Chapter 1: Types and Components of Computer Systems
● Hardware and Software:
○ Advantages:
■ Hardware: Tangible, can be physically upgraded or replaced.
■ Software: Can be updated to improve functionality without changing hardware.
○ Disadvantages:
■ Hardware: Can become obsolete quickly, requiring expensive upgrades.
■ Software: Dependent on hardware compatibility, can suffer from bugs and require
patches.
● Analogue and Digital Data:
○ Advantages:
■ Analogue: More accurate representation of continuous data.
■ Digital: Easier to process and store, less susceptible to noise.
○ Disadvantages:
■ Analogue: Prone to degradation over time and noise interference.
■ Digital: Requires analog-to-digital conversion, which can introduce errors.
● Central Processing Unit (CPU):
○ Advantages:
■ High processing power for complex tasks.
■ Capable of multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously.
○ Disadvantages:
■ Generates heat, requiring cooling solutions.
■ Can be a bottleneck if other components (e.g., RAM, storage) are not balanced.
● Internal Memory (RAM and ROM):
○ Advantages:
■ RAM: Fast read/write speeds, crucial for system performance.
■ ROM: Non-volatile, retains data even when power is off.
○ Disadvantages:
■ RAM: Volatile, loses data when power is off.
■ ROM: Read-only, cannot be easily updated or modified.
● Input and Output Devices:
○ Advantages:
■ Input: Facilitates user interaction with the computer.
■ Output: Provides feedback and results of computer processes.
○ Disadvantages:
■ Input: Can be error-prone and subject to user error.
■ Output: Quality and performance can vary significantly between devices.
● Backing Store:
○ Advantages:
■ Provides long-term data storage.
■ Typically has large storage capacity compared to RAM.
○ Disadvantages:
■ Slower read/write speeds compared to RAM.
■ Mechanical components (in HDDs) can fail over time.
● Operating Systems:
○ Advantages:
■ Manages hardware resources efficiently.
■ Provides a user-friendly interface for interaction.
○ Disadvantages:
■ Can be complex and resource-intensive.
■ Compatibility issues with certain software or hardware.
● Types of Computers:
○ Desktop Computers:
■ Advantages: Typically more powerful and upgradable.
■ Disadvantages: Less portable, takes up more space.
○ Mobile Computers:
■ Advantages: Portable and convenient for on-the-go use.
■ Disadvantages: Often less powerful, limited upgrade options.
● Emerging Technologies:
○ Artificial Intelligence (AI):
■ Advantages: Can automate complex tasks, improve efficiency.
■ Disadvantages: Ethical concerns, can lead to job displacement.
○ Extended Reality (VR/AR):
■ Advantages: Immersive experiences, useful for training and education.
■ Disadvantages: High cost of equipment, potential for motion sickness.
Chapter 2: Input and Output Devices
● Input Devices:
○ Keyboards:
■ Advantages: Familiar to most users, versatile for various input tasks.
■ Disadvantages: Prone to typing errors, can cause repetitive strain injury (RSI).
○ Pointing Devices (e.g., Mice, Trackballs):
■ Advantages: Intuitive for graphical interfaces, precise control.
■ Disadvantages: Can cause RSI, may require a flat surface for use.
○ Scanners and Readers:
■ Advantages: Fast data entry, reduces manual errors.
■ Disadvantages: Limited to specific types of data (e.g., barcodes), can be
expensive.
○ Sensors:
■ Advantages: Provide real-time data, useful for automation.
■ Disadvantages: Can be complex to set up, may require calibration.
● Direct Data Entry (DDE) Devices:
○ Advantages:
■ Increase accuracy by reducing manual entry.
■ Speed up data entry processes.
○ Disadvantages:
■ Can be costly to implement.
■ May require specific training to use effectively.
● Output Devices:
○ Monitors:
■ Advantages: Provides visual feedback, essential for most computer tasks.
■ Disadvantages: Can cause eye strain with prolonged use, consumes desk space.
○ Printers:
■ Advantages: Produces hard copies, useful for documentation.
■ Disadvantages: Requires ongoing supply of paper and ink/toner, potential for
mechanical issues.
○ Speakers:
■ Advantages: Provides audio feedback, useful for multimedia applications.
■ Disadvantages: Can be disruptive in shared spaces, may require additional
power.
Chapter 3: Storage Devices and Media
● Storage Devices and Media:
○ Magnetic Storage (e.g., HDDs):
○ Magnetic storage devices work by encoding data onto a magnetic material using a
read/write head. Magnetic storage devices, such as hard drives or magnetic tapes,
operate by storing data on a magnetized material. This is typically done using a
read/write head, which moves across the surface of the material.
■ Advantages: Large storage capacity, cost-effective for bulk storage.
■ Disadvantages: Susceptible to physical damage, slower than SSDs.
○ Optical Storage (e.g., CDs, DVDs):
○ Uses low-power laser beams to record and retrieve digital (binary) data. In
optical-storage technology, a laser beam encodes digital data onto an optical, or laser,
disk in the form of tiny pits arranged in a spiral track on the disk's surface.
■ Advantages: Durable, good for media distribution.
■ Disadvantages: Limited storage capacity, slower read/write speeds.
○ Solid-State Storage (e.g., SSDs):
○ SSDs store data permanently inside an integrated circuit, typically using flash memory.
The flash memory inside an SSD means data is written, transferred, and erased
electronically and silently — SSDs don't have the moving parts found inside mechanical
hard-disk drives (HDDs).
■ Advantages: Fast read/write speeds, durable with no moving parts.
■ Disadvantages: Higher cost per GB compared to HDDs, limited write cycles.
○ Pen Drives and Flash Drives:
○ A pen drive is a means to store data that is compatible with only a USB port. On the other
hand, a flash drive is a solid-state drive (SSD) that keeps vast amounts of data.
■ Advantages: Portable, easy to use for data transfer.
■ Disadvantages: Can be easily lost or damaged, limited storage capacity
compared to SSDs.
● Distinction Between Storage Media and Storage Devices:
○ Storage Media:
■ Advantages: Specific for long-term data retention, interchangeable between
devices.
■ Disadvantages: Can be limited by the capacity of the media itself, prone
A storage device allows users to save data and information to storage media. In other words it is a
physical device that allows communication between the storage device and the storage media. Storage
media are items that hold the data. Sometimes, storage media is removable as is the case with CDs and
DVDs.
Blu-ray discs have smaller pits to encode the data that are packed closer together than CDs or DVDs.
The higher number of pits translates to a higher capacity for the disc. These smaller areas of data can
then be read by a shorter wavelength blue laser, which is where the name "Blu-ray" comes from.
IGCSE ICT Style Question Paper
Chapter 1: Types and Components of Computer Systems
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of the following is not an example of hardware?
○ a) Mouse b) Keyboard c) Operating System d) Printer
2. What type of memory is volatile and used for temporary data storage?
○ a) RAM b) ROM c) HDD d) SSD
3. Which device is considered the brain of the computer?
○ a) RAM b) CPU c) Monitor d) Hard Drive
4. Which type of computer is designed for portability?
○ a) Desktop Computer b) Supercomputer c) Laptop d) Mainframe
5. Which of the following is an example of an output device?
○ a) Keyboard b) Mouse c) Printer d) Scanner
Short Answer Questions
6. Define the term "software."
7. Differentiate between analogue and digital data.
8. What is the role of an operating system in a computer?
9. Explain the difference between RAM and ROM.
10. List two advantages and two disadvantages of desktop computers.
Long Answer Questions
11. Describe the main components of a computer system, including examples of hardware and
software.
12. Explain how emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality
(VR/AR) are influencing modern computer systems.
Chapter 2: Input and Output Devices
Multiple Choice Questions
13. Which device is primarily used to input text into a computer?
○ a) Mouse b) Scanner c) Keyboard d) Monitor
14. What does OCR stand for?
○ a) Optical Character Recognition b) Optical Camera Reader c) Optical Code
Reader
○ d) Optical Circuit Reader
15. Which input device is most commonly used to navigate graphical user interfaces?
○ a) Keyboard b) Mouse c) Printer d) Monitor
16. Which of the following is an example of a direct data entry device?
○ a) Keyboard b) Mouse c) Barcode Reader d) Monitor
17. What type of device is a monitor considered?
○ a) Input Device b) Output Device c) Storage Device d) Processing Device
Short Answer Questions
18. Describe two advantages and two disadvantages of using a keyboard as an input device.
19. What are the primary functions of an output device? Provide two examples.
20. Explain the purpose of sensors as input devices.
21. Differentiate between a scanner and a barcode reader.
22. What are the benefits of using touchscreens in modern devices?
Long Answer Questions
23. Discuss the various types of input devices, providing examples and their specific uses.
24. Explain the significance of output devices in a computer system and how they contribute to user
interaction.
Chapter 3: Storage Devices and Media
Multiple Choice Questions
25. Which storage device uses magnetic properties to store data?
○ a) CD b) SSD c) HDD d) DVD
26. What type of storage device is known for having no moving parts?
○ a) HDD b) Magnetic Tape c) SSD d) Optical Disk
27. Which of the following is an example of optical storage?
○ a) SSD b) HDD c) Blu-ray d) RAM
28. Which type of storage is typically used for large-scale batch processing?
○ a) SSD b) Magnetic Tape c) Pen Drive d) CD
29. What is the primary advantage of solid-state drives over hard disk drives?
○ a) Higher capacity b) Faster read/write speeds c) Lower cost d) Longer
lifespan
Short Answer Questions
30. Define the term "storage device" and provide two examples.
31. Explain the difference between storage media and storage devices.
32. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using optical storage media?
33. Describe the characteristics of solid-state storage devices.
34. What is the role of magnetic tape in data storage?
Long Answer Questions
35. Compare and contrast magnetic, optical, and solid-state storage devices in terms of their
technology, uses, advantages, and disadvantages.
36. Discuss the importance of having various types of storage devices in a computer system and how
they complement each other for data management and retrieval.
Additional Harder and Scenario-Based Long Answer Questions
Chapter 1: Types and Components of Computer Systems
Question 1
Your school is planning to upgrade its computer systems. The current systems are over 5 years old and
are struggling to run modern software. The school has a budget to replace all desktops in the computer
lab. As the head of the IT department, you are tasked with proposing the specifications for new desktop
computers. Explain the key components you would include in your proposal, justifying your choices in
terms of performance, future-proofing, and cost-effectiveness. (10 points)
Question 2
A small business is deciding between setting up a traditional desktop-based office and a mobile
computing office using laptops and tablets. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of both setups,
considering factors such as cost, productivity, ease of maintenance, and flexibility for remote work.
Provide a recommendation based on your evaluation. (10 points)
Chapter 2: Input and Output Devices
Question 3
A university is planning to set up a new computer lab for its engineering students. The lab will require
various specialized input and output devices to support activities such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
and 3D modeling. Identify and justify the selection of specific input and output devices that would be
essential for this lab, considering the needs of engineering students. (8 points)
Question 4
A tech company is developing a new virtual reality (VR) game. Discuss the types of input and output
devices that would be necessary to provide an immersive VR experience. Include an explanation of how
these devices work together to create a seamless user experience. (8 points)
Chapter 3: Storage Devices and Media
Question 5
A hospital is planning to upgrade its data storage infrastructure to improve the management and
accessibility of patient records. Compare and contrast the use of a network-attached storage (NAS)
system versus a cloud-based storage solution. Consider factors such as security, cost, scalability, and
accessibility in your comparison. Provide a recommendation based on your analysis. (10 points)
Question 6
A film production company needs to store and manage large volumes of high-definition video files.
Evaluate the suitability of using magnetic tape, HDDs, and SSDs for this purpose. Discuss the
advantages and disadvantages of each storage type in terms of capacity, speed, reliability, and cost.
Provide a recommendation for the company based on your evaluation. (10 points)
