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Computer Science for IGCSE & O level - Hardware (Section 1)

1
Which one is needed in order to have an active network?
Answer
(C)
A network interface card (NIC)
2
What is a common disadvantage of using cache memory?
Answer
(B)
It is more expensive than main memory for the same amount of storage.
3
What does the term "overclocking" mean in the context of CPUs?
Answer
(B)
Running the CPU at a frequency higher than its designed operating frequency.
4
What is the primary difference between a 2D and a 3D scanner?
Answer
(B)
2D scanners capture two-dimensional images, while 3D scanners capture three-dimensional data of an object.
5
What is an advantage of OLED displays compared to LCDs, specifically for portable devices?
Answer
(B)
Lower power consumption
6
What is the main purpose of using tracks and sectors on a hard disk drive?
Answer
(B)
To organize and store data on the platters.
7
What does the term 'cloud storage' mean?
Answer
(B)
Storing data on remote servers accessed via the internet.
8
Which of the following is a key function of a modem?
Answer
(C)
Converting digital signals into analog signals for transmission over phone or cable lines.
9
What is a potential drawback of overclocking a CPU?
Answer
(A)
Increased power consumption
10
What technology does a capacitive touchscreen primarily use to detect touch?
Answer
(C)
Changes in electrical capacitance.
11
What happens in the 'cleaning' stage of the laser printing process?
Answer
(B)
Excess toner is removed from the drum.
12
In the context of street lighting, which component provides an analog signal?
Answer
(C)
Light Sensor
13
Which of the following is a characteristic of static IP addresses?
Answer
B
C
14
What is the primary function of a Network Interface Card (NIC)?
Answer
(B)
To connect a device to a network.
15
What is the function of a 'control gate' in a flash memory cell?
Answer
(B)
To control the flow of electrons into and out of the floating gate.
16
In a central heating system, the temperature sensor sends data to which component?
Answer
(C)
The microprocessor.
17
What does the CMOS sensor in an optical mouse detect?
Answer
(B)
Changes in reflected light.
18
What is an example of a physical address?
Answer
(B)
MAC address
19
What device is needed to provide internet connection over the LAN to the computer?
Answer
(C)
Router
20
Which of the following is a characteristic of flash memory used in solid-state drives (SSDs)?
Answer
(C)
It stores data using floating gate transistors.
21
In a digital camera, what determines the size of the file used to share the photograph?
Answer
(B)
The number of pixels
22
In the barcode system, what is the function of the dark and light parallel lines of varying thicknesses?
Answer
(A)
They represent digits and are scanned by a laser or LED.
23
What is the role of the 'floating gate' in flash memory?
Answer
(B)
It stores the charge that represents the data.
24
What is the primary purpose of the street lighting control system?
Answer
(B)
To conserve energy by only turning the lights on at night.
25
What does the term 'LAN' stand for?
Answer
(B)
Local Area Network
26
What are the disadvantages of cloud storage?
Answer
A
B
D
27
Which component in an inkjet printer dispenses the ink onto the paper?
Answer
(B)
The print head
28
What does the term 'MAC address' stand for?
Answer
(A)
Media Access Control address
29
What component in the microphone vibrates when sound waves hit it?
Answer
(C)
The diaphragm
30
Which of the following is a function of the DHCP server?
Answer
(B)
Assign IP addresses to devices.
31
What is the key difference between RAM and ROM?
Answer
(C)
RAM can be read from and written to, while ROM is typically only read.
32
In a digital camera, the sensors, after receiving light, turn it into:
Answer
(C)
Electrical signals.
33
Which is a common advantage of laser printers over ink-jet printers?
Answer
(A)
Higher printing speeds.
34
What is the role of the lenses in an LCD projector?
Answer
(C)
To focus the image onto the screen
35
What type of touchscreens are most likely to be used on a phone?
Answer
(A)
Capacitive
36
What distinguishes a CD-R from a CD-RW?
Answer
(B)
CD-RW can be rewritten, CD-R can't.
37
What is the function of the light sensor in street lighting applications?
Answer
(C)
To detect the ambient light level.
38
What is the function of the micromirrors in a DLP projector?
Answer
(C)
To create the image by tilting.
39
What does a 'hybrid cloud' refer to?
Answer
(A)
A cloud made of both public and private clouds.
40
Which of the following is a characteristic of an embedded system?
Answer
(B)
It is designed for a specific task.
41
Which environmental factors can be regulated in a greenhouse control system?
Answer
A
B
D
42
How is an image formed in a DLP projector?
Answer
(B)
By using mirrors that reflect light.
43
What is the function of the DNS server?
Answer
(C)
To translate domain names into IP addresses.
44
What is a potential disadvantage of wireless networking?
Answer
(C)
Reduced security compared to wired networks.
45
What is a common application of ROM chips?
Answer
(B)
Storing the BIOS or firmware.
46
In a digital camera, what does the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) do?
Answer
(A)
Converts the electric charges from the sensors into a digital image.
47
What is the potential problem when using 'disk thrashing'?
Answer
(D)
All of the above.
48
What is the difference between a 'write' and 'read' operation in memory?
Answer
(B)
Write is putting data into memory, read is getting data from memory.
49
What element, often found at a checkout, is essential for the use of barcode scanning?
Answer
(B)
A stock database.
50
What type of signal does the microprocessor send to the other wheels if one wheel locks up in the ABS system?
Answer
(B)
A signal to reduce the braking pressure to the affected wheel.