Computer Skills Proficiency Test

Reviewed by Godwin Iheuwa
Godwin Iheuwa, MS (Computer Science) |
Database Administrator
Review Board Member
Godwin Iheuwa, a Database Administrator at MTN Nigeria, holds an MS in Computer Science, specializing in Agile Methodologies and Database Administration from the University of Bedfordshire and a Bachelor's in Computer Science from the University of Port Harcourt. His proficiency in SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and SQL Server Management Studio contributes to his expertise in database management.
, MS (Computer Science)
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This test will allow the student to demonstrate their computer level. This quiz contains various questions ranging from easy, medium, to hard levels that will help you enhance your computer knowledge. Do you know what a computer system must have? What is an Operating System? What is a control panel, and what is its function, get answers to all this and much more in this quiz. If you like the quiz, share it with your friends. All the best!


Computer Skills Questions and Answers

  • 1. 

    What does the computer term "Desktop" refers to?

    • A.

      The initial screen showing icons for folders, files, and applications.

    • B.

      The part of your work area where the computer monitor sits.

    • C.

      Something that can and should be ignored by most users.

    • D.

      The list of all of the contents on a particular computer.

    Correct Answer
    A. The initial screen showing icons for folders, files, and applications.
    Explanation
    The term "desktop" in the context of computers refers to the initial screen that appears when you start up your computer. This screen typically displays icons for folders, files, and applications, allowing users to easily access and organize their digital content. It is a virtual workspace where users can interact with their computers and perform various tasks.

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  • 2. 

    The "Control Panel" can be defined as:

    • A.

      A disk on which data can be stored.

    • B.

      Another term for a display screen.

    • C.

      A computer network that spans a relatively small area.

    • D.

      A system tool that allows a user to set certain settings.

    Correct Answer
    D. A system tool that allows a user to set certain settings.
    Explanation
    The "Control Panel" is a system tool that allows a user to set certain settings. This means that it is a feature or program that provides access to various options and configurations for the user to customize and control different aspects of their computer or system. It is not a disk for data storage, a display screen, or a computer network.

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  • 3. 

    Select one of the following to determine the proper procedure for shutting down your computer.

    • A.

      It's best never to turn off your computer.

    • B.

      Whenever you are ready to quit, simply push the lighted button on your processor.

    • C.

      Just unplug your computer

    • D.

      Go to the Start menu and click "Shut Down"

    Correct Answer
    D. Go to the Start menu and click "Shut Down"
    Explanation
    The correct answer is to go to the Start menu and click "Shut Down". This is the proper procedure for shutting down a computer as it allows the operating system to close all running programs and services in an orderly manner before powering off the computer. Simply pushing the lighted button on the processor or unplugging the computer can cause data loss and potential damage to the system. It is also not recommended to never turn off the computer as it can lead to performance issues and software glitches.

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  • 4. 

    Creating a subdirectory requires you to:

    • A.

      Create a new folder for specific items.

    • B.

      Save all items on your Hard Drive.

    • C.

      Place a file on your Desktop.

    • D.

      Create a new file

    Correct Answer
    A. Create a new folder for specific items.
    Explanation
    To create a subdirectory, you need to create a new folder for specific items. A subdirectory is a directory that is located within another directory, organizing files and folders in a hierarchical structure. By creating a new folder, you can group related items together and keep your files organized on your hard drive. Saving items on your hard drive, placing a file on your desktop, or creating a new file are not the correct actions for creating a subdirectory.

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  • 5. 

    What is the maximize button used for? 

    • A.

      Scroll slowly through a window.

    • B.

      Expand a window to fill the entire screen.

    • C.

      Return a window to its original size.

    • D.

      Reduce a window to a button on the taskbar.

    Correct Answer
    B. Expand a window to fill the entire screen.
    Explanation
    The Maximize button is used to expand a window to fill the entire screen. This allows the user to make the most out of their screen space and view the content of the window in a larger size. By clicking the Maximize button, the window will be resized to fit the screen, hiding the taskbar and other windows. This is useful when working with applications or documents that require more screen real estate.

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  • 6. 

    What is the meaning of "Point and Click"?

    • A.

      Use the mouse to move the pointer around the screen

    • B.

      Double-click the mouse

    • C.

      Use the mouse to move the pointer around the screen and then click the mouse button once or twice to select the object.

    • D.

      Use the mouse to move the pointer around the screen, and press the mouse button as you move the mouse.

    Correct Answer
    C. Use the mouse to move the pointer around the screen and then click the mouse button once or twice to select the object.
    Explanation
    When you are instructed to "point and click," it means using the mouse to move the pointer around the screen and then clicking the mouse button once or twice to select the object. This action allows the user to navigate and interact with the graphical user interface by moving the cursor to a specific location and then selecting or activating an item or function by clicking the mouse button.

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  • 7. 

    The Minimize button is used to:

    • A.

      Scroll slowly through a window.

    • B.

      Reduce a window to a button on the taskbar.

    • C.

      Expand a window to fill the entire screen.

    • D.

      Return a window to its original size.

    Correct Answer
    B. Reduce a window to a button on the taskbar.
    Explanation
    The Minimize button is used to reduce a window to a button on the taskbar. This allows the user to temporarily hide the window while still keeping it accessible for later use. By clicking the Minimize button, the window is minimized and a button representing the window is displayed on the taskbar. This helps in decluttering the desktop and managing multiple open windows efficiently.

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  • 8. 

    What program command saves a copy of a file under a different name?

    • A.

      Duplicate

    • B.

      Save As

    • C.

      Save

    • D.

      Both A and B

    Correct Answer
    B. Save As
    Explanation
    The "Save As" command is used to save a copy of a file under a different name or in a different location. It allows you to create a duplicate of the file with a new name or in a different format while keeping the original file intact. The "Duplicate" command is not a standard command in many applications and may not universally refer to saving a copy of a file under a different name.

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  • 9. 

    What is the name of the Windows location that stores cut or copied information?

    • A.

      Clipboard

    • B.

      Start menu

    • C.

      Hard Drive

    • D.

      Paint

    Correct Answer
    A. Clipboard
    Explanation
    The Clipboard is a temporary storage area in Windows that holds information that has been cut or copied. This information can be text, images, files, or other data. The Clipboard allows you to paste the stored information into other applications or documents.

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  • 10. 

    How do you open a program such as when there are no icons on the Desktop?

    • A.

      Right click to reveal all icons.

    • B.

      Click the START button and select the program from the menu.

    • C.

      Restart the computer.

    • D.

      It is not possible to open the program if no icons are on the desktop.

    Correct Answer
    B. Click the START button and select the program from the menu.
    Explanation
    To open a program when there are no icons on the desktop, the user can click the START button and select the program from the menu. This is a common method in operating systems like Windows, where the START button provides access to various programs and features. By clicking on the START button, a menu appears, allowing the user to navigate through the installed programs and select the desired one to open.

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  • 11. 

    A WORD file can be attached to an e-mail message.

    • A.

      Yes

    • B.

      No

    • C.

      Depends on what type of file

    • D.

      Only to select an e-mail address

    Correct Answer
    A. Yes
    Explanation
    A WORD file can be attached to an e-mail message. This means that it is possible to include a WORD file as an attachment when sending an e-mail.

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  • 12. 

    In a file hierarchy, a folder inside another folder is called

    • A.

      Program

    • B.

      Internal hard disk

    • C.

      Subfolder

    • D.

      Clipboard

    Correct Answer
    C. Subfolder
    Explanation
    A folder inside another folder is called a subfolder. This is because a subfolder is a term used to describe a folder that is located within another folder in a file hierarchy. It helps to organize files and folders within a hierarchical structure, making it easier to navigate and manage the files stored within the folders.

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  • 13. 

    After you delete a file from your hard disk, it is automatically placed in the:

    • A.

      Search box

    • B.

      USB flash drive

    • C.

      Clipboard

    • D.

      Recycle bin

    Correct Answer
    D. Recycle bin
    Explanation
    After deleting a file from your hard disk, it is automatically placed in the recycle bin. The recycle bin is a temporary storage location where deleted files are stored until they are permanently removed from the system. This allows users to easily restore or recover accidentally deleted files without permanently losing them. The recycle bin acts as a safety net, preventing immediate and irreversible deletion of files, giving users a chance to review and restore them if needed.

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  • 14. 

    In software applications such as Microsoft Word, a document is known as What on the PC?

    • A.

      Page

    • B.

      Folder

    • C.

      File

    • D.

      None of the above

    Correct Answer
    C. File
    Explanation
    In software applications such as Microsoft Word, a document is referred to as a "file" on the PC. This is because a document in Word is saved as a file on the computer's storage system, which can be accessed, edited, and shared. A file is a collection of data or information that is stored and organized in a specific format, making it easier for the computer to process and manipulate. Therefore, in the context of software applications, "file" is the correct term to describe a document.

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  • 15. 

    What is the significance of a faded (dimmed) command in a drop-down menu?

    • A.

      There are no equivalent keystrokes for the particular command.

    • B.

      The command is not currently accessible.

    • C.

      A dialog box appears if the command is selected.

    • D.

      A Help window appears if the command is selected.

    Correct Answer
    B. The command is not currently accessible.
    Explanation
    A faded (dimmed) command in a drop-down menu indicates that the command is not currently accessible. This means that the command cannot be selected or executed at the moment. It may be disabled or unavailable due to certain conditions or restrictions.

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  • 16. 

    Any computer parts that you can actually touch are considered to be:

    • A.

      Systems

    • B.

      Platforms

    • C.

      Hardware

    • D.

      Software

    Correct Answer
    C. Hardware
    Explanation
    Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that can be touched and seen. This includes devices such as the motherboard, CPU, memory, storage devices, input/output devices, and peripherals. Software, on the other hand, refers to the programs and instructions that run on the hardware. Systems and platforms are broader terms that encompass both hardware and software components working together to perform specific tasks or provide a specific function. However, in this context, the question specifically asks for computer parts that can be touched, making the correct answer hardware.

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  • 17. 

    The term ____________ refers to the set of instructions that directs the hardware in a computer to accomplish a task.

    • A.

      Output

    • B.

      Software

    • C.

      Hardware

    • D.

      Input

    Correct Answer
    B. Software
    Explanation
    Software refers to the set of instructions that directs the hardware in a computer to accomplish a task. It is a collection of programs, data, and instructions that tell the computer how to perform specific tasks. Software can be categorized into system software, which includes the operating system and utility programs, and application software, which includes programs for specific tasks such as word processing, spreadsheet, or graphic design. Without software, the hardware in a computer would not be able to function or perform any tasks.

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  • 18. 

    All computers must have:

    • A.

      A virus-checking program

    • B.

      A printer attached

    • C.

      Word processing software

    • D.

      An operating system

    Correct Answer
    D. An operating system
    Explanation
    An operating system is necessary for all computers as it acts as the foundation software that manages and controls the computer's hardware and software resources. It provides a user interface, manages files and folders, allows for the execution of applications, and ensures that different programs can run simultaneously. Without an operating system, a computer would not be able to perform any tasks or run any software.

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  • 19. 

    Which Windows program do you use to manage folders and files?

    • A.

      Windows Control Panel

    • B.

      Windows Explorer

    • C.

      Windows Accessories

    • D.

      Microsoft Office

    Correct Answer
    B. Windows Explorer
    Explanation
    Windows Explorer is the correct answer because it is the program in Windows that allows users to manage folders and files. It provides a graphical interface for users to navigate through their computer's file system, create and delete folders, copy and move files, and perform other file management tasks. Windows Control Panel is used for system settings and configuration, Windows Accessories is a collection of utility programs, and Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity applications, none of which are specifically designed for managing folders and files.

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  • 20. 

    What type of device is a flash drive?

    • A.

      Output

    • B.

      Input

    • C.

      Storage

    • D.

      Software

    Correct Answer
    C. Storage
    Explanation
    A flash drive is a type of storage device. It is used to store and transfer data, such as documents, photos, and videos. Unlike traditional hard drives, flash drives use flash memory technology, which allows for faster data access and transfer speeds. Flash drives are portable and can be easily connected to computers and other devices via USB ports. They are commonly used for backing up important files, transferring data between devices, and carrying data on the go.

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  • 21. 

    An operating system is:

    • A.

      CD-ROM software

    • B.

      Application software

    • C.

      Integrated software

    • D.

      System software

    Correct Answer
    D. System software
    Explanation
    An operating system is considered system software because it is responsible for managing and controlling the computer's hardware and software resources. It provides a platform for other software applications to run on and acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer. The operating system handles tasks such as memory management, file management, device management, and user interface. Unlike application software, which is designed for specific tasks or functions, an operating system is essential for the overall functioning of the computer system.

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  • 22. 

    An unwanted program running on a computer is called a 

    • A.

      Pain

    • B.

      Sickness

    • C.

      Virus

    • D.

      Encryption

    Correct Answer
    C. Virus
    Explanation
    An unwanted program running on a computer is called a virus. A virus is a type of malicious software (malware) that can replicate itself and spread to other computers, often causing harm or disruptions to the system. It can corrupt files, steal data, or allow unauthorized access to the infected system. The term "virus" is used because of its ability to spread like a biological virus, infecting other programs or systems without the user's knowledge or consent.

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  • 23. 

    The _____________ shows what files and applications are open.

    • A.

      Shortcut Menu

    • B.

      My Documents

    • C.

      Taskbar

    • D.

      Start Menu

    Correct Answer
    C. Taskbar
    Explanation
    The taskbar is a feature in the operating system that displays open files and applications. It is typically located at the bottom of the screen and provides quick access to running programs, allowing users to easily switch between them. The taskbar also shows icons for any files or applications that are currently open, making it convenient for users to navigate and manage their active tasks.

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  • 24. 

    The _________________ is an output device that produces output on paper.

    • A.

      Printer

    • B.

      Monitor

    • C.

      Mouse

    • D.

      Keyboard

    Correct Answer
    A. Printer
    Explanation
    A printer is an output device that produces output on paper. It takes digital information from a computer and transfers it onto paper, creating physical copies of documents, images, or other types of content. This can be done through various methods such as inkjet, laser, or dot matrix printing. Printers are commonly used in offices, homes, and other settings where physical copies of digital content are needed. They play a crucial role in providing tangible and readable output for various purposes.

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  • 25. 

    A ___________ is a pointing device used to move a pointer on the screen and to make selections.

    • A.

      Keyboard

    • B.

      Mouse

    • C.

      Monitor

    • D.

      Processor

    Correct Answer
    B. Mouse
    Explanation
    A mouse is a pointing device that is used to move a pointer on the screen and make selections. It is a small handheld device that is moved across a flat surface, and its movement is translated into corresponding movements of the pointer on the screen. By clicking buttons on the mouse, users can select items, open files, and perform various actions on the computer. The mouse is an essential tool for navigating and interacting with graphical user interfaces.

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Godwin Iheuwa |MS (Computer Science) |
Database Administrator
Godwin Iheuwa, a Database Administrator at MTN Nigeria, holds an MS in Computer Science, specializing in Agile Methodologies and Database Administration from the University of Bedfordshire and a Bachelor's in Computer Science from the University of Port Harcourt. His proficiency in SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and SQL Server Management Studio contributes to his expertise in database management.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

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  • Sep 30, 2024
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    Expert Reviewed by
    Godwin Iheuwa
  • Sep 07, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Constanceseiden
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