UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Read Only Memory is used to store firmware such as the system BIOS that must be available whenever the computer starts. Its contents remain intact even when power is removed, making it non volatile. Because it is usually not modified during normal operation, it is considered more stable than RAM. Thus, the appropriate term is ROM.

Option A:
Option A, cache, is a small, fast memory that may be volatile and is designed for temporarily holding frequently used data, not permanent firmware.

Option B:
Option B, RAM, is volatile and loses data when power is lost, so it cannot be relied upon for essential startup routines.

Option C:
Option C is correct because ROM is the standard type of memory used for permanent, non volatile storage of firmware in computer systems.

Option D:
Option D, register, refers to very small, fast storage locations within the CPU used during computation rather than for long term firmware storage.

Statements A, B and C correctly distinguish the roles of switches, routers and modems, whereas D is false. Switches are used within LANs, routers direct traffic between networks and modems handle signal conversion. Treating these devices as identical ignores their distinct functions in network design. Therefore, the combination A, B and C only is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it recognises switches and routers but omits modems. Since modems are key in many access technologies, the answer should not ignore their role in signal conversion.

Option B:
Option B is correct because it summarises the three main devices and their functions while excluding D, which incorrectly claims they are interchangeable. It reflects typical network architectures used in educational and home settings.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it includes only routers and modems and omits switches. Switches are fundamental devices inside LANs, and leaving them out compromises the completeness of the description.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it combines A and C with D and thereby accepts D. Claiming that all three devices perform exactly the same function is technically wrong and misleads learners about basic networking concepts.

Secondary storage refers to non-volatile devices used for long-term retention of data and programs. Hard disks, solid state drives and optical discs are common examples that preserve information without continuous power. Users rely on these devices for storing operating systems, software and personal files. Thus, the devices described in the stem are secondary storage.

Option A:
Option A, volatile, would apply to RAM where data is lost when power is removed, so it does not describe permanent retention.

Option B:
Option B, primary, usually denotes main memory directly accessed by the CPU, which is typically volatile and smaller in capacity than secondary storage.

Option C:
Option C is correct because the key features mentioned—non-volatility and use for permanent data retention—are standard characteristics used to define secondary storage in ICT.

Option D:
Option D, cache, refers to a small, very fast memory that stores copies of frequently used data and is usually volatile, so it is not primarily for long-term retention.

USB provides a universal plug and play interface for many peripheral devices, simplifying connections and power delivery. The acronym stands for universal serial bus, reflecting its goal of replacing multiple legacy ports with a single serial connection standard. This terminology is used in hardware documentation and ICT textbooks. Therefore, universal serial bus correctly completes the expansion.

Option A:
Option A is correct because universal serial bus is the formal name of the USB standard defined by industry consortiums and technical specifications.

Option B:
Option B, unified storage board, narrows the focus to storage and is not a recognised industry term.

Option C:
Option C, universal system bus, sounds plausible but does not match the wording in hardware standards, which clearly state serial.

Option D:
Option D, user service bus, has no established meaning in computer hardware.

A scanner captures information from physical documents and transmits it to the computer as digital data. This process feeds information into the system rather than sending results out to the user. In classification of hardware, such devices are grouped as input devices. Hence, the blank must be filled with input.

Option A:
Option A is correct because input devices are defined as hardware components used to enter data and instructions into a computer, and a scanner clearly performs this role by digitising paper content.

Option B:
Option B, output, devices such as monitors and printers present processed information to the user and do not capture external data.

Option C:
Option C, storage, devices primarily hold data over time and are not directly involved in acquiring it from outside sources.

Option D:
Option D, processing, refers to components like the CPU that manipulate data but do not acquire it from the external environment.

Statement C is the only wrong statement because it reverses the actual function of a scanner. A scanner converts physical documents or images into digital form, not the other way round. Statements A, B and D correctly describe the roles of keyboard, monitor and speakers as input and output devices. Therefore, the correct option is the one that selects only statement C as wrong.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it lists both A and C as wrong statements. Statement A correctly identifies the keyboard as a common input device used to enter text and commands. By treating a true statement as wrong, this option does not match the factual understanding of input devices.

Option B:
Option B is correct because it isolates statement C as the only wrong statement. Statement C mischaracterises the function of a scanner, while the other three statements accurately describe standard input and output devices. Since the question asks for the wrong statement(s), choosing only C matches the requirement.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it groups A, B and C as wrong statements. Both A and B correctly refer to the keyboard and monitor and should not be considered wrong. By including true statements alongside the false one, this combination cannot be the right answer.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it marks B, C and D as wrong statements. Both B and D correctly describe the monitor and speakers as output devices. Including these accurate descriptions among the wrong statements makes this option conceptually inconsistent.

A printer takes digital documents from a computer and converts them into printed output on paper or other media. It is therefore classified as an output device because information flows from the computer to the external world. Printers can use different technologies such as inkjet, laser or dot matrix. Thus the hard-copy device described in the question is a printer.

Option A:
Option A, mouse, is used for pointing and clicking and is an input device, not one that produces printed output. It helps control the computer rather than generate hard copies.

Option B:
Option B, microphone, converts sound into electrical signals and is used to input audio, so it cannot be the device mentioned in the stem.

Option C:
Option C, scanner, captures images or text from paper into the computer and is therefore an input device, opposite in function to a printer.

Option D:
Option D is correct because producing printed text or graphics is the primary function associated with printers in ICT and office environments.

Random Access Memory loses its contents when the power is switched off, which is why users must save their work before shutting down. This characteristic of data disappearing without power is called volatility. RAM is therefore known as volatile memory.

Option A:
Option A is correct because volatile memory refers precisely to storage that requires continuous power to retain information, which is true for RAM.

Option B:
Option B, optical, refers to storage media using lasers, such as CDs or DVDs, not to the temporary main memory used during processing.

Option C:
Option C, permanent, would describe non volatile storage like ROM or hard disks, which retain data without power.

Option D:
Option D, magnetic, indicates a particular recording technology used in some storage devices and is not a descriptor of volatility.

Statements A, B and D are correct descriptions of hardware, system software and firmware, while statement C is clearly incorrect. Hardware consists of tangible components, system software covers operating systems and drivers, and firmware is stored permanently in device memory. Application software does not need to be soldered onto a motherboard; it is stored on storage media and loaded into memory for execution. Therefore, the combination that includes A, B and D but excludes C is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it includes only A and B and omits D. While A and B are true, firmware as described in D is also an important software category. Since one true statement is missing, this option does not capture the full set of correct statements.

Option B:
Option B includes B and D but leaves out A, even though A accurately defines hardware. Although system software and firmware are correctly identified, this option fails to mention that hardware refers to physical components and so is not complete.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it groups A, B and D, the three true statements, and excludes the false idea in C that software must be physically soldered. It gives a coherent picture of hardware, system software and firmware within ICT systems.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it treats all four statements as correct, thereby accepting C. Including the absurd notion that application software must be soldered onto the motherboard makes this option conceptually wrong.

The hard disk drive is a primary form of secondary storage that retains data even when the computer is powered off. It holds the operating system, applications and user files. Whether implemented with spinning platters or solid state technology, it is still referred to as a hard disk drive in common usage. Hence, the correct term for the blank is hard disk.

Option A:
Option A, random access, by itself does not specify a storage device and more often describes the way memory is accessed. It is therefore incomplete and ambiguous.

Option B:
Option B is correct because hard disk drive is the established name for the non volatile storage device described, widely used in ICT literature and everyday practice.

Option C:
Option C, optical, refers to technologies such as CDs and DVDs, which are different categories of storage media.

Option D:
Option D, cache, denotes a smaller, faster memory used to speed up access to frequently used data and does not typically store large amounts permanently.

A modem performs modulation by converting digital signals from a computer into analog form suitable for telephone lines and demodulation by reversing the process at the receiver. This allows digital data to travel over traditional voice grade communication channels. Modems were central to early internet connectivity through dial up systems. Hence, the device described is a modem.

Option A:
Option A is correct because the term modem itself comes from combining modulation and demodulation, directly reflecting the conversion functions mentioned in the stem.

Option B:
Option B, printer, produces hard copy output and does not handle signal conversion for transmission over communication lines.

Option C:
Option C, keyboard, is an input device used for entering text and commands into the computer. It has no role in modulating signals for networks.

Option D:
Option D, joystick, is a pointing and gaming device and is unrelated to communication over telephone lines.

Statement C is the only wrong statement because it reverses the speed relationship between cache memory and hard disks. Cache memory is much faster and is used to speed up access to frequently used data. Statements A, B and D correctly describe RAM as volatile, ROM as non-volatile and secondary storage as including hard disks, SSDs and optical media. Hence, the correct answer is the option that selects only C as wrong.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it groups A and C as wrong statements. Statement A is actually true, as RAM is volatile primary memory storing currently active data and programs. Including a true statement as wrong makes this option conceptually flawed.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it treats B and C as wrong statements. While statement C is wrong, statement B correctly describes ROM as non-volatile memory. Combining a true statement with a false one in the wrong set does not satisfy the question.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it labels A, B and C as wrong. Both A and B correctly describe properties of RAM and ROM, and only C is incorrect. Since this option misclassifies true statements, it cannot be accepted.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it isolates statement C as the only wrong statement. It recognises that cache is actually faster than hard disks and therefore corrects the misleading comparison in the statement. By acknowledging A, B and D as correct, this option matches the logic of the question.

A monitor presents processed information visually, enabling users to see the results of their commands and programs. It does not capture data from the environment; instead, it outputs data from the computer system. In hardware classification, such devices are called output devices. Therefore, the appropriate term for the blank is output.

Option A:
Option A, input, describes devices that feed data into the computer rather than showing results to the user, so it does not match the function of a monitor.

Option B:
Option B is correct because a monitor's primary role is to output information, and ICT textbooks consistently list it under output devices.

Option C:
Option C, storage, suggests long term retention of data, which is not the function of a screen.

Option D:
Option D, network, refers to communication components that connect computers and does not describe a display unit.

Repeaters operate at the physical layer and simply regenerate incoming electrical or optical signals before passing them on. This counters attenuation, allowing data to travel longer distances without becoming unreadable. They do not make decisions based on addresses or protocols. Therefore, the device mentioned in the stem is a repeater.

Option A:
Option A, switch, works at the data link layer and forwards frames intelligently based on MAC addresses rather than simply boosting signals.

Option B:
Option B, bridge, also operates at the data link layer and segments networks, making decisions about whether to forward traffic across segments.

Option C:
Option C, router, functions at the network layer and determines paths using IP addresses, which is far more complex than basic signal regeneration.

Option D:
Option D is correct because repeaters are specifically defined as devices that amplify and reshape signals, extending the physical reach of a network without interpreting the data.