PPSC Basic Computer MCQs: Practice Questions With Answers

Sample PPSC Basic Computer MCQs — a 1,300+ question subject in HighYield's PPSC bank that has no dedicated practice post yet — covering hardware, memory units, and computer generations, with answers explained.

Why Basic Computer Deserves Its Own Study Block

Basic Computer is one of the largest subjects in HighYield's PPSC question bank by question count, yet it's often the most under-revised — candidates default to General Knowledge and Everyday Science and treat computer questions as an afterthought. Below is a sample set grouped by theme, with the correct answer marked and a short explanation for each.

Hardware & Basic Concepts

1. Which part of the computer is often called its "brain"?
A) Monitor B) CPU ✅ C) Keyboard D) Hard Disk
Explanation: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) carries out instructions and performs calculations, which is why it's called the brain of the computer.

2. Which of these is an input device?
A) Printer B) Monitor C) Keyboard ✅ D) Speaker
Explanation: A keyboard sends data into the computer, making it an input device; printers, monitors, and speakers are output devices.

3. RAM is best described as:
A) Permanent storage B) Volatile memory ✅ C) An output device D) A type of software
Explanation: RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile — its contents are lost when the power is switched off, unlike ROM or a hard disk.

Memory & Data Units

4. How many bytes make up one kilobyte (KB)?
A) 100 B) 1,000 C) 1,024 ✅ D) 1,048
Explanation: In binary computing, 1 KB = 1,024 bytes, since computers work in powers of 2.

5. The binary number system uses only which two digits?
A) 1 and 2 B) 0 and 1 ✅ C) 0 and 9 D) 1 and 9
Explanation: Binary is a base-2 system, so every value is represented using only 0 and 1.

Computer Generations

6. First-generation computers primarily used which technology?
A) Transistors B) Integrated circuits C) Vacuum tubes ✅ D) Microprocessors
Explanation: First-generation computers (roughly the 1940s–50s) relied on vacuum tubes, which were large, power-hungry, and generated significant heat.

7. The microprocessor is the defining technology of which computer generation?
A) Second B) Third C) Fourth ✅ D) Fifth
Explanation: Fourth-generation computers introduced the microprocessor, putting an entire CPU on a single chip and enabling personal computers.

Keep Practicing

These are just a sample. For the full set of PPSC Basic Computer questions alongside every other subject tested — including General Knowledge — see HighYield's complete PPSC question bank.