The diagram shows the main components of a... | Information and Communication Technology (9-1) 0983 | Paper 1 Mock 21 | Theory

Question 1 Report

The diagram shows the main components of a computer system.

(a) Give one example of an input device and one example of an output device. [2]

(b) Describe the role of the CPU (Central Processing Unit). [2]

(c) Explain the difference between RAM and ROM. [2]

Answer

Answer Details

(a) Examples of input and output devices:

Input device: Keyboard (or mouse, scanner). [1] An input device sends data into the computer for processing.
Output device: Monitor (or printer, speakers). [1] An output device presents processed data from the computer to the user.

(b) The role of the CPU (Central Processing Unit):

The CPU fetches instructions from memory, decodes them to understand what operation is required, and then executes them. This is known as the fetch-decode-execute cycle. [1]
It performs all the processing in the computer, including arithmetic calculations, logical comparisons and data movement between components. [1]

(c) The difference between RAM and ROM:

RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory, meaning it loses all its contents when the power is switched off. It is used to hold the data and programs that are currently being used by the processor. [1]
ROM (Read Only Memory) is non-volatile memory, meaning it retains its contents permanently even when the power is off. It stores the startup (boot) instructions that the computer needs to begin operating when first turned on. [1]

The diagram shows the main components of a computer system. (a) Give one example of an input device and one example of an output device. [2] (b) Describe th...