IEB Hardware & Software Definitions – Easy-to-Understand Study Guide
1 Introduction
This study guide provides an easy-to-understand overview of hardware and software definitions for Grades 10–12, aligned
with the IEB Computer Applications Technology (CAT) curriculum. It includes simple explanations, real-world examples,
and IEB-style exam questions with answers and helpers to make exam prep straightforward. The focus is solely on
hardware and software concepts for CAT, perfect for students aiming to master the basics. All content is verified as of
May 27, 2025, at 2:51 PM EAT. Use with IEB CAT textbooks and past papers.
2 Hardware: The Basics
2.1 What is Hardware?
Hardware is all the physical stuff in a computer you can touch, like the screen or keyboard. It’s the equipment that makes
a computer work and runs software.
2.1.1 Types of Hardware
• Input Devices: Let you put data into the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone).
• Output Devices: Show or give you results (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).
• Processing Devices: Do the computer’s thinking (e.g., CPU, GPU).
• Storage Devices: Keep data safe (e.g., hard drive, SSD, USB stick).
• Communication Devices: Connect to networks (e.g., router, modem).
2.1.2 Key Hardware Explained
CPU: The computer’s brain, handling tasks. A faster CPU Monitor: Shows what’s happening; better resolution (e.g.,
(e.g., 4.2 GHz) makes things quicker, like opening apps. 1080p) means clearer pictures.
RAM: Short-term memory for running programs. More Keyboard/Mouse: Help you control the computer.
RAM (e.g., 16GB) means less lag when using multiple apps. Router: Gets you online with fast Wi-Fi.
SSD: Stores data and loads it fast (e.g., 500 MB/s vs. 100 Example: Your laptop’s CPU and RAM work together to
MB/s for HDDs). open a game, shown on the monitor.
Motherboard: The hub that connects everything.
2.1.3 IEB Focus
Learn what each hardware part does and how specs (e.g., GHz, GB) affect speed. Be ready for questions about choosing
or upgrading hardware.
3 Software: The Basics
3.1 What is Software?
Software is the digital instructions that tell hardware what to do. It’s the apps and programs you can’t touch but use on
your computer.
3.1.1 Types of Software
• System Software: Runs the computer (e.g., Windows 11, Linux, drivers).
• Application Software: Does tasks for you (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Chrome).
• Development Software: Helps coders build programs (e.g., Visual Studio, Python).
3.1.2 How Software is Licensed
Proprietary: Costs money, locked code (e.g., Adobe Pho- Example: A student uses free LibreOffice instead of paid
toshop). Microsoft Office to write essays.
1
, Open-Source: Free, editable code (e.g., GIMP). IEB Focus: Know software types and licenses, and pick the
Freeware: Free, no editing (e.g., VLC Media Player). right program for a job.
Shareware: Try free, pay for full version (e.g., WinRAR).
3.1.3 Software Uses
• Operating Systems: Control the computer (e.g., macOS).
• Productivity Apps: Help with work (e.g., Excel for math).
• Creative Apps: Make cool stuff (e.g., Blender for 3D art).
• Browsers: Surf the web (e.g., Firefox).
4 How Hardware and Software Work Together
4.1 Why They Need Each Other
Hardware is useless without software to tell it what to do, and software can’t run without hardware. They’re like a team:
hardware does the work, software gives the orders.
4.2 Real-World Example
A gamer uses a PC with a strong GPU (hardware) to play a game like Fortnite (software). The GPU makes the graphics
smooth, while Fortnite provides the fun.
4.3 IEB Focus
Understand how hardware affects software performance (e.g., slow RAM means laggy apps) and suggest fixes for common
issues.
5 Comparing Hardware and Software
5.1 What’s Different?
Aspect Hardware Software
Nature Physical, touchable parts Digital, untouchable code
Examples CPU, monitor, SSD Windows, GIMP, Chrome
Job Does the physical work Tells hardware what to do
Upgrades Buy new parts (e.g., more RAM) Update or install apps
Cost Can be pricey (e.g., new GPU) Free or paid
5.2 IEB Focus
Be ready to compare hardware and software or choose the right combo for tasks like gaming or school projects.
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)
What is hardware? List three processing devices. Your school’s computers take ages to turn on. Suggest a
Answer: Hardware is the physical parts of a computer you hardware upgrade and explain why it helps.
can touch. Three processing devices are CPU, GPU, and Answer: Switch to SSDs. SSDs load data much faster than
sound card. HDDs (e.g., 500 MB/s vs. 100 MB/s), so computers start
Helper: Hardware is stuff you can see; processing devices in seconds, not minutes. This saves time in class and makes
do calculations. Check IEB CAT textbook, Chapter 1. work easier. SSDs also last longer, saving repair costs. It’s
Steps: a smart upgrade for school.
2
1 Introduction
This study guide provides an easy-to-understand overview of hardware and software definitions for Grades 10–12, aligned
with the IEB Computer Applications Technology (CAT) curriculum. It includes simple explanations, real-world examples,
and IEB-style exam questions with answers and helpers to make exam prep straightforward. The focus is solely on
hardware and software concepts for CAT, perfect for students aiming to master the basics. All content is verified as of
May 27, 2025, at 2:51 PM EAT. Use with IEB CAT textbooks and past papers.
2 Hardware: The Basics
2.1 What is Hardware?
Hardware is all the physical stuff in a computer you can touch, like the screen or keyboard. It’s the equipment that makes
a computer work and runs software.
2.1.1 Types of Hardware
• Input Devices: Let you put data into the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone).
• Output Devices: Show or give you results (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).
• Processing Devices: Do the computer’s thinking (e.g., CPU, GPU).
• Storage Devices: Keep data safe (e.g., hard drive, SSD, USB stick).
• Communication Devices: Connect to networks (e.g., router, modem).
2.1.2 Key Hardware Explained
CPU: The computer’s brain, handling tasks. A faster CPU Monitor: Shows what’s happening; better resolution (e.g.,
(e.g., 4.2 GHz) makes things quicker, like opening apps. 1080p) means clearer pictures.
RAM: Short-term memory for running programs. More Keyboard/Mouse: Help you control the computer.
RAM (e.g., 16GB) means less lag when using multiple apps. Router: Gets you online with fast Wi-Fi.
SSD: Stores data and loads it fast (e.g., 500 MB/s vs. 100 Example: Your laptop’s CPU and RAM work together to
MB/s for HDDs). open a game, shown on the monitor.
Motherboard: The hub that connects everything.
2.1.3 IEB Focus
Learn what each hardware part does and how specs (e.g., GHz, GB) affect speed. Be ready for questions about choosing
or upgrading hardware.
3 Software: The Basics
3.1 What is Software?
Software is the digital instructions that tell hardware what to do. It’s the apps and programs you can’t touch but use on
your computer.
3.1.1 Types of Software
• System Software: Runs the computer (e.g., Windows 11, Linux, drivers).
• Application Software: Does tasks for you (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Chrome).
• Development Software: Helps coders build programs (e.g., Visual Studio, Python).
3.1.2 How Software is Licensed
Proprietary: Costs money, locked code (e.g., Adobe Pho- Example: A student uses free LibreOffice instead of paid
toshop). Microsoft Office to write essays.
1
, Open-Source: Free, editable code (e.g., GIMP). IEB Focus: Know software types and licenses, and pick the
Freeware: Free, no editing (e.g., VLC Media Player). right program for a job.
Shareware: Try free, pay for full version (e.g., WinRAR).
3.1.3 Software Uses
• Operating Systems: Control the computer (e.g., macOS).
• Productivity Apps: Help with work (e.g., Excel for math).
• Creative Apps: Make cool stuff (e.g., Blender for 3D art).
• Browsers: Surf the web (e.g., Firefox).
4 How Hardware and Software Work Together
4.1 Why They Need Each Other
Hardware is useless without software to tell it what to do, and software can’t run without hardware. They’re like a team:
hardware does the work, software gives the orders.
4.2 Real-World Example
A gamer uses a PC with a strong GPU (hardware) to play a game like Fortnite (software). The GPU makes the graphics
smooth, while Fortnite provides the fun.
4.3 IEB Focus
Understand how hardware affects software performance (e.g., slow RAM means laggy apps) and suggest fixes for common
issues.
5 Comparing Hardware and Software
5.1 What’s Different?
Aspect Hardware Software
Nature Physical, touchable parts Digital, untouchable code
Examples CPU, monitor, SSD Windows, GIMP, Chrome
Job Does the physical work Tells hardware what to do
Upgrades Buy new parts (e.g., more RAM) Update or install apps
Cost Can be pricey (e.g., new GPU) Free or paid
5.2 IEB Focus
Be ready to compare hardware and software or choose the right combo for tasks like gaming or school projects.
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)
What is hardware? List three processing devices. Your school’s computers take ages to turn on. Suggest a
Answer: Hardware is the physical parts of a computer you hardware upgrade and explain why it helps.
can touch. Three processing devices are CPU, GPU, and Answer: Switch to SSDs. SSDs load data much faster than
sound card. HDDs (e.g., 500 MB/s vs. 100 MB/s), so computers start
Helper: Hardware is stuff you can see; processing devices in seconds, not minutes. This saves time in class and makes
do calculations. Check IEB CAT textbook, Chapter 1. work easier. SSDs also last longer, saving repair costs. It’s
Steps: a smart upgrade for school.
2
