IGCSE

Question 1

Hardware

Answer 1

The physical components of a computer system

Question 2

Internal Hardware Devices

Answer 2

Processor
Motherboard
Random Access Memory
Read Only Memory
Video and Sound Cards
Internal Hard Disk Drive

Question 3

Processor

Answer 3

Central component of any computer system through which every other component communicates. Components are plugged into it directly or indirectly.

Question 4

Motherboard

Answer 4

The brain of the computer. It controls everything that the computer does and processes the data, moving it in and out of the memory.

Question 5

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Answer 5

It stores the information currently in use, which is constantly changing.
A fast, volatile memory since when the computer is turned off the data is lost. The more RAM you have the faster your computer works.

Question 6

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Answer 6

Used to store instructions for the computer to work. The information cant be changed and when the computer is turned off, it wont be lost. The data can be accessed very fast.

Question 7

Video Card

Answer 7

Allows images to be displayed on the monitor. Along with its installation, software is installed so it tells the computer how to use it.

Question 8

Sound Card

Answer 8

Allows the computer to produce and input sounds to and from the computer by turning analogue data into digital and vice versa.

Question 9

Internal Hard Disk Drive

Answer 9

Stores data that is not instantly needed for an indefinite time. It also stores programmes and is used commonly to back up data.

Question 10

External Hardware

Answer 10

Inputs
Outputs
Peripherals

Question 11

Input Devices

Answer 11

Used to get data into the computer system. Manual or automatic.

Question 12

Output Devices

Answer 12

Used to transfer data out of the computer system. Temporary or permanent.

Question 13

Peripherals

Answer 13

Non-essential hardware that connect to the computer externally.

Question 14

Software

Answer 14

Programmes used for controlling the operation of a computer or processing of electronic data.
(Applications S. and System S.)

Question 15

Applications Software

Answer 15

Software used in particular situations, which can be used either for a general purpose or in one particular situation (specialised).
(Word processing, spreadsheet, data manip…)

Question 16

System Software

Answer 16

Files and programmes that make up a computer’s operating system.
(Compilers, linkers, device drivers…)

Question 17

Secondary/Backing Storage

Answer 17

Storage devices and media that are not constantly accessible by a computer system.

Question 18

Operating System

Answer 18

Software program that manages computer resources. They allow components to communicate with each other and enable the computer to run software applications.
(CLI and GUI)

Question 19

Command Line Interface (CLI)

Answer 19

The user types in instructions and commands. It is fast but complicated and uses little RAM. It is used in batch processing.

Question 20

Advantages of CLI

Answer 20

1. User communicates directly with the computer.
2. There’s a wide range of commands.
3. Need very little computer power.

Question 21

Disadvantages of CLI

Answer 21

1. User must remember the complex commands.
2. Lots of typing involved.
3. High chance of errors.

Question 22

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Answer 22

The user points at and clicks objects on a screen with a mouse.
It is easy to use but needs a large amount or RAM and disk space.
It uses Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers (WIMP)

Question 23

Advantages of GUI

Answer 23

1. Quick and easy to enter commands.

2. Less chance of errors.

Question 24

Disadvantages of GUI

Answer 24

1. Smaller range of commands can be used.

2. Uses more computer power.

Question 25

Types of Computers

Answer 25

1. Personal Computers (Networked or Standalone) 2. Laptops 3. Tablet Computers 4. Smart Phones

Question 26

Personal Computers

Answer 26

Found in schools, at home or offices. | They are made of input, storage and output devices grouped in a base unit.

Question 27

Standalone PC

Answer 27

They are used by one at a time and can function without beng connected to other PCs.

Question 28

Networked PC

Answer 28

They are connected to other computers in a network in order to share resources and data.

Question 29

Laptops

Answer 29

Portable computers with LCD screens that are small enough to sit on your lap. They can be used as standalone and be taken to different places thanks to the built in battery or as networked with the same purpose as Networked PCs.

Question 30

Advantages of PCs compared to a laptop

Answer 30

1. Better components for the same price. 2. Cheaper because components are easier to make. 3. Larger keyboard, easy to use. 4. Design allows heat to escape.

Question 31

Disadvantages of PCs compared to a laptop

Answer 31

1. Large and bulky, not portable. 2. Need a contant power supply. 3. You cant work with them in different locations and need to copy files to work with them somewhere else.

Question 32

Advantages of Laptops over PCs

Answer 32

1. Smaller and lighter, portable. 2. Components use low power. 3. Reachargeable battery. 4. Usually have built in WiFi to access the internet. 5. No need to transfer files to work with them somewhere else.

Question 33

Disadvantages of laptops to PCs

Answer 33

1. Limited battery life. 2. Small keyboard. 3. Prone to theft. 4. Dont have a design for heat to escape.

Question 34

Tablet Computers

Answer 34

Hand held mobile computers that have a touch screen and a few physical buttons built in. They may come with a SIM card slot to make phone calls and send texts. Normally they have built in WiFi and some sensors like cameras and microphone. They are used to access the internet, view multimedia and use apps.

Question 35

Advantages of Tablets over laptops

Answer 35

1. Smaller and lighter. 2. Touchscreen can be used to draw with a stylus. 3. Has built in camera(s) 4. Has longer battery life.

Question 36

Disadvantages of Tablets compared to laptops

Answer 36

1. Less storage space. 2. Not as powerful and slower performance. 3. Keyboard is harder to use because it is smaller. 4. Touch screen is hard to use for detailed tasks.

Question 37

Smart Phones

Answer 37

They are mobile phones that are able to perform other tasks apart from making phone calls and texting. They have touchscreens or physical built in keyboards and usually have digital camera, GPS navigation, wireless WiFi and Bluetooth connection.

Question 38

Avantages of Smart Phones over tablets

Answer 38

1. Smallest of computers, very portable. 2. Some have physical integrated keyboards. 3. Generally cheaper 4. Practical for making phone calls and texting.

Question 39

Disadvantages of smartphones compared to tablets.

Answer 39

1. Very small screen 2. Not as powerfull 3. Lower battery life 4. Very small and easy to be misplaced or stolen.