertext Transfer Protocol
Hyperlink Text Transmission Protocol
Hyper Transfer Text Process
Hypermedia Transfer Program
The Hypertext Transfer Protocol is the foundation of data communication for the World Wide Web. It defines how messages are formatted and transmitted between clients and servers. HTTP relies on a request-response model for fetching resources. It is stateless, meaning each command is executed independently. source
What is the function of an operating system?
Manage hardware and provide a user interface
Control web pages
Compile code
Route network traffic
An operating system manages a computer's hardware resources and provides services for applications. It acts as an intermediary between user applications and physical hardware components. Functions include process scheduling, memory management, and I/O operations. A user-friendly OS also offers graphical interfaces and utilities. source
What is the purpose of a motherboard?
It houses the CPU, memory, and connectors for other hardware
Store data permanently
Provide power to peripherals
Cool system components
The motherboard is the main printed circuit board in a computer that connects all components. It houses the CPU socket, memory slots, and expansion interfaces for GPUs, storage, and peripherals. The motherboard also contains the system chipset and BIOS/UEFI firmware. It is critical for system stability and upgrade compatibility. source
What is BIOS?
Firmware interface between hardware and OS that initializes components on boot
Software for file management
A network protocol
An antivirus utility
The BIOS is firmware stored on a motherboard chip that initializes hardware components during the boot process. It performs hardware checks and loads the operating system bootloader. BIOS settings can be configured to control hardware behavior. Modern systems may use UEFI, which offers more features and security. source
What is the key difference between SSD and HDD?
SSD uses flash memory chips with no moving parts; HDD uses spinning magnetic disks
SSD stores data on optical discs; HDD uses magnetic platters
SSD has higher capacity than HDD for the same price
SSD is a type of RAM; HDD is long-term memory
Solid-state drives use flash memory chips to store data without any moving parts. Hard disk drives rely on spinning magnetic platters and mechanical read/write heads. SSDs are generally faster, more durable, and energy-efficient than HDDs. However, HDDs often offer higher capacities at a lower cost per gigabyte. source
What is DNS?
Domain Name System that translates domain names to IP addresses
Direct Network Service
Data Name Syntax
Dynamic Name Server
The Domain Name System translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses. It is a hierarchical and decentralized naming system for resources on the internet. DNS servers work together to resolve queries and direct traffic to the correct web servers. Proper DNS configuration is crucial for website accessibility and email routing. source
What is a URL?
Uniform Resource Locator, the address of a web resource
Universal Resource Link
Uniform Requisition Link
Universal Recoder Locator
A Uniform Resource Locator specifies the address of resources on the internet. It includes the protocol (such as http:// or https://), domain name, and optional path or parameters. URLs enable browsers to locate and retrieve web pages, images, and other content. They are fundamental to web navigation and hyperlinks. source
What is a GUI?
Graphical User Interface with icons and windows
General Utility Interface
Geographic User Identity
Group User Interaction
A graphical user interface allows users to interact with electronic devices through visuals like windows, icons, and menus. It simplifies tasks by providing intuitive controls rather than command-line inputs. GUIs are common in modern operating systems and applications for ease of use. They often support input devices like a mouse or touchscreen. source
What is the primary purpose of a compiler?
Translate source code into machine code before execution
Execute code line by line
Search for errors in documentation
Manage hardware resources
A compiler reads source code written in a high-level programming language and translates it into machine code. This machine code can be executed directly by the CPU. Compilers also perform optimizations to improve performance. They differ from interpreters, which translate and execute code line by line at runtime. source
What does LAN stand for?
Local Area Network
Large Area Network
Local Access Node
Light Amplification Network
A Local Area Network connects devices within a limited geographical area, such as a home or office. LANs typically use Ethernet or Wi-Fi technology. They allow resource sharing like files, printers, and internet connections. LAN performance and security depend on proper configuration and hardware. source
What is virtualization in computing?
Creating a virtual version of hardware or resources
Simulating network traffic
Compressing files
Connecting to a VPN
Virtualization involves creating a virtual version of hardware resources, operating systems, or network components. It enables multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical host. This improves resource utilization, scalability, and isolation of workloads. Virtualization is foundational for modern cloud computing and server consolidation. source
What is the kernel in an operating system?
Core component that manages system resources and hardware communication
The graphical interface
The bootloader
A type of virus
The kernel is the core component of an operating system that manages system resources and facilitates communication between hardware and software. It handles process scheduling, memory management, and device I/O operations. Different kernels, like monolithic or microkernels, affect system performance and modularity. The kernel's stability is critical for overall system reliability. source
What does DHCP do?
Dynamically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network
Translates domain names
Encrypts data
Manages DNS entries
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol automatically assigns IP addresses and other network settings to devices on a network. It simplifies administration by reducing manual configuration. DHCP servers maintain pools of IP addresses and lease them to clients. Proper DHCP setup ensures efficient use of network address space. source
What is firmware?
Software programmed into read-only memory for device control
A type of virus
Application software
A high-level programming language
Firmware is low-level software embedded in hardware devices to provide control and functionality. It resides in non-volatile memory such as ROM or flash storage. Firmware bridges the gap between hardware and higher-level software. Updating firmware can fix bugs and add new features. source
What does RAID stand for?
Redundant Array of Independent Disks
Random Access of Indexed Data
Read And Inject Data
Rapid Allocation of Internal Disk
Redundant Array of Independent Disks combines multiple physical disk drives into a single logical unit for redundancy, performance, or both. Different RAID levels offer trade-offs between speed, data protection, and capacity. RAID can be implemented through hardware controllers or software. It is widely used in servers and storage systems. source
What is NAT in networking?
Network Address Translation, rewrites IP addresses in packet headers
Network Authentication Tool
Not a Terminal
Native Application Tunneling
Network Address Translation modifies network address information in IP packet headers to map private addresses to a public address. NAT allows multiple devices on a local network to share a single public IP address. It provides a level of security by hiding internal network structure. NAT is common in home routers and enterprise firewalls. source
What is a subnet mask?
A number that divides an IP address into network and host portions
A firewall setting
A type of encryption
A DNS record
A subnet mask defines which portion of an IP address refers to the network and which part refers to the host. It is used in IP addressing to segment networks into subnets. By applying a bitwise AND operation, devices determine if a destination is on the same subnet. Correct subnetting optimizes network performance and security. source
What is the difference between a bit and a byte?
A byte equals 8 bits; a bit is a single binary digit
A bit equals 8 bytes; a byte is a single binary digit
Both are interchangeable terms for data size
A byte is 16 bits and a bit is 2 bits
A bit is the smallest unit of data in computing, representing a single binary value (0 or 1). A byte consists of 8 bits and is the standard unit for measuring data size. Bytes can represent characters in encoding systems like ASCII. Understanding this difference is fundamental to data storage and memory calculations. source
What is UEFI?
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, modern firmware replacing BIOS
Universal Encoding File Interface
User Environment Interface
Unified Ethernet Firmware Implementation
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface is a modern replacement for legacy BIOS firmware. UEFI supports larger hard drives, faster boot times, and enhanced security features like Secure Boot. It uses a modular design and can run drivers and applications before the OS loads. UEFI has become the standard on most new PCs. source
Which OSI model layer is responsible for end-to-end communication and error checking?
Transport layer (Layer 4)
Network layer (Layer 3)
Data Link layer (Layer 2)
Application layer (Layer 7)
The transport layer is the fourth layer of the OSI model and is responsible for reliable end-to-end communication. It manages data segmentation, flow control, error detection, and correction. Protocols like TCP and UDP operate at this layer. It ensures that data is delivered accurately and in sequence. source
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Basic Computer Terms -

    Learn definitions for essential computer terminology to build a solid tech vocabulary foundation.

  2. Differentiate Hardware and Software -

    Recognize and categorize common hardware components versus software applications with clarity.

  3. Identify Key IT Terminology -

    Spot important basic IT terminology used in everyday computing and tech support contexts.

  4. Apply Terms in Context -

    Use correct computer terms in practical scenarios to boost your tech communication skills.

  5. Assess Your Knowledge -

    Measure your grasp of basic computer terminology through targeted quiz questions and instant feedback.

  6. Enhance Tech Confidence -

    Build confidence in discussing computer basics and feel prepared to tackle more advanced IT topics.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Hardware vs. Software Distinction -

    Understanding basic computer terminology starts with distinguishing hardware (physical components like CPU and RAM) from software (programs and operating systems that run on hardware). A handy mnemonic is "Hardware you can Handle, Software you can't See."

  2. Core Input, Output, and Storage Devices -

    Review key terms like input devices (keyboard, mouse), output devices (monitor, printer), and storage (HDD, SSD, cloud). Remember: "I-O-S" covers everything from entering data to saving files, a concept reinforced in most reputable university IT curricula.

  3. Operating System Fundamentals -

    An operating system (OS) like Windows, macOS, or Linux acts as the bridge between hardware and applications. Think "OS = Organizer & Supervisor," a definition echoed in official Microsoft and IEEE documentation for basic IT terminology.

  4. Networking Basics: IP and Protocols -

    In your computer terminology quiz, know that an IP address (IPv4: four octets, e.g., 192.168.0.1) uniquely identifies devices on a LAN or WAN. The mnemonic "People In Protocol" helps you recall core protocols - TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP - cited in Cisco's networking guides.

  5. Common File Types and Extensions -

    Build your computer terms list by memorizing extensions like .docx (Word), .pdf (Adobe), .jpg/.png (images), and .mp4 (video). A simple trick is "DJP Media" (Document, JPEG, PDF) to boost retention for your computer basics quiz prep.

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