In which generation of computers was the microprocessor introduced?
Correct answer B. Fourth generation
Topic / 119 questions
Computer Fundamentals and History MCQs
Computer Fundamentals and History MCQs are multiple-choice questions on what a computer is, the main types of computers, the generations of computing and the pioneers behind them. Every question on MCQs360 shows the correct answer instantly, making it easy to revise basic concepts before a computer or general knowledge paper.
On what are fifth-generation computers based?
Correct answer A. Artificial Intelligence
Who invented the computer mouse?
Correct answer C. Douglas Engelbart
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What kind of machine is a computer?
Correct answer C. Electronic Machine
When was IBM’s first microcomputer with a 16-bit microprocessor, the IBM PC, introduced?
Correct answer A. 1981
What was the first commercially available microprocessor chip called?
Correct answer D. Intel 4004
Which was the first electronic spreadsheet package for personal computers, an instant hit when it was introduced in 1978?
Correct answer A. VisiCalc
What does distributed data entry mean?
Correct answer A. Entered at different locations where it originates
Present-day computers are based on which technology?
Correct answer C. Digital technology
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A computer can perform almost any task, provided that the task can be what?
Correct answer A. Reduced to a series of logical steps
What are characters that appear slightly above the normal line of text called?
Correct answer C. Superscript
Which of the following is the largest computer hardware company?
Correct answer C. HP
In which unit is the word length of a computer measured?
Correct answer D. Bits
In computing, what is meant by wetware?
Correct answer D. Human brain
Which was the first computer made available for commercial use?
Correct answer C. UNIVAC
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The term GIGO relates to which characteristic of computers?
Correct answer B. Accuracy
Into how many types are computers classified according to size?
Correct answer A. 4
Who is regarded as the father of video games?
Correct answer B. Ralph H. Baer
What was the mechanical computer designed by Charles Babbage called?
Correct answer A. Analytical Engine
In which year was the first mechanical calculator invented?
Correct answer D. 1642
About Computer Fundamentals and History MCQs
The fundamentals part of this topic covers basic definitions such as data and information, programmable machines, the components of a computer system and terms like legacy system and wetware. Questions on types of computers compare analogue, digital and hybrid machines and ask about supercomputers, mainframes, minicomputers, personal computers and handheld devices. The history part covers early pioneers such as Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace, the generations of computers from vacuum tubes to microprocessors, the invention of the microprocessor and the arrival of the IBM PC. A few questions touch on basic word processing features, so keep your office software knowledge fresh as well.
Key facts to remember
- Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine and is often called the father of the computer.
- Ada Lovelace is widely regarded as the first computer programmer.
- First-generation computers used vacuum tubes, second-generation computers used transistors and third-generation computers used integrated circuits.
- The microprocessor arrived with the fourth generation; the Intel 4004 of 1971 was the first commercial microprocessor.
- IBM launched the IBM Personal Computer in August 1981.
- Analogue computers work with continuously varying physical quantities, while digital computers work with discrete values.
Exams that include Computer Fundamentals and History MCQs
Pakistan
- PPSC
- FPSC
- SPSC
- KPPSC
- NTS
- CSS
India
- SSC CGL
- IBPS PO
- IBPS Clerk
- SBI PO
- RRB NTPC
Bangladesh
- BCS
- Bangladesh Bank AD
- NTRCA
How to prepare for Computer Fundamentals and History MCQs
- Make a table of the computer generations listing the technology, approximate period and example machines for each.
- Learn the differences between analogue, digital and hybrid computers, and between supercomputers, mainframes and microcomputers.
- Keep a short list of pioneers and what each is known for, since who-did-what questions are common.
- Read questions carefully for words such as first, largest and most common, which change the correct answer.
Frequently asked questions
Which exams ask computer fundamentals MCQs?
Basic computer questions appear in PPSC, FPSC, NTS, SPSC and KPPSC tests in Pakistan, SSC, IBPS and SBI exams in India, and BCS and bank recruitment tests in Bangladesh. Many teaching and clerical posts include a separate computer section.
What are the generations of computers?
Computers are usually grouped into five generations: vacuum tubes, transistors, integrated circuits, microprocessors, and a fifth generation linked with artificial intelligence and parallel processing. Each generation made computers smaller, faster, cheaper and more reliable than the one before.
Who is known as the father of the computer?
Charles Babbage, an English mathematician, is commonly called the father of the computer. In the nineteenth century he designed the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine, a mechanical general-purpose computer whose design included a processing unit and memory.
Last reviewed October 2026