1. Which of the following is an example of input hardware?
A. Monitor
B. Printer
C. Mouse
D. Speaker
2. The main function of the CPU is to:
A. Store data permanently
B. Execute instructions and process data
C. Display images on screen
D. Transfer data to the Internet
3. The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) is responsible for:
A. Storing data temporarily
B. Performing calculations and comparisons
C. Controlling all other devices
D. Managing the operating system
4. Which of the following is a type of system software?
A. Spreadsheet
B. Operating System
C. Word Processor
D. Database
5. RAM is best described as:
A. Permanent storage
B. Temporary memory that stores data while the computer is on
C. External backup storage
D. Read-only memory
6. A bit is:
A. The smallest unit of data in a computer
B. A group of 8 bytes
C. A type of storage device
D. A part of the motherboard
7. Which component connects all the parts of a computer system together?
A. CPU
B. Motherboard
C. RAM
D. Hard drive
8. The BIOS in a computer is responsible for:
A. Storing user files
B. Booting the system when powered on
C. Performing Internet connections
D. Running word-processing applications
9. Which of the following devices is used for output?
A. Keyboard
B. Mouse
C. Monitor
D. Scanner
10. The main difference between primary and secondary storage is that:
A. Primary storage is slower than secondary storage
B. Secondary storage is temporary
C. Primary storage is directly accessible by the CPU
D. Secondary storage holds only programs
Section B – Structured / Short-Answer Questions
1. Define the following terms:
a) Hardware
b) Software
2. Explain the difference between input and output devices. Give one example of each.
3. List three types of secondary storage media and give one example of each type.
4. Describe the four main components of a computer system and briefly state their
functions.
Topic: Computer Fundamentals
(State whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE. Correct the false ones.)
1. The CPU is considered the “brain” of the computer.
2. RAM stores data permanently even when the computer is turned off.
3. A printer is an example of an input device.
4. The operating system is a type of application software.
5. ROM stores data that can be changed by the user.
6. The motherboard connects all internal computer components.
7. Storage devices are used only to store software programs.
8. A scanner converts printed text or images into digital form.
9. Flash drives are examples of optical storage media.
10. The monitor is used to display information to the user.
Section B – Real-World Application Questions
(Apply your knowledge to real-life IT situations.)
1. Scenario:
A school’s computer lab uses desktop computers that sometimes freeze when many
programs are open.
o a) Identify the hardware component that may need upgrading.
o b) Explain how this upgrade would improve performance.
2. Scenario:
You are setting up a small business office with five computers.
o a) List two input devices and two output devices that each workstation should
have.
o b) Suggest one secondary storage device suitable for backing up the company’s
data and explain why it is important.
3. Scenario:
A student accidentally deletes an important document from the computer’s hard drive.
o a) Explain the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory in this
situation.
o b) Suggest one way the student might recover or protect future files.
4. Scenario:
Your friend says, “I don’t need an operating system because I already have Microsoft
Word.”
o a) Explain why this statement is incorrect.
o b) State one main function of the operating system.
5. Scenario:
A company uses biometric fingerprint scanners for employees to log in.
o a) Identify the type of input device used.
o b) Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of using this technology in the
workplace.
Computer Fundamentals
Question 1 – Components of a Computer System
a) Identify and describe the four main components of a computer system.
b) Give one example of each component.
c) Explain how these components work together to process information.
Question 2 – Types of Software
a) Differentiate between system software and application software.
b) Provide two examples of each type.
c) Explain why both types are essential for the functioning of a computer system.
Question 3 – Memory and Storage
a) Define the following terms:
i. Primary storage
ii. Secondary storage
b) Explain the difference between RAM and ROM.
c) Suggest one real-life example where large secondary storage would be necessary and justify
your answer.
Question 4 – Input and Output Devices
a) Define what is meant by input and output devices.
b) Identify two input and two output devices used in a modern business environment.
c) Explain how these devices help improve the efficiency of office operations.
Question 5 – Role of the CPU
a) State the three main parts of the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
b) Describe the function of each part.
c) Explain what happens inside the CPU during the fetch–decode–execute cycle using a simple
example.