IGCSE ICT THEORY (0417 UPDATED ACTUAL QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS
Question:
1. Hardware definition:
Answer:
The physical components of a computer.
Question:
2. What is a hub?
Answer:
A hub is a device that connects multiple devices in a LAN and sends data to all connected devices,
regardless of the intended recipient.
Question:
3. What is a switch?
Answer:
A switch is a device that connects multiple devices in a local area network (LAN) and sends data only to
the device that is the intended recipient, using MAC addresses.
Question:
4. What is a modem?
Answer:
A modem is a device that converts digital signals from a computer into analog signals for transmission
over telephone lines and vice versa.
Question:
5. What is a router?
Answer:
A router is a device that connects different networks together and directs data packets to their correct
destination using IP addresses.
Question:
6. Software definition:
Answer:
The techniques, methods, commands and instructions that tell a device what to do and how to do it. They
are programs that control the computer system
Question:
7. Analogue and Digital data
,Answer:
Computers can only work with digital information. Everything that they process must first be turned into a
digital signal in one of two states: 'on' or 'off'.
Data from the environment, such as human voice or temperature from an input device, such as a
microphone or camera, that needs to be turned into digital data In order for the computer to process and
interact with the natural world.
Question:
8. What is the CPU?
Answer:
Central Processing Unit; the brain of the computer.
Question:
9. What does the CPU do?
Answer:
Process all the data and instructions that make the computer system work.
Question:
10. What is RAM?
Answer:
Random Access Memory.
It's a temporary, volatile memory that stores data currently in use, allows reading and writing, and loses
data when power is off; increasing its size improves speed.
Question:
11. What is ROM?
Answer:
Read Only Memory
- ROM is permanent, non-volatile memory that can only be read, and is used to store system configuration
data like the BIOS, which keeps settings such as date, time, and system setup on a battery-powered CMOS
chip.
Question:
12. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
Answer:
- RAM is temporary (volatile) memory; ROM is permanent (non-volatile).
- RAM loses data when power is off; ROM keeps data even without power.
- RAM allows both reading and writing; ROM can only be read.
- RAM stores data and programs currently in use; ROM stores startup instructions like the BIOS.
- RAM can be upgraded to improve performance; ROM is fixed.
Question:
13. What is an input device?
Answer:
A device that inputs data into the computer, such as a keyboard or mouse
, Question:
14. What is an output device?
Answer:
a device that outputs data from the computer, such as a Monitor, Printer, speakers, etc.
Question:
15. What is backing storage?
Answer:
Backing storage is the computers secondary storage. This includes the hard disk drives and optical drives.
Question:
16. Two Types of Operating System:
Answer:
- Command Line Interface (CLI)
- Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Question:
17. Pros and Cons of a Command Line Interface (CLI):
Answer:
Pros:
- Uses less memory than a graphical interface.
- Can be faster to use for experienced users.
- Allows users to control the computer more directly.
- Can be used to run scripts or automate tasks.
Cons:
- User has to remember lines of code
- Mistyping a command can cause errors.
- More difficult to understand how to access information (No visual aids)
Question:
18. Pros and Cons of a Graphical User Interface (GUI):
Answer:
Pros:
- Easy for beginners to use and understand.
- Uses icons, menus, and windows, making navigation simple.
- No need to remember commands — actions can be done by clicking.
- More visually appealing and user-friendly.
Cons:
- Uses more memory and processing power than a CLI.
- Can often run slower
- Takes up more storage space on the computer.
- Limited control compared to a command line interface.
Question:
19. Desktop Computers:
AND CORRECT ANSWERS
Question:
1. Hardware definition:
Answer:
The physical components of a computer.
Question:
2. What is a hub?
Answer:
A hub is a device that connects multiple devices in a LAN and sends data to all connected devices,
regardless of the intended recipient.
Question:
3. What is a switch?
Answer:
A switch is a device that connects multiple devices in a local area network (LAN) and sends data only to
the device that is the intended recipient, using MAC addresses.
Question:
4. What is a modem?
Answer:
A modem is a device that converts digital signals from a computer into analog signals for transmission
over telephone lines and vice versa.
Question:
5. What is a router?
Answer:
A router is a device that connects different networks together and directs data packets to their correct
destination using IP addresses.
Question:
6. Software definition:
Answer:
The techniques, methods, commands and instructions that tell a device what to do and how to do it. They
are programs that control the computer system
Question:
7. Analogue and Digital data
,Answer:
Computers can only work with digital information. Everything that they process must first be turned into a
digital signal in one of two states: 'on' or 'off'.
Data from the environment, such as human voice or temperature from an input device, such as a
microphone or camera, that needs to be turned into digital data In order for the computer to process and
interact with the natural world.
Question:
8. What is the CPU?
Answer:
Central Processing Unit; the brain of the computer.
Question:
9. What does the CPU do?
Answer:
Process all the data and instructions that make the computer system work.
Question:
10. What is RAM?
Answer:
Random Access Memory.
It's a temporary, volatile memory that stores data currently in use, allows reading and writing, and loses
data when power is off; increasing its size improves speed.
Question:
11. What is ROM?
Answer:
Read Only Memory
- ROM is permanent, non-volatile memory that can only be read, and is used to store system configuration
data like the BIOS, which keeps settings such as date, time, and system setup on a battery-powered CMOS
chip.
Question:
12. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
Answer:
- RAM is temporary (volatile) memory; ROM is permanent (non-volatile).
- RAM loses data when power is off; ROM keeps data even without power.
- RAM allows both reading and writing; ROM can only be read.
- RAM stores data and programs currently in use; ROM stores startup instructions like the BIOS.
- RAM can be upgraded to improve performance; ROM is fixed.
Question:
13. What is an input device?
Answer:
A device that inputs data into the computer, such as a keyboard or mouse
, Question:
14. What is an output device?
Answer:
a device that outputs data from the computer, such as a Monitor, Printer, speakers, etc.
Question:
15. What is backing storage?
Answer:
Backing storage is the computers secondary storage. This includes the hard disk drives and optical drives.
Question:
16. Two Types of Operating System:
Answer:
- Command Line Interface (CLI)
- Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Question:
17. Pros and Cons of a Command Line Interface (CLI):
Answer:
Pros:
- Uses less memory than a graphical interface.
- Can be faster to use for experienced users.
- Allows users to control the computer more directly.
- Can be used to run scripts or automate tasks.
Cons:
- User has to remember lines of code
- Mistyping a command can cause errors.
- More difficult to understand how to access information (No visual aids)
Question:
18. Pros and Cons of a Graphical User Interface (GUI):
Answer:
Pros:
- Easy for beginners to use and understand.
- Uses icons, menus, and windows, making navigation simple.
- No need to remember commands — actions can be done by clicking.
- More visually appealing and user-friendly.
Cons:
- Uses more memory and processing power than a CLI.
- Can often run slower
- Takes up more storage space on the computer.
- Limited control compared to a command line interface.
Question:
19. Desktop Computers:
