CSIT 101 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING
FINAL EXAM - 2026/2027
75 Questions | Study Set with Verified Solutions | 100% Correct | Graded A+
Testing Time: 90-120 Minutes | Passing Score: 70-75% (Institutional Policy)
SECTION I: COMPUTER HARDWARE FUNDAMENTALS
Questions 1-10 | CPU, RAM, Storage, I/O Devices, Motherboard
1. Which component of a computer is considered the "brain" that performs arithmetic,
logical, and control operations?
A. Random Access Memory (RAM)
B. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
C. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
D. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Rationale: The CPU is the primary component responsible for executing instructions and performing
calculations. It contains the ALU for computations and the CU for instruction coordination. RAM provides
temporary storage, HDD provides persistent storage, and the PSU supplies power.
2. Which type of memory is volatile and loses all stored data when the computer is powered
off?
A. Read-Only Memory (ROM)
B. Solid State Drive (SSD)
C. Random Access Memory (RAM)
D. USB flash drive
Rationale: RAM is volatile memory used for temporary data storage. When power is removed, all data is
erased. ROM is non-volatile and retains data permanently. SSDs and USB drives are non-volatile storage
devices.
3. What is the primary function of the motherboard in a computer system?
A. To process mathematical calculations at high speed
B. To provide communication pathways connecting CPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals
C. To generate and display visual output to a monitor
D. To convert AC to DC power
Rationale: The motherboard is the central PCB that houses the CPU socket, RAM slots, expansion slots
(PCIe), and chipset, enabling all components to communicate. Calculations are handled by the CPU, display
by the GPU, and power by the PSU.
4. Which storage technology uses NAND flash memory and has no moving mechanical parts?
A. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
B. Optical disc (DVD)
CSIT 101 Final Exam 2026/2027 | Page 1
, C. Solid State Drive (SSD)
D. Magnetic tape drive
Rationale: SSDs use NAND flash memory with no moving parts, providing faster read/write speeds,
lower latency, and greater durability than HDDs which rely on spinning magnetic platters.
5. What does the term "form factor" refer to in computer hardware?
A. The speed at which a processor executes instructions
B. The physical size, shape, and layout specification of a component
C. The amount of RAM installed on a motherboard
D. The resolution of the computer display output
Rationale: Form factor defines physical dimensions, layout, and interface specifications. Common
motherboard form factors include ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. Storage form factors include 2.5-inch,
3.5-inch, and M.2.
6. Which component converts digital signals from the computer into visual output for a
monitor?
A. Network interface card (NIC)
B. Sound card
C. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) / Video card
D. Modem
Rationale: The GPU renders images and converts digital data into visual output. Modern GPUs contain
dedicated VRAM and parallel processing cores for graphics, gaming, and AI/ML computations.
7. How many bits are in a single byte?
A. 4
B. 8
C. 16
D. 32
Rationale: A byte consists of 8 bits. Each bit is 0 or 1. One byte can represent 256 (2^8) distinct values,
the foundation for character encoding like ASCII (128 characters) and extended ASCII (256 characters).
8. Which of the following is an input device?
A. Monitor
B. Speaker
C. Keyboard
D. Printer
Rationale: A keyboard is an input device that allows users to enter data and commands. Monitors and
speakers are output devices. Printers are output devices that produce physical copies of digital documents.
CSIT 101 Final Exam 2026/2027 | Page 2
, 9. What is the purpose of a heat sink in a computer system?
A. To increase the CPU clock speed
B. To provide backup power during outages
C. To dissipate thermal energy generated by components
D. To store temporary files for faster access
Rationale: A heat sink (often paired with a fan) draws thermal energy away from the CPU or GPU
through conduction and dissipates it, preventing thermal throttling and hardware damage.
10. Which interface is commonly used to connect peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and
external storage?
A. Parallel port
B. VGA port
C. Universal Serial Bus (USB)
D. PS/2 port
Rationale: USB is the most widely used peripheral interface. USB 3.2 and USB4 offer rates up to 80 Gbps.
USB supports hot-swapping and provides power to connected devices.
SECTION II: SOFTWARE CONCEPTS AND OPERATING SYSTEMS
Questions 11-20 | System vs. Application Software, OS Functions, File Management
11. Which type of software is designed to manage computer hardware resources and provide a
platform for applications?
A. Application software
B. System software / Operating system
C. Utility software
D. Programming language
Rationale: An OS is system software that manages CPU scheduling, memory allocation, file systems,
device drivers, and security. Examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux.
12. What is the difference between system software and application software?
A. System software is free; application software must be purchased
B. System software manages hardware; application software performs user-specific
tasks
C. System software runs in the cloud; application software runs locally
D. There is no difference
Rationale: System software (OS, drivers, utilities) manages hardware at the lowest level. Application
software (word processors, browsers) performs specific tasks and runs on top of the OS.
13. Which file system is most commonly used on Windows operating systems?
A. ext4
B. APFS
CSIT 101 Final Exam 2026/2027 | Page 3
FINAL EXAM - 2026/2027
75 Questions | Study Set with Verified Solutions | 100% Correct | Graded A+
Testing Time: 90-120 Minutes | Passing Score: 70-75% (Institutional Policy)
SECTION I: COMPUTER HARDWARE FUNDAMENTALS
Questions 1-10 | CPU, RAM, Storage, I/O Devices, Motherboard
1. Which component of a computer is considered the "brain" that performs arithmetic,
logical, and control operations?
A. Random Access Memory (RAM)
B. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
C. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
D. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Rationale: The CPU is the primary component responsible for executing instructions and performing
calculations. It contains the ALU for computations and the CU for instruction coordination. RAM provides
temporary storage, HDD provides persistent storage, and the PSU supplies power.
2. Which type of memory is volatile and loses all stored data when the computer is powered
off?
A. Read-Only Memory (ROM)
B. Solid State Drive (SSD)
C. Random Access Memory (RAM)
D. USB flash drive
Rationale: RAM is volatile memory used for temporary data storage. When power is removed, all data is
erased. ROM is non-volatile and retains data permanently. SSDs and USB drives are non-volatile storage
devices.
3. What is the primary function of the motherboard in a computer system?
A. To process mathematical calculations at high speed
B. To provide communication pathways connecting CPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals
C. To generate and display visual output to a monitor
D. To convert AC to DC power
Rationale: The motherboard is the central PCB that houses the CPU socket, RAM slots, expansion slots
(PCIe), and chipset, enabling all components to communicate. Calculations are handled by the CPU, display
by the GPU, and power by the PSU.
4. Which storage technology uses NAND flash memory and has no moving mechanical parts?
A. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
B. Optical disc (DVD)
CSIT 101 Final Exam 2026/2027 | Page 1
, C. Solid State Drive (SSD)
D. Magnetic tape drive
Rationale: SSDs use NAND flash memory with no moving parts, providing faster read/write speeds,
lower latency, and greater durability than HDDs which rely on spinning magnetic platters.
5. What does the term "form factor" refer to in computer hardware?
A. The speed at which a processor executes instructions
B. The physical size, shape, and layout specification of a component
C. The amount of RAM installed on a motherboard
D. The resolution of the computer display output
Rationale: Form factor defines physical dimensions, layout, and interface specifications. Common
motherboard form factors include ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. Storage form factors include 2.5-inch,
3.5-inch, and M.2.
6. Which component converts digital signals from the computer into visual output for a
monitor?
A. Network interface card (NIC)
B. Sound card
C. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) / Video card
D. Modem
Rationale: The GPU renders images and converts digital data into visual output. Modern GPUs contain
dedicated VRAM and parallel processing cores for graphics, gaming, and AI/ML computations.
7. How many bits are in a single byte?
A. 4
B. 8
C. 16
D. 32
Rationale: A byte consists of 8 bits. Each bit is 0 or 1. One byte can represent 256 (2^8) distinct values,
the foundation for character encoding like ASCII (128 characters) and extended ASCII (256 characters).
8. Which of the following is an input device?
A. Monitor
B. Speaker
C. Keyboard
D. Printer
Rationale: A keyboard is an input device that allows users to enter data and commands. Monitors and
speakers are output devices. Printers are output devices that produce physical copies of digital documents.
CSIT 101 Final Exam 2026/2027 | Page 2
, 9. What is the purpose of a heat sink in a computer system?
A. To increase the CPU clock speed
B. To provide backup power during outages
C. To dissipate thermal energy generated by components
D. To store temporary files for faster access
Rationale: A heat sink (often paired with a fan) draws thermal energy away from the CPU or GPU
through conduction and dissipates it, preventing thermal throttling and hardware damage.
10. Which interface is commonly used to connect peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and
external storage?
A. Parallel port
B. VGA port
C. Universal Serial Bus (USB)
D. PS/2 port
Rationale: USB is the most widely used peripheral interface. USB 3.2 and USB4 offer rates up to 80 Gbps.
USB supports hot-swapping and provides power to connected devices.
SECTION II: SOFTWARE CONCEPTS AND OPERATING SYSTEMS
Questions 11-20 | System vs. Application Software, OS Functions, File Management
11. Which type of software is designed to manage computer hardware resources and provide a
platform for applications?
A. Application software
B. System software / Operating system
C. Utility software
D. Programming language
Rationale: An OS is system software that manages CPU scheduling, memory allocation, file systems,
device drivers, and security. Examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux.
12. What is the difference between system software and application software?
A. System software is free; application software must be purchased
B. System software manages hardware; application software performs user-specific
tasks
C. System software runs in the cloud; application software runs locally
D. There is no difference
Rationale: System software (OS, drivers, utilities) manages hardware at the lowest level. Application
software (word processors, browsers) performs specific tasks and runs on top of the OS.
13. Which file system is most commonly used on Windows operating systems?
A. ext4
B. APFS
CSIT 101 Final Exam 2026/2027 | Page 3
