MIGCSE ICT 100% SOLVED QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
Hardware - The physical components of a computer system.
Internal Hardware Devices - Processor (CPU)
Motherboard
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Video and Sound Card
Internal Hard Disk Drive
Motherboard - Central component of any computer system through which every other component
communicates. Components are plugged into it directly or indirectly.
Processor (CPU) - The brain of the computer. It controls everything that the computer does and
processes the data, moving it in and out of the memory.
Random Access Memory (RAM) - 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.
Read Only Memory (ROM) - 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.
Video Card - Allows images to be displayed on the monitor. Along with its installation, software is
installed so it tells the computer how to use it.
,Sound Card - Allows the computer to produce and input sounds to and from the computer by turning
analogue data into digital and vice versa.
Internal Hard Disk Drive - Stores data that is not instantly needed for an indefinite time. It also stores
programmes and is used commonly to back up data.
External Hardware - Inputs
Outputs
Peripherals
Input Devices - Used to get data into the computer system.
They are manual or automatic.
Output Devices - Used to transfer data out of the computer system. They are temporary or permanent.
Peripheral Devices - Non-essential hardware that connect to the computer externally.
Software - Programmes used for controlling the operation of a computer or processing of electronic
data.
(Applications S. and System S)
Applications Software - Software used in particular situations, which can be used either in general
purpose or in one particular situation.
i.e. Word processing, spreadsheet, data manipulation...
Systems Software - Files and programmes that make up a computer.
i.e. Compilers, linkers, device drivers...
Secondary/Backing Storage - Storage devices and media that are not constantly accessible by a computer
system.
,Operating System - Software program that manages computer resources. They allow components to
communicate with each other and enable the computer to run software applications.
They are CLI and GUI.
Command Line Interface (CLI) - The user types in instructions and commands.
It is fast but complicated to use.
It uses very little RAM.
Used in batch processing.
Advantages of CLI - 1. User communicates directly with the computer.
2. There's a wide range of commands.
3. Needs very little computer power.
Disadvantages of CLI - 1. User must remember complex commands.
2. Lots of typing involved.
3. High chance of errors.
Graphical User Interface (GUI) - The user points at and clicks objects on a screen with a mouse.
It is easy to use but needs a large amount of RAM and disk space.
It uses Windows, Icons, Menus,and Pointers (WIMP)
Advantages of GUI - 1. Quick and easy to enter commands.
2. Less chance of errors.
Disadvantages of GUI - 1. Smaller range of commands can be used.
2. Uses more computer power.
Types of Computers - 1. Personal Computers
, 2. Laptops
3. Tablet Computer
4. Smart Phones
Personal Computers - Found in schools, at home or offices.
They are made of input, output and storage devices grouped in a base unit.
Standalone PC - They are used by one at a time and can function without being connected to other PCs.
Networked PC - They are connected to other computers in a network in order to share resources and
data.
Laptops - 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.
Advantages of PCs compared to a laptop - 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.
Disadvantages of PCs compared to a laptop - 1. Large and bulky, not portable.
2. Need a constant power supply.
3. You cant work with them in different locations and need to copy files to work somewhere else.
Advantages of Laptops over PCs - 1. Smaller and lighter, portable.
2. Components use low battery.
3. Reachargeable battery.
4. Usually have built in WiFi to access the internet.
AND ANSWERS
Hardware - The physical components of a computer system.
Internal Hardware Devices - Processor (CPU)
Motherboard
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Video and Sound Card
Internal Hard Disk Drive
Motherboard - Central component of any computer system through which every other component
communicates. Components are plugged into it directly or indirectly.
Processor (CPU) - The brain of the computer. It controls everything that the computer does and
processes the data, moving it in and out of the memory.
Random Access Memory (RAM) - 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.
Read Only Memory (ROM) - 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.
Video Card - Allows images to be displayed on the monitor. Along with its installation, software is
installed so it tells the computer how to use it.
,Sound Card - Allows the computer to produce and input sounds to and from the computer by turning
analogue data into digital and vice versa.
Internal Hard Disk Drive - Stores data that is not instantly needed for an indefinite time. It also stores
programmes and is used commonly to back up data.
External Hardware - Inputs
Outputs
Peripherals
Input Devices - Used to get data into the computer system.
They are manual or automatic.
Output Devices - Used to transfer data out of the computer system. They are temporary or permanent.
Peripheral Devices - Non-essential hardware that connect to the computer externally.
Software - Programmes used for controlling the operation of a computer or processing of electronic
data.
(Applications S. and System S)
Applications Software - Software used in particular situations, which can be used either in general
purpose or in one particular situation.
i.e. Word processing, spreadsheet, data manipulation...
Systems Software - Files and programmes that make up a computer.
i.e. Compilers, linkers, device drivers...
Secondary/Backing Storage - Storage devices and media that are not constantly accessible by a computer
system.
,Operating System - Software program that manages computer resources. They allow components to
communicate with each other and enable the computer to run software applications.
They are CLI and GUI.
Command Line Interface (CLI) - The user types in instructions and commands.
It is fast but complicated to use.
It uses very little RAM.
Used in batch processing.
Advantages of CLI - 1. User communicates directly with the computer.
2. There's a wide range of commands.
3. Needs very little computer power.
Disadvantages of CLI - 1. User must remember complex commands.
2. Lots of typing involved.
3. High chance of errors.
Graphical User Interface (GUI) - The user points at and clicks objects on a screen with a mouse.
It is easy to use but needs a large amount of RAM and disk space.
It uses Windows, Icons, Menus,and Pointers (WIMP)
Advantages of GUI - 1. Quick and easy to enter commands.
2. Less chance of errors.
Disadvantages of GUI - 1. Smaller range of commands can be used.
2. Uses more computer power.
Types of Computers - 1. Personal Computers
, 2. Laptops
3. Tablet Computer
4. Smart Phones
Personal Computers - Found in schools, at home or offices.
They are made of input, output and storage devices grouped in a base unit.
Standalone PC - They are used by one at a time and can function without being connected to other PCs.
Networked PC - They are connected to other computers in a network in order to share resources and
data.
Laptops - 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.
Advantages of PCs compared to a laptop - 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.
Disadvantages of PCs compared to a laptop - 1. Large and bulky, not portable.
2. Need a constant power supply.
3. You cant work with them in different locations and need to copy files to work somewhere else.
Advantages of Laptops over PCs - 1. Smaller and lighter, portable.
2. Components use low battery.
3. Reachargeable battery.
4. Usually have built in WiFi to access the internet.
