Computer MCQs with Answers and Detailed Explanations
Computer science questions appear in nearly every recruitment test in Pakistan, from PPSC, FPSC, KPPSC, SPSC and BPSC papers to NTS and OTS tests for computer operators, data entry operators, assistants, IT officers and lecturers. These computer MCQs with answers are arranged by topic so you can revise one area at a time: computer fundamentals and history, computer hardware and memory, operating systems and software, MS Office and shortcut keys, internet, networking and security and programming, databases and AI. Every answer has been checked, and each MCQ appears on only one topic page.
Take a scored quiz instead →Computer Quick Facts for PPSC, FPSC and NTS
Computer MCQs reward quick recall of full forms, units, shortcut keys and protocols. The tables below collect the answers that examiners repeat most often. Revise them first, then practise the topic pages above.
Important full forms
| Abbreviation | Full form |
|---|---|
| CPU / ALU / CU | Central Processing Unit / Arithmetic Logic Unit / Control Unit |
| RAM / ROM | Random Access Memory / Read-Only Memory |
| BIOS / USB | Basic Input/Output System / Universal Serial Bus |
| HTTP / URL / HTML | Hypertext Transfer Protocol / Uniform Resource Locator / HyperText Markup Language |
| DNS / DHCP / SMTP | Domain Name System / Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol / Simple Mail Transfer Protocol |
| LAN / WAN / ISP | Local Area Network / Wide Area Network / Internet Service Provider |
| GUI / SQL / ASCII | Graphical User Interface / Structured Query Language / American Standard Code for Information Interchange |
Data units and number systems
| Unit or system | Value |
|---|---|
| Bit / nibble / byte | Single 0 or 1 / 4 bits / 8 bits |
| 1 KB / 1 MB / 1 GB / 1 TB | 1024 bytes / 1024 KB / 1024 MB / 1024 GB |
| Binary / octal / decimal / hexadecimal | Base 2 / base 8 / base 10 / base 16 (digits 0–9 and A–F) |
| IPv4 / IPv6 / MAC address | 32 bits / 128 bits / 48 bits |
Most-asked shortcut keys
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Z / Ctrl + Y | Undo / redo |
| Ctrl + A / Ctrl + X / Ctrl + P | Select all / cut / print |
| Ctrl + K / Ctrl + E / Ctrl + Enter | Insert hyperlink / centre text / page break (MS Word) |
| F2 / F4 | Edit active cell / toggle absolute reference (MS Excel) |
| F5 / Ctrl + M | Start slide show / new slide (PowerPoint); F5 also refreshes a web page |
| Alt + Tab / Ctrl + Shift + Esc / Windows + L | Switch windows / open Task Manager / lock the computer |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which computer topics are most important for PPSC, FPSC and NTS tests?
Full forms, hardware and memory, input and output devices, MS Office features and shortcut keys, internet and networking terms, and viruses and security make up most computer MCQs. Higher-grade IT and lecturer posts add operating system concepts, databases, programming and networking protocols.
What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
RAM is volatile primary memory that holds the data and programs in use and loses its contents when the power is switched off. ROM is non-volatile memory that keeps its contents permanently and stores startup instructions such as the BIOS.
What is the difference between a virus and a worm?
A virus attaches itself to another file or program and spreads when that file is run. A worm is a standalone program that copies itself and spreads across a network on its own, without needing a host file.
Who is called the father of the computer?
Charles Babbage is called the father of the computer for designing the Analytical Engine in the 1830s. Alan Turing is called the father of computer science and artificial intelligence, and Ada Lovelace is regarded as the first computer programmer.
How should I prepare computer MCQs for a test?
Start with full forms, hardware and MS Office, since they carry the most marks in clerical and operator tests. Then cover the internet, networking and security, and finally operating systems, databases and programming for IT posts. Practise each topic page above and revise the quick-facts tables before the test.