IC3 Computing Fundamentals 3 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the difference between system software and application software?

System software is always free; application software is paid
System software manages hardware resources; application software performs user tasks (Correct answer)
System software is faster than application software
There is no difference between them

Correct answer: System software manages hardware resources; application software performs user tasks

System software (like operating systems and utilities) manages computer hardware and provides a platform for running applications. Application software (like word processors and browsers) is designed to help users perform specific tasks.

System software includes the operating system, device drivers, utility programs, and firmware that manage hardware resources and provide foundational services. Application software, by contrast, is designed for end users to accomplish specific tasks such as document creation, email, graphic design, or web browsing. Application software relies on system software to access hardware resources.

Question 2: Which unit is commonly used to measure CPU processing speed?

Megabytes (MB)
Gigahertz (GHz) (Correct answer)
Pixels
Watts

Correct answer: Gigahertz (GHz)

CPU clock speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz), which indicates how many billions of cycles per second the processor can execute.

Gigahertz (GHz) measures the clock speed of a CPU, representing billions of cycles per second. A 3.5 GHz processor can perform 3.5 billion cycles each second. While clock speed is an important performance indicator, overall CPU performance also depends on the number of cores, cache size, architecture efficiency, and instruction pipeline design.

Question 3: What is cloud computing?

A type of weather prediction software
Delivering computing services over the internet on demand (Correct answer)
A method of cleaning computer components
A type of local area network

Correct answer: Delivering computing services over the internet on demand

Cloud computing delivers computing resources such as storage, processing power, and applications over the internet, allowing users to access them on demand without owning physical infrastructure.

Cloud computing is a model for delivering IT resources on demand over the internet with pay-as-you-go pricing. Instead of maintaining local servers or data centers, organizations and individuals can rent access to storage, databases, servers, networking, and software from cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud.

Question 4: What type of port is commonly used to connect external displays to a computer?

USB-A
Ethernet
HDMI (Correct answer)
Audio jack

Correct answer: HDMI

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a standard port used to transmit both high-definition video and audio signals from a computer to an external display.

HDMI is the most common interface for connecting computers to monitors, TVs, and projectors. It carries both digital video and audio through a single cable, supporting resolutions up to 8K and features like HDR. Other display connection options include DisplayPort, USB-C/Thunderbolt, and the older VGA and DVI standards.

Question 5: What is multitasking in the context of operating systems?

Running one program at a time very quickly
The ability to run multiple programs or processes concurrently (Correct answer)
Using multiple monitors
Having several user accounts on one computer

Correct answer: The ability to run multiple programs or processes concurrently

Multitasking allows an operating system to run multiple programs or processes at the same time by rapidly switching between them or distributing work across processor cores.

Multitasking is an OS capability that allows multiple applications to share system resources and appear to run simultaneously. The OS scheduler allocates CPU time slices to each process, switching between them so quickly that it appears seamless to the user. With multi-core processors, true parallel execution is possible.

Question 6: What is the function of a motherboard in a computer?

It stores all of the user's files
It serves as the main circuit board connecting all components (Correct answer)
It provides wireless internet access
It regulates the electrical current from the wall outlet

Correct answer: It serves as the main circuit board connecting all components

The motherboard is the main printed circuit board that connects and allows communication between all major components including the CPU, RAM, storage devices, and expansion cards.

The motherboard is the primary circuit board in a computer that serves as the backbone for connecting all hardware components. It houses the CPU socket, RAM slots, expansion slots (PCIe), storage connectors (SATA, M.2), USB headers, audio/network chips, and the BIOS/UEFI firmware chip. The chipset on the motherboard determines which processors, memory types, and features are supported.

IC3 Computing Fundamentals 3

What is the difference between system software and application software?