Tech Savviness Quiz: How Digitally Fluent Are You?

How well do you navigate our digital world? This comprehensive quiz tests your knowledge across basic computer skills, internet safety, mobile technology, cloud services, and emerging tech trends.

Instructions

Answer all 25 questions based on your current knowledge
Don't guess randomly - choose the answer you genuinely believe is correct
Some questions test practical knowledge, others test awareness of tech concepts
Keep track of your correct answers for scoring

Section 1: Basic Computer & Software Skills (Questions 1-5)

Question 1

What is the keyboard shortcut to copy text on most computers?

A) Ctrl + X (Cmd + X on Mac) B) Ctrl + C (Cmd + C on Mac) C) Ctrl + V (Cmd + V on Mac) D) Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z on Mac)

Question 2

What does "RAM" stand for in computer terminology?

A) Random Access Memory B) Rapid Application Management C) Remote Access Module D) Read And Modify

Question 3

Which file format is best for preserving image quality without compression?

A) JPEG B) PNG C) GIF D) TIFF

Question 4

What is the difference between "Save" and "Save As" in most software?

A) No difference, they do the same thing B) "Save As" creates a backup copy C) "Save As" lets you choose location/name, "Save" overwrites current file D) "Save As" is only for new documents

Question 5

What is a browser cache?

A) A type of internet virus B) Temporary storage of web page data to speed up loading C) A bookmark folder D) A type of password manager

Section 2: Internet & Digital Communication (Questions 6-10)

Question 6

What does "HTTPS" indicate in a web address?

A) High-speed connection B) Secure, encrypted connection C) Commercial website D) Home page site

Question 7

Which of these is the strongest password?

A) Password123! B) MyBirthday1990 C) Tr@il9Hiking#2024 D) 123456789

Question 8

What is phishing?

A) A type of computer virus B) Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information C) A way to speed up internet connection D) A type of email filter

Question 9

What does "VPN" stand for and what does it do?

A) Very Private Network - speeds up internet B) Virtual Private Network - encrypts internet traffic C) Verified Personal Network - confirms identity D) Video Protocol Network - streams videos

Question 10

What is two-factor authentication (2FA)?

A) Using two different browsers B) Having two passwords C) An additional security step beyond just a password D) Logging in from two devices

Section 3: Mobile Technology & Apps (Questions 11-15)

Question 11

What does it mean when an app requires certain "permissions" on your phone?

A) The app costs money to use B) The app needs access to specific phone features or data C) The app is only for premium users D) The app requires internet connection

Question 12

What is the difference between cellular data and Wi-Fi?

A) No difference, they're the same thing B) Wi-Fi is faster but cellular data is more secure C) Wi-Fi uses local network, cellular uses mobile carrier network D) Cellular data only works outdoors

Question 13

What does it mean to "back up" your phone?

A) Turn it off and restart it B) Save a copy of your data in case the phone is lost or damaged C) Update the operating system D) Clear the storage space

Question 14

What is "airplane mode" and when might you use it?

A) A mode that only works on airplanes B) Disables wireless signals while keeping other functions active C) A camera setting for taking photos from planes D) A battery-saving mode that turns off the screen

Question 15

What is the "cloud" in terms of phone storage?

A) Weather-related apps B) Local storage on the device C) Remote servers that store data accessible via internet D) A type of phone case

Section 4: Online Safety & Privacy (Questions 16-20)

Question 16

Which of these is most likely to be a scam email?

A) Your bank asking you to log in via a link to "verify your account" B) A receipt from a recent online purchase C) A newsletter you subscribed to D) An email from a friend's known email address

Question 17

What information should you never share on social media?

A) Your favorite movies B) Full birth date, address, phone number C) Photos of your pets D) Your opinions about current events

Question 18

What is malware?

A) Defective computer hardware B) Slow internet connection C) Malicious software designed to harm or exploit devices D) Expired software licenses

Question 19

How often should you update your passwords?

A) Never, if they're strong B) Every few days C) Regularly, especially if there's been a security breach D) Only when you forget them

Question 20

What should you do if you receive a suspicious text asking for personal information?

A) Reply with the information to verify it's legitimate B) Ignore/delete it and don't click any links C) Forward it to all your contacts to warn them D) Call the number provided to confirm

Section 5: Emerging Technology & Trends (Questions 21-25)

Question 21

What is artificial intelligence (AI) in simple terms?

A) Robots that look like humans B) Computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence C) Very fast internet connections D) Advanced video games

Question 22

What is cryptocurrency?

A) Secret government money B) Digital currency using cryptographic security C) A type of computer virus D) Encrypted passwords

Question 23

What does "streaming" mean in terms of entertainment?

A) Downloading files to your device permanently B) Playing content directly from the internet without downloading C) Converting old media to digital format D) Sharing content with friends

Question 24

What is the "Internet of Things" (IoT)?

A) A new social media platform B) Everyday objects connected to the internet C) A type of computer virus D) High-speed internet cables

Question 25

What is machine learning?

A) Robots learning to walk B) Computer systems improving performance through experience with data C) Online educational courses D) Voice recognition software

Answer Key

Section 1: Basic Computer & Software Skills

B - Ctrl + C (Cmd + C on Mac)
A - Random Access Memory
D - TIFF (though PNG is also good for web use)
C - "Save As" lets you choose location/name, "Save" overwrites current file
B - Temporary storage of web page data to speed up loading

Section 2: Internet & Digital Communication

B - Secure, encrypted connection
C - Tr@il9Hiking#2024 (long, complex, unique)
B - Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information
B - Virtual Private Network - encrypts internet traffic
C - An additional security step beyond just a password

Section 3: Mobile Technology & Apps

B - The app needs access to specific phone features or data
C - Wi-Fi uses local network, cellular uses mobile carrier network
B - Save a copy of your data in case the phone is lost or damaged
B - Disables wireless signals while keeping other functions active
C - Remote servers that store data accessible via internet

Section 4: Online Safety & Privacy

A - Your bank asking you to log in via a link (banks don't do this)
B - Full birth date, address, phone number
C - Malicious software designed to harm or exploit devices
C - Regularly, especially if there's been a security breach
B - Ignore/delete it and don't click any links

Section 5: Emerging Technology & Trends

B - Computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence
B - Digital currency using cryptographic security
B - Playing content directly from the internet without downloading
B - Everyday objects connected to the internet
B - Computer systems improving performance through experience with data

Your Tech Savviness Score

Tech Expert (23-25 correct) 🚀

Outstanding! You have excellent digital literacy across all areas. You understand both basic and advanced tech concepts and likely stay current with technology trends.

Your Level: You could teach others about technology Next Steps:

Consider mentoring others in tech skills
Explore cutting-edge technologies
Stay updated with emerging trends
Perhaps pursue tech certifications or advanced learning

Tech Proficient (19-22 correct) 💻

Excellent! You have strong tech skills and understand most digital concepts. You're comfortable with technology and likely adapt well to new tools.

Your Level: Advanced everyday user Areas to Explore:

Dive deeper into areas where you missed questions
Learn about emerging technologies
Explore advanced features in software you use
Consider learning basic coding or digital creation skills

Tech Comfortable (15-18 correct) 📱

Good job! You have solid foundational tech skills and can handle most common digital tasks. You're comfortable with everyday technology.

Your Level: Competent everyday user Growth Areas:

Focus on online safety and privacy practices
Learn more keyboard shortcuts and efficiency tips
Explore cloud services and backup solutions
Stay informed about major tech trends

Tech Learning (10-14 correct) 🌱

You're on the right track! You understand basic tech concepts but have room to grow in several areas. Don't worry - everyone learns at their own pace.

Your Level: Developing user Priority Learning:

Focus on online safety and password security
Master basic computer skills and shortcuts
Learn about phone/tablet features and settings
Take beginner tech courses online

Tech Beginner (Below 10 correct) 📚

Everyone starts somewhere! You have significant room for growth in digital literacy, but that's completely normal. Technology can be overwhelming, but it's learnable.

Your Level: New to technology Where to Start:

Take basic computer literacy classes
Ask friends/family to teach you basics
Start with one device/skill at a time
Consider senior centers or libraries for tech help
Be patient with yourself - learning takes time

Skill Development Recommendations

Based on Your Score, Focus On:

If You Scored Low in Section 1 (Basic Computer Skills):

Learning Path:

Take a basic computer literacy course
Practice keyboard shortcuts daily
Learn file management (organizing, saving, backing up)
Understand the difference between software and hardware
Practice using common software (word processing, web browsers)

Resources:

Local library computer classes
Online tutorials (GCFGlobal, Khan Academy)
Community college basic computer courses
Ask tech-savvy friends/family for help

If You Scored Low in Section 2 (Internet & Communication):

Learning Path:

Learn about internet safety and password management
Understand web browsers and how to use them effectively
Practice email management and etiquette
Learn about different types of websites and how to evaluate them
Understand basic networking concepts

Immediate Actions:

Use a password manager
Enable 2FA on important accounts
Learn to identify secure websites (HTTPS)
Practice safe browsing habits

If You Scored Low in Section 3 (Mobile Technology):

Learning Path:

Explore your smartphone/tablet settings thoroughly
Learn about app permissions and privacy settings
Understand data usage and Wi-Fi management
Practice backing up your device
Learn mobile-specific features (voice assistants, mobile payments)

Hands-On Practice:

Spend time in your device settings
Try new apps and features
Set up cloud backup
Learn gesture controls and shortcuts

If You Scored Low in Section 4 (Online Safety):

Learning Path:

Learn to identify phishing attempts and scams
Understand privacy settings on social media
Learn about different types of malware and how to avoid them
Practice good digital hygiene
Understand your digital footprint

Essential Skills:

Password security and management
Social media privacy settings
Email safety practices
Safe online shopping and banking

If You Scored Low in Section 5 (Emerging Technology):

Learning Path:

Read technology news and blogs
Learn basic concepts of AI, blockchain, and IoT
Understand how emerging tech affects daily life
Explore new services and platforms as they become popular
Consider how these technologies might impact your work/life

Stay Current:

Follow reputable tech news sources
Try new apps and services
Attend tech meetups or webinars
Take online courses about emerging technologies

30-Day Tech Improvement Challenge

Week 1: Foundation Building

Daily Tasks (15 minutes/day):

Learn 2 new keyboard shortcuts
Explore one setting on your phone/computer
Practice one online safety habit
Read one tech news article

Week 2: Security & Safety Focus

Daily Tasks:

Check and update one password
Review privacy settings on one app/service
Practice identifying phishing attempts
Learn about one online safety tool

Week 3: Skill Development

Daily Tasks:

Try one new feature in software you use
Practice using cloud services (Google Drive, etc.)
Explore mobile apps for productivity
Learn about one emerging technology

Week 4: Integration & Advanced Learning

Daily Tasks:

Organize digital files and photos
Set up automated backups
Explore advanced features in familiar apps
Research one new technology that interests you

Tech Learning Resources

Free Online Learning:

GCFGlobal.org - Basic computer and internet skills
Khan Academy - Computer programming and computer science
Coursera - University-level tech courses (many free)
YouTube - Tutorials for specific skills and software

Apps for Learning:

Duolingo - Learn coding basics
Grasshopper - JavaScript for beginners
SoloLearn - Various programming languages
Codecademy - Interactive coding lessons

Books for Digital Literacy:

"Computers for Seniors for Dummies"
"The Internet for Dummies"
"Smartphones for Seniors for Dummies"
"Digital Minimalism" by Cal Newport

Local Resources:

Library computer classes
Community college continuing education
Senior center tech programs
Apple Store Today sessions
Best Buy tech support classes

Remember: Technology is a Tool

Your tech savviness level doesn't define your intelligence or worth. Technology should serve you, not stress you out. Focus on learning the tech skills that will genuinely improve your life, work, or relationships.

Key Principles:

Start small - Master basics before moving to advanced concepts
Practice regularly - Tech skills need consistent use to stick
Stay curious - Technology changes rapidly, maintaining interest helps
Ask for help - Everyone needs tech support sometimes
Focus on practical skills - Learn what you'll actually use

Most importantly: Technology is constantly evolving. Even tech experts are always learning. The goal isn't to know everything, but to be comfortable learning and adapting as technology changes.

Your willingness to take this quiz and assess your skills shows you're ready to grow. That growth mindset is more valuable than any specific tech skill!