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Computer Classification Quiz 8 (10 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates understanding of computer classification, including mainframe systems, character encoding (such as EBCDIC), and the differences between PC and Mac (Apple) computers. It also covers analog and digital integration, continuous data processing, and the classification of computing systems based on size, power, and portability.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. Computers made by Apple

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Mac.

Exam Relevance: Computer literacy exams, IT certification exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Apple computers are commonly referred to as Macs.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse Apple computers with PCs, which are typically made by other manufacturers.

Explanations: Apple computers are specifically known as Macs, which is a brand name used by Apple for their personal computers. The term "PC" generally refers to computers made by other manufacturers that run on Windows operating systems. iPads and smartphones are other product lines from Apple but are not classified as computers in the traditional sense.

Option Analysis:

Option A: PC refers to personal computers made by various manufacturers, not specifically Apple.
Option B: Mac is the correct term for computers made by Apple.
Option C: IPad is a tablet device, not a computer.
Option D: Smartphone is a mobile device, not a computer.

2. A hybrid computer is the one having combined properties of .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Analog& Digital computers.

Exam Relevance: GRE, GATE, Computer Science Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: A hybrid computer combines the features of analog and digital computers. It can process both continuous and discrete data, making it versatile for various applications.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that hybrid computers combine the features of mini and supercomputers or mainframe and supercomputers. However, these are different types of digital computers and do not involve analog components.

Explanations: A hybrid computer integrates the strengths of both analog and digital computers. Analog computers are adept at handling continuous data and can perform complex calculations quickly, while digital computers excel at processing discrete data and can store and manipulate information precisely. By combining these capabilities, hybrid computers can perform tasks that require both types of processing, such as real-time control systems and simulation.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mini and Super Computers are both digital computers and do not involve analog components.
Option B: Mainframe and Super Computers are also digital computers and do not involve analog components.
Option C: Hybrid computers combine the properties of analog and digital computers, making this the correct answer.
Option D: This option is incorrect because hybrid computers specifically combine analog and digital properties, not the properties of mini, mainframe, or supercomputers.

3. A computer that operates with numbers represented by directly measurable quantities

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Analog.

Exam Relevance: Computer Science Exams, Engineering Exams, IT Certification Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Analog computers use continuously variable physical quantities to represent numbers and perform calculations.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that all computers use digital signals, but analog computers use physical quantities like voltage or mechanical displacement to represent data.

Explanations: Analog computers operate with numbers represented by directly measurable quantities such as voltage, current, or mechanical displacement. This is in contrast to digital computers, which use discrete binary values (0s and 1s) to represent data. The term "analog" refers to the direct proportionality between the physical quantity and the value it represents, making it suitable for continuous data processing.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Analog computers use directly measurable physical quantities to represent numbers.
Option B: Incorrect. ROM (Read-Only Memory) is a type of storage that holds data permanently, not a type of computer classification.
Option C: Incorrect. Storage refers to the memory devices used to hold data, not a type of computer classification.
Option D: Incorrect. An Operating System is software that manages computer hardware and software resources, not a type of computer classification.

4. Which of these computerised systems is NOT categorised as Critical?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Graphic Design.

Exam Relevance: Computer Science Exams, Information Technology Exams, Systems Engineering Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Critical systems are those whose failure could result in significant harm, loss, or disruption. These systems are typically involved in safety-critical operations, such as life support, air traffic control, and missile targeting.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that all computerised systems are equally critical. However, the criticality of a system depends on its potential impact on safety, security, and operational continuity.

Explanations: Graphic design is not considered a critical system because its failure does not result in significant harm, loss, or disruption. In contrast, life support, air traffic control, and missile targeting are critical systems because their failure could lead to severe consequences, including loss of life, major accidents, or security breaches.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Life Support systems are critical because their failure can lead to loss of life.
Option B: Air Traffic Control systems are critical because their failure can lead to major accidents and loss of life.
Option C: Graphic Design systems are not critical because their failure does not result in significant harm, loss, or disruption.
Option D: Missile Targeting systems are critical because their failure can lead to security breaches and loss of life.

5. A ..... computer is battery operated and portable.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Laptop.

Exam Relevance: IT certification exams, Computer Science exams, Technology literacy tests

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: A laptop computer is battery-operated and portable, making it distinct from other types of computers.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that all portable computers are laptops, but desktops and servers are not portable.

Explanations: A laptop is designed to be portable and typically runs on battery power, making it suitable for use in various locations. Desktop computers, on the other hand, are not portable and require a power outlet to function. Servers and towers are stationary and not designed for portability.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Desktop computers are not portable and require a power outlet to function.
Option B: Laptop computers are battery-operated and portable.
Option C: Tower computers are stationary and not designed for portability.
Option D: Servers are stationary and not designed for portability.

6. Notebooks and tablets are examples of which major type of computer system?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Mobile devices.

Exam Relevance: Computer Science Exams, IT Certification Exams, General Knowledge Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Notebooks and tablets are portable computing devices that fall under the category of mobile devices. They are designed for mobility and convenience, allowing users to access computing resources on the go.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that notebooks and tablets are classified as desktop computers, which are typically stationary and not designed for portability.

Explanations: Notebooks and tablets are portable computing devices that can be easily carried and used in various locations. They are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them ideal for mobile use. This aligns with the definition of mobile devices, which are characterized by their portability and ability to be used in different environments.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Desktop computers are stationary and not designed for portability, making them unsuitable for this classification.
Option B: Embedded devices are specialized computing systems integrated into other devices, such as appliances or vehicles, and are not typically portable computing devices.
Option C: Game consoles are designed for gaming and are generally stationary, not portable.
Option D: Mobile devices are portable computing devices, which includes notebooks and tablets.

7. Converting mainframe computer based software to a desktop or personal computer architecture is known as .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Downsizing.

Exam Relevance: CompTIA A+, CIW, ITIL Foundation

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Downsizing refers to the process of converting mainframe computer-based software to a desktop or personal computer architecture.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is confusing downsizing with upsizing, which involves moving software from a smaller system to a larger one, such as a mainframe.

Explanations: Downsizing is the process of moving software and data from a mainframe computer to a less powerful but more accessible system, such as a desktop or personal computer. This process aims to reduce costs and improve accessibility while maintaining functionality.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Downgrading typically refers to reducing the capabilities or performance of a system, not the process of moving software to a different architecture.
Option B: Upsizing involves moving software from a smaller system to a larger one, such as a mainframe, which is the opposite of the process described.
Option C: Downsizing is the correct term for converting mainframe computer-based software to a desktop or personal computer architecture.
Option D: This option is incorrect as the correct term is downsizing.

8. Which type of computers uses the 8-bit code called EBCDIC?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Mainframe computers.

Exam Relevance: CompTIA A+, IBM certification exams, ITIL Foundation

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: EBCDIC (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code) is an 8-bit character encoding used primarily by IBM mainframe computers.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that EBCDIC is used by all types of computers, but it is specifically associated with mainframe systems.

Explanations: EBCDIC is an 8-bit code that was developed by IBM and is primarily used in mainframe computers. Microcomputers and supercomputers typically use ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) or other encoding schemes. Therefore, the correct answer is mainframe computers.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Microcomputers do not typically use EBCDIC; they use ASCII or Unicode.
Option B: Mainframe computers use EBCDIC as their primary character encoding scheme.
Option C: Supercomputers do not typically use EBCDIC; they use ASCII or Unicode.
Option D: This option is incorrect as EBCDIC is specifically used by mainframe computers.

Mnemonic: EBCDIC - "E" for "Extended," "B" for "Binary," "C" for "Coded," "D" for "Decimal," "I" for "Interchange," "C" for "Code."

9. How do you classify computers?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) According to their size and power.

Exam Relevance: Computer Science Exams, IT Certification Exams, Engineering Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Computers are typically classified based on their size and power, which helps in understanding their capabilities and applications.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that computers are classified based on their color or profile, which is not a standard classification method.

Explanations: Computers are classified according to their size and power because these attributes determine their performance, usage, and suitability for different tasks. Size and power are fundamental characteristics that define the type of computer, such as desktops, laptops, servers, and supercomputers.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. Color and profile are not standard criteria for classifying computers.
Option B: Correct. Size and power are the primary criteria for classifying computers.
Option C: Incorrect. Type and color are not comprehensive criteria for classification.
Option D: Incorrect. Size and variety do not fully capture the essential attributes used in classification.

10. Which of the following statements is true about Minicomputer and Microcomputer?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Minicomputer works faster than Microcomputer.

Exam Relevance: GRE, GATE, Computer Science Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Minicomputers and microcomputers are two different categories of computers. Minicomputers are generally more powerful and faster than microcomputers, which are typically personal computers or workstations.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that microcomputers, being more modern and widely used, are inherently faster than minicomputers. However, the speed and power of a computer depend on its architecture and design, not just its classification.

Explanations: Minicomputers are designed to handle multiple users and tasks simultaneously, often in a business or scientific setting. They typically have more powerful processors and memory compared to microcomputers, which are designed for individual use and are generally less powerful. Therefore, minicomputers generally work faster than microcomputers.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Minicomputers are designed to handle more complex tasks and multiple users, making them faster than microcomputers.
Option B: Incorrect. Microcomputers are generally less powerful and slower than minicomputers.
Option C: Incorrect. The speed of minicomputers and microcomputers is not the same; minicomputers are typically faster.
Option D: Incorrect. The speeds of minicomputers and microcomputers can be compared, and minicomputers are generally faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between analog and digital computers?

Analog computers process continuous data using physical quantities, while digital computers process discrete data using binary digits.

How do mainframe computers differ from microcomputers?

Mainframe computers are large, powerful systems designed for critical operations, while microcomputers are smaller, less powerful systems, often used for personal or small business tasks.

What is the purpose of character encoding like EBCDIC?

Character encoding like EBCDIC is used to represent text in digital form, allowing computers to store and process textual information.

What are the advantages of hybrid computers?

Hybrid computers combine the benefits of analog and digital systems, allowing for efficient processing of both continuous and discrete data.

How does the downsizing process affect computing systems?

The downsizing process involves transitioning from larger, more powerful systems like mainframes to smaller, more efficient systems like desktops, often improving operational continuity and reducing costs.

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