BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a type of firmware that is stored on a chip on the motherboard. It is a software component that helps initialize hardware during the boot process and provides runtime services for operating systems and programs. Although it resides on a hardware chip, BIOS itself is not considered hardware but rather the software (firmware) on that chip.

In MS Word, the shortcut key Ctrl + E is used to center-align the selected text.

The other shortcut keys perform different functions:

• (a) Ctrl + J: Justifies the selected text, aligning it evenly along both the left and right margins.
• (c) Ctrl + A: Selects all the text in the document.
• (d) Ctrl + C: Copies the selected text to the clipboard.

Therefore, to align text to the center in MS Word, you use Ctrl + E.

IP stands for Internet Protocol, which is a set of rules governing the format of data sent over the Internet or a network. It is responsible for addressing and routing packets of data so that they can travel across networks and arrive at the correct destination.

A signature is a block of text that is automatically added to the end of an outgoing email. It typically includes the sender's name, contact information, company details, and sometimes a personal message or disclaimer.

In MS Excel, pressing Ctrl + N is the shortcut key used to open a new workbook.

The other options perform different actions:

• (a) Ctrl + A: Selects all the content in the current worksheet.
• (b) Ctrl + O: Opens an existing workbook.
• (c) Ctrl + M: Not assigned to opening a new workbook in MS Excel.

Therefore, the correct shortcut key to open a new workbook in MS Excel is Ctrl + N.