IC3 - Digital Literacy Hardware and Software Concepts Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations in a computer, often referred to as the 'brain' of the computer?

Accepted Answer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Answer

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Answer

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Answer

Operating System (OS)

Question 2

A user is working on a presentation and suddenly the power goes out. When they restart the computer, they find that all their unsaved work is lost. Which type of memory was storing the unsaved work?

Accepted Answer

Volatile Memory

Answer

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Answer

Solid-State Drive (SSD)

Answer

Non-Volatile Memory

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of application software?

Accepted Answer

A web browser

Answer

Microsoft Windows

Answer

macOS

Answer

A device driver

Question 4

What is the primary function of an operating system?

Accepted Answer

To provide a user interface and manage computer hardware and software resources.

Answer

To protect the computer from viruses and malware.

Answer

To create and edit text documents and spreadsheets.

Answer

To connect the computer to the internet.

Question 5

A user complains that their computer is running very slowly, especially when they have multiple programs open. They have an older computer with limited RAM. Which of the following hardware upgrades would MOST likely resolve this performance issue?

Accepted Answer

Adding more Random Access Memory (RAM).

Answer

Upgrading the monitor to a higher resolution.

Answer

Installing a larger hard disk drive.

Answer

Replacing the computer's mouse and keyboard.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the relationship between hardware and software?

Accepted Answer

Software tells the hardware what to do and how to do it.

Answer

Hardware and software are interchangeable terms for computer components.

Answer

Hardware is installed on software to increase its capabilities.

Answer

Software is the physical, tangible part of the computer, while hardware is the set of instructions.