Differentiate Internal and External Hardware Devices Quiz

12 Questions

What are the main hardware components of a computer system?

Keyboard, mouse, monitor, CPU, motherboard, RAM, and hard disk drives.

Differentiate between hardware and software.

Hardware refers to tangible, physical components, while software consists of programs and instructions that control hardware operations.

What are the two main types of software and their functions?

Application software enables users to perform specific tasks, while system software ensures hardware and software components work together smoothly.

Explain the role of the motherboard in a computer system.

The motherboard is a main circuit board that connects all hardware components and allows communication between them.

How does RAM contribute to the performance of a computer?

RAM (Random Access Memory) stores data and program instructions temporarily for quick access by the CPU, enhancing the computer's performance.

Give examples of external hardware devices.

Scanners, printers, external hard disk drives, etc.

What is the main function of the CPU in a computer system?

Interprets and executes commands from the computer hardware and software.

Differentiate between RAM and ROM in terms of data storage.

RAM is volatile and temporary memory, while ROM is non-volatile and stores permanent data.

Explain the difference between analogue and digital data.

Analogue data is continuous and represented by smoothly varying physical quantities, while digital data is discrete and represented using binary digits.

Provide examples of system software and their functions.

Examples include operating systems, device drivers, and compilers. They enable hardware to function correctly and provide a platform for application software to run.

Name two internal hardware devices found in a computer system.

Processor and Internal Hard Disk Drives.

What is the purpose of application software in a computer system?

Application software allows users to perform specific tasks.

Study Notes

Internal Hardware Devices

Processor: Situated on the motherboard, interprets and executes commands from hardware and software
Motherboard: Houses the processor and connects other internal components
RAM (Random Access Memory): Internal chip for temporary data storage, contents lost when power is off
ROM (Read-Only Memory): Stores permanent information, contains configuration data and the boot file (BIOS)
Video & Sound Cards: Handle graphics and audio processing
Internal Hard Disk Drives: Store data permanently

External Hardware Devices

Monitor: Displays visual output
Keyboard: Input device for typing
Mouse: Input device for navigation
Printer: Output device for printing
External Storage Devices: Portable storage options

Software

Definition: Programs that control the computer system and process data
Types of Software:
- System Software: Enables hardware to function correctly, provides a platform for application software
  - Examples: Operating systems, device drivers, compilers
- Application Software: Allows users to perform specific tasks
  - Examples: Spreadsheets, databases, word processing

Analogue and Digital Data

Analog Data: Represented by physical quantities, varies smoothly (e.g., sound waves, temperature, voltage)
Analog Devices: Measure, manipulate, and work with analog signals (e.g., analog thermometers, vinyl records, analog clocks)
Digital Data: Discrete, represented using binary digits (0 and 1), understood by computers
Digital Devices: Work with digital data (e.g., digital cameras, smartphones, digital watches)

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Situated on the motherboard
Interprets and executes commands from hardware and software
Components: Control unit, Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU), registers

Internal and External Hardware Devices Quiz