Hardware vs. Software basics.

Hardware is made of the touchable parts of a computer. For exams always connect physical form with hardware.

Software gives instructions to a computer to work. For exams connect the words programs and instructions with software.

A monitor is a physical device so it is hardware. For exams treat a touchable object as hardware.

A web browser is software that opens internet pages. For exams understand programs that perform tasks as software.

The CPU is the main processing hardware of a computer. For exams connect calculation and control with the CPU.

The operating system handles basic control of the computer. For exams treat it as the base of system software.

A scanner inputs pictures or text into a computer. For exams remember scanner as input hardware.

A printer converts a computer’s digital output into a printed hard copy on paper, so it is the correct answer. A microphone, keyboard, and mouse are input devices that send information to the computer; they do not print output. Exam tip: paper output is called a hard copy and is produced by a printer.

The governing concept is the difference between input and output hardware. An output device communicates processed information from the computer to the user. A speaker converts an audio signal into sound waves, allowing the user to hear music, speech or other audio. Therefore, Speaker is the correct answer. A keyboard is an input device used to enter text and commands. A webcam is also primarily an input device because it captures images or video for the computer. A scanner is an input device that converts printed material into digital data. Although these devices may work together in a multimedia system, only the speaker directly produces audible output for listening.

A webcam inputs video into a computer. For exams remember camera based devices as input hardware.

A microphone captures voice and converts it into an input signal for the computer. A printer produces printed output, a monitor displays visual output, and a speaker produces audio output. Exam tip: recording sound is an input function, so choose a microphone.

RAM is temporary memory and loses data when power is off. For exams remember RAM as working memory.

The governing concept is the distinction between non-volatile memory and temporary working memory. ROM, or Read-Only Memory, stores essential instructions such as firmware or boot-related instructions and retains its contents when the computer is switched off. For this reason, it is commonly described in school-level questions as permanent memory. RAM is volatile working memory and normally loses its contents when power is removed. Cache is a very fast temporary memory used to reduce processor access time, while a register is a tiny, high-speed storage location inside the processor. Thus, ROM is the correct option, although modern ROM technologies may be rewritable in specific forms.

A hard disk is a storage device used to retain files and other data for a long period, even when the computer is switched off. A microphone and webcam are input devices, while a speaker is an output device; none of them provides long-term file storage. In exams, associate saving or retaining files with a storage device.

A pen drive is a physical device used to carry and store data. For exams connect removable storage with pen drive.

A word processor is application software for creating and editing documents. For exams connect document work with word processor.

A spreadsheet handles data and calculations in rows and columns. For exams connect tables and calculations with spreadsheets.

Presentation software is used to make slide shows. For exams connect slides with presentation software.

The governing concept is the role of utility and security software in protecting a computer system. Antivirus software scans files, programs and sometimes network activity to detect, quarantine, block or remove malicious software such as viruses. It may also provide real-time protection against suspicious activity, although its effectiveness depends on updates and correct configuration. Therefore, Antivirus is the correct answer. A monitor is output hardware that displays information, a keyboard is input hardware used to enter data, and a hard disk is a storage device that holds files and programs. Those devices may be part of the computer system, but none is security software designed to detect viruses.

Direct answer: Option A, web browser. A web browser is application software that receives, displays and helps navigate web pages on the internet. When a user enters a web address or selects a link, the browser requests the page and shows its text, pictures and other content. Therefore Option A is correct. Option B, speaker, is hardware that produces sound; it does not open or display internet pages. Option C, scanner, is input hardware that copies printed material or images into a computer; it is not used to view websites. Option D, power supply, provides electrical power to the computer and is not a page-viewing program. Remember the difference: software gives instructions, while hardware is a physical part. A browser is software, even though it works through physical devices such as the screen, keyboard and network equipment. Examples include Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari. Exam cue: “browse the web” means use a web browser.

A device driver helps communication between hardware and the operating system. For exams remember drivers with new devices.

Firmware is control software stored in hardware. For exams remember it as a link between hardware and software.

In booting the computer loads the operating system. For exams treat it as the starting process of a computer.

The operating system is a major example of system software. For exams remember that it helps run other programs.

A calculator app is software made for a specific task. For exams treat user task apps as application software.