Oxford AQA International A-level · Computer Science (9645)

Hardware and software: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Hardware and software.

10 questions26 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

System software includes operating systems, utility programs, libraries, and translators. Which of the following is typically classified as a utility program?

Question 2

1 mark

What is the key difference between a compiler and an interpreter in terms of translating and executing high-level language source code?

Question 3

1 mark

Intermediate languages, such as Java bytecode, are often produced as the output of some compilers. Which statement accurately describes the primary reason for using an intermediate language in this context?

Question 4

1 mark

Which statement best describes the fundamental relationship between hardware and software in a computer system?

Question 5

1 mark

In the study of computer systems, hardware and software are distinct but interdependent categories. According to the standard definitions, which statement best defines software?

Question 6

3 marks

Identify one function of a utility program and provide a specific example.

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Question 7

3 marks

Describe the main function of the Control Unit (CU) within the processor.

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Question 8

5 marks

Describe the specific role of the address bus, data bus, and control bus in facilitating communication between internal computer components.

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Question 9

4 marks

A computer circuit uses Boolean logic to control a process. The resulting Boolean expression for the output X is given by:
\(X = (A \cdot B) + \bar{A} \cdot (A + B)\)

(a) Use Boolean identities to simplify the expression for X as far as possible.

(b) Draw the logic gate circuit for the simplified expression found in part (a).

(c) State the two forms of De Morgan's laws using the Boolean variables P and Q.

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Question 10

6 marks

The processor uses the Fetch-Execute Cycle to run machine code programs.

(a) Outline the three main stages of the Fetch-Execute cycle (F-E cycle) and state what occurs during each stage.

(b) Explain the specific role of the Program Counter (PC) and the Memory Address Register (MAR) during the Fetch stage of the F-E cycle.

(c) Explain the purpose of an Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) and identify the part of the volatile environment that must be saved when an interrupt is serviced.

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