🖥️ Computer System – Theory Questions

Question 1:
What is a computer?
Answer:
A computer is a device that receives input, processes it, and produces output.

Question 2:
Name the two main components of a computer.
Answer:

• Hardware

• Software

🔧 Hardware

Question 3:
What is hardware?
Answer:
Physical components that make up a computer system.

Question 4:
Differentiate between internal and external hardware with examples.
Answer:

• Internal: CPU, RAM, ROM, motherboard

• External: Mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer

Question 5:
What is the function of the motherboard?
Answer:
Allows the processor and other hardware components to communicate.

💾 Software

Question 6:
What is software?
Answer:
Programs that control the operation of the computer and process electronic data.

Question 7:
What are the two main types of software?
Answer:

• Application software

• System software

Question 8:
Give examples of application software.
Answer:
Word processor, spreadsheet, DBMS, graphics editing, video/audio editing, apps.

Question 9:
Give examples of system software.
Answer:
Operating system, device drivers, compiler, linker, utilities (e.g., antivirus).

🧠 CPU and Main Memory

Question 10:
What does CPU stand for?
Answer:
Central Processing Unit

Question 11:
Name the two parts of the CPU.
Answer:

• Control Unit

• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Question 12:
What does the Control Unit do?
Answer:
Controls interactions between parts of the CPU.

Question 13:
What does the ALU do?
Answer:
Performs arithmetic and logical operations.

📚 Main Memory (RAM and ROM)

Question 14:
What is main memory?
Answer:
Internal memory directly accessed by the CPU (RAM + ROM).

Question 15:
What is RAM?
Answer:
Random Access Memory – volatile, temporary, read/write memory.

Question 16:
Give 2 uses of RAM.
Answer:

• Store instructions and data currently in use

• Store running software and OS parts

Question 17:
What is ROM?
Answer:
Read Only Memory – non-volatile, permanent, read-only memory.

Question 18:
What does ROM store?
Answer:
Start-up instructions (e.g., BIOS)

💽 Backing Storage

Question 19:
What is backing storage?
Answer:
Non-volatile storage used for permanent data storage.

Question 20:
Why is backing storage slower than main memory?
Answer:
Not directly accessed by the CPU.

⌨️ Input and Output Devices

Question 21:
What is the purpose of input devices?
Answer:
To enter data or instructions into the computer.

Question 22:
What is the purpose of output devices?
Answer:
To show computer’s output in a human-understandable form.

Question 23:
State one key difference between input and output devices.
Answer:

• Input: Sends data to the computer

• Output: Receives data from the computer

💻 Operating System

Question 24:
What is an operating system?
Answer:
System software that allows user to interact with hardware and manages resources.

Question 25:
List 5 functions of an OS.
Answer:

• Provide user interface

• Manage memory

• Manage user accounts

• Manage peripherals

• Provide system security

🧑‍💻 User Interfaces

Question 26:
What is CLI?
Answer:
Command Line Interface – text-based interface requiring typed commands.

Question 27:
State one advantage of CLI.
Answer:
Uses less memory and processing power.

Question 28:
State one disadvantage of CLI.
Answer:
Commands must be memorized and typed precisely.

Question 29:
What is GUI?
Answer:
Graphical User Interface – uses windows, icons, menus, pointer (WIMP).

Question 30:
State two features of GUI.
Answer:

• Icons represent apps

• Pointer used for selection

Question 31:
Give one advantage of GUI over CLI.
Answer:
User-friendly, no need to memorize commands.

Question 32:
Give one disadvantage of GUI.
Answer:
Consumes more memory and CPU resources.

🗣️ Other Interfaces

Question 33:
What is a dialogue-based interface?
Answer:
Software that uses voice recognition to interact with the user.

Question 34:
Give one use of a dialogue interface.
Answer:
Safer for drivers to use without hands.

Question 35:
What is a gesture-based interface?
Answer:
Interface that uses body movements to interact with devices.

Question 36:
Give one disadvantage of gesture interfaces.
Answer:
Can be triggered unintentionally by hand movement.

🖥️ Types of Computers

Question 37:
State one advantage of desktop computers.
Answer:
Easier to upgrade, better specs for the price.

Question 38:
State one disadvantage of desktop computers.
Answer:
Not portable, needs constant power supply.

Question 39:
Give one advantage of laptops.
Answer:
Battery-powered, portable, consumes less space.

Question 40:
Give one disadvantage of laptops.
Answer:
Harder to upgrade, easy to lose.

Question 41:
Give one advantage of tablets.
Answer:
Touchscreen, lightweight, low power consumption.

Question 42:
Give one disadvantage of tablets.
Answer:
Typing is slower, less storage than laptops.

Question 43:
State one advantage of smartphones.
Answer:
Very portable, supports apps and communication.

Question 44:
State one disadvantage of smartphones.
Answer:
Easier to lose, small keyboard, drains battery quickly.

Question 45:
What is a phablet?
Answer:
Hybrid between smartphone and tablet with larger screen than phone but smaller than tablet.