Computer Hardware and Software Vocabulary

What are the physical electronic components of a computer called?

• Hardware

• Software

• Firmware

• Network

Answer explanation

The physical electronic components of a computer are referred to as hardware. This includes parts like the CPU, RAM, and motherboard, which are essential for the computer's operation.

What are programs and instructions that run on hardware (system and application software) called?

• Software

• Hardware

• Firmware

• Database

Answer explanation

Programs and instructions that run on hardware are collectively known as software. This includes both system software, like operating systems, and application software, which performs specific tasks for users.

What type of software is used for user tasks such as word processors and spreadsheets?

• Application software

• System software

• Utility software

• Firmware

Answer explanation

Application software is designed for end-users to perform specific tasks, such as word processing and creating spreadsheets. This distinguishes it from system software, which manages hardware, and utility software, which performs maintenance tasks.

What type of software supports applications such as OS, device drivers, utilities, and compilers?

• System software

• Application software

• Programming software

• Network software

Answer explanation

System software is designed to manage hardware and provide a platform for applications. It includes operating systems, device drivers, utilities, and compilers, making it the correct choice for this question.

What is the processor that executes instructions and contains the ALU, CU, and registers called?

• CPU (Central Processing Unit)

• GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

• RAM (Random Access Memory)

• ROM (Read Only Memory)

Answer explanation

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the main processor that executes instructions and contains the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU), and registers, making it the correct answer.

Which CPU component performs arithmetic and logical operations?

• ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

• Control Unit

• Register

• Cache

Answer explanation

The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) is the CPU component responsible for performing all arithmetic and logical operations, making it the correct answer to the question.

Which CPU component controls execution and coordinates I/O?

• CU (Control Unit)

• ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

• Register

• Cache

Answer explanation

The Control Unit (CU) is responsible for directing the operation of the processor. It manages the execution of instructions and coordinates data flow between the CPU and I/O devices, making it the correct choice.

What is the very small, fast storage inside the CPU for temporary values called?

• Register

• Cache

• RAM

• Hard Disk

Answer explanation

The very small, fast storage inside the CPU for temporary values is called a register. Registers hold data that the CPU is currently processing, making them essential for efficient computation.

What is volatile internal memory used by running programs and cleared at power-off called?

• RAM (Random Access Memory)

• ROM (Read Only Memory)

• Cache Memory

• Flash Memory

Answer explanation

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the volatile internal memory used by running programs. It loses its data when power is turned off, unlike ROM, Cache, or Flash memory, which serve different purposes.

What is non-volatile memory storing firmware/startup code (e.g., BIOS) called?

• ROM (Read-Only Memory)

• RAM (Random Access Memory)

• Cache Memory

• Hard Disk

Answer explanation

ROM (Read-Only Memory) is a type of non-volatile memory that stores firmware and startup code, such as BIOS, which is essential for booting up a computer. Unlike RAM, it retains data even when the power is off.