ICT IGCSE Theory

Revision Questions
S4

Chapter 1: Types & Components of a Computer System

Chapter 2: Input & Output Devices
Chapter 3: Storage Devices and Media
Name:
Chapter 1: Types & Components of a Computer System

What is the difference between Hardware and software?

Briefly describe the purpose of the following hardware components:

Central Processing
Unit (CPU):

Motherboard:

Internal Hard Disk:

Sound Card:

Graphics Card:

What are the differences between ROM & RAM?

ROM: RAM:
What are the differences between Application & System Software?
Application: System:

Examples with use: Examples with use:

Word Processing - Used to prepare
reports, school essays

What is measure and control software used for?

What are the main functions of an operating System?

What are the differences between the CLI & GUI interfaces?
CLI: GUI:

Advantages: Advantages:
Disadvantages: Disadvantages:

Describe the four main features of the graphical user interface?

W
I
M
P

What are the differences between Main Memory and Backing Storage? (4)
Main Memory (ROM/RAM/Cache): Backing Storage:

Type of computer and use: Advantages Disadvantages

Personal Computer:

Laptop:

Tablet:

Smart Phone:
2015 – 16 Exam Questions
There are a number of different types of computer.
Write down the type of computer that best fits the following descriptions.

A computer that is difficult to move and has a separate monitor and keyboard.

A portable computer that includes a physical keyboard.

A thin portable computer that has a touch screen and a battery in a single unit, not normally used
to make phone calls.

A mobile phone that can be used as a computer.

Smart phones are used to send and receive emails with and without attachments.
Describe four other ways in which emails can be managed on a smart phone.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to a teacher of using a tablet computer

instead of another type of computer
Tick the type of computer which would be most appropriate for each use of ICT.

Tick whether the following are examples of applications software or systems software.

Tick whether the following statements about desktop and laptop computers are true or false.
Discuss why different user interfaces require the use of different types of input device.

Chapter 2: Input & Output Devices

Describe the role of an Input Device? (1) List 2 Examples:



Describe the role of an Output Device? (1) List 2 Examples:




Describe the role of a Sensor? (1) List 3 Examples:




Why does a computer not understand Physical Variables (real world) read from
Sensors? (3)

Describe the role of an Actuator? (1) List 3 Examples:





Input Device USE: Advantage Disadvantage

Numeric Key
Pad

Mouse

Touch Pad

Web Camera

Microphone

Light Pen

OMR: Use: Advantage:

OCR: Use: Advantage:

MICR: Use: Advantage:

Keyboard: Disadvantage of Using a Keyboard to input data over the direct data
input devices?

Magnetic Strip Advantages Disadvantages

Readers

Use:

Chip and Pin Advantages Disadvantages

Readers

Use:

Contactless Cards Advantages Disadvantages

Use:

RFID (Radio Advantages Disadvantages

Frequency
Identification)
Use:

Type of Printer: Use Advantages Disadvantages

Dot Matrix:

Inkjet Printer:

Laser Printer:

3D Printer

Wide Format
Printer/Plotter

Compare the use of Magnetic Strip Reader, Chip and Pin Reader, Contactless
Cards Point, barcode scanner and number pad at the POS (Point of Sale)?
Describe the input and output devices used in a video conference?

Describe the input and output devices used in a teachers classroom

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the CRT and the LCD monitor?
Compare the use of the Dot Matrix, Inkjet and Laser Printers identifying
advantages and disadvantages?
2015 – 16 Exam Questions

The inbuilt device which moves the cursor when using a laptop is called a _____________

The device used for selecting an icon so a bar code label can be printed in a supermarket is
called a _________________

The device used for controlling a pointer on a screen when the user
has limited motor skills is called a ___________________

This is provided with a laptop to imitate the functions of a mouse. ________________

This is not a mouse but is used to manoeuvre objects around the screen in computer video
games. __________________

This is used to type in text. __________________

This is used for direct input of hard copy images __________________

Data can be input to a computer using different devices. Write down the most appropriate
input device which will enable you to:

(a) type an essay: __________________

(b) select options from a drop down menu whilst moving the device: __________________
(c) read the temperature: __________________
(d) fly an aircraft in a video game: __________________

Data can be input to a computer using direct data entry methods.

Write down the most appropriate device to input the following:

(a) information from the chip in an electronic passport:

__________________
(b) text from an id card:
__________________
(c) account details from the front of a credit card at an EFTPOS terminal:
__________________
(d) account details from the back of a credit card at an EFTPOS terminal:
__________________

Describe how MICR is used to read these details from the cheque.

Discuss why different user interfaces require the use of different types of input device.
 Chapter 3: Storage Devices and Media

What is Secondary Storage? List 3 Storage Mediums:

What is meant by Backup? Why would you backup:

How would you make a personal How would businesses backup?

backup?
List features of the Main Memory List features of Backing Storage

Compare the differences between Serial and Direct Access?

List the different types of storage Medium:

Magnetic Storage Optical Media Solid ‘state’
Devices

Compare the differences between Magnetic, Optical and Solid State storage
medium?

Storage Medium (Magnetic)

Name Use Advantages Disadvantages
Fixed Internal
Hard
Drive

Portable Hard
Drive
Magnetic Tapes

Storage Medium (Optical)

Name Use Advantages Disadvantages
CD-ROM

DVD-
ROM

Blu-Ray

Compare the differences between CD/DVD R, CD/DVD RW and DVD RAM

Storage Medium (Solid ‘state’)

Name Use Advantages Disadvantages
USB Memory
Stick

Memory Card