Basic Computer Interview Questions

Here are basic computer interview questions for fresher as well as experienced candidates to get your dream job.

1. What is the computer system?

A computer system is a combination of memory, CPU, peripheral devices that are connected to it, and OS (Operating System).

2. What is the internet?

The internet is a global network of a computer that offers a wide range of information and communication facility. It involves interconnected networks, using a communication protocol.

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3. What is the World Wide Web (WWW)?

WWW or World Wide Web is a method of accessing information using internet media.

4. What is Network?

Collection on devices connected with each other through some media (wide/ wireless) for data communication purposes is called a Network.

5. What is the operating system?

An Operating system (OS) is software that acts as an interface between the end-user and computer hardware. Every computer must have at least one OS to run other programs.

6. List out components of a computer system

The components of a computer system are:

• CPU (Central Processing Unit) including control unit and arithmetic logic unit
• Memory like primary and secondary
• Input and output devices like keyboard mouse, printer scanner, etc.

7. What is a microprocessor?

A microprocessor is an integrated circuit having all the functionality of a central processing unit of a PC.

8. List out some computer processors

Computer processors are 1) Intel Core i9, 2) Intel Core i5, 3) Intel Core i7, 4) AMD Ryzen 7, and 5) AMD Ryzen 5.

9. What is Linux?

Linux is a family of free and open-source software operating systems built around the Linux kernel. Linux is a free open-source operating system (OS) based on UNIX that was created in 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Users can modify and create variations of the source code, known as distributions, for computers and other devices. The most common use is as a server, but Linux is also used in desktop computers, smartphones, e-book readers and gaming consoles, etc.
Linux has many features like- Open source(you can do whatever you want in Linux but if you need help from Linux then you must pay that means code is open.) Linux has great security, free distribution services, free software, and less maintenance.

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10. What is Networking?

Networking can define as the communication between two or multiple devices. The main aim of networking is to connect one device to other and share resources between devices. In simple language, the work of networking is to connect multiple devices.

11. What is an IP address?

An IP address is a unique address that computing devices use to identify themselves and communicate with other devices in the network. IP address stands for Internet protocol IP address is basically a number separated by full stops that identify each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.

12. What is a Private IP address?

The IP address which is used to communicate in a private network (Intranet) is called a Private IP address.

13. What is a Public IP address?

The IP address that is assigned by an ISP and is used to communicate in a public network (Internet) is called Public IP address.

14. What is “PING”?

The PING (Packet Internet Groper) command is the simplest tool and is used to test connectivity. It sends ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) echo packets to a host and listens for an echo reply in order to verify connection status.

15. What is VPN?

• VPN stands for ‘Virtual Private Network’.
• Virtual Private Network helps to establish a secure dial-up connection to a remote server.
• This is a connection method for adding security and privacy to public and private networks, such as wi-fi hotspots and the internet.

16. What is Cache Memory?

• Cache Memory is a very high-speed memory.
• It is the memory area between RAM and Processor.
• Cache Memory has stored the resources which are frequently used by the processor.
• If cache memory increases the speed of the system will also improve.

17. What is SubnetMask?

An IP address has two components the network and the host address. A subnet mask separates the IP address into the network and host address. It is called a subnet mask because it is used to identify the network address of an IP address by performing a bitwise AND operation on the netmask.

18. List out some popular operating system

Some popular operating systems are Microsoft Windows, OSX, and Linux.

19. Explain the meaning of the file.

A file is a named location that stores information or data permanently. It is always stored in the storage device using a file name with primary and secondary names, which is separated by a “.”(DOT).

20. What is a programming language?

A programming language is a collection of grammar rules for giving instructions to computers or computing devices in order to perform an achieved task.

21. Explain the framework

The framework is a platform for making software applications. It provides the basis on which developers can build programs for a specific platform. For example, a framework may include predetermined classes as well as functions. It can be used to process inputs, manage hardware, and interact with system software.

22. What is artificial intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence or machine intelligence is a common term that is used to build smart machines capable of performing tasks. The main aim of AI is to solve problems in a way that are better and faster.

23. What is machine learning?

Machine Learning is a system that can learn from an excellent example through self-improvement and without being explicitly coded by a programmer.

24. What is deep learning?

Deep learning is computer software that mimics the network of neurons in a brain. It is a subset of machine learning and is called deep learning because it makes use of deep neural networks.

25. Explain primary memory/ What is RAM?

Primary memory, RAM is the main memory of a computer that can be directly accessed by the Central Processing Unit (CPU). It stores temporary information until the process finishes its execution.

26. Explain primary memory/ What is ROM?

ROM is an acronym for Read-Only Memory. It refers to computer memory chips containing permanent or semi-permanent data. Unlike RAM, ROM is non-volatile; even after you turn off your computer, the contents of ROM will remain. Almost every computer comes with a small amount of ROM containing the boot firmware.

27. Difference between RAM and ROM

Difference	RAM	ROM
Data retention	RAM is a volatile memory that could store the data as long as the power is supplied.	ROM is a non-volatile memory that could retain the data even when power is turned off.
Working type	Data stored in RAM can be retrieved and altered.	Data stored in ROM can only be read.
Use	Used to store the data that has to be currently processed by CPU temporarily.	It stores the instructions required during the bootstrap of the computer.
Speed	It is a high-speed memory.	It is much slower than the RAM.
CPU Interaction	The CPU can access the data stored on it.	The CPU can not access the data stored on it unless the data is stored in RAM.
Size and Capacity	Large size with higher capacity.	Small size with less capacity.
Used as/in	CPU Cache, Primary memory.	Firmware, Micro-controllers
Accessibility	The data stored is easily accessible	The data stored is not as easily accessible as in RAM
Cost	Costlier	cheaper than RAM.

28. What is an Algorithm?

An algorithm is a rule or step-by-step process that must be followed in order to solve a particular problem.

29. What is cryptography?

Cryptography is the study of techniques that hide the real meaning of information. It transforms this information into a format that cannot be read by humans and vice versa.

30. What is network latency?

Network latency refers to the performance of one device when it communicates with another. Network latency is affected by bandwidth speeds, network card performance, cabling, and congestion. High latency can also mean users won’t be able to properly communicate with applications, which will “time out” if latency is too high.