Hardware and Software

What is hardware in a computer?

• Physical parts you can touch

• Programs you can run

• Data storage

• Internet connections

Answer explanation

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer, such as the CPU, RAM, and hard drive, which you can touch. This distinguishes it from software, which consists of programs and data.

Which of the following is an example of software?

• Keyboard

• Monitor

• Microsoft Word

• Hard drive

Answer explanation

Microsoft Word is a software application used for word processing, while a keyboard, monitor, and hard drive are hardware components. Therefore, Microsoft Word is the correct example of software.

What is the main function of the CPU?

• Store data

• Process information

• Display information

• Connect to the internet

Answer explanation

The main function of the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is to process information. It executes instructions from programs, performing calculations and managing data flow, which is essential for all computing tasks.

Which of the following is an input device?

• Printer

• Monitor

• Keyboard

• Speaker

Answer explanation

A keyboard is an input device used to enter data into a computer. In contrast, a printer and monitor are output devices, while a speaker outputs sound. Therefore, the correct answer is the keyboard.

Which of the following is an output device?

• Mouse

• Microphone

• CPU

• Printer

Answer explanation

A printer is an output device that produces a physical copy of digital documents, while a mouse and microphone are input devices, and a CPU is a processing unit. Therefore, the correct answer is the printer.

What is RAM used for?

• Permanent storage of data

• Temporarily storing data while a computer is running

• Processing information

• Connecting to the internet

Answer explanation

RAM is used for temporarily storing data while a computer is running, allowing quick access to information needed for active processes. It is not for permanent storage, processing, or connecting to the internet.

What is the main difference between hardware and software?

• Hardware is physical, software is not

• Software can be touched, hardware cannot

• Software controls the internet, hardware does not

• Hardware and software are the same

Answer explanation

The main difference is that hardware refers to the physical components of a computer, like the CPU and RAM, while software consists of the programs and applications that run on the hardware. Thus, hardware is physical, software is not.

What type of software runs the computer's hardware?

• Application software

• System software

• Programming software

• Internet software

Answer explanation

System software is essential for managing hardware components and providing a platform for application software to run. It includes the operating system, which directly interacts with the computer's hardware.

Which of the following is a programming language?

• Microsoft Excel

• Python

• Google Chrome

• Windows

Answer explanation

Python is a widely used programming language known for its readability and versatility. In contrast, Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application, Google Chrome is a web browser, and Windows is an operating system.

Who creates software?

• Graphic designers

• Software developers

• Hardware engineers

• Network administrators

Answer explanation

Software developers are the professionals who create software by writing code and developing applications. Other roles like graphic designers, hardware engineers, and network administrators focus on different aspects of technology.