IGCSE ICT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025
Hardware - CORRECT ANSWER- The physical components of a computer system.
Internal Hardware Devices - CORRECT ANSWER- Processor (CPU)
Motherboard
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Video and Sound Card
Internal Hard Disk Drive
Motherboard - CORRECT ANSWER- Central component of any computer system
through which every other component communicates. Components are plugged into it
directly or indirectly.
Processor (CPU) - CORRECT ANSWER- 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) - CORRECT ANSWER- 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) - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- Inputs
Outputs
,Peripherals
Input Devices - CORRECT ANSWER- Used to get data into the computer system.
They are manual or automatic.
Output Devices - CORRECT ANSWER- Used to transfer data out of the computer
system. They are temporary or permanent.
Peripheral Devices - CORRECT ANSWER- Non-essential hardware that connect to the
computer externally.
Software - CORRECT ANSWER- Programmes used for controlling the operation of a
computer or processing of electronic data.
(Applications S. and System S)
Applications Software - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- Files and programmes that make up a
computer.
i.e. Compilers, linkers, device drivers...
Secondary/Backing Storage - CORRECT ANSWER- Storage devices and media that
are not constantly accessible by a computer system.
Operating System - CORRECT ANSWER- 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) - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- 1. User communicates directly with the
computer.
2. There's a wide range of commands.
,3. Needs very little computer power.
Disadvantages of CLI - CORRECT ANSWER- 1. User must remember complex
commands.
2. Lots of typing involved.
3. High chance of errors.
Graphical User Interface (GUI) - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- 1. Quick and easy to enter commands.
2. Less chance of errors.
Disadvantages of GUI - CORRECT ANSWER- 1. Smaller range of commands can be
used.
2. Uses more computer power.
Types of Computers - CORRECT ANSWER- 1. Personal Computers
2. Laptops
3. Tablet Computer
4. Smart Phones
Personal Computers - CORRECT ANSWER- Found in schools, at home or offices.
They are made of input, output and storage devices grouped in a base unit.
Standalone PC - CORRECT ANSWER- They are used by one at a time and can
function without being connected to other PCs.
Networked PC - CORRECT ANSWER- They are connected to other computers in a
network in order to share resources and data.
Laptops - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- 1. Smaller and lighter,
portable.
2. Components use low battery.
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.
Disadvantages of laptops to PCs - CORRECT ANSWER- 1. Limited battery life
2. Small keyboard
3. Prone to theft
4. Dont have a design for heat to escape.
Tablet Computers - CORRECT ANSWER- Hand held mobile computers that have a
touch screen and a few physical buttons.
They may come with a SIM card slot to make phone calls and send texts.
Normally they have built in sensors like cameras and microphone, and built in WiFi.
They are used to access the internet, view multimedia and use apps.
Advantages of Tablets over laptops - CORRECT ANSWER- 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.
Disadvantages of Tablets compared to Laptops - CORRECT ANSWER- 1. Less storage
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.
Smart Phones - CORRECT ANSWER- They are mobile phones that are able to perform
other tasks apart from making phone calls and texting.
Hardware - CORRECT ANSWER- The physical components of a computer system.
Internal Hardware Devices - CORRECT ANSWER- Processor (CPU)
Motherboard
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Video and Sound Card
Internal Hard Disk Drive
Motherboard - CORRECT ANSWER- Central component of any computer system
through which every other component communicates. Components are plugged into it
directly or indirectly.
Processor (CPU) - CORRECT ANSWER- 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) - CORRECT ANSWER- 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) - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- Inputs
Outputs
,Peripherals
Input Devices - CORRECT ANSWER- Used to get data into the computer system.
They are manual or automatic.
Output Devices - CORRECT ANSWER- Used to transfer data out of the computer
system. They are temporary or permanent.
Peripheral Devices - CORRECT ANSWER- Non-essential hardware that connect to the
computer externally.
Software - CORRECT ANSWER- Programmes used for controlling the operation of a
computer or processing of electronic data.
(Applications S. and System S)
Applications Software - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- Files and programmes that make up a
computer.
i.e. Compilers, linkers, device drivers...
Secondary/Backing Storage - CORRECT ANSWER- Storage devices and media that
are not constantly accessible by a computer system.
Operating System - CORRECT ANSWER- 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) - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- 1. User communicates directly with the
computer.
2. There's a wide range of commands.
,3. Needs very little computer power.
Disadvantages of CLI - CORRECT ANSWER- 1. User must remember complex
commands.
2. Lots of typing involved.
3. High chance of errors.
Graphical User Interface (GUI) - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- 1. Quick and easy to enter commands.
2. Less chance of errors.
Disadvantages of GUI - CORRECT ANSWER- 1. Smaller range of commands can be
used.
2. Uses more computer power.
Types of Computers - CORRECT ANSWER- 1. Personal Computers
2. Laptops
3. Tablet Computer
4. Smart Phones
Personal Computers - CORRECT ANSWER- Found in schools, at home or offices.
They are made of input, output and storage devices grouped in a base unit.
Standalone PC - CORRECT ANSWER- They are used by one at a time and can
function without being connected to other PCs.
Networked PC - CORRECT ANSWER- They are connected to other computers in a
network in order to share resources and data.
Laptops - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- 1. Smaller and lighter,
portable.
2. Components use low battery.
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.
Disadvantages of laptops to PCs - CORRECT ANSWER- 1. Limited battery life
2. Small keyboard
3. Prone to theft
4. Dont have a design for heat to escape.
Tablet Computers - CORRECT ANSWER- Hand held mobile computers that have a
touch screen and a few physical buttons.
They may come with a SIM card slot to make phone calls and send texts.
Normally they have built in sensors like cameras and microphone, and built in WiFi.
They are used to access the internet, view multimedia and use apps.
Advantages of Tablets over laptops - CORRECT ANSWER- 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.
Disadvantages of Tablets compared to Laptops - CORRECT ANSWER- 1. Less storage
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.
Smart Phones - CORRECT ANSWER- They are mobile phones that are able to perform
other tasks apart from making phone calls and texting.
