MCQ
Basic Computer: Secondary Storage MCQ - Practice Questions with Answers
Solve 15 Basic Computer: Secondary Storage questions for RAS/RPSC preparation.
Practice questions
Q1Which statement correctly describes secondary storage in a computer system?
Secondary storage is used for long-term storage of programmes, files and other data. The important feature is non-volatility: the stored data remains available even after the computer is switched off. RAM is the main working memory used for current processing and is volatile, so options about direct CPU working memory or data loss on shutdown point to primary memory, not secondary storage. Cache memory is much faster than ordinary secondary storage.
Q2List I: I. Magnetic tape II. DVD III. Pen drive List II: 1. Portable USB flash storage 2. Optical disc storage 3. Sequential-access magnetic storage Choose the correct matching.
Magnetic tape is a magnetic storage medium in which data is normally accessed in sequence, so I matches 3. A DVD is an optical disc; it is read using laser-based optical technology, so II matches 2. A pen drive is a small portable flash storage device that connects through USB, so III matches 1. The stem asks for device-feature matching, not for capacity comparison. Therefore the only correct set is I-3, II-2 and III-1.
Q3Which one of the following statements about secondary storage devices is incorrect?
The question asks for the incorrect statement. A DVD is an optical secondary storage medium. Once data is written or pressed on it, it does not disappear merely because the computer is switched off. That behaviour belongs to volatile primary memory such as RAM, not to a DVD. The other statements are standard facts: CD-ROM is read-only for ordinary use, a pen drive normally connects through USB, and an external hard disk is often used for backup. Hence option D is the incorrect statement.
Q4Which feature best explains why an SSD usually opens files faster than a traditional HDD?
An SSD uses flash memory chips to store data and does not depend on spinning platters or a moving read-write head. The clue in the stem is faster file opening, which is mainly about access time. In a traditional HDD, the mechanical parts must move to the required location on the disk. In an SSD, data can be accessed electronically, so seek time is much lower. SSDs are still secondary, non-volatile storage; they are not RAM and they do not use a laser like optical discs.
Q5Read the assertion and reason about secondary storage. Assertion (A): External hard disks and USB pen drives are commonly used to back up or transfer files. Reason (R): Secondary storage is non-volatile and can keep data without continuous power. Choose the correct answer.
The assertion is true: external hard disks and USB pen drives are common secondary storage devices used for copying, carrying and backing up files. The reason is also true because secondary storage is non-volatile; it does not need continuous electrical power to retain stored data. That property is exactly why these devices can be disconnected from one computer and used later on the same or another computer. Therefore, R correctly explains A.
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More questions
6Consider the following statements about secondary storage. Statement I: Magnetic tape is suitable for backups where data can be read sequentially. Statement II: An SSD stores data on rotating magnetic platters. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
7Which of the following is a portable secondary storage device commonly used to transfer files between computers?
8Which option is incorrect about optical storage media such as CD, DVD and Blu-ray disc?
9Statement 1: Secondary storage retains data even when the computer is switched off. Statement 2: RAM is normally used as the main example of secondary storage. Which option is correct?
10Which secondary storage device stores data in flash memory and has no moving mechanical parts?
11Match the storage device with its usual storage technology. List I: I. HDD II. DVD III. Pen drive IV. Magnetic tape List II: a. Optical disc b. Flash memory c. Magnetic disk d. Sequential magnetic storage
12Which statement correctly describes the main purpose of secondary storage in a computer system?
13Match List I with List II. List I: I. Magnetic tape II. Hard disk III. DVD IV. SD card List II: 1. Optical disc storage 2. Flash memory card used in phones and cameras 3. Magnetic storage generally used for sequential backup 4. Magnetic disk storage with random access Choose the correct matching.
14Statement 1: An HDD stores data on magnetic disks with moving mechanical parts. Statement 2: An SSD stores data in flash memory and generally gives faster access than an HDD. Which of the following is correct?
15Assertion (A): Keeping an important file only in the computer's internal hard disk is not a good backup practice. Reason (R): A backup copy is safer when it is also kept on a separate secondary storage device or reliable storage service. Choose the correct option.