IEB CAT Hardware and Software Definitions – Clear & Concise Summary
1 Introduction
This document offers a clear and concise summary of hardware and software definitions for Grades 10–12, aligned with
the IEB Computer Applications Technology (CAT) curriculum. It includes precise explanations, practical examples, and
IEB-style exam questions with answers and helpers to aid exam preparation. The focus is solely on hardware and software
concepts relevant to CAT, ensuring clarity for students. All content is verified as of May 27, 2025, at 2:39 PM EAT. Use
alongside IEB CAT textbooks and past papers.
2 Hardware: Definitions and Concepts
2.1 What is Hardware?
Hardware comprises the physical, tangible components of a computer system that can be seen and touched, forming the
infrastructure for running software and processing data.
2.1.1 Key Hardware Categories
• Input Devices: Enter data (e.g., keyboard, mouse, webcam).
• Output Devices: Display results (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).
• Processing Devices: Compute data (e.g., CPU, GPU).
• Storage Devices: Store data (e.g., HDD, SSD, USB drive).
• Communication Devices: Connect networks (e.g., modem, router).
2.1.2 Key Components Explained
CPU: Processes instructions via fetch-decode-execute cy- Monitor: Shows visuals; higher resolutions (e.g., 1920x1080)
cles. Higher speeds (e.g., 4.0 GHz) boost performance. improve clarity.
RAM: Temporary storage for active tasks. More RAM (e.g., Keyboard/Mouse: Input tools for user control.
16GB) prevents lag. Router: Enables internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
SSD: Fast storage (e.g., 550 MB/s read speed) vs. slower Example: A student’s PC uses a CPU and RAM to run
HDDs (120 MB/s). apps, displaying output on a monitor.
Motherboard: Links components for data flow.
2.1.3 IEB Focus
Understand component roles, specifications (e.g., GHz, GB), and performance impacts. Expect questions on selecting or
upgrading hardware for specific tasks.
3 Software: Definitions and Concepts
3.1 What is Software?
Software is a set of intangible instructions or programs that directs hardware to perform tasks, enabling system function-
ality and user tasks.
3.1.1 Types of Software
• System Software: Manages hardware (e.g., Windows 11, Linux, drivers).
• Application Software: Performs user tasks (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Firefox).
• Development Software: Supports coding (e.g., Visual Studio, PyCharm).
3.1.2 Licensing Models
Proprietary: Paid, restricted code (e.g., Adobe Photoshop). Example: A student uses open-source LibreOffice to create
Open-Source: Free, editable code (e.g., GIMP). documents, avoiding proprietary software costs.
1
, Freeware: Free, closed code (e.g., VLC Player). IEB Focus: Differentiate software types and licensing, se-
Shareware: Trial-based, paid for full use (e.g., WinZip). lecting appropriate tools for tasks.
3.1.3 Applications
• Operating Systems: Run hardware and apps (e.g., Ubuntu).
• Productivity Tools: Support tasks (e.g., Google Docs).
• Creative Software: Enable design (e.g., Blender).
• Browsers: Access the web (e.g., Chrome).
4 Hardware and Software Interplay
4.1 Interdependence
Hardware and software rely on each other: hardware executes software, and software requires hardware to operate. For
example, a CPU runs an OS to launch a browser.
4.2 Practical Example
A video editor uses a PC with a GPU (hardware) to run DaVinci Resolve (software). The GPU speeds up rendering, while
Resolve provides editing tools.
4.3 IEB Application
Analyze how hardware specs (e.g., CPU speed) affect software performance (e.g., gaming lag) and recommend solutions
for efficiency.
5 Comparison of Hardware and Software
5.1 Key Differences
Aspect Hardware Software
Nature Physical components Digital instructions
Examples CPU, SSD, monitor Windows, GIMP, Chrome
Role Performs physical tasks Directs hardware tasks
Upgrades Replace parts (e.g., add RAM) Update/install programs
Cost Often costly (e.g., GPU) Free to expensive
5.2 IEB Focus
Expect questions comparing hardware/software or selecting combinations for tasks (e.g., hardware for graphic design
software).
6 Example Exam Questions and Answers
6.1 Question Set 1: Hardware
6.1.1 Question 1.1 (4 marks) 6.1.1 Question 1.3 (5 marks)
Define hardware and list three input devices. A school’s PCs are slow to start. Recommend a hardware
Answer: Hardware is the physical components of a com- upgrade and justify it.
puter system. Three input devices are a keyboard, mouse, Answer: Upgrade to SSDs. SSDs have faster read speeds
and scanner. than HDDs, reducing boot times from minutes to seconds.
Helper: Hardware is tangible; input devices enter data. See This saves class time and improves efficiency. SSDs are
IEB CAT textbook, Chapter 2. durable, lowering repair costs. The upgrade enhances PC
Steps: usability for students.
2
1 Introduction
This document offers a clear and concise summary of hardware and software definitions for Grades 10–12, aligned with
the IEB Computer Applications Technology (CAT) curriculum. It includes precise explanations, practical examples, and
IEB-style exam questions with answers and helpers to aid exam preparation. The focus is solely on hardware and software
concepts relevant to CAT, ensuring clarity for students. All content is verified as of May 27, 2025, at 2:39 PM EAT. Use
alongside IEB CAT textbooks and past papers.
2 Hardware: Definitions and Concepts
2.1 What is Hardware?
Hardware comprises the physical, tangible components of a computer system that can be seen and touched, forming the
infrastructure for running software and processing data.
2.1.1 Key Hardware Categories
• Input Devices: Enter data (e.g., keyboard, mouse, webcam).
• Output Devices: Display results (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).
• Processing Devices: Compute data (e.g., CPU, GPU).
• Storage Devices: Store data (e.g., HDD, SSD, USB drive).
• Communication Devices: Connect networks (e.g., modem, router).
2.1.2 Key Components Explained
CPU: Processes instructions via fetch-decode-execute cy- Monitor: Shows visuals; higher resolutions (e.g., 1920x1080)
cles. Higher speeds (e.g., 4.0 GHz) boost performance. improve clarity.
RAM: Temporary storage for active tasks. More RAM (e.g., Keyboard/Mouse: Input tools for user control.
16GB) prevents lag. Router: Enables internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
SSD: Fast storage (e.g., 550 MB/s read speed) vs. slower Example: A student’s PC uses a CPU and RAM to run
HDDs (120 MB/s). apps, displaying output on a monitor.
Motherboard: Links components for data flow.
2.1.3 IEB Focus
Understand component roles, specifications (e.g., GHz, GB), and performance impacts. Expect questions on selecting or
upgrading hardware for specific tasks.
3 Software: Definitions and Concepts
3.1 What is Software?
Software is a set of intangible instructions or programs that directs hardware to perform tasks, enabling system function-
ality and user tasks.
3.1.1 Types of Software
• System Software: Manages hardware (e.g., Windows 11, Linux, drivers).
• Application Software: Performs user tasks (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Firefox).
• Development Software: Supports coding (e.g., Visual Studio, PyCharm).
3.1.2 Licensing Models
Proprietary: Paid, restricted code (e.g., Adobe Photoshop). Example: A student uses open-source LibreOffice to create
Open-Source: Free, editable code (e.g., GIMP). documents, avoiding proprietary software costs.
1
, Freeware: Free, closed code (e.g., VLC Player). IEB Focus: Differentiate software types and licensing, se-
Shareware: Trial-based, paid for full use (e.g., WinZip). lecting appropriate tools for tasks.
3.1.3 Applications
• Operating Systems: Run hardware and apps (e.g., Ubuntu).
• Productivity Tools: Support tasks (e.g., Google Docs).
• Creative Software: Enable design (e.g., Blender).
• Browsers: Access the web (e.g., Chrome).
4 Hardware and Software Interplay
4.1 Interdependence
Hardware and software rely on each other: hardware executes software, and software requires hardware to operate. For
example, a CPU runs an OS to launch a browser.
4.2 Practical Example
A video editor uses a PC with a GPU (hardware) to run DaVinci Resolve (software). The GPU speeds up rendering, while
Resolve provides editing tools.
4.3 IEB Application
Analyze how hardware specs (e.g., CPU speed) affect software performance (e.g., gaming lag) and recommend solutions
for efficiency.
5 Comparison of Hardware and Software
5.1 Key Differences
Aspect Hardware Software
Nature Physical components Digital instructions
Examples CPU, SSD, monitor Windows, GIMP, Chrome
Role Performs physical tasks Directs hardware tasks
Upgrades Replace parts (e.g., add RAM) Update/install programs
Cost Often costly (e.g., GPU) Free to expensive
5.2 IEB Focus
Expect questions comparing hardware/software or selecting combinations for tasks (e.g., hardware for graphic design
software).
6 Example Exam Questions and Answers
6.1 Question Set 1: Hardware
6.1.1 Question 1.1 (4 marks) 6.1.1 Question 1.3 (5 marks)
Define hardware and list three input devices. A school’s PCs are slow to start. Recommend a hardware
Answer: Hardware is the physical components of a com- upgrade and justify it.
puter system. Three input devices are a keyboard, mouse, Answer: Upgrade to SSDs. SSDs have faster read speeds
and scanner. than HDDs, reducing boot times from minutes to seconds.
Helper: Hardware is tangible; input devices enter data. See This saves class time and improves efficiency. SSDs are
IEB CAT textbook, Chapter 2. durable, lowering repair costs. The upgrade enhances PC
Steps: usability for students.
2
