2026/2027 NECO Computer Studies Questions and Answers (Objective & Essay)
PAPER I – OBJECTIVE TEST (PART 1)
Time Allowed: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
- Answer all sixty (60) questions.
- Each question is followed by four options labeled A–D.
- Choose the most appropriate answer.
- Each question carries one mark.
- Use an HB pencil where applicable.
1. A computer is best defined as an electronic device that
A. Types documents only
B. Accepts data, processes it, stores it, and produces information
C. Prints documents only
D. Browses the Internet only
Answer: B
2. The physical components of a computer are called
A. Software
B. Hardware
C. Firmware
D. Utilities
Answer: B
3. Which of the following is an input device?
A. Monitor
B. Printer
C. Keyboard
D. Speaker
Answer: C
4. Which device is mainly used to display information?
A. Scanner
B. Monitor
C. Keyboard
D. Microphone
Answer: B
5. The brain of the computer is the
A. RAM
B. CPU
C. ROM
D. Hard Disk
Answer: B
6. CPU stands for
A. Central Program Unit
B. Central Processing Unit
C. Computer Processing Utility
D. Computer Program Unit
Answer: B
7. Which memory is volatile?
A. ROM
B. Hard Disk
C. RAM
D. Flash Drive
Answer: C
8. ROM is mainly used to
A. Store temporary data
B. Store permanent instructions
C. Browse the Internet
D. Edit graphics
Answer: B
9. One byte is equal to
A. 4 bits
B. 8 bits
C. 16 bits
D. 32 bits
Answer: B
10. Which of the following is secondary storage?
A. RAM
B. Cache
C. Hard Disk
D. Register
Answer: C
11. A flash drive is an example of
A. Primary memory
B. Secondary storage
C. Cache memory
D. Virtual memory
Answer: B
12. Which generation of computers introduced microprocessors?
A. First
B. Second
C. Third
D. Fourth
Answer: D
13. Vacuum tubes were used in the
A. First generation
B. Second generation
C. Third generation
D. Fourth generation
Answer: A
14. Integrated Circuits (ICs) characterized the
A. First generation
B. Second generation
C. Third generation
D. Fifth generation
Answer: C
15. Which of the following is NOT hardware?
A. Mouse
B. Keyboard
C. Microsoft Word
D. Printer
Answer: C
16. Software refers to
A. Computer cables
B. Computer programs and instructions
C. Monitor screen
D. Printer cartridge
Answer: B
17. Which of the following is system software?
A. Microsoft Excel
B. Windows Operating System
C. CorelDRAW
D. Adobe Photoshop
Answer: B
18. The primary function of an operating system is to
A. Play music
B. Manage computer resources
C. Print documents only
D. Browse websites
Answer: B
19. Which of the following is application software?
A. Linux
B. Windows
C. Microsoft Word
D. BIOS
Answer: C
20. A computer virus is a
A. Hardware component
B. Malicious program
C. Programming language
D. Database
Answer: B
21. Antivirus software is used to
A. Increase RAM
B. Detect and remove malware
C. Upgrade the monitor
D. Repair keyboards
Answer: B
22. The Internet is
A. A single computer
B. A global network of interconnected computers
C. A printer
D. A storage device
Answer: B
23. WWW stands for
A. World Wide Web
B. World Web Work
C. Wide World Web
D. Web World Wide
Answer: A
24. Which device connects a computer to a network?
A. Modem
B. Keyboard
C. Scanner
D. Webcam
Answer: A
25. E-mail is mainly used for
A. Printing documents
B. Electronic communication
C. Scanning images
D. Playing games
Answer: B
26. Which of the following is a web browser?
A. Google Chrome
B. Microsoft Excel
C. Adobe Reader
D. VLC Player
Answer: A
27. Which of the following is an example of a search engine?
A. Google
B. Microsoft Word
C. Windows
D. CorelDRAW
Answer: A
28. ICT stands for
A. International Computer Technology
B. Information and Communication Technology
C. Internet Communication Tool
D. Information Computer Terminal
Answer: B
2026 NECO Computer Studies Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
29. A Local Area Network (LAN) covers
A. The entire world
B. A small geographical area
C. Several countries
D. One continent
Answer: B
30. One advantage of computer networking is
A. Reduced communication
B. Easy sharing of resources
C. Increased hardware cost only
D. Elimination of data storage
Answer: B
31. Microsoft Word is primarily used for
A. Image editing
B. Word processing
C. Programming
D. Accounting
Answer: B
32. Which feature automatically moves text to the next line?
A. Word Wrap
B. Auto Save
C. Mail Merge
D. Find and Replace
Answer: A
33. Mail Merge is mainly used to
A. Create databases
B. Produce multiple personalized documents
C. Compress files
D. Scan images
Answer: B
34. Which menu is used to insert tables in Microsoft Word?
A. Home
B. Review
C. Insert
D. View
Answer: C
35. Microsoft Excel is mainly used for
A. Video editing
B. Spreadsheet calculations
C. Internet browsing
D. Photo editing
Answer: B
36. A formula in Microsoft Excel begins with
A. +
B. #
C. =
D. $
Answer: C
37. Which Excel function calculates the total of selected numbers?
A. COUNT
B. SUM
C. MAX
D. AVERAGE
Answer: B
38. A worksheet is contained in a
A. Folder
B. Workbook
C. Database
D. Browser
Answer: B
39. A database is
A. A collection of related data
B. A type of printer
C. A computer virus
D. A spreadsheet formula
Answer: A
40. Microsoft Access is primarily a
A. Word processor
B. Database management system
C. Graphics package
D. Programming language
Answer: B
41. A field in a database represents
A. A complete table
B. One category of information
C. A software package
D. A worksheet
Answer: B
42. A record consists of
A. Related fields describing one item
B. One worksheet only
C. One formula
D. One program
Answer: A
43. An algorithm is
A. A virus
B. A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem
C. A computer monitor
D. A storage device
Answer: B
44. A flowchart uses
A. Symbols to represent program logic
B. Paint brushes
C. Computer cables
D. Audio signals
Answer: A
45. Which symbol represents a decision in a flowchart?
A. Rectangle
B. Diamond
C. Oval
D. Arrow
Answer: B
46. Binary numbers use the digits
A. 0–9
B. 1–9
C. 0 and 1
D. 2 and 3
Answer: C
47. Decimal number system has base
A. 2
B. 8
C. 10
D. 16
Answer: C
48. The hexadecimal number system has base
A. 2
B. 8
C. 10
D. 16
Answer: D
49. Which programming language is considered high-level?
A. Machine language
B. Assembly language
C. Python
D. Binary code
Answer: C
50. Debugging means
A. Installing software
B. Finding and correcting errors in a program
C. Formatting a disk
D. Creating folders
Answer: B
51. Unauthorized access to a computer system is known as
A. Networking
B. Hacking
C. Printing
D. Downloading
Answer: B
52. A strong password should contain
A. Only letters
B. Only numbers
C. A combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
D. Your first name
Answer: C
53. Phishing is an attempt to
A. Improve Internet speed
B. Steal personal information through deceptive messages or websites
C. Repair a computer
D. Install an operating system
Answer: B
54. Which of the following helps protect a computer from unauthorized network access?
A. Firewall
B. Calculator
C. Spreadsheet
D. Scanner
Answer: A
55. Which maintenance practice helps prevent overheating?
A. Blocking ventilation openings
B. Cleaning dust from fans and air vents regularly
C. Leaving the computer in direct sunlight
D. Disconnecting the keyboard permanently
Answer: B
56. One benefit of cloud computing is
A. Permanent loss of data
B. Access to files from different locations through the Internet
C. Elimination of the need for software
D. Automatic virus removal
Answer: B
57. Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to
A. A type of printer
B. The ability of computers to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence
C. A computer network cable
D. A database table
Answer: B
58. Which of the following is an example of biometric authentication?
A. Username only
B. Password only
C. Fingerprint recognition
D. File compression
Answer: C
59. One ethical responsibility of a computer user is to
A. Copy software illegally
B. Respect copyright and software licenses
C. Share passwords publicly
D. Spread malware
Answer: B
60. A backup is created primarily to
A. Increase monitor size
B. Recover data in case of loss or system failure
C. Improve Internet speed
D. Replace antivirus software
Answer: B
2026 NECO Computer Studies Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
COMPUTER STUDIES
PAPER II – ESSAY
Time Allowed: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Maximum Marks: 100
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
- Answer Five (5) questions only.
- Question 1 is compulsory.
- All questions carry 20 marks each.
- Write your answers clearly and show diagrams where necessary.
- Credit will be given for logical presentation, correct technical terms, and neatness.
QUESTION 1 (COMPULSORY)
(a) Define a computer.
(b) Explain the four basic functions of a computer.
(c) Draw and label the functional block diagram of a computer.
MODEL ANSWER
(a) Definition
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data as input, processes it according to a set of instructions, stores it, and produces meaningful information as output.
(b) Four Basic Functions of a Computer
1. Input
- The process of entering data into the computer using devices such as a keyboard, mouse, scanner, or microphone.
2. Processing
- The Central Processing Unit (CPU) manipulates and processes the data according to program instructions.
3. Storage
- Data and information are stored temporarily in primary memory (RAM) or permanently in secondary storage devices such as hard disks and SSDs.
4. Output
- The processed information is presented to users through output devices such as monitors, printers, speakers, or projectors.
(c) Functional Block Diagram
INPUT DEVICES
│
▼
+----------------+
| CPU |
| ALU + Control |
| Unit |
+----------------+
│
┌───────┴────────┐
▼ ▼
MEMORY UNIT OUTPUT DEVICES
(RAM, ROM, etc.) (Monitor, Printer)QUESTION 2
(a) Differentiate between hardware and software.
(b) State five examples of hardware.
(c) State five examples of software.
MODEL ANSWER
Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that can be seen and touched.
Software
Software consists of the programs and instructions that direct the computer to perform specific tasks.
Examples of Hardware
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Monitor
- Printer
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD) / Solid-State Drive (SSD)
Examples of Software
- Microsoft Windows
- Linux
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- CorelDRAW
QUESTION 3
(a) Explain the differences between RAM and ROM.
(b) State four characteristics of RAM.
(c) State four characteristics of ROM.
MODEL ANSWER
Differences
| RAM | ROM |
|---|---|
| Volatile memory | Non-volatile memory |
| Data is lost when power is off | Data is retained without power |
| Read and write operations are allowed | Mostly read-only |
| Used for temporary storage | Stores firmware and startup instructions |
Characteristics of RAM
- Temporary storage.
- Fast access speed.
- Supports read and write operations.
- Loses contents when power is switched off.
Characteristics of ROM
- Permanent storage.
- Stores boot instructions (firmware).
- Retains data without power.
- Contents are not easily modified.
QUESTION 4
(a) Define a computer network.
(b) Explain the following network types:
- LAN
- MAN
- WAN
(c) State five advantages of computer networking.
MODEL ANSWER
Definition
A computer network is a group of interconnected computers and devices that communicate and share resources.
Types of Networks
LAN (Local Area Network)
- Covers a small geographical area such as an office, school, or home.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
- Covers a city or metropolitan region.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
- Covers very large geographical areas, including countries and continents. The Internet is the largest example.
Advantages
- Resource sharing (printers, files, Internet).
- Fast communication.
- Easy file transfer.
- Centralized data management.
- Reduced operating costs.
2026 NECO Computer Studies Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
QUESTION 5
(a) Explain the term computer virus.
(b) State six types of computer viruses or malware.
(c) Mention eight preventive measures against malware.
MODEL ANSWER
Computer Virus
A computer virus is a malicious program designed to infect computer systems, damage files, disrupt operations, or steal information.
Types of Malware
- Virus
- Worm
- Trojan Horse
- Ransomware
- Spyware
- Adware
Preventive Measures
- Install reputable antivirus software.
- Update antivirus definitions regularly.
- Avoid opening suspicious email attachments.
- Download software only from trusted sources.
- Keep the operating system updated.
- Use a firewall.
- Scan removable storage devices before use.
- Back up important data regularly.
QUESTION 6
(a) Define an algorithm.
(b) Explain a flowchart.
(c) Draw a flowchart to determine whether a number entered by a user is even or odd.
MODEL ANSWER
Algorithm
An algorithm is a finite sequence of well-defined steps used to solve a problem or perform a computation.
Flowchart
A flowchart is a graphical representation of an algorithm using standardized symbols to show the sequence of operations.
Flowchart
START
│
▼
Input Number N
│
▼
Is N mod 2 = 0?
│
┌─┴─────────┐
│ │
Yes No
│ │
▼ ▼
Display Display
"EVEN" "ODD"
│ │
└─────┬─────┘
▼
STOPQUESTION 7
(a) Explain the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
(b) State ten applications of ICT in different sectors of the economy.
MODEL ANSWER
Importance of ICT
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) refers to technologies used to create, process, store, retrieve, and communicate information. ICT has transformed education, business, healthcare, governance, and communication.
Applications of ICT
- Education – E-learning, online examinations, digital libraries.
- Healthcare – Electronic medical records and telemedicine.
- Banking – Internet banking, ATMs, and mobile banking.
- Business – E-commerce, inventory management, accounting.
- Agriculture – Precision farming and weather forecasting.
- Government – E-governance and digital public services.
- Transportation – Online ticketing, GPS navigation, traffic management.
- Communication – Email, instant messaging, and video conferencing.
- Media and Entertainment – Digital publishing, streaming, and content creation.
- Security – CCTV surveillance, biometric systems, and cybersecurity monitoring.
SUGGESTED MARKING SCHEME
| Question | Marks |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 20 |
| Question 2 | 20 |
| Question 3 | 20 |
| Question 4 | 20 |
| Question 5 | 20 |
| Question 6 | 20 |
| Question 7 | 20 |
General Allocation Per Question
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Definition/Introduction | 2 |
| Explanation/Main Points | 10 |
| Examples/Diagrams | 4 |
| Organization, Accuracy, and Presentation | 4 |
