HARDWARE AND OPERATING SYSTEMS ESSENTIALS - D386
- STUDY GUIDE | FROM QUESTION TO PERFECTION|
STUDY WITH CONFIDENCE!
Course Code:
Course Title:
Programme:
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Duration: 2 Hours.
Total Marks: 70%.
Candidate Instructions:
1) Write your Registration Number on every answer booklet used.
2) Answer ALL questions in Section A and ANY TWO (2) questions in Section B.
3) Read each question carefully before answering.
4) Begin each question on a new page.
5) The marks for each question are indicated in brackets.
6) This paper consists of several printed pages, including this page.
7) Ensure your copy is complete before the examination begins.
8) Unauthorized materials and communication with other candidates are not permitted.
Turn Over.
APPHIA – Crafted with Care and Precision for Academic Excellence.
1
, Operating System in Personal Computers Answer: An operating system (OS) is a software
program that manages and coordinates the activities and sharing of resources of the computer.
Basic functions of an operating system in a personal computer Answer: The operating system is
the software that controls the hardware components such as the processor, memory, hard disk,
input/output devices, and other peripheral device.
The OS acts as an interface between the user and the hardware
Examples of operating systems Answer: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, and Linux
Graphical user interface (GUI) Answer: A visual way for users to interact with computers,
software application, or electronic device using graphical elements such as icons, buttons,
windows, and menus.
Operating system that uses GUI Answer: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, and Linux
Mobile Operating Systems Answer: A software program that manages and coordinates the
activities and sharing of resources of a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.
Storage devices Answer: - Hard disk drive (HDD)
- Solid state drive (SSD)
- USB flash drives
- Memory card
- Network attached storage (NAS)
- Cloud storage
Hard disk drive (HDD) Answer: mechanical storage devices that use spinning disks to store
data; reliable and offer high storage capacities; making them suitable for storing large files and
applications
Solid state drive (SSD) Answer: electronic storage devices that use flash memory to store data;
fast and more durable than HDDs, making it ideal for applications that require high-speed data
access
USB flash drives Answer: small and portable storage devices that uses flash memory to store
data; convenient and easy to use, making it suitable for transferring file between computers and
devices
Memory card Answer: small storage devices that are commonly used in digital cameras,
smartphones, and tablets; compact and provide high storage capacities, making it suitable for
photos and videos
APPHIA – Crafted with Care and Precision for Academic Excellence.
2
- STUDY GUIDE | FROM QUESTION TO PERFECTION|
STUDY WITH CONFIDENCE!
Course Code:
Course Title:
Programme:
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Duration: 2 Hours.
Total Marks: 70%.
Candidate Instructions:
1) Write your Registration Number on every answer booklet used.
2) Answer ALL questions in Section A and ANY TWO (2) questions in Section B.
3) Read each question carefully before answering.
4) Begin each question on a new page.
5) The marks for each question are indicated in brackets.
6) This paper consists of several printed pages, including this page.
7) Ensure your copy is complete before the examination begins.
8) Unauthorized materials and communication with other candidates are not permitted.
Turn Over.
APPHIA – Crafted with Care and Precision for Academic Excellence.
1
, Operating System in Personal Computers Answer: An operating system (OS) is a software
program that manages and coordinates the activities and sharing of resources of the computer.
Basic functions of an operating system in a personal computer Answer: The operating system is
the software that controls the hardware components such as the processor, memory, hard disk,
input/output devices, and other peripheral device.
The OS acts as an interface between the user and the hardware
Examples of operating systems Answer: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, and Linux
Graphical user interface (GUI) Answer: A visual way for users to interact with computers,
software application, or electronic device using graphical elements such as icons, buttons,
windows, and menus.
Operating system that uses GUI Answer: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, and Linux
Mobile Operating Systems Answer: A software program that manages and coordinates the
activities and sharing of resources of a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.
Storage devices Answer: - Hard disk drive (HDD)
- Solid state drive (SSD)
- USB flash drives
- Memory card
- Network attached storage (NAS)
- Cloud storage
Hard disk drive (HDD) Answer: mechanical storage devices that use spinning disks to store
data; reliable and offer high storage capacities; making them suitable for storing large files and
applications
Solid state drive (SSD) Answer: electronic storage devices that use flash memory to store data;
fast and more durable than HDDs, making it ideal for applications that require high-speed data
access
USB flash drives Answer: small and portable storage devices that uses flash memory to store
data; convenient and easy to use, making it suitable for transferring file between computers and
devices
Memory card Answer: small storage devices that are commonly used in digital cameras,
smartphones, and tablets; compact and provide high storage capacities, making it suitable for
photos and videos
APPHIA – Crafted with Care and Precision for Academic Excellence.
2
