O Level / IGCSE Computer Science chapter 5: The internet and its uses MCQs with answers
By Team Megalecture · Updated 4 Nov 2026
30 exam-style questions on The internet and its uses, each with the answer and a short explanation. Ten of them are below to try. The chapter test draws ten fresh questions each time and is marked the moment you finish, with your score by topic.
Ten The internet and its uses questions with answers
Try each one, then open the answer. These ten stay the same; the test draws new ones every time.
1. What is the difference between the internet and the world wide web?
A
they are two names for the same thing
B
the internet is only used for email; the world wide web is used for everything else
C
the world wide web is the physical cables and routers; the internet is the collection of websites
D
the internet is the infrastructure; the world wide web is the web pages accessed using it
Show answer
Answer: D. The internet is the global network infrastructure. The world wide web is one service that uses it: the collection of web pages.
2. What is a uniform resource locator (URL)?
A
the numeric address of a device on a network
B
a program used to display web pages
C
the unique address given to a NIC when it is made
D
a text-based address for a web page
Show answer
Answer: D. A URL is a text-based address for a web page, which is easier for people to use than an IP address. A browser is the program that displays pages.
3. What is the difference between phishing and pharming?
A
phishing redirects a user who types the correct URL to a fake site; pharming sends fake emails with links
B
phishing needs a DDoS attack first
C
both only work through phone calls
D
phishing uses fake messages with a link; pharming redirects a correctly typed URL to a fake site
Show answer
Answer: D. Phishing tricks the user into clicking a link in a message. Pharming installs code on the computer or alters DNS data, so even typing the correct address leads to the fake website.
4. How does a proxy server help to keep users safe?
A
it stores the user’s passwords
B
it sends a one-time code to the user’s phone each time they try to log in
C
it encrypts the whole of the user’s hard disk so that stolen files cannot be read
D
it acts as an intermediary, hiding the user’s IP address and filtering requests
Show answer
Answer: D. Requests go through the proxy server, so web servers see the proxy’s IP address instead of the user’s. It can also block access to certain sites and filter traffic.
5. What is the aim of a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack?
A
to steal passwords by watching a user type
B
to copy data secretly as it travels across a network so that it can be read by the attacker later
C
to encrypt a user’s files and demand payment
D
to stop real users reaching a server by flooding it with requests from many computers
Show answer
Answer: D. In a DDoS attack many infected computers (a botnet) send huge numbers of requests at once, overwhelming the server so real users cannot get through.
6. A student buys a game using a digital currency. Which statement about this transaction is correct?
A
the transaction is not recorded anywhere, so it cannot be tracked later
B
the student must visit a bank to complete it
C
the payment is made electronically and a record of it is kept
D
the currency is physically delivered to the seller
Show answer
Answer: C. Digital currency transactions happen electronically, and each one is recorded, such as a new record in a blockchain, so it can be tracked.
7. How are the blocks in a blockchain linked together?
A
each block stores the hash value of the previous block
B
each block stores the IP address of the next block
C
the blocks are stored in alphabetical order
D
each block is encrypted with the same private key as the block before it
Show answer
Answer: A. Each block contains its own hash and the hash of the previous block, forming a chain. Changing one block changes its hash, breaking the link.
8. A user’s files are suddenly encrypted, and a message demands payment for the key to unlock them. Which type of malware is this?
A
adware
B
spyware
C
ransomware
D
Trojan horse
Show answer
Answer: C. Ransomware encrypts or locks the victim’s data and demands a ransom. Spyware secretly collects information; adware shows unwanted adverts.
9. What is a brute-force attack?
A
trying every possible combination of characters until the correct password is found
B
sending a fake email that asks for bank details
C
flooding a server with requests
D
redirecting a user to a fake website that looks exactly like the real one to collect passwords
Show answer
Answer: A. A brute-force attack systematically tries password combinations, often using software. Long, complex passwords make it take far longer.
10. Which statement about a digital currency is correct?
A
it is always issued as physical coins and notes as well as electronically
B
it can only be used inside one country
C
it has no physical form and is held and transferred electronically
D
it cannot be used to pay for goods
Show answer
Answer: C. A digital currency has no physical form. It is stored and transferred electronically, for example between digital wallets.
How many The internet and its uses MCQs are there?
30, each with the answer and a short explanation, across 3 topics: The internet and the world wide web, Digital currency, Cyber security. Every chapter test draws ten of them, so you can take it many times.
Is the O Level / IGCSE Computer Science chapter 5 test free?
Yes. The test, the answers and the explanations are free and need no sign-up. Sign in only if you want your scores kept across devices.
How is the chapter test marked?
The moment you press Finish: your score, the right answer and an explanation for every question, and the ones you got wrong saved in My mistakes to retry.
