Intelligence Officer Computer Notes and Practice MCQs
Status of this page: these notes and questions were written by MOCC for practice. They are not official PPSC material and not past-paper questions. PPSC's Advertisement No. 11/2026 names Basic Computer Studies as an area of the written test (about 20%) but does not publish a topic list, so the coverage below is a sensible set of computer-literacy fundamentals, not an official syllabus. For the official advertisement, eligibility, dates and how to apply, use the Intelligence Officer BS-14 guide. The application window for that advertisement closed on 26 October 2026, so this page is now general practice material for similar General Ability and computer-literacy tests, not a live vacancy notice.
Basic Computer Studies is the smallest part of the Intelligence Officer test, but it is also the part many candidates leave until the last week. Because the questions are typically short, direct MCQs, a few focused hours can earn marks that are hard to find elsewhere. Use the notes below, then test yourself with the 30 practice questions.
Computer notes: nine quick topics
1. Basics and generations
A computer takes input, processes it, stores it and gives output. The five generations are marked by their main technology: first (vacuum tubes), second (transistors), third (integrated circuits), fourth (microprocessors) and fifth (artificial intelligence and parallel processing). ENIAC (1946) is often cited as an early general-purpose electronic computer. Charles Babbage is called the father of the computer and Ada Lovelace is regarded as the first programmer.
2. Hardware
Input devices send data in (keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone). Output devices present results (monitor, printer, speakers). The CPU contains the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), the control unit (CU) and registers. Speed is measured in hertz (for example GHz). A touchscreen works as both input and output.
3. Memory and storage
Primary memory is fast and directly used by the CPU: registers, cache and RAM. RAM is volatile, which means it loses data when power is off. ROM is non-volatile and holds start-up instructions. Secondary storage keeps data permanently: hard disk drives (HDD), solid-state drives (SSD), USB flash drives, memory cards and optical discs.
4. Data units and number systems
1 byte = 8 bits. In traditional computing, 1 KB = 1,024 bytes, 1 MB = 1,024 KB and 1 GB = 1,024 MB. Binary is base 2 (0 and 1), octal is base 8, decimal is base 10 and hexadecimal is base 16 (0 to 9 and A to F). Example: decimal 5 is binary 101, and decimal 10 is binary 1010.
5. Software and languages
System software runs the machine (operating systems such as Windows, Linux, macOS and Android; utilities; device drivers). Application software helps users do tasks (Word, Excel, browsers, media players). Machine language is binary; assembly language uses short codes; high-level languages are closer to English. A compiler translates a whole program at once; an interpreter translates and runs it line by line.
6. Office basics and shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+C / Ctrl+X / Ctrl+V | Copy / cut / paste |
| Ctrl+Z / Ctrl+Y | Undo / redo |
| Ctrl+S / Ctrl+P | Save / print |
| Ctrl+A / Ctrl+F | Select all / find |
| Ctrl+B / Ctrl+I / Ctrl+U | Bold / italic / underline |
| Alt+Tab | Switch between open windows |
Word documents use .docx, Excel workbooks .xlsx and PowerPoint files .pptx. In Excel every formula starts with = (for example =SUM(A1:A5)); common functions are SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN and COUNT.
7. Internet and email
The internet is a global network of networks; the World Wide Web is the collection of web pages on it, created by Tim Berners-Lee. A URL is a web address, DNS turns domain names into IP addresses, an ISP provides internet access, and HTTPS is the secure form of HTTP. In email, To is the main recipient, Cc is a visible copy and Bcc is a hidden copy.
8. Networks
A LAN covers a room, building or campus, a MAN covers a city and a WAN covers large areas (the internet is the largest WAN). A modem connects you to your ISP, a router directs data between networks, and a switch connects devices inside a LAN. Wi-Fi is wireless networking.
9. Cyber-security basics
Malware includes viruses, worms (which spread on their own), trojans (which pretend to be useful), spyware and ransomware. Phishing tricks people into giving away passwords or bank details. Protection: a firewall, updated antivirus, software updates, strong unique passwords, two-factor authentication, regular backups, and never sharing an OTP or clicking unknown links.
Abbreviations to know
| Short form | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU / ALU / CU | Central processing unit / arithmetic logic unit / control unit |
| RAM / ROM | Random access memory / read-only memory |
| HDD / SSD | Hard disk drive / solid-state drive |
| USB | Universal serial bus |
| OS / GUI | Operating system / graphical user interface |
| BIOS | Basic input/output system |
| URL / HTML | Uniform resource locator / hypertext markup language |
| HTTP / HTTPS | Hypertext transfer protocol / secure version of HTTP |
| DNS / ISP / IP | Domain name system / internet service provider / internet protocol |
| LAN / MAN / WAN | Local / metropolitan / wide area network |
| Portable document format | |
| VPN | Virtual private network |
30 practice MCQs with answers
Tap a question to reveal the answer and a short explanation. Try each one yourself first.
1. Which part is called the 'brain' of the computer?
A) Monitor B) CPU C) Keyboard D) Printer
Answer: B. The CPU (central processing unit) carries out instructions and controls the other parts.
2. Which memory loses its contents when the power is switched off?
A) ROM B) Hard disk C) RAM D) Flash drive
Answer: C. RAM is volatile main memory; ROM, disks and flash drives keep data without power.
3. What is the smallest unit of data in a computer?
A) Byte B) Bit C) Nibble D) Kilobyte
Answer: B. A bit is a single binary digit, 0 or 1.
4. How many bits make one byte?
A) 4 B) 6 C) 8 D) 16
Answer: C. One byte is 8 bits.
5. Which of these is an output device?
A) Scanner B) Microphone C) Mouse D) Printer
Answer: D. A printer produces output. The others send data into the computer.
6. What is the binary form of the decimal number 5?
A) 011 B) 101 C) 110 D) 111
Answer: B. 5 = 4 + 1, so the binary number is 101.
7. What is the default file extension of a modern Microsoft Word document?
A) .docx B) .xlsx C) .pptx D) .pdf
Answer: A. Word saves .docx; Excel uses .xlsx and PowerPoint uses .pptx.
8. Which shortcut copies selected text?
A) Ctrl+V B) Ctrl+X C) Ctrl+C D) Ctrl+Z
Answer: C. Ctrl+C copies, Ctrl+V pastes, Ctrl+X cuts and Ctrl+Z undoes.
9. Which shortcut undoes the last action?
A) Ctrl+Y B) Ctrl+Z C) Ctrl+S D) Ctrl+P
Answer: B. Ctrl+Z undoes; Ctrl+Y redoes.
10. Which of these is an operating system?
A) Linux B) Google Chrome C) Microsoft Excel D) Adobe Reader
Answer: A. Linux is an operating system. The others are application programs.
11. Who is commonly called the 'father of the computer'?
A) Charles Babbage B) Bill Gates C) Tim Berners-Lee D) Alan Turing
Answer: A. Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine in the 1800s.
12. First-generation computers used which main technology?
A) Transistors B) Vacuum tubes C) Integrated circuits D) Microprocessors
Answer: B. First generation: vacuum tubes. Second: transistors. Third: integrated circuits. Fourth: microprocessors.
13. Third-generation computers were built mainly with which technology?
A) Integrated circuits B) Vacuum tubes C) Relays D) Optical fibre
Answer: A. Integrated circuits (ICs) defined the third generation.
14. Which of these is a secondary (permanent) storage device?
A) Cache B) Register C) RAM D) Hard disk drive
Answer: D. Hard disks and SSDs keep data permanently. Cache, registers and RAM are fast, temporary memory.
15. What is the full form of URL?
A) Universal Resource Link B) Uniform Resource Locator C) Unified Reference Locator D) Uniform Routing Link
Answer: B. A URL is the address of a web resource.
16. Which protocol is used for secure web browsing?
A) HTTP B) FTP C) HTTPS D) SMTP
Answer: C. HTTPS encrypts traffic between browser and website.
17. A network that covers a single room, building or campus is called a:
A) WAN B) LAN C) MAN D) VPN
Answer: B. LAN means local area network.
18. Which device forwards data between different networks?
A) Router B) Monitor C) Scanner D) Speaker
Answer: A. A router directs packets between networks, for example your home network and the internet.
19. In an email, recipients added in 'Bcc' are:
A) Visible to everyone B) Hidden from the other recipients C) Unable to read the mail D) Only able to reply
Answer: B. Bcc means blind carbon copy: other recipients cannot see those addresses.
20. A fake message that tricks you into revealing a password or bank details is called:
A) Phishing B) Defragmentation C) Formatting D) Booting
Answer: A. Phishing uses deceptive emails, messages or sites to steal information.
21. Which malware spreads by itself across a network without needing a host file?
A) Worm B) Firewall C) Cookie D) Compiler
Answer: A. A worm replicates over networks on its own.
22. Which security tool filters incoming and outgoing network traffic?
A) Firewall B) Spreadsheet C) Scanner D) Browser
Answer: A. A firewall allows or blocks traffic according to security rules.
23. An Excel formula must begin with which symbol?
A) # B) @ C) = D) $
Answer: C. Formulas start with an equals sign, for example =SUM(A1:A5).
24. Which Excel function adds a range of numbers?
A) COUNT B) AVERAGE C) SUM D) MAX
Answer: C. SUM adds the values in the range.
25. Which of these is the fastest memory in a computer?
A) Hard disk B) Cache C) DVD D) Pen drive
Answer: B. Cache sits closest to the CPU and is much faster than RAM or storage.
26. Which translator converts a whole program into machine code before it runs?
A) Compiler B) Interpreter C) Browser D) Router
Answer: A. A compiler translates the whole program; an interpreter works line by line.
27. How many bytes are in 1 kilobyte (traditional computing value)?
A) 100 B) 512 C) 1,000 D) 1,024
Answer: D. In traditional computing 1 KB = 1,024 bytes.
28. The hexadecimal number system has a base of:
A) 2 B) 8 C) 10 D) 16
Answer: D. Hexadecimal uses 16 symbols: 0 to 9 and A to F.
29. Who created the Linux kernel?
A) Dennis Ritchie B) Linus Torvalds C) Steve Jobs D) Mark Zuckerberg
Answer: B. Linus Torvalds released the first Linux kernel in 1991.
30. Which of these is a strong practice for account security?
A) Using the same password everywhere B) Sharing your OTP C) Turning on two-factor authentication D) Clicking every link
Answer: C. Two-factor authentication adds a second check on top of your password.
A seven-day revision plan
This is MOCC guidance, not an official requirement. Spend about 40 minutes a day: Day 1 hardware and memory; Day 2 data units and number systems; Day 3 software, operating systems and languages; Day 4 Office shortcuts and Excel basics; Day 5 internet, email and networks; Day 6 cyber-security and abbreviations; Day 7 redo all 30 questions without notes and revisit every miss. Then repeat the cycle weekly alongside your General Ability subjects.
Where to practise next
Computer studies is only part of the paper. For the official details, eligibility and syllabus table, return to the Intelligence Officer BS-14 guide. For more practice, use the MCQ Centre, the Test Series, the free One Paper notes and the Digital Library, or see the wider PPSC preparation page. For the General Ability side of the paper, the Current Affairs Centre and the guide to practising MCQs for General Knowledge and Everyday Science are good next steps.