Cambridge IGCSE · Information and Communication Technology (0417)

The main components of computer systems: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on The main components of computer systems.

10 questions27 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which internal hardware component is responsible for providing the physical connection for all other computer components to communicate with each other?

Question 2

1 mark

What is the primary role of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

Question 3

1 mark

When a sensor is used to measure temperature in a microprocessor-controlled greenhouse, why is an Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC) required?

Question 4

1 mark

Which internal hardware component is essential for a computer to connect to a Local Area Network (LAN) and communicate with other devices over a wired or wireless connection?

Question 5

1 mark

Which of the following is a characteristic of Read-Only Memory (ROM) compared to Random Access Memory (RAM)?

Question 6

3 marks

Identify the specific roles of a Network Interface Card (NIC) and a sound card within a motherboard's internal architecture.

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Question 7

5 marks

Explain the concept of data persistence by comparing the behavior of a Random Access Memory (RAM) chip and a Read-Only Memory (ROM) chip when a computer is suddenly powered off.

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Question 8

4 marks

Explain the difference between system software and applications software, providing one example of each.

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Question 9

6 marks

Computer systems are composed of various hardware components that perform specific functions to ensure the system operates correctly.

(a) Identify the two main types of internal memory found within a computer system. [2]
(b) State the role of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) when a user enters instructions into a computer. [1]
(c) Explain the difference between an input device and an output device, providing one specific example for each. [3]

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Question 10

4 marks

A specialized workstation is being built for high-end video editing and gaming.

(a) Explain the specific role of a graphics card in this system and why it is necessary even if the CPU has integrated graphics.
(b) Describe the function of a sound card when converting digital data into an output that can be heard through speakers.

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