Computer Hardware/Software IGCSE ICT Quiz

What are the two main types of memory in a computer?

• Monitor and Printer

• RAM and ROM

• Keyboard and Mouse

• CPU and GPU

Explain the difference between RAM and ROM.

• RAM can only be read from and ROM can only be written to

• RAM and ROM both store data temporarily

• RAM stores data temporarily and can be read from and written to, while ROM stores data permanently and can only be read from.

• RAM and ROM both store data permanently

Give two examples of input devices and two examples of output devices.

• Input devices: Touchscreen, Barcode scanner. Output devices: Speaker, Plotter.

• Input devices: Keyboard, Mouse. Output devices: Monitor, Printer.

• Input devices: Joystick, Gamepad. Output devices: Headphones, Sound card.

• Input devices: Microphone, Webcam. Output devices: Scanner, Projector.

How does a printer differ from a scanner in terms of functionality?

• A printer only works with text, while a scanner only works with images.

• A printer can only be used with a computer, while a scanner can be used independently.

• A printer produces hard copies, while a scanner creates digital copies.

• A printer scans documents, while a scanner prints documents.

Name two types of computers based on their size and functionality.

• Desktop and Workstation

• Mainframe and Personal Computer

• Tablet and Server

• Laptop and Smartphone

Differentiate between a desktop computer and a laptop in terms of portability and usage.

• A desktop computer is not portable and is meant to be used in a fixed location, while a laptop is portable and can be used anywhere.

• A desktop computer is portable and can be used anywhere, while a laptop is not portable and is meant to be used in a fixed location.

• A desktop computer is more portable than a laptop, and both can be used anywhere.

• Both a desktop computer and a laptop are not portable and are meant to be used in a fixed location.

What are the two main categories of software? Provide examples for each category.

• Programming software and networking software

• System software and application software

• Hardware and firmware

• Operating software and utility software

Explain the difference between system software and application software.

• System software is only used on mobile devices, while application software is only used on computers.

• System software is only used by professionals, while application software is used by everyone.

• System software is used for gaming, while application software is used for office work.

• System software manages the computer hardware and provides a platform for running application software, while application software performs specific tasks for the user.

What is the main difference between hardware and software in a computer system?

• Color vs. black and white

• Input vs. output

• Physical components vs. programs and applications

• Physical size vs. virtual size

How does the role of hardware differ from the role of software in a computer system?

• Hardware is intangible, while software is physical

• Hardware and software are the same thing

• Hardware and software are both physical components

• Hardware provides physical components, while software provides instructions and programs.