Unit 1 - LO1 Computer Hardware Quiz

What is computer hardware?

• Programs that run on a computer

• Physical components of a computer system

• Instructions stored in memory

• Data stored in the cloud

Answer explanation

Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, such as the CPU, RAM, and hard drives. This distinguishes it from software, which includes programs and instructions that run on the hardware.

Which of the following is an input device?

• Printer

• Speaker

• Keyboard

• Plotter

Answer explanation

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

What is the main function of input devices?

• Store data permanently

• Allow users to send data to the computer

• Display results to users

• Protect the system from malware

Answer explanation

The main function of input devices is to allow users to send data to the computer. This includes devices like keyboards and mice, which enable user interaction and data entry.

Which device converts physical documents into digital files?

• Plotter

• Scanner

• Speaker

• Printer

Answer explanation

A scanner is the device that converts physical documents into digital files by capturing images of the documents, while a plotter is used for printing large graphics, a speaker outputs sound, and a printer produces physical copies.

Which device detects environmental changes and sends signals to a computer?

• Sensor

• Graphics tablet

• Printer

• Plotter

Answer explanation

A sensor is a device specifically designed to detect environmental changes, such as temperature or light, and send that data as signals to a computer for processing. The other options do not perform this function.

Which device allows a user to draw directly into a computer system?

• Barcode reader

• Graphics tablet

• Microphone

• Scanner

Answer explanation

A graphics tablet allows users to draw directly into a computer system using a stylus, making it the ideal device for digital drawing. Other options like barcode readers, microphones, and scanners do not provide this functionality.

Which device reads product codes in shops?

• Graphics tablet

• Barcode reader

• Microphone

• Scanner

Answer explanation

A barcode reader is specifically designed to scan and read product codes, making it the correct choice. Graphics tablets and microphones serve different purposes, while scanners can refer to various types of devices.

Which device can act as both an input and output device?

• Printer

• Scanner

• Touchscreen

• Speaker

Answer explanation

A touchscreen serves as both an input and output device. It allows users to interact with the display by touching it (input) and also shows visual information (output), unlike the other options which serve only one function.

What is the main function of output devices?

• Send data to the computer

• Display results from the computer

• Store information permanently

• Encrypt data

Answer explanation

The main function of output devices is to display results from the computer, such as showing images on a monitor or printing documents. This distinguishes them from input devices, which send data to the computer.

Which device produces a hard copy of documents?

• Monitor

• Printer

• Speaker

• Plotter

Answer explanation

A printer is the device that produces a hard copy of documents, converting digital files into physical printed pages. Monitors display images, speakers output sound, and plotters create large-scale graphics, but only printers create hard copies.