Grace is trying to understand the difference between hardware and software for her computer science class. Can you help her distinguish between the two?

In what ways do computers demonstrate their versatility as multi-purpose tools, enabling activities like browsing the internet or creating spreadsheets?

Categorize each of the following items as either hardware or software: a) Screen b) Computer game c) Microphone d) WhatsApp

List the main steps in the information processing cycle or 'the way that a computer works'.

Indicate in each of the following cases whether the phrase or definition refers to input, output or storage: a) Typing a WhatsApp message or an SMS. b) A 'please call me' from a friend displayed on the smartphone's screen. c) Music that you listen to on your headphones. d) Photos on your phone. e) Touching your phone's screen to start an app. f) Printing a document. g) The movie on a DVD.

In a classroom discussion, Aria and Anika are trying to understand the difference between data and information. Can you help them clarify this distinction?

William is trying to decide between buying a laptop and a desktop computer for his studies. Give two differences between a laptop and a desktop computer, apart from their different sizes.

The hardware part of a computer - considered on its own - is not much more than a big doorstopper or paperweight. Explain then how a computer can be the incredibly useful multi-purpose tool that it actually is.

Where else can the computer 'send' the results of processing other than to 'output'?

Explain the difference between data and information by referring to a practical example (other than the one used in this module).

Why does a computer need an operating system?

Every time a friend tries to select something in Windows, a menu pops up instead. Explain to her what she is doing wrong, and what she should be doing instead.

The functions of some icons are easy to work out by looking at their pictures. Give a quick way to find out what an icon does if the picture itself does not give you a clue.

Where else can you look for a program on a computer if there is no shortcut for it on the desktop?

Where can one find a window that is currently minimised?

Briefly explain the difference between application software and system software. Give a suitable example of each type of software.

Explain why a computer still needs an operating system even if it is mainly used for playing computer games.

Give three functions of an operating system.

Why is it necessary to have usernames and passwords if one is working on a network?

Explain what is meant by a 'live' tile in Windows, and give one example of this.

What is a dialog box and what is it used for?

Identify each of the following controls in the dialog box below by writing down the control and the letter where it is found on the screenshot: Text box, Spinner, Radio button, Command button, Combo/List box, Check box.

The following dialog box popped up on your screen when you tried to access the internet. Outline a way in which you can save this message to a file instead of having to write it all down or use a camera.

Give the type of software (not a brand or specific name) needed for each of the following situations: a) Your mom would like software to run a small office from home. b) Your teacher needs to record the CAT tests marks for the class, determine the average mark for the test and draw a graph of the symbol distribution. c) The school wants to draw up a very professional looking brochure to offer all new parents to the school. d) You wish to look at various web pages on the internet. e) A website for the school needs to be created. f) The principal wants to send an electronic message inviting all the parents to a parents' evening.

Fill in either the type of software, or give an example of the software, for each of the entries in the following table: Type of software Example of software (a) Edge / Mozilla Firefox (b) Adobe Dreamweaver Spreadsheet (c) Presentation software (d) Graphic

Name the parts or phases of the information processing cycle. Give one example of a hardware device commonly used in each of these parts.

Explain what the F1 and Print Screen keys on a keyboard are commonly used for.

Beginner users are often told to 'right-click when in doubt'. Explain what this statement means by referring to the general function of the right-click button on a mouse.

Using keyboard shortcuts can be far more efficient than using a mouse. Explain this statement by referring to the use of the shortcut.

Give the main advantage and main disadvantage of using a wireless keyboard and mouse, over using wired devices. Exclude theft as a possible answer.

Briefly describe what the term ergonomics refers to.

Briefly describe what the term RSI refers to. Do not simply expand the abbreviation.

What is the cheapest way to add more USB ports to your computer?

Bluetooth is a technology that allows devices such as mice, printers and smartphones to communicate wirelessly. What is the main limitation of Bluetooth?

Explain what the following specifications of a monitor refer to, their significance for the user and how they are measured: a) 19"

Give one reason why someone might choose a laser printer over an inkjet printer.

USB ports support plug-and-play. What does this mean? Explain your answer by referring to the concept of plug-and-play.

What is meant by the term default printer?

A friend accidentally sent 100 copies of her research task to a printer. Is there any way she can try to cancel this printing (besides switching the printer off)? Refer to the concept of a printer queue in your answer.

Explain why the storage capacity of a computer is always much larger than its memory.

Memory is sometimes described as volatile. Explain what this means.

Briefly describe three health tips for using a computer.

Give three different ways in which you can contribute to green computing in your school.

Explain the difference between a file and a folder.

What is a subfolder?

Give three tips how to go about planning a suitable folder structure.

Explain why it is not a good idea to use the default names given for files and folders, such as Doc1 or New Folder.

Give the keyboard shortcut to open Explorer.

What is a file extension?

Explain what would happen if you tried to open a file created with a program that is not installed on your computer.

Why does Windows sometimes provide you with an Open with command when you right-click a file in Explorer?

Name three other properties or pieces of information that can be displayed about a file in Explorer, other than the name of the file.

Your father wants to delete some of the largest files from his flash drive. What would be the quickest way for him to identify which files to delete?

What is the difference between the Copy and Cut options for files in Explorer?

Explain why one might create a shortcut to a file.

Give two possible reasons why one might want to save a file in a different format.

Explain what a file extension is by referring to a suitable example.

Explain what is meant by the error message, by referring to the significance of file extensions in an operating system.

Your mother wants to select 150 consecutive files in a folder, using Explorer. Explain how to accomplish this easily and quickly.

'All-in-one' desktops are increasing in popularity. Give two possible reasons for their popularity.

Give two general advantages of portable computers.

Give two types of portable computers.

Arrange in ascending order of size: notebook, desktop, laptop.

How does a tablet differ from other portable computers?

How does a dedicated device differ from a 'normal' computer?

Give two examples of dedicated devices.

Why has information become such a valuable commodity in the modern Information Age?

Give four everyday examples of where we would interact with ICTs (other than by using a PC).

Name the parts of an ICT system.

What is a POS system? Expand the acronym and explain what it means.

What benefits are there to using barcodes and scanners in a POS system?

Give three economic reasons why people make use of computers.

Briefly explain the difference between stand-alone software and integrated software.

Give two benefits that integrated software such as an office suite provides, besides any cost considerations.

Your dad says he heard that he does not even own the software he just paid for! How can that possibly be true, he asks.

While installing software, you are given the option to read the EULA. Explain what a EULA is (don't only expand the abbreviation).

Explain the difference between a single user licence and a site licence.

Your mother said you can take her firm's copy of Office 2016 and install it on the computer at the tennis club, as the tennis club will not be using it to make money. Is it legal to do this? Briefly motivate your answer.

Your friend Sam made a backup copy of a new program he just purchased. Is he guilty of software piracy? Motivate your answer by explaining what software piracy is.

A local school has been donated hardware to start up a computer literacy programme. They have limited funds, so they are investigating the use of freeware, shareware and open source software. What is the difference between freeware and shareware?

What is the main benefit of open source software, besides any cost implications?

The teacher at the school was puzzled as he saw an open source product being sold at a computer store when he thought it was free. Explain why this misconception may have occurred.

Give an example of an open source operating system.

Give an example of an open source office suite.

There are obvious benefits to using open source software. Give four potential disadvantages of using open source software.

Utility programs also form part of system software. What is the general purpose of utility programs?

Your mother was told that she will need a driver to install a new printer at her work. Briefly explain what a driver is.