Information Technology in FOCUS for CSEC

SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 1: Fundamentals of Hardware and Software

Activity # 1

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Examination based short answer questions

1. List the major functions of a computer system. (4 marks)

Solution:
1. Input
2. Output
3. Processing
4. Storage

a. Briefly explain ANY THREE. (6 marks)

Possible solution
a. An input device is a hardware or peripheral device used to send data to a
computer.
b. An output device is any device used to send data from a computer to another
device or user.
c. Processing is the manipulation of data that produces meaningful information for
a particular use.
d. A storage device is a mechanism that enables a computer to retain data, either
temporarily or permanently.

b. Give THREE examples of each. (9 marks)

Possible solution
input device output device storage device
Keyboards monitors Hard disk drives
Mouse projectors Pen drives
Scanner printers Floppy disk

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Information Technology in FOCUS for CSEC
SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 1: Fundamentals of Hardware and Software

2. Sketch a diagram showing the stages of processing data in a computer system and show
the direction in which data flows. (8 marks)

Possible solution

Storage

3. Define the term peripheral device. (2 mark)

Possible solution
A peripheral device is an internal or external device that connects directly to a computer but
does not contribute to the computer's primary function, such as computing.

a. Give FOUR examples of peripheral devices. (4 marks)

Possible solution
Keyboards monitors mouse Hard disk drives

b. Explain TWO types. (2 marks)

Possible solution
1. Mouse: allow users to direct application software and devices used to capture audio
and video, like cameras and microphones.
2. Keyboards: allow users to input data.

4. Storage can be __________________ or ___________________. (2 marks)

Possible solution
1. Volatile
2. Non - Volatile

5. Explain the terms Volatile and Non – Volatile. (2 marks)

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Information Technology in FOCUS for CSEC
SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 1: Fundamentals of Hardware and Software

Possible solution
1. Volatile Storage : requires a continuous supply of electricity to store/retain data. It acts
as a computer's primary storage for temporarily storing data.

2. Non-Volatile : A type of storage mechanism that retains digital data even if it’s powered
off or isn’t supplied with electrical power.

6. What does the acronym RAM stand for? (1 mark)

Possible solution
Random Access Memory

7. State TWO devices that can be classified as INPUT and OUTPUT devices. Briefly explain
how any of the devices work. (4 marks)

Possible solution
Both Input-Output Devices:

Modems
A modem is a network device that both modulates and demodulates analog carrier signals
(called sine waves) for encoding and decoding digital information for processing. Modems
accomplish both of these tasks simultaneously and, for this reason, the term modem is a
combination of "modulate" and "demodulate."

Network cards
A network adapter is the component of a computer’s internal hardware that is used for
communicating over a network with another computer. It enable a computer to connect with
another computer, server or any networking device over an LAN connection. A network
adapter can be used over a wired or wireless network.

Touch Screen
A touch screen is a computer display screen that serves as an input device and an output.
When a touch screen is touched by a finger or stylus, it registers the event and sends it to a
controller for processing.

8. At what stage of processing would a computer that calculates the taxes for a number of
days, fall under. (1 mark)

Possible solution
Processing

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Information Technology in FOCUS for CSEC
SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 1: Fundamentals of Hardware and Software

9. At Which stage of processing would you place the following statement: your computer
system is used to print out a list of your grades you get online? (1 mark)

Solution
Output

10. If you keep an electronic copy of your exam results, which stage of processing is being
used? (1 mark)

Solution
Storage

11. For your SBA you are required to write a Pascal program that will calculate your term’s
marks. List the stage involved here. (3 mark)

Solution
1. Input
2. Processing
3. Storage
4. Output

12. Viewing data on a computer system, would be which stage of processing. (1 mark)
Solution
Output

13. Retaining data on a hard drive of a computer system for future use in which stage of
processing (1 mark)

Solution
Storage

14. If you use the calculator to find a result. (1 mark)

Solution

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Information Technology in FOCUS for CSEC
SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 1: Fundamentals of Hardware and Software

Processing

15. State TWO differences between input and output devices? (2 marks)

Solution
Input devices are used to enter data or information in a computer system while an output device is used
to send data or information out of a computer system or device.

TOTAL 55 MARKS