SYSTEM NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR PPSC Past paper [Pakistan]

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: August 16, 2024

1. What does CPU stand for?
A) Central Process Unit
B) Central Processing Unit
C) Computer Personal Unit
D) Central Performance Unit
Answer: B) Central Processing Unit

2. Which data structure uses LIFO (Last In First Out) principle?
A) Queue
B) Stack
C) Array
D) Linked List
Answer: B) Stack

3. What is the primary function of an operating system?
A) Manage hardware resources
B) Perform calculations
C) Store data
D) Develop software
Answer: A) Manage hardware resources

4. In computer networking, what does IP stand for?
A) Internet Protocol
B) Internal Process
C) Internet Provider
D) Integrated Program
Answer: A) Internet Protocol

5. Which of the following is a non-volatile memory?
A) RAM
B) Cache
C) ROM
D) Register
Answer: C) ROM

6. Which sorting algorithm has the best average-case time complexity?
A) Bubble Sort
B) Insertion Sort
C) Merge Sort
D) Selection Sort
Answer: C) Merge Sort

7. What does the acronym API stand for?
A) Application Programming Interface
B) Application Process Integration
C) Applied Protocol Interface
D) Automated Process Interface
Answer: A) Application Programming Interface

8. Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for data encryption?
A) Network Layer
B) Transport Layer
C) Session Layer
D) Presentation Layer
Answer: D) Presentation Layer

9. What is the purpose of a DNS in a network?
A) Translates domain names to IP addresses
B) Manages email communications
C) Filters network traffic
D) Provides firewall protection
Answer: A) Translates domain names to IP addresses

10. In software engineering, what does SDLC stand for?
A) Software Development Life Cycle
B) System Design Life Cycle
C) Software Deployment Life Cycle
D) System Development Long Cycle
Answer: A) Software Development Life Cycle

11. Which type of database management system is MySQL?
A) NoSQL
B) Hierarchical
C) Relational
D) Network
Answer: C) Relational

12. What is the main purpose of using a version control system like Git?
A) To compile code
B) To track changes in source code
C) To deploy applications
D) To debug code
Answer: B) To track changes in source code

13. Which of the following is a fundamental component of the Von Neumann architecture?
A) Parallel processing
B) Memory
C) Neural networks
D) Graphics Processing Unit
Answer: B) Memory

14. What does the acronym HTTP stand for?
A) HyperText Transfer Protocol
B) Hyper Transfer Text Protocol
C) HyperText Transport Program
D) Hyper Transfer Terminal Protocol
Answer: A) HyperText Transfer Protocol

15. In computer architecture, what is the role of an ALU?
A) Store data
B) Perform arithmetic and logic operations
C) Manage memory
D) Control input/output operations
Answer: B) Perform arithmetic and logic operations

16. Which of the following programming paradigms is C++ primarily associated with?
A) Functional
B) Object-Oriented
C) Procedural
D) Declarative
Answer: B) Object-Oriented

17. What is the main advantage of using a hash table?
A) It allows for efficient data storage
B) It prevents data loss
C) It enables faster searching
D) It reduces memory usage
Answer: C) It enables faster searching

18. What does MVC stand for in software architecture?
A) Model-View-Controller
B) Module-View-Connection
C) Main-View-Control
D) Model-Version-Control
Answer: A) Model-View-Controller

19. Which algorithm is commonly used for public-key encryption?
A) RSA
B) DES
C) AES
D) SHA
Answer: A) RSA

20. What is the function of a compiler in programming?
A) To execute code
B) To convert high-level code into machine code
C) To debug code
D) To optimize code
Answer: B) To convert high-level code into machine code

21. What is the Big O notation used for in computer science?
A) Describing the efficiency of an algorithm
B) Measuring data transfer speed
C) Estimating hardware performance
D) Evaluating code readability
Answer: A) Describing the efficiency of an algorithm

22. What is a primary key in a relational database?
A) A unique identifier for each record
B) A reference to another table
C) A type of encryption key
D) A key used to sort data
Answer: A) A unique identifier for each record

23. Which command is used to create a new branch in Git?
A) git new-branch
B) git checkout
C) git branch
D) git clone
Answer: C) git branch

24. In computer networks, what is a subnet mask used for?
A) To identify the network portion of an IP address
B) To encrypt network traffic
C) To assign IP addresses dynamically
D) To block unauthorized access
Answer: A) To identify the network portion of an IP address

25. What does SSD stand for in computer hardware?
A) Solid State Drive
B) Secure Storage Device
C) Systematic Storage Disk
D) Static System Drive
Answer: A) Solid State Drive

26. Which of the following is a common NoSQL database?
A) MongoDB
B) MySQL
C) Oracle
D) PostgreSQL
Answer: A) MongoDB

27. In software testing, what is a test case?
A) A set of conditions to test a particular feature
B) The final product after testing
C) The documentation of software requirements
D) A prototype of the software
Answer: A) A set of conditions to test a particular feature

28. What is the primary role of an operating system’s kernel?
A) To manage hardware resources and system calls
B) To provide a user interface
C) To compile and execute programs
D) To encrypt files and data
Answer: A) To manage hardware resources and system calls

29. Which programming language is primarily used for web development?
A) Python
B) Java
C) JavaScript
D) C++
Answer: C) JavaScript

30. In software development, what is a sprint?
A) A set period of time during which specific work must be completed
B) A debugging phase
C) A type of software testing
D) A method of project documentation
Answer: A) A set period of time during which specific work must be completed

31. Which data structure is most suitable for implementing a priority queue?
A) Heap
B) Stack
C) Queue
D) Array
Answer: A) Heap

32. What is the primary purpose of a firewall in a network?
A) To prevent unauthorized access
B) To boost internet speed
C) To store data securely
D) To manage bandwidth
Answer: A) To prevent unauthorized access

33. Which protocol is used for secure data transmission over the internet?
A) HTTP
B) FTP
C) HTTPS
D) SMTP
Answer: C) HTTPS

34. What is the role of a software architect?
A) To design the overall structure of a software system
B) To write the code for the software
C) To test the software for bugs
D) To manage the software deployment
Answer: A) To design the overall structure of a software system

35. In object-oriented programming, what is inheritance?
A) The mechanism by which one class can inherit properties and methods from another class
B) A method of encrypting data
C) A type of data structure
D) A function used to compare two objects
Answer: A) The mechanism by which one class can inherit properties and methods from another class

36. Which of the following is an example of cloud storage?
A) Google Drive
B) Hard Disk
C) USB Drive
D) CD-ROM
Answer: A) Google Drive

37. What does SQL stand for?
A) Structured Query Language
B) Simple Query Language
C) Standard Query Language
D) Sequential Query Language
Answer: A) Structured Query Language

38. In computer networks, what is a packet?
A) A unit of data transmitted over a network
B) A collection of files
C) A type of network protocol
D) A firewall rule
Answer: A) A unit of data transmitted over a network

39. What is the main advantage of using a linked list over an array?
A) Dynamic memory allocation
B) Faster access time
C) Less memory usage
D) Simple implementation
Answer: A) Dynamic memory allocation

40. What does IDE stand for in software development?
A) Integrated Development Environment
B) Interactive Data Entry
C) Independent Design Execution
D) Intelligent Debugging Engine
Answer: A) Integrated Development Environment

41. Which programming language is known for its simplicity and readability?
A) Python
B) C++
C) Java
D) Assembly
Answer: A) Python

42. What is the purpose of an IP address in networking?
A) To identify a device on a network
B) To store data
C) To control network traffic
D) To encrypt communications
Answer: A) To identify a device on a network

43. Which of the following is a benefit of using microservices architecture?
A) Scalability
B) Monolithic structure
C) Centralized control
D) Single point of failure
Answer: A) Scalability

44. What is the function of a cache memory?
A) To store frequently accessed data for quick retrieval
B) To store large files permanently
C) To process data
D) To manage network traffic
Answer: A) To store frequently accessed data for quick retrieval

45. What does the term “polymorphism” mean in object-oriented programming?
A) The ability to process objects differently based on their data type or class
B) The process of copying data
C) A method of error handling
D) A type of data compression
Answer: A) The ability to process objects differently based on their data type or class

46. In a database, what is a foreign key?
A) A field that links two tables together
B) A unique identifier for a record
C) A method of data encryption
D) A field that holds binary data
Answer: A) A field that links two tables together

47. What is the purpose of the DNS in internet communication?
A) To translate domain names into IP addresses
B) To encrypt data
C) To manage user authentication
D) To monitor network traffic
Answer: A) To translate domain names into IP addresses

48. What does UML stand for in software engineering?
A) Unified Modeling Language
B) Universal Management Library
C) User Manual Language
D) Uniform Method List
Answer: A) Unified Modeling Language

49. Which of the following is a type of loop in programming?
A) For loop
B) While loop
C) Do-while loop
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

50. What is the main function of an operating system’s scheduler?
A) To allocate CPU time to different processes
B) To manage memory allocation
C) To handle file storage
D) To encrypt system data
Answer: A) To allocate CPU time to different processes

51. In networking, what does VLAN stand for?
A) Virtual Local Area Network
B) Virtual Link Access Node
C) Variable Local Access Network
D) Verified Local Area Network
Answer: A) Virtual Local Area Network

52. What is an interrupt in computer systems?
A) A signal that causes the CPU to stop its current activity
B) A program error
C) A type of data structure
D) A network protocol
Answer: A) A signal that causes the CPU to stop its current activity

53. Which of the following is an example of a relational database?
A) PostgreSQL
B) MongoDB
C) Redis
D) Cassandra
Answer: A) PostgreSQL

54. What is a deadlock in operating systems?
A) A situation where two or more processes are unable to proceed because each is waiting for the other to release a resource
B) A method of file encryption
C) A type of memory leak
D) A condition of high CPU utilization
Answer: A) A situation where two or more processes are unable to proceed because each is waiting for the other to release a resource

55. Which protocol is used to send emails?
A) SMTP
B) FTP
C) HTTP
D) DNS
Answer: A) SMTP

56. What is the primary purpose of normalization in a database?
A) To reduce data redundancy
B) To encrypt data
C) To increase query speed
D) To store large amounts of data
Answer: A) To reduce data redundancy

57. In software development, what is an Agile methodology?
A) A set of principles for iterative and incremental development
B) A programming language
C) A type of database
D) A method of debugging code
Answer: A) A set of principles for iterative and incremental development

58. What is the difference between a class and an object in object-oriented programming?
A) A class is a blueprint for creating objects, and an object is an instance of a class
B) A class is a variable, and an object is a function
C) A class is a type of data, and an object is a type of function
D) A class is a method, and an object is a procedure
Answer: A) A class is a blueprint for creating objects, and an object is an instance of a class

59. What is a kernel in the context of operating systems?
A) The core part of an operating system that manages system resources
B) A type of software application
C) A type of programming language
D) A type of network protocol
Answer: A) The core part of an operating system that manages system resources

60. What does CRUD stand for in database management?
A) Create, Read, Update, Delete
B) Compile, Run, Update, Debug
C) Connect, Read, Upload, Download
D) Create, Run, Use, Deploy
Answer: A) Create, Read, Update, Delete

61. In software development, what is a bug?
A) An error or flaw in a software program
B) A type of software
C) A version control system
D) A method of software testing
Answer: A) An error or flaw in a software program

62. What is a thread in the context of programming?
A) A sequence of executable instructions within a process
B) A method of compiling code
C) A network protocol
D) A type of data structure
Answer: A) A sequence of executable instructions within a process

63. Which of the following is a key feature of object-oriented programming?
A) Encapsulation
B) Recursion
C) Looping
D) Pipelining
Answer: A) Encapsulation

64. What is the primary function of a database index?
A) To improve the speed of data retrieval
B) To encrypt data
C) To reduce data redundancy
D) To store large files
Answer: A) To improve the speed of data retrieval

65. In computer graphics, what is a pixel?
A) The smallest unit of a digital image
B) A type of memory
C) A type of file format
D) A programming language
Answer: A) The smallest unit of a digital image

66. What is the purpose of the Git commit command?
A) To save changes to the local repository
B) To merge branches
C) To delete files
D) To update the operating system
Answer: A) To save changes to the local repository

67. What is the purpose of a constructor in object-oriented programming?
A) To initialize an object when it is created
B) To compare two objects
C) To delete an object
D) To store object data
Answer: A) To initialize an object when it is created

68. What does DNS stand for?
A) Domain Name System
B) Digital Network Service
C) Data Network Security
D) Domain Network Server
Answer: A) Domain Name System

69. In the context of software development, what is refactoring?
A) The process of restructuring existing code without changing its external behavior
B) The process of debugging code
C) The process of deploying code
D) The process of compiling code
Answer: A) The process of restructuring existing code without changing its external behavior

70. What is the primary purpose of an API?
A) To allow different software applications to communicate with each other
B) To compile programs
C) To store data
D) To create graphical interfaces
Answer: A) To allow different software applications to communicate with each other

71. Which of the following is a principle of Agile development?
A) Continuous delivery of working software
B) Detailed documentation before coding
C) Strict adherence to original plans
D) Limited customer involvement
Answer: A) Continuous delivery of working software

72. What is the role of a load balancer in a network?
A) To distribute network traffic across multiple servers
B) To block unauthorized access
C) To store backup data
D) To encrypt network communications
Answer: A) To distribute network traffic across multiple servers

73. In programming, what is an array?
A) A collection of elements identified by index or key
B) A type of loop
C) A type of function
D) A programming paradigm
Answer: A) A collection of elements identified by index or key

74. What does the term “object” refer to in object-oriented programming?
A) An instance of a class
B) A type of variable
C) A type of function
D) A method of debugging
Answer: A) An instance of a class

75. In computer security, what is a firewall?
A) A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic
B) A type of virus
C) A method of data encryption
D) A network protocol
Answer: A) A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic

76. What is the purpose of the Git merge command?
A) To combine multiple branches into one
B) To delete a branch
C) To update a repository
D) To create a new branch
Answer: A) To combine multiple branches into one

77. What does JSON stand for?
A) JavaScript Object Notation
B) Java System Object Network
C) JavaScript Oriented Notation
D) Java System Open Network
Answer: A) JavaScript Object Notation

78. What is the primary function of a router in a network?
A) To route data between different networks
B) To encrypt network communications
C) To store data
D) To manage user authentication
Answer: A) To route data between different networks

79. In software engineering, what is the purpose of unit testing?
A) To test individual components of software
B) To test the entire system
C) To integrate different modules
D) To deploy software to production
Answer: A) To test individual components of software

80. What is the primary advantage of using a relational database?
A) It allows for efficient data storage and retrieval using structured queries
B) It provides the fastest data access times
C) It automatically scales with user demand
D) It requires no data modeling
Answer: A) It allows for efficient data storage and retrieval using structured queries

81. What is the smallest ocean in the world?
A) Atlantic Ocean
B) Indian Ocean
C) Arctic Ocean
D) Pacific Ocean
Answer: C) Arctic Ocean

82. Who was the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan?
A) Fatima Jinnah
B) Benazir Bhutto
C) Hina Rabbani Khar
D) Asma Jahangir
Answer: B) Benazir Bhutto

83. Who is the current President of the United States as of 2024?
A) Joe Biden
B) Donald Trump
C) Kamala Harris
D) Ron DeSantis
Answer: A) Joe Biden

84. Which is the longest river in Pakistan?
A) Indus
B) Jhelum
C) Chenab
D) Ravi
Answer: A) Indus

85. What is the sum of the angles in a triangle?
A) 90 degrees
B) 180 degrees
C) 270 degrees
D) 360 degrees
Answer: B) 180 degrees

86. What is the antonym of the word “optimistic”?
A) Hopeful
B) Pessimistic
C) Joyful
D) Confident
Answer: B) Pessimistic

87. The Urdu word for “flower” is:
A) درخت
B) پھول
C) زمین
D) آسمان
Answer: B) پھول

88. What is the chemical formula for carbon dioxide?
A) CO
B) CO2
C) H2O
D) CH4
Answer: B) CO2

89. What is the highest mountain in the world?
A) K2
B) Mount Everest
C) Kangchenjunga
D) Lhotse
Answer: B) Mount Everest

90. Who was the founder of the All India Muslim League?
A) Allama Iqbal
B) Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
C) Nawab Salimullah Khan
D) Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Answer: C) Nawab Salimullah Khan

91. Who is the current Secretary-General of the United Nations?
A) Ban Ki-moon
B) Kofi Annan
C) António Guterres
D) Boutros Boutros-Ghali
Answer: C) António Guterres

92. Which country shares the longest border with Pakistan?
A) India
B) Afghanistan
C) Iran
D) China
Answer: A) India

93. What is the square of 12?
A) 124
B) 142
C) 144
D) 154
Answer: C) 144

94. Choose the correct preposition: “He is good ___ mathematics.”
A) at
B) in
C) on
D) with
Answer: A) at

95. The Urdu word for “moon” is:
A) سورج
B) چاند
C) ستارہ
D) بادل
Answer: B) چاند

96. What is the atomic number of oxygen?
A) 6
B) 7
C) 8
D) 9
Answer: C) 8

97. What is the capital city of Canada?
A) Toronto
B) Vancouver
C) Montreal
D) Ottawa
Answer: D) Ottawa

98. Who is known as the “Poet of the East”?
A) Mirza Ghalib
B) Allama Iqbal
C) Faiz Ahmed Faiz
D) Ahmad Faraz
Answer: B) Allama Iqbal

99. Who is the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?
A) Boris Johnson
B) Rishi Sunak
C) Theresa May
D) Keir Starmer
Answer: B) Rishi Sunak

100. What is the speed of light in vacuum?
A) 300,000 km/s
B) 150,000 km/s
C) 450,000 km/s
D) 600,000 km/s
Answer: A) 300,000 km/s