Computer Operator & IT — Past Papers — Part 1 MCQs with Explanations

MS Windows is an operating system (OS) developed by Microsoft . An operating system manages computer hardware, software, files, and system resources. Other examples of operating systems include Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS.

A Trojan horse disguises itself as a legitimate program or file to trick users into executing it. Once activated, it can steal data, damage files , or provide unauthorized access to the attacker. Additional information : Spyware — Secretly monitors user activity. Worm — Self-replicates and spreads. Virus — Attaches itself to a file or program and spreads when that host is executed.

WAN stands for Wide Area Network . It covers a large geographical area , potentially across countries or the whole globe . Additional information : LAN : Local Area Network covers a small area. MAN : Metropolitan Area Network generally covers a city.

Ctrl + B is used in MS Word to make the selected text bold (thick and dark). Additional information : MS word short key for help: F1 Ctrl + A = Select all Ctrl + B = Bold Ctrl + I = Italic Ctrl + J = Justify Ctrl + P = Print Ctrl + Y = Redo Ctrl + S = Save

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol . FTP is a communications protocol used to send files from computer to computer FTP does not use encryption . FTP is built on a client-server model FTP first Introduction : April 16, 1971

Ctrl + C: Copy Ctrl + V: Paste Ctrl + X: Cut Ctrl + Z: Undo

A laser printer uses a laser beam to produce an image on a drum. The image is then transferred to paper using toner powder .

Windows 10 was released on July 29, 2015. It was first made available for download as a free upgrade for existing Windows 7 and 8.1 users, and later for new purchases. Retail and general release: July 29, 2015 Released to manufacturing: July 15, 2015 Initial announcement: September 30, 2014

HDD stands for hard disk drive (HDD) HDD is a data storage device. It stores the operating system, software, and files . It uses magnetic storage technology.

Router: Connects different networks and forwards data packets between them. Additional information: Switch: Connects devices within a local area network (LAN). Hub: Broadcasts data to all connected devices. Modem: Converts signals to enable internet connectivity.

Modifier keys: Change the function of another key when pressed together. Shift: Types uppercase letters or accesses alternate symbols. Alt: Works with other keys to perform commands or shortcuts.

Ctrl + Enter inserts a page break in a Word document. It moves the cursor to the top of the next page without adding extra paragraphs. Useful for starting a new section or chapter . Additional information : Enter – creates a new paragraph Shift + Enter – creates a new line without paragraph spacing Ctrl + Home – move cursor to the beginning of the document

A hybrid topology combines two or more network topologies, such as star and bus . It offers flexibility and scalability. Additional information: Star Topology: All devices connect to a central hub or switch. Bus Topology: All devices share a common backbone cable. Ring Topology: Devices are connected in a circular arrangement.

OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition OCR converts text in scanned documents or images into machine-readable text. It is used to digitize printed books and documents.

PNG is a file format used for lossless image compression .

Ctrl + Z used for = Undo Additional information : Ctrl + X used for = Cut Ctrl + Y used for = Redo

In MS Word , the Help feature is used to get guidance about tools and commands . The shortcut key to open Help is F1 . It opens Microsoft Word Help window or support page. Additional information : F2 : Used to move or rename text. F3 : Inserts AutoText entries if available. F4 : Repeats the last action performed. F5 : Opens the " Find and Replace " dialog box with the " Go To " tab active.

1 byte equals 8 bits. Additional Information 1024 Bytes = 1 Kilobyte (KB) 1024 Kilobytes = 1 Megabyte (MB) 1024 Megabytes = 1 Gigabyte (GB) 1024 Gigabytes = 1 Terabyte (TB)

The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) is the core component of the CPU . It performs both arithmetic operations (calculations) and logical operations (comparisons). Without ALU , a computer cannot process data. ALU works together with the Control Unit (CU).

Start a presentation from the current slide : Shift+F5 Start a presentation from the beginning : F5 Additional information: Ctrl + N : Create a new presentation document Ctrl + M: Insert a new slide Ctrl + S: save a presentation

RAM and Cache are volatile memories. It means their data is lost when power is turned off. Volatile memory requires continuous power to retain data. RAM is used for running programs and storing temporary data. Cache is a high-speed memory that stores frequently used data for the CPU. Additional information : ROM is non-volatile and retains data without power .

Windows Logo + F : Opens the file- search feature in older versions of Microsoft Windows. F3 Key : Commonly opens or activates the search function in Windows File Explorer. Additional information : Ctrl + C : Copies the selected text, file, or folder. Ctrl + V : Pastes copied or cut content. Ctrl + X : Cuts the selected text, file, or folder. Ctrl + Z : Undoes the last action. Alt + F4 : Closes the active window or application.

HTML is the standard markup language used to create and structure web pages . HTML defines elements such as headings, paragraphs, images, links, and lists . HTTP is a protocol used to transfer web resources between clients and servers .

1 Gigabyte (GB) = 1,024 Megabytes (MB) in the traditional binary convention. Kilobyte (KB) is smaller than a megabyte . Additional information : Kilobyte (KB) → 1,024 bytes Megabyte (MB) → 1,024 KB Gigabyte (GB) → 1,024 MB Terabyte (TB) → 1,024 GB

HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol . It is a protocol for fetching resources such as HTML documents. It provides secure communication over a computer network. It can also be used to fetch parts of documents to update Web pages on demand. https://www.google.com is called the URL .

The smallest preset font size available in the Font Size drop-down list is 8 points . It appears in the standard Font Size list on the Home tab . Additional information : The largest preset font size available in the Font Size drop-down list is 72 points . Microsoft Word supports font sizes from 1 to 1638 points .

Minimum font size: 8 Maximum font size: 72 Additional information : Standard font size: 12 Manual font size range: 1–1638 Shortcut to change font size manually: Ctrl + Shift + P Increase font size: Ctrl + ] Decrease font size: Ctrl + [

Worm — spreads automatically across a network. Self-propagating — no user action needed Exploits network vulnerabilities or weak credentials to copy itself Contrast: a virus needs a host file + user action; a Trojan doesn't self-replicate Examples: WannaCry, Morris worm

DIV: Division Used to represent division in mathematics and in some abbreviations . HTML: <div> stands for a division element, used to group webpage content.

SmartArt is added in Microsoft PowerPoint through the Insert tab . It is used to create visual representations of information , such as processes, hierarchies, cycles, and relationships. To insert it, go to Insert → SmartArt , choose a layout, and click OK.

The IFERROR function returns a specified value if a formula evaluates to an error. If the formula works correctly , it returns the formula’s result. Syntax: = IFERROR (value, value_if_error)

Format Painter copies formatting from one part of a document and applies it to another. It can copy font style, size, color , and paragraph formatting. In Microsoft Word and PowerPoint , it is available on the Home tab. Double-clicking Format Painter allows you to apply the same formatting to multiple places.

Full form: Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure Security layer: SSL/TLS encryption Purpose: Secure data transfer on the internet Default port: 443 Used in: Banking, e-commerce, login systems

CAPTCHA stands for Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart . Its main purpose is to distinguish human users from automated bots . It helps protect websites against spam, fake registrations, and automated attacks . Common CAPTCHA tests include selecting images, identifying distorted text , and completing simple verification tasks.

Pixel printer is not a standard type of printer. Additional information : Laser printer uses laser technology and toner to print documents. Dot matrix printer prints by striking pins against an ink ribbon. Inkjet printer sprays tiny droplets of ink onto paper.

DBMS: Database Management System Used to create, store, organize, and manage data. Examples: MySQL, Oracle, Microsoft Access.

One Megabyte ( MB ) is equal to: 1024 Kilobytes (KB) 1024 x 1024 Bytes (since 1 KB = 1024 Bytes) 1,048,576 Bytes (calculating 1024 x 1024)

Function: COUNT Purpose: Counts cells containing numbers only Syntax: =COUNT (range) Example: = COUNT(A1:A10) Ignores: Text, blank cells, and logical values (TRUE/FALSE) Additional information : COUNTA → Counts all non-empty cells. COUNTIF → Counts cells that meet a specific condition. COUNTIFS → Counts cells meeting multiple conditions. COUNTBLANK → Counts blank cells.

Shortcut Key: Ctrl + Enter Ribbon Path: Layout → Breaks → Page Purpose: Start a new page Works In: Microsoft Word Type: Manual Page Break

CTRL + H is the shortcut key used in most software (like MS Word, Excel) to open the Find and Replace dialog box. It allows users to search for a word or phrase and replace it with another. Additional information : CTRL + F : Only opens the Find dialog CTRL + G : Opens the Go To dialog CTRL + R : Aligns text to the right in word processors