Full Summary of Hardware and Software Concepts – IEB Grade 11 & 12
1 Introduction
This document provides a comprehensive summary of hardware and software concepts for IEB Computer Applications
Technology (CAT) Grades 11–12. It includes detailed explanations, practical examples, and IEB-style exam questions
with answers and helpers to ensure thorough exam preparation. The focus is exclusively on hardware and software con-
cepts relevant to the CAT curriculum, designed for advanced learners. All content is verified as of May 27, 2025, at 3:06
PM EAT. Use alongside IEB CAT textbooks and past papers.
2 Hardware Concepts
2.1 What is Hardware?
Hardware refers to the physical, tangible components of a computer system that can be seen and touched, forming the
foundation for executing software and processing data.
2.1.1 Hardware Categories
• Input Devices: Facilitate data entry (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner).
• Output Devices: Display or produce results (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).
• Processing Devices: Execute computations (e.g., CPU, GPU).
• Storage Devices: Store data (e.g., HDD, SSD, USB drive).
• Communication Devices: Enable networking (e.g., router, modem).
2.1.2 Key Components Explained
2 CPU: Processes instructions via fetch-decode-execute cycles. Higher clock speeds (e.g., 4.8 GHz) enhance performance
for demanding tasks like rendering.
RAM: Temporary memory for active processes. Higher capacity (e.g., 32GB) supports multitasking.
SSD: Provides fast data access (e.g., 600 MB/s read speed) vs. HDDs (120 MB/s).
Motherboard: Integrates components for system functionality. Monitor: Outputs visuals; higher resolutions (e.g., 4K)
offer sharper displays.
Keyboard/Mouse: Enable precise user input.
Router: Supports high-speed internet (e.g., Wi-Fi 6).
Example: A PC’s CPU and RAM process a video editing app, shown on a monitor.
2.1.3 IEB Focus
Understand component functions, specifications (e.g., GHz, GB), and performance impacts. Be prepared for questions
on optimizing hardware for tasks.
3 Software Concepts
3.1 What is Software?
Software is a set of intangible instructions or programs that directs hardware to perform tasks, enabling system operations
and user functionality.
3.1.1 Types of Software
• System Software: Manages hardware (e.g., Windows 11, Ubuntu, drivers).
• Application Software: Performs user tasks (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Firefox).
• Development Software: Facilitates coding (e.g., Visual Studio Code, Eclipse).
1
, 3.1.2 Licensing Models
2 Proprietary: Paid, restricted code (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro).
Open-Source: Free, modifiable (e.g., DaVinci Resolve).
Freeware: Free, non-editable (e.g., Audacity).
Shareware: Trial-based, paid for full access (e.g., WinZip). Example: A student uses open-source Blender for 3D
modeling to avoid proprietary software costs.
IEB Focus: Differentiate software types and licenses, selecting appropriate tools for advanced tasks.
3.1.3 Applications
• Operating Systems: Run hardware and apps (e.g., Linux Mint).
• Productivity Software: Support complex tasks (e.g., Google Sheets).
• Creative Software: Enable design (e.g., Photoshop).
• Browsers: Facilitate research (e.g., Chrome).
4 Hardware-Software Integration
4.1 Interdependence
Hardware and software are interdependent: hardware executes software instructions, and software requires hardware to
function. For example, a CPU runs an OS to launch a database program.
4.2 Practical Example
A video editor uses a PC with a high-end GPU (hardware) to run Adobe After Effects (software). The GPU accelerates
rendering, while After Effects provides editing tools.
4.3 IEB Application
Analyze how hardware specifications impact software performance (e.g., low RAM causes lag in editing) and recommend
optimizations for Grade 11–12 scenarios.
5 Comparison of Hardware and Software
5.1 Key Differences
Aspect Hardware Software
Nature Physical components Digital instructions
Examples CPU, SSD, router Windows, Blender, Excel
Function Performs physical tasks Directs hardware tasks
Upgrades Replace components Update/install programs
Cost Often expensive Free to costly
5.2 IEB Focus
Expect questions comparing hardware/software or selecting combinations for tasks like data analysis or multimedia pro-
duction.
6 Example Exam Questions and Answers
6.1 Question Set 1: Hardware
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2
1 Introduction
This document provides a comprehensive summary of hardware and software concepts for IEB Computer Applications
Technology (CAT) Grades 11–12. It includes detailed explanations, practical examples, and IEB-style exam questions
with answers and helpers to ensure thorough exam preparation. The focus is exclusively on hardware and software con-
cepts relevant to the CAT curriculum, designed for advanced learners. All content is verified as of May 27, 2025, at 3:06
PM EAT. Use alongside IEB CAT textbooks and past papers.
2 Hardware Concepts
2.1 What is Hardware?
Hardware refers to the physical, tangible components of a computer system that can be seen and touched, forming the
foundation for executing software and processing data.
2.1.1 Hardware Categories
• Input Devices: Facilitate data entry (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner).
• Output Devices: Display or produce results (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).
• Processing Devices: Execute computations (e.g., CPU, GPU).
• Storage Devices: Store data (e.g., HDD, SSD, USB drive).
• Communication Devices: Enable networking (e.g., router, modem).
2.1.2 Key Components Explained
2 CPU: Processes instructions via fetch-decode-execute cycles. Higher clock speeds (e.g., 4.8 GHz) enhance performance
for demanding tasks like rendering.
RAM: Temporary memory for active processes. Higher capacity (e.g., 32GB) supports multitasking.
SSD: Provides fast data access (e.g., 600 MB/s read speed) vs. HDDs (120 MB/s).
Motherboard: Integrates components for system functionality. Monitor: Outputs visuals; higher resolutions (e.g., 4K)
offer sharper displays.
Keyboard/Mouse: Enable precise user input.
Router: Supports high-speed internet (e.g., Wi-Fi 6).
Example: A PC’s CPU and RAM process a video editing app, shown on a monitor.
2.1.3 IEB Focus
Understand component functions, specifications (e.g., GHz, GB), and performance impacts. Be prepared for questions
on optimizing hardware for tasks.
3 Software Concepts
3.1 What is Software?
Software is a set of intangible instructions or programs that directs hardware to perform tasks, enabling system operations
and user functionality.
3.1.1 Types of Software
• System Software: Manages hardware (e.g., Windows 11, Ubuntu, drivers).
• Application Software: Performs user tasks (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Firefox).
• Development Software: Facilitates coding (e.g., Visual Studio Code, Eclipse).
1
, 3.1.2 Licensing Models
2 Proprietary: Paid, restricted code (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro).
Open-Source: Free, modifiable (e.g., DaVinci Resolve).
Freeware: Free, non-editable (e.g., Audacity).
Shareware: Trial-based, paid for full access (e.g., WinZip). Example: A student uses open-source Blender for 3D
modeling to avoid proprietary software costs.
IEB Focus: Differentiate software types and licenses, selecting appropriate tools for advanced tasks.
3.1.3 Applications
• Operating Systems: Run hardware and apps (e.g., Linux Mint).
• Productivity Software: Support complex tasks (e.g., Google Sheets).
• Creative Software: Enable design (e.g., Photoshop).
• Browsers: Facilitate research (e.g., Chrome).
4 Hardware-Software Integration
4.1 Interdependence
Hardware and software are interdependent: hardware executes software instructions, and software requires hardware to
function. For example, a CPU runs an OS to launch a database program.
4.2 Practical Example
A video editor uses a PC with a high-end GPU (hardware) to run Adobe After Effects (software). The GPU accelerates
rendering, while After Effects provides editing tools.
4.3 IEB Application
Analyze how hardware specifications impact software performance (e.g., low RAM causes lag in editing) and recommend
optimizations for Grade 11–12 scenarios.
5 Comparison of Hardware and Software
5.1 Key Differences
Aspect Hardware Software
Nature Physical components Digital instructions
Examples CPU, SSD, router Windows, Blender, Excel
Function Performs physical tasks Directs hardware tasks
Upgrades Replace components Update/install programs
Cost Often expensive Free to costly
5.2 IEB Focus
Expect questions comparing hardware/software or selecting combinations for tasks like data analysis or multimedia pro-
duction.
6 Example Exam Questions and Answers
6.1 Question Set 1: Hardware
2
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