Free Computing and Information Technology Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Computing and Information Technology practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1During the fetch step of a microprocessor instruction cycle, what happens?

   1. A.The operation's result is stored in memory.
   2. B.The instruction is retrieved from memory.Correct answer: B
   3. C.The instruction is interpreted as a request.
   4. D.The requested operation is performed.

   Explanation: IBM states that "The microprocessor retrieves" instructions "from computer memory." This retrieval is fetch; interpretation, execution and storage are distinct steps.

   Reference: What is a microprocessor? — How do microprocessors work? Key microprocessor steps

2. 2Which of these is a Linux distribution used as an operating system?

   1. A.UbuntuCorrect answer: A
   2. B.macOS
   3. C.Windows
   4. D.iOS

   Explanation: IBM states: "there are numerous Linux distributions tailored to various use cases, including Ubuntu, Fedora and Debian." The remaining choices are other operating systems.

   Reference: What is an operating system? — Types of operating systems, Linux

3. 3Which Word feature records insertions and deletions as edits are made so they can be reviewed later?

   1. A.Track ChangesCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Compare documents
   3. C.Review comments
   4. D.Spelling and grammar

   Explanation: Microsoft states: "Deletions are marked with a strikethrough, and additions are marked with an underline." Track Changes displays revisions for review; the other features have different purposes.

   Reference: Track changes in Word — Turn Track Changes on and off

4. 4A company links offices on different continents. What kind of network describes this broad geographic connection?

   1. A.A local area network
   2. B.A wide area networkCorrect answer: B
   3. C.A personal area network
   4. D.A metropolitan area network

   Explanation: The source states: "A local area network (LAN) connects computers within a defined physical space, while a wide area network (WAN) can connect computers across continents." The geographic scope fits a WAN, rather than a local or personal network.

   Reference: What is computer networking? — Types of computer networks

5. 5A development team is collecting and analyzing user requirements. Which SDLC phase is it performing in IBM's seven-phase model?

   1. A.AnalysisCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Deployment
   3. C.Maintenance
   4. D.Coding

   Explanation: IBM states: "During the analysis phase, the development team collects and analyzes information on the project’s requirements." The other phases focus on building, release or post-release work.

   Reference: What is the software development life cycle (SDLC)? — 2. Analysis

6. 6What compatibility feature did IBM introduce with its System/360 family?

   1. A.A program could run on other machines in the same line.Correct answer: A
   2. B.Programs were confined to the particular model they used.
   3. C.All machines in the line shared one physical memory.
   4. D.Every model operated together as a single computer.

   Explanation: The source states: "It enabled a program written for one computer to run on any other machine in the line" This compatibility applied across the System/360 family.

   Reference: Advancing humanity collection — The IBM System/360

7. 7Which processor component performs arithmetic calculations and logical comparisons?

   1. A.The control unit
   2. B.The register file
   3. C.The arithmetic logic unitCorrect answer: C
   4. D.The bus interface

   Explanation: IBM describes the ALU as the component that "performs logical operations, including mathematical calculations and data comparisons." The control unit directs execution, registers hold data, and bus interfaces connect components.

   Reference: What is a microprocessor? — Microprocessor components

8. 8Which operating-system function schedules and manages the execution of processes?

   1. A.File system management
   2. B.Device management
   3. C.Process managementCorrect answer: C
   4. D.User-interface management

   Explanation: IBM states: "An operating system manages the execution of multiple processes and threads, including tasks like scheduling, synchronization and communication between processes." Scheduling processes is distinct from organizing files or managing devices.

   Reference: What is an operating system? — What does an operating system do?

9. 9A user needs individualized letters for a recipient list without editing each letter by hand. Which Word feature combines a main document with recipient data?

   1. A.Track Changes
   2. B.Mail MergeCorrect answer: B
   3. C.Compare documents
   4. D.Find and Replace

   Explanation: Microsoft states: "Mail merge lets you create a batch of documents that are personalized for each recipient." The data source supplies recipient-specific information to the common document.

   Reference: Use mail merge for bulk email, letters, labels, and envelopes — Introduction

10. 10A star network has one central hub and no alternate links. What happens to communication among its nodes if that hub fails?

    1. A.The network loses its central connection.Correct answer: A
    2. B.Only one peripheral node is affected.
    3. C.All nodes remain connected through the hub.
    4. D.Current nodes communicate, but new nodes cannot connect.

    Explanation: IBM states: "If the central hub goes down, then the entire network goes down with it." With no alternate links, the nodes lose their central connection.

    Reference: What is network topology? — Star topology