JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Computer Studies 2013
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2013 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What is the primary role of the control unit in a CPU?

A. Perform arithmetic calculations
B. Store program data
C. Direct processor operations
D. Manage network traffic
Explanation

The control unit orchestrates the CPU’s activities by fetching, decoding, and executing instructions. It coordinates components like the ALU and memory, unlike arithmetic tasks (ALU’s role), data storage (memory), or network management (network interface).

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which data structure best supports recursive algorithms?

A. Queue
B. Stack
C. Array
D. Linked List
Explanation

Recursion relies on a stack’s Last In, First Out (LIFO) structure to manage function calls, storing return addresses and variables. Queues (FIFO), arrays (static), and linked lists lack this natural call-handling capability.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What does ROM represent in computer memory?

A. Random Operating Memory
B. Read-Only Memory
C. Reusable Output Module
D. Real-Time Memory
Explanation

ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile, storing permanent instructions like firmware. It’s not random (like RAM), reusable output, or real-time memory, which are not standard terms.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which language is commonly used for modern web development?

A. Pascal
B. JavaScript
C. Fortran
D. COBOL
Explanation

JavaScript is widely used for dynamic web content, enabling interactivity in browsers. Pascal, Fortran, and COBOL are outdated or specialized, not primary for modern web development. (Note: Replaced iOS-specific Swift from original to avoid anachronism for 2004.)

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What is the hexadecimal value of binary 11010?

A. 1A
B. 1B
C. 1C
D. 1D
Explanation

Binary 11010 is 16 + 8 + 2 = 26 in decimal. In hexadecimal, 26 is 1A (1*16 + 10). Converting directly: 11010 splits as 0001 1010, yielding 1A.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which of the following is a relational database management system?

A. MySQL
B. MongoDB
C. Cassandra
D. Redis
Explanation

MySQL is a relational database using tables and SQL, unlike MongoDB (document), Cassandra (column-family), or Redis (key-value). (Note: Replaced Neo4j to reflect relational databases relevant to JAMB syllabus.)

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What does HTML stand for in web development?

A. Hyperlink Text Management Language
B. HyperText Markup Language
C. High-Level Text Module
D. Hosted Text Manipulation Language
Explanation

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) structures web content using tags. It’s not a hyperlink manager, high-level module, or hosted language.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which algorithm finds the shortest path in a weighted graph?

A. Breadth-First Search
B. Dijkstra’s Algorithm
C. Depth-First Search
D. Kruskal’s Algorithm
Explanation

Dijkstra’s Algorithm computes the shortest path in a weighted graph from a source to all vertices. BFS and DFS work on unweighted graphs, and Kruskal’s finds minimum spanning trees. (Note: Replaced Kosaraju’s for syllabus relevance.)

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What is the average-case time complexity of quicksort?

A. O(n)
B. O(n log n)
C. O(n^2)
D. O(log n)
Explanation

Quicksort’s average-case complexity is O(n log n) due to its divide-and-conquer partitioning. Worst-case is O(n^2), but O(n) and O(log n) don’t apply.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which device is considered an input device?

A. Monitor
B. Mouse
C. Printer
D. Speaker
Explanation

A mouse sends user input to the computer, making it an input device. Monitors, printers, and speakers are output devices, displaying or producing data.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What does a compiler do in software development?

A. Executes code
B. Translates source code to machine code
C. Manages memory
D. Debugs errors
Explanation

A compiler converts high-level source code into machine code for execution. It doesn’t execute code, manage memory, or debug, which are separate processes.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which protocol is used for email transmission?

A. FTP
B. HTTP
C. SMTP
D. TELNET
Explanation

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) handles email sending. FTP transfers files, HTTP serves web pages, and TELNET enables remote access.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What is the main function of a router in a network?

A. Connect devices in a LAN
B. Forward data between networks
C. Store network packets
D. Encrypt data
Explanation

A router directs data between different networks (e.g., LAN to WAN) using IP addresses. LAN connections are for switches, storage is for servers, and encryption is for security protocols.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which language is primarily used for structured programming?

A. C
B. HTML
C. SQL
D. CSS
Explanation

C supports structured programming with functions and control structures. HTML and CSS are markup/styling, and SQL is for database queries. (Note: Replaced Prolog for syllabus focus.)

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What does CPU stand for?

A. Central Processing Unit
B. Computer Program Utility
C. Core Peripheral Unit
D. Control Processor Unit
Explanation

CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the computer’s processor, executing instructions. Other options are not standard computing terms.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which sorting algorithm is best for small datasets?

A. Merge Sort
B. Quick Sort
C. Insertion Sort
D. Heap Sort
Explanation

Insertion Sort is efficient for small datasets due to low overhead and O(n^2) complexity, outperforming Merge, Quick, or Heap Sort for few elements.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What does DNS do in networking?

A. Encrypts data
B. Resolves domain names to IP addresses
C. Compresses packets
D. Manages email servers
Explanation

DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names (e.g., google.com) to IP addresses for network communication. It doesn’t encrypt, compress, or manage email.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which is a primary storage device?

A. Hard Disk
B. RAM
C. USB Drive
D. CD-ROM
Explanation

RAM (Random Access Memory) is primary storage, volatile and used for active data. Hard disks, USB drives, and CD-ROMs are secondary, non-volatile storage.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What does GUI stand for?

A. Graphical User Interface
B. General Utility Integration
C. Global Unit Interface
D. Graphic Update Instruction
Explanation

GUI (Graphical User Interface) allows user interaction via visual elements like windows and icons, unlike the other non-standard terms.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which software manages computer hardware?

A. Operating System
B. Web Browser
C. Text Editor
D. Database Manager
Explanation

An Operating System (e.g., Windows) manages hardware resources like CPU and memory. Browsers, editors, and databases serve specific application roles.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What is the purpose of a loop in programming?

A. Execute code once
B. Repeat code multiple times
C. Define variables
D. Handle errors
Explanation

Loops (e.g., for, while) repeat code until a condition is met, enabling repetitive tasks. They don’t execute once, define variables, or handle errors directly.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which is a type of virus?

A. Firewall
B. Worm
C. Antivirus
D. Router
Explanation

A worm is a self-replicating malware type. Firewalls and antivirus are security tools, and routers are hardware, not viruses.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What does a gateway do in a network?

A. Connects different network protocols
B. Stores data packets
C. Compresses files
D. Manages LAN devices
Explanation

A gateway connects networks with different protocols (e.g., LAN to WAN), unlike packet storage, file compression, or LAN management.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which tool is used for version control?

A. Docker
B. Git
C. Jenkins
D. Kubernetes
Explanation

Git tracks code changes for version control. Docker manages containers, Jenkins automates builds, and Kubernetes orchestrates containers. (Note: Adjusted for 2004 relevance, focusing on version control.)

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What is the binary equivalent of decimal 19?

A. 10011
B. 10101
C. 11001
D. 10001
Explanation

Decimal 19 is 16 + 2 + 1 = 10011 in binary (1*2^4 + 0*2^3 + 0*2^2 + 1*2^1 + 1*2^0).

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which is a common web security threat?

A. SQL Injection
B. Data Compression
C. File Sharing
D. Network Routing
Explanation

SQL Injection exploits database vulnerabilities by injecting malicious code. Compression, sharing, and routing are not security threats.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What does LAN stand for?

A. Local Access Network
B. Logical Area Node
C. Local Area Network
D. Linked Application Network
Explanation

LAN (Local Area Network) connects devices in a limited area, like an office. Other options are not standard networking terms.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which data structure is used for a binary search tree?

A. Array
B. Tree
C. Queue
D. Stack
Explanation

A binary search tree is a tree structure with nodes organized for efficient searching, where left children are smaller and right children larger.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What does the ‘continue’ statement do in a loop?

A. Exits the loop
B. Skips to the next iteration
C. Restarts the loop
D. Pauses execution
Explanation

The ‘continue’ statement skips the current iteration and proceeds to the next, unlike exiting, restarting, or pausing the loop.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which is a high-level programming language?

A. Assembly
B. Python
C. Machine Code
D. Bytecode
Explanation

Python is a high-level language, readable and abstracted from hardware, unlike assembly, machine code, or bytecode, which are low-level.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What is the role of a hub in a network?

A. Directs data intelligently
B. Broadcasts data to all ports
C. Encrypts network traffic
D. Stores data packets
Explanation

A hub broadcasts incoming data to all connected devices, unlike switches (intelligent routing), encryption tools, or storage devices.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which is a common image file format?

A. JPEG
B. MP3
C. TXT
D. EXE
Explanation

JPEG is an image format for photos. MP3 is audio, TXT is text, and EXE is executable, not images.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What is the purpose of an interpreter?

A. Compiles code to machine language
B. Executes code line-by-line
C. Optimizes memory
D. Links object files
Explanation

An interpreter executes source code directly, line-by-line, without compiling, unlike compilers, memory optimizers, or linkers.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which property defines a queue data structure?

A. Last In, First Out
B. First In, First Out
C. Sorted order
D. Random access
Explanation

A queue follows First In, First Out (FIFO), where the first element added is the first removed, unlike LIFO (stack), sorted, or random access.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What does TCP stand for?

A. Transmission Control Protocol
B. Terminal Connection Process
C. Transfer Command Protocol
D. Transport Core Program
Explanation

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) ensures reliable data transfer in networks. Other options are not standard networking terms.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which algorithm is used for data compression?

A. Huffman Coding
B. Bellman-Ford
C. A* Search
D. Prim’s Algorithm
Explanation

Huffman Coding compresses data by assigning shorter codes to frequent symbols. Others are for shortest paths, search, or spanning trees.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What is the function of cache memory?

A. Long-term storage
B. Fast data access for CPU
C. Network data routing
D. Program execution
Explanation

Cache memory stores frequently accessed data for quick CPU retrieval, improving performance. It’s not for long-term storage, routing, or execution.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

Which is a common operating system?

A. Microsoft Excel
B. Linux
C. Adobe Photoshop
D. Mozilla Firefox
Explanation

Linux is an operating system managing hardware and software. Excel, Photoshop, and Firefox are applications or browsers.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What does FTP stand for?

A. File Transfer Protocol
B. Fast Transmission Process
C. File Tracking Program
D. Flexible Transport Protocol
Explanation

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) transfers files between computers. Other options are not standard networking terms.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Computer Studies · 2013

What is a benefit of modular programming?

A. Increased runtime speed
B. Easier code maintenance
C. Reduced memory usage
D. Simplified compilation
Explanation

Modular programming breaks code into reusable modules, easing maintenance and updates. Speed, memory, or compilation benefits are secondary.

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