Mastering Parajumbles: Tips, Tricks, and Examples for Competitive Exams

Microsoft Windows is one of the most commonly asked topics in Computer General Awareness in various competitive exams, including SSC CGL, Banking exams, and other government recruitment tests.

In this post, we will explore important concepts about Microsoft Windows that have frequently appeared in past exam papers.

Key Points to remember about Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows is a series of graphical operating systems developed by Microsoft. It was first introduced in 1985 as a graphical user interface (GUI) for MS-DOS, an earlier operating system by Microsoft. Today, Windows is one of the most widely used operating systems in the world, powering personal computers, laptops, and even smartphones.

Important Versions of Microsoft Windows

Over the years, Microsoft has released several versions of Windows, each offering new features and improvements. Below is a table summarizing some key versions of Windows, which frequently appear in competitive exams.

Version	Release Year	Key Features
Windows 95	1995	Introduced the Start Menu and taskbar, key elements of the Windows interface today.
Windows XP	2001	Known for stability and user-friendliness, it became one of the most popular versions of Windows.
Windows 7	2009	Improved performance and security over Windows XP. A favorite among both users and businesses.
Windows 8	2012	Focused on touch-based interfaces, introducing the Start Screen and tile-based apps.
Windows 10	2015	Integrated Cortana, Windows Hello, and Microsoft Edge. Combined features from earlier versions.
Windows 11	2021	Modernized design with a centered taskbar, improved multitasking, and better compatibility with hybrid work environments.

Common Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows

Mastering keyboard shortcuts can save time and improve productivity, it's also asked freqently. Here are some essential Windows shortcuts, presented in a table for easy reference:

Shortcut	Action
Ctrl + C	Copy
Ctrl + V	Paste
Ctrl + X	Cut
Ctrl + Z	Undo
Ctrl + Shift + Esc	Open Task Manager
Alt + Tab	Switch between open applications
Windows + D	Minimize all windows and show the desktop
Windows + E	Open File Explorer
Windows + L	Lock the computer
Ctrl + Alt + Del	Open the Security Options menu

Microsoft Windows MCQs for SSC CGL & Banking Exams

Now, test your knowledge by answering the MCQs below!

Practice Show All Answers

Q1: The __________ of software contains lists of commands and option.

A. Menu bar

B. Tool bar

C. Title bar

D. Formula bar

E. None of these

The menu bar is a horizontal bar located at the top of the window that displays a list of commands and options. It provides access to various functions and features of the software.

Q2: A small arrow or blinking symbol on the desktop is called a _______

A. Mouse

B. Logo

C. Hand

D. Cursor

E. Palm

The cursor is a small arrow or blinking symbol that indicates the position of the mouse pointer on the screen. It helps you select objects, move around the screen, and interact with different elements of the software.

Q3: If text was highlighted and 'Edit' 'Copy' was clicked, what would happen?

A. Text would be copied from the document and placed in the clipboard

B. Text would be removed from the document and placed in the clipboard

C. Text from the clipboard would be placed in the document at the place where the cursor is blinking

D. Only b and c

E. None of these

If text was highlighted and 'Edit' 'Copy' was clicked, the text would be copied from the document and placed in the clipboard, allowing it to be pasted elsewhere without removing it from the original document.

Q4: Which button is Help Menu available?

A. End

B. Start

C. Turn off

D. Restart

E. None of these

The Help Menu is available under the Start button, which provides access to various system settings, programs, and help resources on a Windows operating system.

Q5: You can keep your personal files/folders in

A. My folder

B. My documents

C. My files

D. My text

E. None of these

You can keep your personal files and folders in the "My Documents" folder, which is a designated location on a Windows operating system for storing user-created documents and files.

Q6: Data that is copied from an application is stored in the

A. Driver

B. Terminal

C. Prompt

D. Clipboard

E. None of these

Data that is copied from an application is stored in the clipboard, a temporary storage area that holds copied data until it is pasted elsewhere.

Q7: All the deleted files go to ________.

A. Recycle Bin

B. Task bar

C. Tool bar

D. My computer

E. None of these

All the deleted files go to the Recycle Bin, a temporary storage area for deleted files that allows users to restore them if needed before they are permanently removed from the system.

Q8: A rectangular area of the screen that displays a program, data and/or information is a ________.

A. Title bar

B. Button

C. Dialog box

D. Window

E. None of these

A rectangular area of the screen that displays a program, data, and/or information is called a window, which provides a graphical user interface for interacting with applications and content.

Q9: A ________ contains commands that can be selected.

A. Pointer

B. Menu

C. Icon

D. Button

E. None of these

A menu contains commands that can be selected, providing a list of options and actions that users can choose from to perform various tasks within an application or operating system.

Q10: Generally, you access the recycle bin through an icon located ________.

A. On the desktop

B. On the hard drive

C. On the short cut menu

D. In the properties dialog box

E. None of these

Generally, you access the Recycle Bin through an icon located on the desktop, which provides a convenient way to manage and restore deleted files.

Q11: What menu is selected to cut, copy, and paste?

A. File

B. Edit

C. Tools

D. Table

E. None of these

The Edit menu is selected to cut, copy, and paste, providing commands for manipulating text and data within an application.

Q12: What is a file?

A. A file is a section of main storage used to store data

B. A file is a collection of information that has been given a name and is stored in secondary memory

C. A file is the part of a program that is used to describe what the program should do

D. Floppy disks can only store data, not programs

E. None of these

A file is a collection of information that has been given a name and is stored in secondary memory, such as a hard drive or other storage device, for long-term storage and retrieval.

Q13: When you cut or copy information it gets place in the

A. Clipart

B. Clipboard

C. Internet

D. Mother board

E. None of these

When you cut or copy information, it gets placed in the clipboard, a temporary storage area that holds the copied data until it is pasted elsewhere.

Q14: Deleted data remains on a disk until ________.

A. The data is overwritten

B. The recycle bin is emptied

C. A file compression utility is used

D. The disk is scanned

E. None of these

Deleted data remains on a disk until it is overwritten by new data, at which point it becomes unrecoverable.

Q15: Which is a graphical representation of an application?

A. Windows 95

B. Windows Explorer

C. Icon

D. Taskbar

E. None of these

An icon is a graphical representation of an application, providing a visual symbol that users can click on to launch or interact with the application.

Q16: The side bar in a window or word processor that has an arrow on both ends and a box in the middle that you use your mouse to move the pages up or down

A. Scroll bar

B. Roll bar

C. Page bar

D. Box bar

E. None of these

The sidebar in a window or word processor that has an arrow on both ends and a box in the middle is called a scroll bar, which allows users to navigate up and down through the content of a document or window.

Q17: To shrink a window to an icon ________.

A. Open a group window

B. Minimise a window

C. Maximise a window

D. Restore a window

E. None of these

To shrink a window to an icon, you minimize the window, which reduces it to a small icon on the taskbar, allowing for easier management of open windows.

Q18: Something which has easily-understood instructions is said to be ________.

A. Analog data

B. Digital data

C. Modem data

D. Watts data

E. None of these

Something that has easily understood instructions is said to be user-friendly, meaning it is designed to be intuitive and easy to use for the average user.

Q19: The portion that shows all the choices you can make while working in a window is called the ________.

A. Options

B. Table

C. Menu bar

D. Item bar

E. None of these

The portion that shows all the choices you can make while working in a window is called the menu bar, which contains a list of menus and commands for performing various tasks within the application.

Q20: A ________ contains commands that can be selected.

A. Pointer

B. Menu

C. Icon

D. Button

E. None of these

A menu contains commands that can be selected, providing a list of options and actions that users can choose from to perform various tasks within an application or operating system.

Q21: A(n) ________ is a small image that represents a program, an instruction, a file, or some other object.

A. Keyword

B. Interface

C. Menu

D. Icon

E. None of these

An icon is a small image that represents a program, an instruction, a file, or some other object, providing a visual symbol that users can click on to launch or interact with the application.

Q22: A ________ is an icon on the desktop that provides a user with immediate access to a program or file.

A. Kernel

B. Buffer

C. Shortcut

D. Spooler

E. None of these

A shortcut is an icon on the desktop that provides a user with immediate access to a program or file, allowing for quick and convenient launching of applications or opening of files.

Q23: Date and Time are available on the desktop at ________.

A. Keyboard

B. Recycle bin

C. My computer

D. Task bar

E. None of these

Date and Time are available on the desktop at the taskbar, which displays the current date and time and provides quick access to system settings and notifications.

Q24: A symbol on the screen that represents a disk, document or program that you can select ________.

A. Keys

B. Caps

C. Icon

D. Monitor

E. None of these

An icon is a symbol on the screen that represents a disk, document, or program that you can select, providing a visual symbol that users can click on to launch or interact with the application.

Q25: To "maximize" a window means to ________.

A. Fill it to capacity

B. Expand it to fit the desktop

C. Put only like files inside

D. Drag it to the Recycle bin

E. None of these

To "maximize" a window means to expand it to fit the desktop, making it fill the entire screen and providing a larger view of the content within the window.

Q26: Easy to use ________.

A. User friendly

B. Select

C. Helpful

D. Ever-ready

E. None of these

Easy to use is often described as user-friendly, meaning it is designed to be intuitive and easy to use for the average user, with clear instructions and a straightforward interface.

Q27: Choices are referred to as ________.

A. Options

B. Exit

C. Boot

D. Folder

E. None of these

Choices are referred to as options, providing a list of selections or actions that users can choose from to perform various tasks within an application or operating system.

Q28: A place that a user can create to store files ________.

A. Cursor

B. Text

C. Folder

D. Boot

E. None of these

A folder is a place that a user can create to store files, providing a designated location for organizing and managing documents and data on a computer.

Q29: Commands at the top of a screen such as FILE-EDIT-FONT-TOOLS to operate and change things within programs ________.

A. Menu bar

B. Tool bar

C. User friendly

D. Word processor

E. None of these

Commands at the top of a screen such as FILE-EDIT-FONT-TOOLS are part of the menu bar, which provides a list of menus and commands for operating and changing things within programs.

Q30: To insert a copy of the clipboard contents, whatever was last cut or copied at the insertion point

A. Paste

B. Stick in

C. Fit in

D. Push in

E. None of these

To insert a copy of the clipboard contents, whatever was last cut or copied, you use the Paste command, which places the copied data at the insertion point in the document.

Q31: The command used to remove text or graphics from a document. The information is then stored on a clipboard so you can paste it.

A. Chop

B. Cut

C. Clip

D. Cart away

E. None of these

The command used to remove text or graphics from a document is Cut, which deletes the selected content and stores it on the clipboard so you can paste it elsewhere.

Q32: To move down a page in a document

A. Jump

B. Fly

C. Wriggle

D. Scroll

E. None of these

To move down a page in a document, you use the Scroll command, which allows you to navigate through the content of the document by moving the view up or down.

Q33: Screen that comes on when you turn on your computer that shows all the icons

A. Desktop

B. Face to face

C. Viewer

D. View space

E. None of these

The screen that comes on when you turn on your computer and shows all the icons is called the desktop, which provides a graphical user interface for interacting with applications and content.

Q34: Each ________ on a menu performs a specific action.

A. Client

B. Server

C. Node

D. Command

E. None of these

Each command on a menu performs a specific action, providing a list of options and actions that users can choose from to perform various tasks within an application or operating system.

Q35: A menu contains a list of ________.

A. Commands

B. Data

C. Objects

D. Reports

E. None of these

A menu contains a list of commands, providing a set of options and actions that users can choose from to perform various tasks within an application or operating system.

Q36: Files are organized by storing them in ________.

A. Tables

B. Databases

C. Folders

D. Graphs

E. None of these

Files are organized by storing them in folders, which provide a designated location for managing and categorizing documents and data on a computer.

Q37: ________ is when the more power-hungry components, such as the monitor and the hard drive are put in idle.

A. Hibernation

B. Power down

C. Stand by mode

D. The shutdown procedure

E. None of these

Standby mode is when the more power-hungry components, such as the monitor and the hard drive, are put in idle, allowing the computer to conserve energy while remaining in a state where it can quickly resume operation.

Q38: When you install a new program on your computer, it is typically added to the _______ menu.

A. all programs

B. select programs

C. start programs

D. desktop programs

E. None of these

When you install a new program on your computer, it is typically added to the all programs menu, which provides a list of all installed applications and can be accessed from the Start menu.

Q39: A ________ contains buttons and menus that provide quick access to commonly used commands.

A. menu bar

B. toolbar

C. window

D. action bar

E. None of these

A toolbar contains buttons and menus that provide quick access to commonly used commands, allowing users to perform frequent tasks more efficiently within an application.

Q40: Which of the following menu types is also called a dropdown menu?

A. fly-out

B. cascading

C. pop-up

D. pull-down

E. None of these

A pull-down menu, also called a dropdown menu, is a type of menu that appears below a button or menu item when clicked, providing a list of options and commands that users can select from.

Q41: Most application software today comes with an interface called a(n) ________.

A. graphical user interface

B. character user interface

C. icon user interface

D. button user interface

E. None of these

Most application software today comes with an interface called a graphical user interface (GUI), which provides a visual and interactive way for users to interact with the application using icons, windows, and menus.

Q42: ________ shows the files, folders, and drives on your computer, making it easy to navigate from one location to another within the file hierarchy.

A. Microsoft Internet Explorer

B. Windows Explorer

C. My Computer

D. Folders Manager

E. None of these

Windows Explorer shows the files, folders, and drives on your computer, making it easy to navigate from one location to another within the file hierarchy and manage your data.

Q43: ________ are lists of commands that appear on the screen.

A. GUIs

B. Icons

C. Menus

D. Windows

E. None of these

Menus are lists of commands that appear on the screen, providing a set of options and actions that users can choose from to perform various tasks within an application or operating system.

Q44: Each ________ on a menu performs a specific action.

A. client

B. server

C. node

D. command

E. None of these

Each command on a menu performs a specific action, providing a list of options and actions that users can choose from to perform various tasks within an application or operating system.

Q45: What is the shortcut key to open the Task Manager in Windows?

A. Ctrl+Alt+Delete

B. Ctrl+Shift+Esc

C. Alt+Tab

D. Windows+R

The shortcut key to open the Task Manager in Windows is Ctrl+Shift+Esc. The Task Manager allows users to monitor system performance, manage running applications, and view system processes.

Q46: Which feature in Windows allows you to search for files, folders, and settings?

A. File Explorer

B. Search bar

C. Control Panel

D. Taskbar

The Search bar in Windows allows users to search for files, folders, settings, and applications. It is located in the taskbar and provides quick access to search results.

Q47: What is the function of the Windows Registry?

A. To store system settings and options

B. To manage user accounts

C. To monitor system performance

D. To install software updates

The Windows Registry is a database that stores system settings and options. It contains configuration settings for the operating system and installed applications.

Q48: Which tool in Windows allows you to create and manage virtual desktops?

A. Task View

B. File Explorer

C. Control Panel

D. Device Manager

Task View in Windows allows users to create and manage virtual desktops. It provides a way to organize and switch between multiple desktops for different tasks.

Q49: What is the purpose of the Windows Defender?

A. To protect the system from viruses and malware

B. To manage system updates

C. To monitor system performance

D. To backup and restore data

Windows Defender is an antivirus and anti-malware tool in Windows that protects the system from viruses, malware, and other security threats.

Q50: Which feature in Windows allows you to take a screenshot of the entire screen?

A. Snipping Tool

B. Print Screen key

C. Task Manager

D. File Explorer

The Print Screen key in Windows allows users to take a screenshot of the entire screen. Pressing the Print Screen key copies the screenshot to the clipboard, which can then be pasted into an image editor.

Q51: What is the function of the Windows Update feature?

A. To install software updates and security patches

B. To manage user accounts

C. To monitor system performance

D. To backup and restore data

The Windows Update feature in Windows allows users to install software updates, security patches, and driver updates to keep the system up-to-date and secure.

Q52: Which tool in Windows allows you to manage and configure hardware devices?

A. Device Manager

B. Task Manager

C. File Explorer

D. Control Panel

The Device Manager in Windows allows users to manage and configure hardware devices. It provides a way to view and manage hardware components and drivers.

Q53: What is the purpose of the Windows Firewall?

A. To protect the system from unauthorized access

B. To manage system updates

C. To monitor system performance

D. To backup and restore data

The Windows Firewall in Windows protects the system from unauthorized access by controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic.

Q54: Which feature in Windows allows you to create and manage user accounts?

A. User Accounts

B. File Explorer

C. Task Manager

D. Control Panel

The User Accounts feature in Windows allows users to create and manage user accounts. It provides a way to add, remove, and configure user accounts and settings.

Q55: What is the function of the Windows Disk Cleanup tool?

A. To free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files

B. To manage user accounts

C. To monitor system performance

D. To backup and restore data

The Disk Cleanup tool in Windows allows users to free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files. It scans the system for files that can be safely removed to free up storage space.

Q56: Which tool in Windows allows you to manage and configure network settings?

A. Network and Sharing Center

B. Task Manager

C. File Explorer

D. Control Panel

The Network and Sharing Center in Windows allows users to manage and configure network settings. It provides a way to view and manage network connections, sharing settings, and network troubleshooting.

Q57: What is the purpose of the Windows Event Viewer?

A. To view and manage system and security events

B. To manage user accounts

C. To monitor system performance

D. To backup and restore data

The Event Viewer in Windows allows users to view and manage system and security events. It provides a way to view logs of system, security, and application events for troubleshooting and monitoring.

Q58: Which feature in Windows allows you to restore the system to a previous state?

A. System Restore

B. File Explorer

C. Task Manager

D. Control Panel

The System Restore feature in Windows allows users to restore the system to a previous state. It creates restore points that can be used to revert the system to a previous configuration in case of issues.

Q59: What is the function of the Windows Resource Monitor?

A. To monitor system resource usage

B. To manage user accounts

C. To install software updates

D. To backup and restore data

The Resource Monitor in Windows allows users to monitor system resource usage. It provides detailed information about CPU, memory, disk, and network usage to help identify performance issues.

Q60: A(n) ________ uses pictures (called icons) and menus displayed on the screen to send commands to the computer system.

A. command-based user interface

B. GUI

C. system utility

D. API

E. None of these

A graphical user interface (GUI) uses pictures (called icons) and menus displayed on the screen to send commands to the computer system, providing a visual and interactive way for users to interact with the application.

Q61: The ________ allows you to access objects and start programs.

A. Default menu

B. XP menu

C. Start menu

D. Stop menu

E. None of these

The Start menu allows you to access objects and start programs, providing a central location for launching applications, accessing system settings, and performing various tasks on a Windows operating system.

Q62: "GUI" stands for ________.

A. Gnutella Universal Interface

B. Graphical User Interface

C. Graphic Uninstall/Install

D. General Utility Interface

E. None of these

"GUI" stands for Graphical User Interface, which is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons and visual indicators instead of text-based user interfaces, command-line interfaces, or text navigation.

Q63: What is Windows Explorer?

A. A drive

B. APC

C. A Web browser

D. A network

E. A file manager

Windows Explorer is a file manager, which provides a graphical user interface for managing files, folders, and drives on your computer, making it easy to navigate and organize your data.

Q64: The ________ is the term used to describe the window that is currently being used.

A. Web Window

B. display area

C. WordPad Window

D. active Window

E. monitor

The active window is the term used to describe the window that is currently being used, which is the window that is in focus and ready to receive user input.

Q65: Files deleted from the hard disk are sent to the ________.

A. Recycle Bin

B. floppy disk

C. clipboard

D. motherboard

E. None of these

Files deleted from the hard disk are sent to the Recycle Bin, a temporary storage area for deleted files that allows users to restore them if needed before they are permanently removed from the system.

Q66: The copy command saves to ________.

A. the desktop

B. the clipboard

C. printer

D. Microsoft Word

E. paste

The copy command saves to the clipboard, a temporary storage area that holds the copied data until it is pasted elsewhere.

Q67: Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT are known as what?

A. processors

B. domain names

C. modems

D. operating systems

E. None of these

Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT are known as operating systems, which are system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs.

Q68: The taskbar is located ________.

A. on the Start menu

B. at the bottom of the screen

C. on the Quick Launch toolbar

D. at the top of the screen

E. None of these

The taskbar is located at the bottom of the screen, providing a central location for displaying open windows, accessing system settings, and performing various tasks on a Windows operating system.

Q69: Generally, you access the Recycle Bin through an icon located ________.

A. on the desktop

B. on the hard drive

C. on the shortcut menu

D. in the Properties dialog box

E. None of these

Generally, you access the Recycle Bin through an icon located on the desktop, which provides a convenient way to manage and restore deleted files.

Q70: The Recycle Bin stores discarded items until ________.

A. another user logs on

B. the computer is shut down

C. the end of the day

D. you empty it

E. None of these

The Recycle Bin stores discarded items until you empty it, allowing users to restore deleted files if needed before they are permanently removed from the system.

Q71: A blinking indicator that shows you where your next action will happen ________.

A. CPU

B. Cursor

C. Tool bar

D. Boot

E. None of these

A blinking indicator that shows you where your next action will happen is called the cursor, which indicates the current position for user input in a text field or document.

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Keep Practicing!

Microsoft Windows is a frequently tested topic in competitive exams due to its widespread use in workplaces, schools, and homes. Here’s why it’s essential to understand the basics of Windows:

Reason	Details
Widespread Usage	Windows is the most common operating system in offices and homes worldwide.
Foundational Knowledge	Understanding Windows is a basic requirement for most jobs and IT-related roles.
IT Literacy	Many exams test general IT knowledge, and familiarity with Windows helps in these sections.
System Management	Knowing how to manage files, settings, and security features in Windows is crucial.

Familiarity with Microsoft Windows is not just beneficial for competitive exams but also crucial for everyday computer use. By learning key features, keyboard shortcuts, and security settings, you’ll be well-equipped to handle questions related to Windows in exams like SSC CGL, Banking exams, and other government tests.

Computer Awareness Chapters: Learn Key Concepts with MCQs
General Introduction to Computers Input and Output Devices Personal Computer Data Representation and Number System Data Communication Microsoft Windows	Development of Computers Computer Memory Design Tools and Programming Languages Computer Software Internet Technology Microsoft Office