Hardware & Software: How Computers Do What They Do Exam Answers
When studying how computers perform tasks through hardware and software, understanding the core principles often involves answering exam questions that probe into these fundamental concepts. Exam questions typically explore topics such as the roles of different hardware components, like the CPU and memory, as well as how software translates commands into actions executed by these components. By answering these questions, students can deepen their knowledge of how hardware and software interact, building a foundation that allows them to troubleshoot, optimize, and appreciate the underlying mechanics of computing. Comprehensive exam answers should demonstrate an understanding of both the technical details and broader implications of these interactions, reflecting a thorough grasp of how computers “think” and operate.
1. The core elements of computing can be divided into which two categories?
- Tangible and essential
- Processing and storing
- Sharing and saving
- Hardware and software
The correct answer is hardware and software.
Explanation:
In computing, all components fall into two primary categories: hardware and software.
- Hardware: This refers to the physical components of a computer system that you can touch and see, like the CPU, hard drive, RAM, keyboard, and monitor. Hardware provides the structure and resources for computing tasks but cannot function without software.
- Software: This is the set of instructions or programs that tell the hardware what to do. Software includes the operating system, applications, and utilities that perform various tasks on the computer, from simple file management to complex calculations.
Together, hardware and software form the foundation of any computing system, allowing it to perform tasks and execute applications. Without one, the other cannot function effectively in a computing context.
2. An operating system is an example of what?
- Malware
- Software
- Spyware
- Hardware
The correct answer is software.
Explanation:
An operating system (OS) is a type of software that manages a computer’s hardware and software resources. It acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, enabling applications to run and providing essential services like file management, memory management, and process scheduling. Examples of operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Malware refers to malicious software designed to harm or exploit computers.
- Spyware is a type of malware that secretly monitors user activities.
- Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, which the OS helps manage.
3. What does RAM mean?
- Regional Access Memory
- Random Access Memory
- Random Abscess Memory
- Rational Access Memory
The correct answer is Random Access Memory.
Explanation:
Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly, meaning any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes. RAM is a primary storage that temporarily holds data and instructions that the CPU needs while performing tasks. It is fast but volatile, meaning it loses its content when the computer is turned off.
4. Which word describes data that is only retained when the computer is switched on?
- Volatile
- Tangible
- Immediate
- Essential
The correct answer is volatile.
Explanation:
Volatile data refers to data stored in memory that is lost when the computer is turned off. This type of memory, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), is temporary and requires power to maintain the stored information. Once the computer is switched off, all volatile data is erased. This is in contrast to non-volatile memory, like hard drives or SSDs, which retain data even when the power is off.
5. Which of the following uses flash memory?
- A Software disc
- A USB drive
- A Compact disc
- A Hard Disk Drive
The correct answer is a USB drive.
Explanation:
A USB drive (also known as a flash drive) uses flash memory to store data. Flash memory is a type of non-volatile storage, meaning it retains information even when the power is turned off. Flash memory is widely used in USB drives, SSDs (Solid State Drives), and memory cards due to its durability and ability to retain data without power.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Software disc (like a CD or DVD) uses optical storage, not flash memory.
- Compact disc (CD) also uses optical storage technology.
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD) uses magnetic storage rather than flash memory.
6. What allows users to save files to an off-site server?
- Cloud storage
- Hard drives
- RAM
- Cache memory
The correct answer is cloud storage.
Explanation:
Cloud storage allows users to save files to an off-site server, which is typically managed by a cloud service provider. This enables data to be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection and provides redundancy and backup. Examples of cloud storage services include Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Hard drives are physical storage devices in or connected to a computer.
- RAM is volatile memory used for temporarily storing data while the computer is running.
- Cache memory is a small, fast type of volatile memory used to store frequently accessed data temporarily to speed up processing.
7. How can we see that hardware and software are connected?
- The hardware and software operate independently of each other
- The hardware makes changes to the software
- The hardware responds to changes made using the software
- The software does not affect the response of the hardware
The correct answer is The hardware responds to changes made using the software.
Explanation:
In a computer system, hardware and software are interconnected and work together to perform tasks. Software sends instructions or commands that the hardware executes, and the hardware responds accordingly. For example, when you adjust the volume using software controls, the hardware (such as speakers) responds by changing the sound output. This interactivity is fundamental to computing, where software directs the hardware to perform tasks based on user input or program instructions.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Hardware and software do not operate independently; they depend on each other to function.
- Hardware does not independently make changes to software; it simply executes software instructions.
- Software does indeed affect how hardware responds, making the last option incorrect.