Types and components of computer systems — IGCSE Information And Communication Technology (0417) questions by topic
Types and components questions test recognition of hardware and software categories: circling internal memory items, describing what audio editing software is used for, or discussing whether a tablet or smartphone suits a river-water monitoring project better. Describe and identify want named, specific answers, while discuss asks you to weigh advantages and disadvantages rather than pick a single winner.
26 questions from 2023 to 2025 are collected here, worth from 1 to 18 marks. Because discuss answers are marked on balance as much as content, submitting a response for instant marking quickly flags whether advantages have been given without any matching disadvantage, which is a common way marks are lost on this topic.
May–June 2025, Paper 11
A computer system processes data by using applications software and system software. Describe the following type of applications software. Word processing
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2025, Paper 12
A computer system uses both applications software and system software. Describe the following type of applications software. Computer aided design (CAD)
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2025, Paper 13
A computer system uses both applications software and system software. Audio editing software is an example of applications software. Describe what is meant by audio editing…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 11
Circle two internal hardware components. Actuator Cloud DVD HDD Motherboard Printer ROM SD Card
Answer this question and get it marked →One benefit of using a command line interface (CLI) is that it uses less computer memory. State two other benefits of a command line interface (CLI).
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 12
Circle two items of internal memory. Actuator Cloud DVD Memory stick Printer RAM ROM Sensor
Answer this question and get it marked →One difference between a command line interface (CLI) and a graphical user interface (GUI) is that a GUI takes up more memory. State two other differences between a CLI and a GUI.
Answer this question and get it marked →A college principal has decided that students can use mobile devices to take notes in lessons. Some students use laptop computers whilst others use smartphones. Describe the…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 13
One of the benefits of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) is that it is user friendly. State two other benefits of a GUI.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 11
Complete each of the following sentences. (a) Software that the user requires to carry out a task is called ...........
Answer this question and get it marked →A Graphical User Interface (GUI) can be used in an expert system. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using a GUI.
Answer this question and get it marked →An organisation is planning to replace its desktop computers with laptop computers. Contrast a laptop computer with a desktop computer.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 12
A dialogue based interface can be used to program a satellite navigation device in a vehicle. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using a dialogue based interface in this…
Answer this question and get it marked →Phablet computers can be used rather than smartphones. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a phablet computer rather than a smartphone.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 13
Smartphones and desktop computers can be used to play video games. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a smartphone rather than a desktop computer to play video…
Answer this question and get it marked →A gesture based user interface can be used in gaming devices to play games. Describe the benefits and drawbacks of using a gesture based interface in this scenario.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 11
A book has an ISBN which is 330247204X. Tick (✓) the most appropriate data type for the ISBN. A Numeric: integer B Text C Boolean D Date
Answer this question and get it marked →Identify the hardware from the descriptions given. A volatile internal memory that stores the current instruction.
Answer this question and get it marked →Some people use dialogue-based user interfaces to operate their car audio system. Describe what is meant by a dialogue-based user interface.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 12
Identify the most appropriate hardware from the descriptions given. Non-volatile internal memory used to store the start-up instructions.
Answer this question and get it marked →Some gaming systems use gesture based user interfaces to operate a game. Describe what is meant by a gesture based user interface.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 13
Identify the most appropriate hardware from the descriptions given. An internal hardware component that connects a computer to a Local Area Network.
Answer this question and get it marked →A group of students are producing a class newsletter which they will email to parents of students in the class. They are deciding whether to use a laptop computer or a smartphone…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 11
A group of students are carrying out a study of the quality of river water for a project. They can either use a tablet computer or a smartphone to monitor and record their…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 12
Tick (✓) one external device. A sound card B pen drive C motherboard D ROM
Answer this question and get it marked →A group of pupils is planning to create a newsletter for a history project. The group can either use a smartphone or a phablet computer. Explain what is meant by a phablet…
Answer this question and get it marked →Other IGCSE Information And Communication Technology topics
- ICT applications (40)
- Document production (35)
- The systems life cycle (27)
- Safety and security (22)
- Data manipulation (databases) (20)
- Spreadsheets (17)
- Presentations (15)
- Website authoring (15)
- The effects of using IT (health and safety) (14)
- Storage devices and media (12)
- Input and output devices (11)
- Networks (10)
← All IGCSE Information And Communication Technology (0417) past papers