Computer Awareness & Fundamentals — Set 03
Standard: OSSSC, OSSC, Odisha Police, Banking, SSC CGL/CHSL, Railways & Teaching Exams | 50 Fresh Basic-Level MCQs.
1. Which early calculating device, invented by Blaise Pascal in 1642, was capable of performing addition and subtraction using geared wheels?
- A) Abacus
- B) Pascaline
- C) Napier's Bones
- D) Difference Engine
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Correct Answer: B) Pascaline
Explanation: The Pascaline (or Arithmetic Machine) was the first mechanical calculator produced in quantity and used operationally, utilizing interlocking rotating cogwheels to add and subtract numbers directly.
2. What was the name of the first commercially available general-purpose electronic digital computer produced in the United States?
- A) ENIAC
- B) EDVAC
- C) UNIVAC I
- D) Mark I
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Correct Answer: C) UNIVAC I
Explanation: UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer I), delivered to the US Census Bureau in 1951, was the first commercial electronic computer manufactured for business and administrative data processing.
3. Fourth-generation computers are fundamentally characterized by the introduction of which technology?
- A) Vacuum Tubes
- B) Transistors
- C) Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) Microprocessors
- D) Artificial Intelligence
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Correct Answer: C) Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) Microprocessors
Explanation: Fourth-generation computers (1971–present) are defined by LSI and VLSI microprocessors, which placed thousands to millions of transistors onto a single compact silicon semiconductor wafer.
4. The physical components of a computer system that can be seen and touched are collectively referred to as:
- A) Hardware
- B) Software
- C) Firmware
- D) Freeware
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Correct Answer: A) Hardware
Explanation: Hardware refers to the tangible physical equipment of a computer (CPU, monitor, mouse, motherboard), whereas software refers to programs and intangible instruction sets that run on the hardware.
5. What does the abbreviation 'SMPS' stand for in computer hardware systems?
- A) Simple Mode Power System
- B) Switched-Mode Power Supply
- C) Serial Main Power Switch
- D) Synchronous Memory Power Slot
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Correct Answer: B) Switched-Mode Power Supply
Explanation: SMPS (Switched-Mode Power Supply) is the internal hardware power unit that converts alternating current (AC) from mains electricity into low-voltage regulated direct current (DC) for internal components like the motherboard, drives, and CPU.
6. Which internal CPU register keeps track of the memory address of the current instruction being executed or decoded?
- A) Memory Data Register (MDR)
- B) Instruction Register (IR)
- C) Accumulator
- D) Memory Buffer Register (MBR)
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Correct Answer: B) Instruction Register (IR)
Explanation: The Instruction Register (IR) holds the binary instruction currently being decoded and executed by the processor after being fetched from main memory.
7. In the context of computer processing, what does 'GIGO' stand for?
- A) General Input, General Output
- B) Garbage In, Garbage Out
- C) Global Interface, Global Operation
- D) Greater Input, Greater Output
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Correct Answer: B) Garbage In, Garbage Out
Explanation: 'Garbage In, Garbage Out' (GIGO) is a foundational computing concept stating that the accuracy and reliability of computer output depend directly on the quality and accuracy of the input provided.
8. Which measurement unit represents one thousand trillion bytes (or 1024 Terabytes)?
- A) Gigabyte
- B) Petabyte
- C) Exabyte
- D) Zettabyte
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Correct Answer: B) Petabyte
Explanation: In binary data measurement hierarchy: 1024 Gigabytes (GB) = 1 Terabyte (TB), and 1024 Terabytes (TB) = 1 Petabyte (PB).
9. Which type of computer memory holds the system configuration settings, such as date, time, and boot drive sequence, powered by a small coin-cell battery?
- A) DRAM
- B) CMOS RAM
- C) SRAM
- D) Virtual Memory
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Correct Answer: B) CMOS RAM
Explanation: Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) RAM is a battery-backed chip on the motherboard that preserves hardware configuration parameters, real-time clock values, and BIOS preferences when the system is unplugged.
10. What is the primary difference between Static RAM (SRAM) and Dynamic RAM (DRAM)?
- A) SRAM is slower and cheaper than DRAM
- B) SRAM uses flip-flops and does not require periodic refreshing, making it faster than DRAM
- C) DRAM is used exclusively for CPU registers
- D) SRAM is non-volatile while DRAM is volatile
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Correct Answer: B) SRAM uses flip-flops and does not require periodic refreshing, making it faster than DRAM
Explanation: SRAM stores each bit using a bistable flip-flop circuit, meaning it requires no continuous electrical refreshing and offers faster access times (used for CPU cache), whereas DRAM stores bits on leaking capacitors requiring constant refresh cycles.
11. Which device is used to scan handwritten or printed alphanumeric text from paper and convert it directly into editable digital text?
- A) OMR
- B) OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
- C) MICR
- D) Bar Code Reader
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Correct Answer: B) OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
Explanation: Optical Character Recognition (OCR) analyzes light-and-dark patterns on printed or handwritten sheets and translates those geometric patterns into digital character codes editable in word processors.
12. A touch screen display found on smartphones and ATM kiosks functions as:
- A) An Input device only
- B) An Output device only
- C) Both an Input and Output device
- D) A Storage device
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Correct Answer: C) Both an Input and Output device
Explanation: A touch screen serves a dual role: it presents visual graphics and text to the user (Output) while capturing finger or stylus touches as navigational coordinates (Input).
13. Which printer type creates characters and graphics on heat-sensitive chemically treated paper without using ink or ribbons, commonly used in retail billing and ATMs?
- A) Laser Printer
- B) Inkjet Printer
- C) Thermal Printer
- D) Dot Matrix Printer
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Correct Answer: C) Thermal Printer
Explanation: Thermal printers selectively heat specialized thermochromic paper as it passes over the print head, activating a black coating without requiring ink cartridges or ribbons.
14. The process of dividing a blank physical magnetic disk into concentric tracks and sectors to prepare it for file storage is called:
- A) Tracking
- B) Formatting
- C) Partitioning
- D) Defragmenting
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Correct Answer: B) Formatting
Explanation: Formatting lays down the underlying magnetic track and sector architecture and file system structure (FAT32, NTFS, exFAT), preparing the storage medium for writing files.
15. What does the abbreviation 'HDMI' stand for in display and audio connectivity?
- A) High-Definition Multimedia Interface
- B) High-Density Memory Interface
- C) Hybrid Digital Media Instrument
- D) Hyper-Data Multiplex Interconnect
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Correct Answer: A) High-Definition Multimedia Interface
Explanation: HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a digital audio/video connector interface capable of transmitting uncompressed video streams and multi-channel digital audio across a single cable.
16. Which internal CPU bus is bidirectional and actually carries binary data and instructions between the processor and memory?
- A) Address Bus
- B) Control Bus
- C) Data Bus
- D) System Clock Line
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Correct Answer: C) Data Bus
Explanation: The Data Bus is bidirectional because the CPU must both fetch instructions/data from memory and write processed outputs back to memory cells or output devices.
17. The main printed circuit board inside a computer is commonly nicknamed the 'Mobo'. What is its formal name?
- A) Daughterboard
- B) Motherboard
- C) Expansion Deck
- D) System Matrix
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Correct Answer: B) Motherboard
Explanation: The Motherboard (or system board) is the primary printed circuit board that holds the CPU, memory modules, chipset, and connectors that link all peripheral subsystems together.
18. What is an uninterrupted power supply unit containing an internal battery that provides emergency backup power during an electrical outage called?
- A) SMPS
- B) UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
- C) Surge Protector
- D) Inverter
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Correct Answer: B) UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
Explanation: A UPS provides instantaneous emergency power from internal lead-acid or lithium batteries when mains voltage drops or cuts out, preventing data loss and abrupt system shutdowns.
19. Which class of software is specifically designed to perform maintenance, optimization, and housekeeping tasks on a computer system?
- A) System Software (Utility Software)
- B) Application Software
- C) Firmware
- D) Embedded Software
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Correct Answer: A) System Software (Utility Software)
Explanation: Utility programs (such as disk cleaners, antivirus tools, defragmenters, and compression utilities) are system-level programs focused on maintaining, configuring, and tuning system hardware and software.
20. What is a program that combines multiple compiled object code modules and system libraries into a single executable (.exe) file called?
- A) Compiler
- B) Linker
- C) Loader
- D) Interpreter
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Correct Answer: B) Linker
Explanation: A Linker merges individually compiled object files and external system library routines, resolving symbolic references to produce an independent runnable executable binary.
21. Which component of an operating system loads the executable file from disk storage into main memory (RAM) and prepares it for execution by the CPU?
- A) Linker
- B) Loader
- C) Compiler
- D) Debugger
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Correct Answer: B) Loader
Explanation: The Loader reads the executable program headers from disk, assigns primary memory addresses, copies machine instructions into RAM, and initializes program register states for the processor.
22. Software that is distributed free of charge for an initial trial evaluation period with limited features or an expiration date is known as:
- A) Freeware
- B) Shareware
- C) Open Source Software
- D) Public Domain Software
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Correct Answer: B) Shareware
Explanation: Shareware gives prospective customers free trial usage for a limited duration or with disabled functions, requiring a paid license key to unlock ongoing usage.
23. Which operating system user interface relies exclusively on typing text commands at a prompt rather than clicking graphical icons and windows?
- A) GUI (Graphical User Interface)
- B) CLI (Command-Line Interface)
- C) VUI (Voice User Interface)
- D) Touch Interface
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Correct Answer: B) CLI (Command-Line Interface)
Explanation: A CLI (such as MS-DOS, PowerShell, or Unix Bash) processes text-based commands typed on a keyboard, in contrast to Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) which rely on visual windows, icons, and mouse pointers.
24. What term describes restarting a computer that is already turned on and running without disconnecting the physical power switch?
- A) Cold Booting
- B) Warm Booting (Soft Boot)
- C) Hard Reset
- D) Hibernation
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Correct Answer: B) Warm Booting (Soft Boot)
Explanation: Warm booting restarts a running operating system (via OS Restart options or Ctrl+Alt+Del) without interrupting the power to internal hardware, whereas a Cold Boot starts the system from an unpowered state.
25. In operating systems, what is the data structure that stores all critical administrative details about an active process (such as process ID, state, and registers) called?
- A) Thread Pool
- B) Process Control Block (PCB)
- C) Page Table
- D) File Allocation Table
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Correct Answer: B) Process Control Block (PCB)
Explanation: The Process Control Block (PCB) is a kernel data structure containing all metadata required to identify, prioritize, track, schedule, and context-switch an active execution thread.
26. The Windows feature that saves the current state of open files and running applications directly to the hard disk drive and then shuts down power completely is called:
- A) Sleep Mode
- B) Hibernate
- C) Standby
- D) Lock Screen
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Correct Answer: B) Hibernate
Explanation: Hibernation writes the entire contents of RAM to a designated file on non-volatile disk storage (e.g., hiberfil.sys) and powers off completely, allowing full session recovery without draining battery power.
27. What is the global shortcut key combination to permanently close the currently active application window in Microsoft Windows?
- A) Ctrl + W
- B) Alt + F4
- C) Shift + Esc
- D) Ctrl + Q
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Correct Answer: B) Alt + F4
Explanation: Alt + F4 sends a termination signal to close the active application window. When pressed on an empty desktop, it opens the Windows Shut Down options dialog.
28. Which function key is used in Microsoft Windows and File Explorer to quickly rename a selected file or folder?
- A) F1
- B) F2
- C) F3
- D) F4
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Correct Answer: B) F2
Explanation: Selecting any file or folder and pressing F2 activates the inline editing box to rename the object immediately.
29. What is the standard Windows shortcut key combination to immediately lock the computer workstation screen?
- A) Windows Key + L
- B) Windows Key + D
- C) Windows Key + E
- D) Windows Key + R
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Correct Answer: A) Windows Key + L
Explanation: Pressing Windows Key + L locks the active user desktop and returns to the Windows sign-in screen, requiring account credentials to resume.
30. What is the default file extension for an Excel spreadsheet workbook created in modern versions of Microsoft Excel (2007 onwards)?
- A) .xls
- B) .xlsx
- C) .xlsm
- D) .csv
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Correct Answer: B) .xlsx
Explanation: Starting with Office 2007, Microsoft adopted OpenXML architectures, making '.xlsx' the standard default extension for Excel workbooks without macros.
31. In Microsoft Word, which keyboard shortcut combination is used to find and replace text across the active document?
- A) Ctrl + F
- B) Ctrl + H
- C) Ctrl + G
- D) Ctrl + K
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Correct Answer: B) Ctrl + H
Explanation: Ctrl + H directly opens the Find and Replace dialog window. Ctrl + F opens the search navigation bar, and Ctrl + K opens the Insert Hyperlink dialog.
32. In Microsoft Excel, what built-in mathematical function adds all the numbers in a specified range of cells?
- A) TOTAL()
- B) ADD()
- C) SUM()
- D) COUNT()
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Correct Answer: C) SUM()
Explanation: The =SUM() function adds values across specified cells or ranges (e.g., =SUM(A1:A10)). COUNT() tallies how many cells contain numeric entries.
33. In Microsoft Excel, what keyboard shortcut combination automatically sums the adjacent row or column of numbers (AutoSum)?
- A) Alt + =
- B) Ctrl + =
- C) Shift + =
- D) Alt + S
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Correct Answer: A) Alt + =
Explanation: Pressing Alt + = automatically detects continuous numeric values above or to the left of the active cell and populates the =SUM() formula.
34. In Microsoft PowerPoint, what is the keyboard shortcut to insert a new blank slide into the active presentation?
- A) Ctrl + N
- B) Ctrl + M
- C) Ctrl + S
- D) Ctrl + D
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Correct Answer: B) Ctrl + M
Explanation: Ctrl + M inserts a new slide into the existing presentation deck. Ctrl + N opens a completely new, blank PowerPoint presentation file.
35. A computer network established across a single metropolitan municipal area or city (such as a citywide cable TV network) is classified as a:
- A) LAN
- B) MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
- C) WAN
- D) PAN
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Correct Answer: B) MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
Explanation: A MAN spans a larger geographical area than a single LAN (such as an office campus) but is more geographically localized than a global Wide Area Network (WAN).
36. In a Star network topology, what central hardware device connects all network nodes together?
- A) Terminator
- B) Hub or Switch
- C) Repeater
- D) Modem
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Correct Answer: B) Hub or Switch
Explanation: In a Star topology, all terminal nodes are individually linked via dedicated point-to-point cables to a central distribution device, typically a network switch or hub.
37. Which networking hardware device operates at the Physical Layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model to regenerate and amplify weakened signals over long cable runs?
- A) Router
- B) Bridge
- C) Repeater
- D) Gateway
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Correct Answer: C) Repeater
Explanation: A Repeater is a Layer 1 hardware device that receives electrical or optical signals degraded by cable attenuation, cleans and amplifies them back to full power, and retransmits them.
38. What does the networking acronym 'VoIP' stand for?
- A) Voice over Internet Protocol
- B) Virtual Optical Interface Port
- C) Volume of Internet Packets
- D) Variable Open Information Protocol
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Correct Answer: A) Voice over Internet Protocol
Explanation: VoIP converts analog voice signals into digital packets to enable telephone calls and audio conferences over IP networks like the Internet, bypassing traditional circuit-switched telephone lines.
39. How many total hexadecimal digits are used to represent a physical 48-bit MAC (Media Access Control) address?
- A) 8 digits
- B) 12 digits
- C) 16 digits
- D) 32 digits
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Correct Answer: B) 12 digits
Explanation: A 48-bit MAC address consists of 6 octets (bytes). Since each byte is written as two hexadecimal characters (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E), it contains 12 hexadecimal digits in total.
40. Which application-layer networking protocol is used to access and manage network devices remotely via a secure, encrypted command-line shell session?
- A) Telnet
- B) SSH (Secure Shell)
- C) FTP
- D) SNMP
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Correct Answer: B) SSH (Secure Shell)
Explanation: Secure Shell (SSH) provides strong public-key cryptographic authentication and encrypted terminal communications, replacing legacy, unencrypted protocols like Telnet.
41. In an email message, what is the primary function of the 'Bcc' field?
- A) To send a carbon copy to the primary recipient
- B) To send copies of the email to recipients whose email addresses remain hidden from all other recipients
- C) To mark the email as high priority
- D) To attach binary image files
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Correct Answer: B) To send copies of the email to recipients whose email addresses remain hidden from all other recipients
Explanation: Bcc (Blind Carbon Copy) delivers copies of the message to specified addresses while stripping their identities from the email headers seen by the 'To' and 'Cc' recipients.
42. What does the common web file path acronym 'URL' stand for?
- A) Universal Resource Link
- B) Uniform Resource Locator
- C) Unified Routing Location
- D) Uniform Register Log
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Correct Answer: B) Uniform Resource Locator
Explanation: A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) specifies the network address and protocol mechanism (such as https, ftp) used to access a resource on the web.
43. Which web browser feature allows users to save and quickly revisit frequently accessed website links?
- A) History
- B) Bookmark (or Favorite)
- C) Cookie
- D) Download Manager
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Correct Answer: B) Bookmark (or Favorite)
Explanation: Bookmarks (or Favorites) store page titles and web addresses in the browser's persistent list, allowing one-click access without needing to retype the URL.
44. What is a security flaw, vulnerability, or bug in software that is exploited by hackers before the software vendor becomes aware of it and issues a patch called?
- A) Zero-Day Vulnerability
- B) Rootkit
- C) Trojan
- D) Backdoor
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Correct Answer: A) Zero-Day Vulnerability
Explanation: A Zero-Day vulnerability is an unpatched flaw actively exploited in the wild before the software developer is aware of it or has had any days to develop and release a security update.
45. What type of malware is designed to hide deep inside an operating system to maintain privileged root/administrator access while evading detection by standard antivirus scanners?
- A) Adware
- B) Rootkit
- C) Macro Virus
- D) Spam bot
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Correct Answer: B) Rootkit
Explanation: A Rootkit subverts operating system processes and system calls at the kernel level, giving remote attackers persistent administrative control while concealing malicious activity from diagnostic tools.
46. A social engineering attack where a cybercriminal impersonates a specific high-profile individual (such as a company CEO) via highly targeted spear-phishing is termed:
- A) Pharming
- B) Whaling
- C) Sniffing
- D) Spoofing
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Correct Answer: B) Whaling
Explanation: Whaling is an advanced spear-phishing campaign explicitly targeting high-value corporate executives ('whales') like CEOs and CFOs to facilitate wire fraud or steal corporate trade secrets.
47. What is an online scam where malicious code redirects a user from a legitimate website URL to a fraudulent look-alike website by poisoning DNS cache records called?
- A) Phishing
- B) Pharming
- C) Spamming
- D) Snooping
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Correct Answer: B) Pharming
Explanation: Pharming tampers with local host files or poisons DNS cache records, causing browser requests for authentic domains to load counterfeit websites without the user clicking on malicious links.
48. What type of software tracks a user's web browsing activity and displays unwanted, intrusive pop-up advertisements on the screen?
- A) Adware
- B) Ransomware
- C) Worm
- D) Trojan
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Correct Answer: A) Adware
Explanation: Adware automatically serves and renders unauthorized promotional pop-ups, banners, and affiliate redirects, often monitoring web habits to generate targeted ads.
49. In the Octal number system, what is the numerical base radix?
- A) Base 2
- B) Base 8
- C) Base 10
- D) Base 16
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Correct Answer: B) Base 8
Explanation: The Octal numeral system is base 8, using digits 0 through 7. Each octal digit corresponds to an exact 3-bit binary grouping ($2^3 = 8$).
50. What is the standard database query language used worldwide to store, retrieve, manipulate, and query relational databases?
- A) HTML
- B) SQL (Structured Query Language)
- C) XML
- D) Python
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Correct Answer: B) SQL (Structured Query Language)
Explanation: SQL (Structured Query Language) is the standardized domain-specific language used for managing data held in Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS like Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server).