Computer Hardware MCQ Questions & Answers | Computer Science

During boot-up, the first computer instructions are typically fetched from the ROM BIOS (Read-Only Memory Basic Input/Output System).
ROM BIOS contains firmware that initializes hardware components and performs the initial loading of the operating system.
It is a crucial component of the boot process, responsible for tasks such as POST (Power-On Self Test), hardware initialization, and loading the bootloader.
The BIOS resides on a ROM chip on the motherboard and is essential for the computer to start up properly.
Therefore, the first set of instructions during boot-up comes from the ROM BIOS.

A fixed disk error can occur due to Incorrect CMOS settings.
The CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) settings store vital system configuration information, including hard drive parameters.
If the CMOS settings related to the fixed disk (hard drive) are incorrect or corrupted, the system may encounter difficulties accessing or recognizing the hard drive, leading to a fixed disk error.
This error can manifest during the boot process or when attempting to access files stored on the hard drive.
Issues such as a no-CD installed, bad RAM, or a slow processor are not directly related to fixed disk errors.
Therefore, the correct option is Incorrect CMOS settings.

Missing slot covers on a computer can cause an incomplete path for ESD (Electrostatic Discharge).
Slot covers are designed to shield internal components from ESD, which can damage sensitive electronic circuits.
When slot covers are missing, there is a gap in the enclosure, allowing for easier access of static electricity to sensitive components such as expansion cards.
This increases the risk of ESD damage to the components, which can lead to malfunctions or permanent hardware failure.
Issues such as overheating, power surges, or electromagnetic interference (EMI) are not directly caused by missing slot covers.
Therefore, the correct option is an incomplete path for ESD.

When installing PCI NICs (Network Interface Cards), you can check the IRQ (Interrupt Request) availability by looking at the jumper settings.
IRQs are essential resources that devices use to communicate with the CPU. Each device requires a unique IRQ to function properly without conflicts.
Jumper settings on the NIC allow you to configure the IRQ assigned to the card. By adjusting these jumpers, you can ensure that the NIC doesn't conflict with other devices already using IRQs in the system.
Dip switches and CONFIG.SYS are not typically used for configuring IRQs for PCI NICs.
The motherboard BIOS can provide information about IRQ assignments but usually doesn't allow direct configuration of individual device IRQs.
Therefore, the correct option is jumper settings.

With respect to a network interface card, the term 10/100 refers to megabits per second.
This term specifies the maximum data transfer rate supported by the network interface card.
In this context, "10/100" indicates that the NIC supports both 10 Mbps (megabits per second) and 100 Mbps Ethernet speeds.
It's a common feature in network interface cards to support multiple data transfer rates to accommodate various network environments.
The term does not refer to a specific protocol speed, fiber speed, or server speed.
Therefore, the correct option is megabits per second.

The BABY AT motherboard form factor uses one 20-pin connector.
This connector is typically used for supplying power from the power supply unit to the motherboard.
ATX motherboards, in contrast, usually use a 24-pin connector for power.
The AT form factor is an older standard and uses a different connector configuration.
Therefore, the correct option is BABY AT.

A hard disk is divided into tracks, which are further subdivided into sectors.
Sectors are the smallest unit of storage on a hard disk and typically contain 512 bytes or 4 kilobytes of data.
When data is written to or read from a hard disk, it is done at the sector level.
Clusters are groups of sectors, used by the file system to manage and allocate disk space, but they are not the fundamental subdivision of tracks.
Vectors and heads are not subdivisions used within the structure of a hard disk.
Therefore, the correct option is sectors.

A wrist grounding strap contains a resistor.
The purpose of a wrist grounding strap is to prevent the buildup of static electricity on the body and discharge it safely to ground.
The resistor in the grounding strap ensures that the discharge is gradual, preventing sudden surges of static electricity that could damage electronic components.
Surge protectors, capacitors, and voltmeters are not typically components of a wrist grounding strap.
Therefore, the correct option is resistor.

The standard governing parallel communications is IEEE 1284.
IEEE 1284 specifies the electrical and signaling characteristics of parallel ports, commonly used for connecting printers and other devices to computers.
RS-232 and RS-232a are standards for serial communication, not parallel communication.
CAT 5 is a standard for Ethernet cables used in networking, also not related to parallel communication.
Therefore, the correct option is IEEE 1284.

In laser printer technology, during the conditioning stage, a uniform negative charge is placed on the photosensitive drum.
The photosensitive drum is a key component in laser printing, where the image to be printed is formed.
During the conditioning stage, the drum is uniformly charged to prepare it for the subsequent steps of the printing process.
The corona wire is typically responsible for charging the drum negatively.
A uniform positive charge is not placed on the paper or the toner during the conditioning stage.
Therefore, the correct option is a uniform negative charge is placed on the photosensitive drum.