2.0 Hardware

Knowledge

2.1 Purpose of the Central Processing Unit (2)
1. Identify which of the following is NOT a function of the central processing unit.
– Perform calculations such as 30 x 60
– Store data that can be retrieved after the computer has been switched off
– Perform logical tests such as determining if 4 is less than 9
[1 Mark]
Zanitis
Store data that can be retrieved after the computer has been switched off
2. State the purpose of the central processing unit.
[1 Mark]
Answer

• performs the arithmetic and logical instructions
• coordinates the input/output operations of a computer
• performs the instructions of a computer or computer program
2.2 Purpose of Memory / Storage (1)
1. State the purpose of secondary memory and provide three examples.
[4 Mark]
Answer
To store non-volatile data at a lower cost than main memory and enable the access of stored data later.
• flash memory
• optical disk (CD/DVD)
• magnetic disk
• tapes
2.3 types of Memory/Storage (1)
1. Describe the purpose of the following types of computer memory:
[4 Marks]
Answer
Primary memory
The purpose of primary memory is to store data while the computer is processing it. Once the computer is turned off the computer loses the data stored in primary memory. It is volatile memory and data access is very fast.
Answers may include one or more of the following examples:
Read Only Memory (ROM),
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM).

Secondary memory
The purpose of secondary storage is to store processed data long-term. After the computer is turned off the data can be retrieved from secondary memory and reused. It is non-volatile memory.
Answers may include one or more of the following examples:
hard disk drive
tape drive
DVD Drive.
2.3.1 Primary Memory
Answer
2.3.2 Secondary Memory
Answer
2.4 Peripheral Devices (5)
1. Peripheral devices that are normally attached to a computer system are called input devices or output devices. Identify which of the sentences below describes an input device.
– Devices that capture images and transfer these images to a computer
– Devices that provide the result of processing any information that a computer creates
[1 Mark]
Answer
Devices that capture images and transfers these images to a computer.
2. The following table provides a list of devices. Identify each as either an input device or output device.
– speakers
– printer
– microphone
– camera
– monitor
– scanner
[6 Marks]
Answer
– speakers – Output
– printer – Output
– microphone – Input
– camera – Input
– monitor – Output
– scanner – Input
3. List TWO (2) peripheral devices required to conduct an internet based videoconference.
[2 Marks]
Answer
– headphones
– speakers
– video camera
– web camera
– multi-function device (smart phone tablet)
4. List two (2) peripheral devices required to record a song and then to edit that song.
[2 Marks]
Answer
– headphones
– speakers
– microphone
– midi interface (with musical instrument)
5. Name ONE (1) peripheral device that can be used for multiple tasks.
[1 Mark]
Answer
A combined printer/scanner
2.5 Types of Computer Systems (3)
1. Identify the type of computer system from the three listed below which is commonly used in a network to enable the sharing of resources and files.
– Desktop System
– Mobile Device
– Server
[1 Mark]
Answer
Server
2. Label the diagram below, indicating the four (4) main components of a computer system. [4 Marks]
Answer
3. List the five hardware components of a computer system.
[5 Mark]
Answer

• Input
• Output
• Central Processing Unit
• Main memory
• Secondary storage
2.5.1 Desktop Systems
Answer
2.5.2 Mobile Devices
Answer
2.5.3 Server
Answer
2.6 Types of Operating Systems (1)
1. State the purpose of an operating system and provide three examples.
Answer
Purpose of an operating system is to provide user interface, to maintain system resources, management of security and access rights, and running system and user applications

Examples
• Windows
• Mac OS
• Android
• Linux
2.6.1 Windows
Answer
2.6.2 Mac OS
Answer
2.6.3 iOS
Answer
2.6.4 Android
Answer
2.6.5 Linux
Answer
2.7 Identification of software compatibility issues
Answer
2.7.1 Running older software on current hardware
Answer
2.7.2 Running newer software on older hardware
Answer
2.8 Considerations for the purchase of hardware
Answer
2.8.1 Costs
Answer
2.8.2 Specifications
Answer
2.8.3 User Needs
Answer
2.9 Physical maintenance strategies for use of a computer system
Answer
2.9.1 Use of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
Answer
2.9.2 Environmental temperature control
Answer

Skills

2.10 Select hardware and software for a specified purpose, including the minimum hardware requirements to run software
Answer
2.11 Apply problem-solving skills for a range of simple computer problems
Answer
2.11.1 No sound
Answer
2.11.2 Frozen screen, keyboard and mouse
Answer
2.11.3 No connection to a data projector
Answer