Introduction to Computing Sci. I — 2026-exam Past Questions

University of Ilorin COS101: 190 questions.

Topics: Boolean Algebra, Fundamentals of Truth tables and Precedence, Basic Computing Concepts, Diverse And Growing Computers and Digital Applications, The Job Specializations for Computing Science Professionals, The Internet: Its Application and Impact on the World Today, Basic Components of Computer

  1. Identify the logic gate shown in the image (a symbol with a straight vertical back, a curved rounded front, two inputs A and B, and one output Z):
    1. OR
    2. NOT
    3. NAND
    4. AND
  2. The diagram above comprises of which gates?
    1. NOT, NAND, XNOR
    2. AND, OR, XOR
    3. NOR, AND, OR
    4. NAND, NOR, XOR
  3. Based on the hand-drawn circuit diagram, one of these gates is not involved:
    1. NAND
    2. AND
    3. OR
    4. NOR
  4. Identify the logic gate represented by the given truth table where output Z is 1 for inputs A=0, B=0 and A=1, B=1, and Z is 0 for inputs A=0, B=1 and A=1, B=0.
    1. XOR
    2. XNOR
    3. NOR
    4. NAND
  5. In the given logic circuit, what is the logic function at D?
    1. A' + B
    2. CB
    3. (A + B)'
    4. A'B
  6. The output of the logic circuit represents ___
    1. (J+K)' . (ML)
    2. (J+K)' + (ML)
    3. (J+K)' . (M+L)
    4. (JK)' . (M+L)'
  7. In terms of construction, a NOR gate is?
    1. OR before NOT
    2. NOT before OR
    3. AND before NOT
    4. NOT before AND
  8. Which of the following converts a High-Level Language (HLL) into machine language all at once?
    1. Compiler
    2. Assembler
    3. Interpreter
    4. Linker
  9. The function of an interpreter is to?
    1. Convert the entire source code into an executable file before running
    2. Combine multiple object files into a single program
    3. Only check for syntax errors without executing the code
    4. Translate and execute High-Level Language (HLL) instructions line-by-line
  10. A major difference between a compiler and an interpreter is?
    1. A compiler translates the whole program before execution, while an interpreter translates it during runtime
    2. An interpreter is faster than a compiler at executing large programs
    3. A compiler does not generate an object code, but an interpreter does
    4. Interpreters are only used for low-level languages
  11. Which of these statements is true regarding error detection in translators?
    1. Neither can detect syntax errors
    2. A compiler stops at the first error and does not check the rest of the program
    3. Both compilers and interpreters report all errors only after the entire program is scanned
    4. An interpreter stops and reports an error as soon as it encounters one in a line
  12. The Abacus has been used for counting as far back as?
    1. 500 BC
    2. 1000 AD
    3. 200 BC
    4. 800 BC
  13. What is the output of a NAND gate if the inputs are FALSE?
    1. TRUE
    2. FALSE
    3. NEUTRAL
    4. CANNOT BE DETERMINED
  14. In the statement "If Shade comes and Yetunde goes, I will come," which logic gate is represented?
    1. XOR
    2. OR
    3. AND
    4. NOT
  15. What is the primary function of a Linker?
    1. To combine multiple object files into a single executable file
    2. To translate high-level language to machine code line-by-line
    3. To load a program into the main memory
    4. To identify syntax errors in a source code
  16. Philip Emeagwali's 1989 breakthrough in parallel computing led to the?
    1. Reinvention of supercomputers
    2. Invention of the first vacuum tube
    3. Development of the first word processor
    4. Creation of the first mechanical calculator
  17. A = "My account balance is high", B = "The bank is open", and C = "Jessie has a high account balance". Which expression represents: "I will withdraw money if my account balance is high and the bank is open, OR if Jessie’s account balance is high and the bank is open"?
    1. AB + CB
    2. A + B + C
    3. (A + B)C
    4. A(B + C)
  18. Which device is known as the brain of the computer hardware?
    1. CPU
    2. RAM
    3. Hard Drive
    4. Motherboard
  19. What is the output of an OR gate if one input is TRUE and the other is FALSE?
    1. TRUE
    2. FALSE
    3. UNKNOWN
    4. UNDEFINED
  20. For a NAND gate, the output will be TRUE if?
    1. At least one input is FALSE
    2. All inputs are TRUE
    3. No inputs are FALSE
    4. Both inputs are 1
  21. The output will be TRUE if both inputs are either both TRUE or both FALSE. This is valid for which logic gate?
    1. XOR
    2. XNOR
    3. NAND
    4. OR
  22. Assemblers are language translators that perform which of the following functions?
    1. Translating High-Level Language (HLL) into machine code
    2. Translating Assembly language into machine code
    3. Translating Low-Level Language (LLL) into High-Level Language
    4. Translating English text into binary code
  23. A technology created to ensure a user's privacy by providing an encrypted network connection over the internet is
    1. VPN
    2. Firewall
    3. Encryption
    4. Malware
  24. Who was the first computer programmer?
    1. Charles Babbage
    2. Ada Lovelace
    3. Alan Turing
    4. Bill Gates
  25. ARPANET was created for what reason?
    1. To connect government and business executives
    2. To connect government and academic researchers
    3. To facilitate secure military communication
    4. To provide public internet access
  26. A computer is regarded as an ________ device.
    1. Mechanical
    2. Manual
    3. Analog
    4. Electronic
  27. For an XNOR gate, which statement about the output is correct?
    1. The output is false when inputs are different
    2. The output is true only when both inputs are true
    3. The output is always false
    4. The output is true when both inputs are the same
  28. Based on character type, what are the three types of data?
    1. Binary, octal, decimal
    2. Input, processing, output
    3. Alphabetic, numeric, alphanumeric
    4. Static, dynamic, volatile
  29. Which profession would be best suited to create an application for iOS?
    1. Mobile App Developer
    2. System Analyst
    3. Hardware Technician
    4. Database Administrator
  30. A computer is defined by which data flow sequence?
    1. Data - input - output
    2. Processing - input - output
    3. Data - processing - output
    4. None of the above
  31. Which of these software applications is NOT used for video conferencing?
    1. Skype
    2. Zoom
    3. Google Meet
    4. Spotify
  32. Which of the following is NOT a binary Boolean operation?
    1. NOT
    2. AND
    3. OR
    4. XOR
  33. A full-stack developer must primarily have professional knowledge of
    1. Front-end and back-end development
    2. Hardware assembly and repair
    3. Graphic design and animation
    4. Network cabling and infrastructure
  34. In digital logic, the result of performing a NOT operation on the value 1 is
    1. -1
    2. 1
    3. 0
    4. Infinity
  35. The mechanical calculator known as the Pascaline was invented by whom?
    1. Blaise Pascal
    2. Charles Babbage
    3. Gottfried Leibniz
    4. Herman Hollerith
  36. In the context of Boolean algebra, what does the value 1 mean?
    1. True
    2. False
    3. Off
    4. Null
  37. What is the full meaning of IoT?
    1. Internet of Things
    2. Input Output Technology
    3. Internal Operating Tools
    4. Integrated Online Tracking
  38. In Boolean logic, what is the value of the expression A(B + D) when A = 1, B = 0 and D = 1?
    1. 1
    2. 0
    3. -1
    4. 11
  39. What is a primary advantage of cloud computing for a business?
    1. It increases hardware costs
    2. It requires more physical space
    3. It improves scalability and efficiency
    4. It works without internet
  40. SPSS is an example of a
    1. Word processor
    2. Operating system
    3. Web browser
    4. Statistical package
  41. Who developed Boolean algebra?
    1. Charles Babbage
    2. George Boole
    3. Herman Hollerith
    4. Alan Turing
  42. The XNOR gate is composed of which combination of gates?
    1. AND and OR
    2. NOT and XOR
    3. NAND and NOR
    4. XOR and OR
  43. What is software?
    1. The physical components of a computer
    2. Programs that help the hardware function
    3. A type of storage device
    4. A peripheral input device
  44. The result of an XNOR gate is the complement of which logic gate?
    1. XOR
    2. NOR
    3. OR
    4. NAND
  45. Which program is used for operations like sorting files, compressing data, or managing disks?
    1. Database management system
    2. Operating system
    3. Utility program
    4. CPU
  46. What is the primary difference between the XOR and XNOR logic gates?
    1. XOR outputs high only when inputs are identical
    2. XOR outputs high when inputs are different, while XNOR outputs high when inputs are identical
    3. XNOR is a combination of AND and OR gates
    4. XOR and XNOR produce the exact same truth table results
  47. Which programming language or set of languages would be used to develop mobile applications?
    1. Python
    2. Swift and Kotlin
    3. HTML and CSS
    4. COBOL
  48. Which of these programming languages or frameworks is commonly used for back-end development?
    1. React
    2. Python
    3. HTML
    4. CSS
  49. What is a primary advantage of self-driving cars within the infrastructure of a smart city?
    1. Increased individual car ownership
    2. Reduced traffic congestion through real-time communication
    3. Higher fuel consumption due to advanced sensors
    4. Complete removal of all traffic lights and signs
  50. How does Artificial Intelligence provide an advantage for patient care?
    1. By replacing the need for human doctors entirely
    2. By providing early detection of health issues through remote monitoring
    3. By increasing the administrative workload for nurses
    4. By requiring patients to visit hospitals for every consultation
  51. Which of these is a benefit of integrating AI with smart infrastructure for urban transport?
    1. Slower emergency response times
    2. Optimized traffic flow and synchronized signal timing
    3. Manual rerouting of vehicles by traffic police
    4. Increased carbon emissions from idling vehicles
  52. If x = 1 and y = 1, what is the value of xy + (x + y).x in Boolean algebra?
    1. 1
    2. 0
    3. 5
    4. 3
  53. A polynomial cannot have ________.
    1. Constants
    2. Coefficients
    3. Variables
    4. Negative exponents
  54. Which of the following is used in Boolean logic?
    1. Half adder
    2. Big adder
    3. Quad adder
    4. Duo adder
  55. Which of the following logic gates is true only if both inputs are false?
    1. AND
    2. NOR
    3. NOT
    4. NAND
  56. Which of the following correctly pairs an individual with their contribution?
    1. Philip Emeagwali and the punch card
    2. Charles Babbage and the transistor
    3. Herman Hollerith and the integrated circuit
    4. Grace Hopper and the first compiler
  57. Which of the following is true if either or both inputs are true?
    1. NAND
    2. OR
    3. NOT
    4. AND
  58. What is used to remotely control home appliances and connect them to a network?
    1. Internet of Things
    2. Wi-Fi
    3. IP
    4. Bluetooth
  59. Who invented the punched card-controlled power loom machine?
    1. Herman Hollerith
    2. Joseph Marie Jacquard
    3. Charles Babbage
    4. Blaise Pascal
  60. What is the primary advantage of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN)?
    1. Manually inputting data rules
    2. Predictive analysis and pattern recognition
    3. Storing data in physical filing cabinets
    4. Decreasing the speed of data processing
  61. Which of the following platforms can be used to learn university-level courses?
    1. Netflix
    2. Udemy
    3. Spotify
    4. Hulu
  62. Which of these platforms is used primarily for streaming music and podcasts?
    1. Netflix
    2. Hulu
    3. Disney+
    4. Spotify
  63. If a person wants to develop a user interface (UI), which technologies should they focus on?
    1. SQL and Python
    2. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
    3. Assembly language
    4. COBOL and Fortran
  64. If a person wants to create a video game, which professionals should they primarily work with?
    1. Accountants and lawyers
    2. Animators and programmers
    3. Civil engineers
    4. Pharmacists
  65. Which logic operator uses the dot symbol (.) in Boolean algebraic expressions?
    1. OR
    2. AND
    3. NOT
    4. XOR
  66. If someone wants to create both a database management system and a user interface, which role is most suited for this?
    1. Hardware engineer
    2. Full stack developer
    3. Database administrator only
    4. Graphic designer
  67. Which of the following is NOT involved in software care and maintenance?
    1. Updating security patches
    2. Software optimisation
    3. Bug fixing
    4. Hardware calibration
  68. Which of the following is NOT part of front-end development?
    1. CSS
    2. Python
    3. HTML
    4. JavaScript
  69. Which logic gate output is true only if both inputs are true, and false otherwise?
    1. OR
    2. AND
    3. XOR
    4. NOT
  70. Natural Language Processing (NLP) is used for which of the following?
    1. To understand and process human language
    2. To translate machine code into assembly
    3. To increase the clock speed of a CPU
    4. To calibrate hardware sensors
  71. Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates in
    1. 1981
    2. 1990
    3. 1975
    4. 1985
  72. Who invented the World Wide Web?
    1. Tim Berners-Lee
    2. Bill Gates
    3. Steve Jobs
    4. Mark Zuckerberg
  73. A company needs to analyze its competitors and improve marketing strategies. Which computer expert should it employ?
    1. Network security engineer
    2. Database administrator
    3. Web developer
    4. Business intelligence analyst
  74. Which statement best distinguishes synthetic intelligence from traditional artificial intelligence?
    1. Synthetic intelligence focuses on simulating biological or natural intelligence, while AI is the general term for machines mimicking cognitive functions
    2. Synthetic intelligence is a type of mechanical hardware
    3. Synthetic intelligence eliminates the need for data
    4. Synthetic intelligence is used only for manual data entry
  75. What is the primary importance of neuromorphic computing?
    1. It eliminates the need for any software updates
    2. It allows computers to run without electricity
    3. It mimics the neural structure of the human brain to improve efficiency
    4. It is used only for basic word processing
  76. De Morgan's law is primarily used for which of the following?
    1. Simplifying complex logic expressions
    2. Defining a truth table
    3. Increasing the physical size of a circuit
    4. Calculating the power consumption of a CPU
  77. What is the primary function of a software engineer?
    1. Designing and maintaining computer hardware
    2. Providing customer support for internet services
    3. Managing a company's physical network cables
    4. Applying engineering principles to develop and maintain software
  78. Which of the following technologies is widely expected to significantly enhance and integrate into most sectors in the future?
    1. Optical fiber
    2. Vacuum tubes
    3. Artificial intelligence
    4. Floppy disks
  79. The total number of input combinations for the Boolean values of n variables is calculated as
    1. 2²ⁿ
    2. 3ⁿ
    3. 2ⁿ
    4. n²
  80. Which of the following can be used to store and manage data without the need for a company to buy a server?
    1. Cloud computing
    2. Local Area Network
    3. Hard disk drive
    4. Optical disc
  81. Which of the following gates outputs a 0 if either one or both of the inputs are 0?
    1. XNOR
    2. OR
    3. NAND
    4. AND
  82. What is the primary difference between a Cybersecurity Officer and Network Security personnel?
    1. Cybersecurity officers only work with physical hardware repairs
    2. Cybersecurity is a broad field protecting all digital assets, while network security focuses specifically on protecting the transit of data within the network
    3. Network security personnel are responsible for writing software code, while cybersecurity officers are not
    4. There is no difference as both roles only involve resetting user passwords
  83. Which component of the old computer did von Neumann introduce?
    1. Stored program
    2. WPC
    3. Abacus system
    4. Vacuum tubes
  84. For a NAND gate output to be true, which of the following is required?
    1. Both inputs are true
    2. Both inputs are false
    3. One of the inputs is true
    4. At least one of the inputs is false
  85. Uber and Lyft are used for
    1. Communication
    2. Food processing
    3. Ride hailing
    4. Social networking
  86. The Domain Name System (DNS) was introduced in which decade?
    1. 1960s
    2. 1970s
    3. 1980s
    4. 1990s
  87. Which of the following is not among the three basic (major) logic gates?
    1. AND
    2. NOT
    3. OR
    4. XNOR
  88. A cybersecurity expert often works closely with
    1. Maintenance staff
    2. Upper management
    3. Marketing department
    4. Human resources
  89. Given the truth table with inputs A and B and output X: (A=0, B=0 → X=0), (A=0, B=1 → X=1), (A=1, B=0 → X=1), (A=1, B=1 → X=0), which logic gate does it represent?
    1. AND
    2. XOR
    3. NAND
    4. XNOR
  90. In the abacus, which part represents human fingers?
    1. Wires
    2. Upper beads
    3. Lower beads
    4. Both upper and lower beads
  91. Which of the following logic operators has the highest precedence in Boolean algebra?
    1. OR
    2. NOT
    3. AND
    4. NAND
  92. What is the primary function of Software-Defined Networking (SDN)?
    1. To increase the physical weight of network switches
    2. To centralize network control and allow for programmable network management
    3. To replace all wireless connections with copper cables
    4. To manually configure every individual router in a building
  93. How has technology specifically helped the field of medicine?
    1. By reducing the number of available doctors
    2. By making all medical procedures completely manual
    3. By increasing the time it takes to process patient records
    4. By analyzing medical images and providing early detection of diseases
  94. What is a primary importance of the Internet of Bodies (IoB) in the field of medicine?
    1. To decrease the accuracy of prosthetic limbs
    2. To provide real-time health monitoring via internal or wearable devices
    3. To replace the need for an internet connection in hospitals
    4. To manually record patient data on paper
  95. Which of the following logic operators has the lowest precedence in Boolean algebra?
    1. OR
    2. AND
    3. NAND
    4. NOR
  96. The NOR logic function can be deduced using which combination of basic gates?
    1. AND and NOT
    2. NOT and XOR
    3. NAND and XOR
    4. OR and NOT
  97. Based on its input requirements, the NOR gate is classified as what kind of gate?
    1. Unary
    2. Binary
    3. Ternary
    4. Nullary
  98. Which of the following is an example of an input device?
    1. Microphone
    2. Speaker
    3. Monitor
    4. Printer
  99. What is the major difference between an interpreter and a compiler?
    1. An interpreter converts the whole program at once, while a compiler does it line by line
    2. An interpreter translates and executes code line by line, while a compiler translates the entire program before execution
    3. A compiler is only used for high-level languages, while an interpreter is only for machine code
    4. There is no difference as they both perform the same task at the same speed
  100. The company that is now IBM was founded by whom?
    1. Herman Hollerith
    2. Thomas J. Watson
    3. Charles Babbage
    4. Alan Turing

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