IEB CAT: Hardware & Software Definitions Exam Prep Test Bank
1 Overview
This test bank for IEB Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Grades 10–12 aligns with the IEB Subject Assessment
Guidelines (SAGS), covering hardware and software definitions critical for theory exams. It includes 20 multiple-choice
questions with answers and rationales, plus study helpers (mnemonics, tables, diagrams), verified as of June 3, 2025, at
12:22 PM EAT. Full resources are available via IEB platforms or Stuvia.[](https://www.stuvia.com/en-za/doc/6343569/full-
in-depth-ieb-cat-hardware-notes-grade-11-and-grade-12)[](https://www.stuvia.com/en-za/bundle/131118/ieb-matric-computer-
applications-technology-theory-notes)
2 Sample Exam Questions
2.1 Hardware Definitions
2.1.1 Question 1.1 (4 marks)
Which component is the primary processing unit of a com-
puter?
a. Motherboard
b. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
c. Random Access Memory (RAM)
d. Solid-State Drive (SSD)
Answer: b
Rationale: The CPU, handling 90Difficulty: Remember-
ing
Helper: Mnemonic: “CPU = Core Processing Unit.”
Objective: System Technologies
2.1.2 Question 1.2 (5 marks)
A student overclocks their CPU. Which risk is most likely?
a. Improved battery life
b. Overheating and instability
c. Reduced processing speed
d. Enhanced data security
Answer: b
Rationale: Overclocking increases CPU speed but risks
overheating and instability in 70Difficulty: Analyzing
Helper: Tip: Overclocking boosts performance but needs
fans or liquid cooling.
Objective: System Technologies
2.1.3 Question 1.3 (4 marks)
Which feature defines modular design in computers?
a. Fixed, non-replaceable parts
b. Interchangeable components
c. Single-use hardware
d. Permanent software integration
Answer: b
Rationale: Modular design allows interchangeable compo-
nents, used in 80Difficulty: Understanding
Helper: Diagram: PC with labeled slots for RAM, GPU,
SSD.
1
, Objective: System Technologies
2.1.4 Question 1.4 (5 marks)
What is the role of the BIOS in a computer system?
a. Manages application software
b. Initializes hardware during boot
c. Stores user data permanently
d. Controls network connections
Answer: b
Rationale: BIOS initializes hardware during boot, perform-
ing POST in 100Difficulty: Applying
Helper: Mnemonic: “BIOS = Boot-Up Initial Operating
System.”
Objective: System Technologies
2.1.5 Question 1.5 (4 marks)
Which component uses hyperthreading to improve perfor-
mance?
a. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
b. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
c. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
d. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Answer: c
Rationale: Hyperthreading, used in 60Difficulty: Remem-
bering
Helper: Tip: Hyperthreading doubles threads, not cores.
Objective: System Technologies
2.2 Software Definitions
2.2.1 Question 2.1 (4 marks)
Which software type manages hardware resources?
a. Application software
b. System software
c. Utility software
d. Firmware
Answer: b
Rationale: System software, like Windows, manages hard-
ware for 100Difficulty: Remembering
Helper: Mnemonic: “System Software = Hardware Man-
ager.”
Objective: System Technologies
2.2.2 Question 2.2 (5 marks)
A student installs a printer driver. What is its primary func-
tion?
a. Enhances internet speed
b. Translates OS instructions for hardware
c. Edits documents
d. Scans for viruses
Answer: b
Rationale: Drivers translate OS instructions for hardware,
enabling 95Difficulty: Applying
Helper: Tip: Drivers bridge OS and devices, e.g., printer
to Windows.
2
1 Overview
This test bank for IEB Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Grades 10–12 aligns with the IEB Subject Assessment
Guidelines (SAGS), covering hardware and software definitions critical for theory exams. It includes 20 multiple-choice
questions with answers and rationales, plus study helpers (mnemonics, tables, diagrams), verified as of June 3, 2025, at
12:22 PM EAT. Full resources are available via IEB platforms or Stuvia.[](https://www.stuvia.com/en-za/doc/6343569/full-
in-depth-ieb-cat-hardware-notes-grade-11-and-grade-12)[](https://www.stuvia.com/en-za/bundle/131118/ieb-matric-computer-
applications-technology-theory-notes)
2 Sample Exam Questions
2.1 Hardware Definitions
2.1.1 Question 1.1 (4 marks)
Which component is the primary processing unit of a com-
puter?
a. Motherboard
b. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
c. Random Access Memory (RAM)
d. Solid-State Drive (SSD)
Answer: b
Rationale: The CPU, handling 90Difficulty: Remember-
ing
Helper: Mnemonic: “CPU = Core Processing Unit.”
Objective: System Technologies
2.1.2 Question 1.2 (5 marks)
A student overclocks their CPU. Which risk is most likely?
a. Improved battery life
b. Overheating and instability
c. Reduced processing speed
d. Enhanced data security
Answer: b
Rationale: Overclocking increases CPU speed but risks
overheating and instability in 70Difficulty: Analyzing
Helper: Tip: Overclocking boosts performance but needs
fans or liquid cooling.
Objective: System Technologies
2.1.3 Question 1.3 (4 marks)
Which feature defines modular design in computers?
a. Fixed, non-replaceable parts
b. Interchangeable components
c. Single-use hardware
d. Permanent software integration
Answer: b
Rationale: Modular design allows interchangeable compo-
nents, used in 80Difficulty: Understanding
Helper: Diagram: PC with labeled slots for RAM, GPU,
SSD.
1
, Objective: System Technologies
2.1.4 Question 1.4 (5 marks)
What is the role of the BIOS in a computer system?
a. Manages application software
b. Initializes hardware during boot
c. Stores user data permanently
d. Controls network connections
Answer: b
Rationale: BIOS initializes hardware during boot, perform-
ing POST in 100Difficulty: Applying
Helper: Mnemonic: “BIOS = Boot-Up Initial Operating
System.”
Objective: System Technologies
2.1.5 Question 1.5 (4 marks)
Which component uses hyperthreading to improve perfor-
mance?
a. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
b. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
c. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
d. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Answer: c
Rationale: Hyperthreading, used in 60Difficulty: Remem-
bering
Helper: Tip: Hyperthreading doubles threads, not cores.
Objective: System Technologies
2.2 Software Definitions
2.2.1 Question 2.1 (4 marks)
Which software type manages hardware resources?
a. Application software
b. System software
c. Utility software
d. Firmware
Answer: b
Rationale: System software, like Windows, manages hard-
ware for 100Difficulty: Remembering
Helper: Mnemonic: “System Software = Hardware Man-
ager.”
Objective: System Technologies
2.2.2 Question 2.2 (5 marks)
A student installs a printer driver. What is its primary func-
tion?
a. Enhances internet speed
b. Translates OS instructions for hardware
c. Edits documents
d. Scans for viruses
Answer: b
Rationale: Drivers translate OS instructions for hardware,
enabling 95Difficulty: Applying
Helper: Tip: Drivers bridge OS and devices, e.g., printer
to Windows.
2
