Basic computer operations (hardware and software)

Correct answer: B. Shut down

The governing concept is safe operating-system shutdown. Choosing Shut down closes active processes, gives the system an opportunity to save necessary information and then powers off the computer in an orderly way. Thus, option B is correct. Restart turns the computer off and on again, Log out ends a user session while leaving the system running, and Sleep temporarily saves the session in a low-power state.

Correct answer: A. Word processor

The governing concept is application software designed for document creation. A word processor provides tools for typing, editing, arranging, checking and formatting the text of a letter or report, so option A is correct. A music player handles audio, a calculator performs numerical operations and a webcam captures images or video. Those applications do not provide the main tools for preparing a formatted document.

Correct answer: B. Spreadsheet

The governing concept is the purpose of spreadsheet application software. A spreadsheet arranges information in rows and columns, accepts formulas and performs calculations, making it suitable for tables, budgets and numerical records. Therefore, option B is correct. An image editor works with pictures, a media player handles audio or video and an operating system manages the computer rather than serving mainly as a calculation table tool.

Correct answer: C. Presentation software

Presentation software is application software designed to create and display slide-based content. It provides tools for adding text, pictures, tables, charts, animations, and transitions, so the selected option is C. Antivirus protects against malware, a file manager organises files and folders, and a device driver helps the operating system communicate with hardware; none of these is primarily used to design a presentation.

Correct answer: A. Web browser

The governing concept is internet application software. A web browser requests web pages from internet servers and interprets their content so that text, images, links, and media can be displayed, making option A correct. A calculator performs numerical operations, antivirus protects against malicious software, and a file compressor reduces file size. A search engine may help find a page, but the browser displays it.

Correct answer: D. Close unnecessary running programs

The governing concept is basic performance troubleshooting. Each running program consumes some RAM and processor capacity, so closing unnecessary programs can release resources and improve responsiveness; option D is the appropriate first step. Deleting every file is dangerous and usually unnecessary, buying a computer is premature, and replacing the monitor does not address processing speed. More advanced checks can follow if the problem remains.

Correct answer: C. Ctrl + S

Ctrl + S is the common Save shortcut. It saves the current document or saves changes to it, so option C is correct.

Correct answer: D. Ctrl + A

Ctrl + A is the standard Select All shortcut. It selects the text or items in the active document, folder, or application area, so option D is correct.

Correct answer: A. Hardware is physical, and software provides instructions for it to perform tasks

Hardware consists of a computer’s physical parts, while software consists of programs and instructions. Software uses the hardware to perform tasks, so option A correctly describes their relationship.

Correct answer: A. Reduce the space used by a file

File compression represents data more efficiently so that the resulting file occupies less storage space and may be quicker to transfer. The exact saving depends on the data type and the compression method; already-compressed media may shrink very little. Compression does not turn a file into a screen, heat the computer as a purpose, or control mouse movement. Hence option A is the only valid answer.

Correct answer: B. When faster startup and better shock resistance are needed

An SSD stores data in flash memory and has no spinning platters or moving read/write heads. Consequently, it usually provides faster startup and access, operates quietly, uses less power, and tolerates physical shocks better than an HDD. Option B is correct. Option A describes an HDD, while optical-media reading and paper copying require different devices and are not advantages of either storage drive.

Correct answer: D. Word-processing application

A word-processing application is application software designed to create, edit, format, save, and print text documents such as letters. It provides features including fonts, alignment, margins, spelling tools, and paragraph layout, so option D is correct. Firmware is embedded control software, a device driver connects the operating system with hardware, and an operating system manages the computer rather than specifically composing letters.

Correct answer: A. To reduce the risk of corrupting open files and system data

The governing concept is safe system shutdown. Before powering off, the operating system closes applications, writes pending data to storage, and completes essential housekeeping tasks. Therefore, option A is correct because it reduces the chance of corrupted files or system information. Mouse speed, monitor size, and internet cost are unrelated to the shutdown procedure.

Correct answer: A. Managing hardware resources and programs

An operating system is system software that acts as an interface between users, applications, and hardware. It manages processor time, memory, files, storage devices, input-output devices, and running programs. Therefore, option A correctly states a major function. Drawing, playing music, or writing web pages may be tasks performed by individual applications, not the complete role of the operating system.

Correct answer: D. Touchscreen

A touchscreen combines two functions in one device. Its display produces visual output for the user, while its touch-sensitive surface detects taps, swipes, and other commands as input. Therefore, option D is correct. A standard keyboard mainly supplies input, and a printer or projector mainly produces output, so the alternatives do not normally provide both functions together.

Correct answer: A. Saving versions or copies with different names

Overwriting replaces the current contents of a file with new contents, which can make the earlier version difficult to recover. Saving dated versions or using Save As with a different filename preserves the original and creates a recoverable history. Thus, option A is safest. Turning off the monitor or changing the mouse button does not protect data, and removing an extension can create file-access problems.

Correct answer: D. Antivirus utility

The governing concept is protective utility software. An antivirus utility scans files and system activity for malicious patterns, then may quarantine, isolate, or remove detected threats. Thus, option D is correct. Presentation software creates slides, spreadsheet software organizes numerical data, and an image editor changes pictures; none is designed primarily to detect malware. Antivirus tools should also be updated regularly.

Correct answer: B. Detecting file-system errors and storage problems

A disk-check utility examines the structure of a storage drive and may identify file-system inconsistencies, damaged areas, or other storage-related problems. It can sometimes repair logical errors, depending on the tool and permissions, but it does not guarantee faster internet or physically clean hardware. Thus option B is correct; the other choices are unrelated to disk maintenance.

Correct answer: A. Uninstalling removes the software while deleting a shortcut removes only the link

The governing concept is the distinction between a program and its shortcut. A shortcut is only a pointer that helps launch the original application; deleting it normally leaves the installed program and its files intact. Uninstalling uses the operating system’s removal process to take out the application and related components. Therefore, option A is correct, while the other choices confuse a link with the software itself.

Correct answer: B. Privacy and personal settings are maintained

The governing concept is user-account separation. Different accounts provide separate document areas, preferences, and access controls, helping each person protect privacy and maintain a personal working environment. Option B is correct. User accounts do not enlarge the monitor, speed up a printer, or make every file public; access still depends on permissions and the operating system’s settings.

Correct answer: A. Overheating and reduced performance

The governing concept is airflow-based cooling. Ventilation openings allow warm air to leave and cooler air to circulate around internal components. If dust or an object blocks them, heat can accumulate, causing overheating, slower performance, unexpected shutdowns, or component damage. Therefore, option A is correct. Blocked vents do not create backups, change monitor size, or alter software licences; those options are unrelated to temperature control.

Correct answer: B. Compress the file or share a cloud link

The governing concept is choosing a suitable method for digital file transfer. Email services commonly impose attachment-size limits, so compressing the file may reduce its size, while uploading it to approved cloud storage and sharing a link avoids attaching the entire file. Option B is correct. Replacing a monitor, removing a keyboard, or changing the computer clock does not address the attachment-size restriction.

Correct answer: D. Check the volume level, mute status, and speaker connection

Because the audio file is already playing, the first troubleshooting step should examine the output path rather than delete or replace major system components. Check whether the volume is low, mute is enabled, the correct output device is selected, and the speaker is connected and powered. A keyboard driver is unrelated, while replacing the hard disk or operating system is unnecessarily drastic. Option D is correct.

Correct answer: C. A clear name indicating the subject, date, and version

The governing concept is meaningful file naming. A name that identifies the subject, date, and version makes the file easier to recognise, search, sort, and distinguish from older copies. Therefore, option C is correct. “New document” and a single digit give too little information, while a random letter string is difficult to remember and does not communicate the file’s purpose.

Correct answer: A. The user is leaving briefly and wants to preserve open work

Locking a computer protects the current session with a password or other authentication while keeping applications and unsaved working context available. It is convenient during a short absence because the user can return and continue quickly. Logging out is more suitable when another person will use the account or when the session should end. Packing the computer or installing an update does not specifically make locking preferable.