Hardware vs. Software basics.

Disk cleanup helps in cleaning and managing a computer. For exams understand maintenance programs as utility software.

CPU RAM and monitor are all physical components. For exams identify chips and devices as hardware.

Browser antivirus and word processor are all programs. For exams place programs in the software category.

The direct answer is option A, keyboard and monitor. Input hardware is a physical device used to send data or instructions into a computer. Output hardware presents the computer's processed result to the user. A keyboard sends letters, numbers and commands into the computer, so it is an input device. A monitor displays text, images and video from the computer, so it is an output device. Therefore option A correctly pairs input with output. Option B, browser and antivirus, names software programs, not hardware devices. A browser displays web pages and antivirus protects software and files. Option C, RAM and ROM, names types of memory hardware, but neither is normally described as the requested input-output pair; both store or hold data. Option D, operating system and driver, names software components that manage hardware or help it work, so neither is an input-output hardware pair. The direction is the key: information goes into the computer through a keyboard and comes out for viewing through a monitor. Memory trick: keyboard puts information in; monitor makes information visible.

A file manager helps view and organize files and folders. For exams treat it as a software tool.

A picture editing program is software made for a specific user task. For exams treat creative apps as application software.

A computer game is application software made for entertainment. For exams understand a game as software not hardware.

A cooling fan protects hardware from overheating. For exams connect temperature control with hardware maintenance.

A power supply unit provides required power to computer components. For exams remember it as internal hardware.

A network card is hardware that connects a computer to a network. For exams connect network access with network hardware.

A router decides the path for data in a network. For exams connect internet sharing devices with router.

A broken key is physical damage so it is a hardware problem. For exams treat a broken device as a hardware problem.

An app closing repeatedly may indicate a software error. For exams understand program faults as software problems.

A software update can fix errors and improve security. For exams connect updates with improvements.

Installing new RAM is an example of adding a physical part. For exams treat changing a chip or device as hardware upgrade.

Installing software makes a program usable on a computer. For exams understand adding an app as installation.

Hardware is often connected through ports or slots. For exams connect physical connection with hardware.

A software license tells how a program may be used. For exams connect license with legal use of software.

A saved document is a data file. For exams treat the file as data and the program opening it as software.

A program that opens a document is software made of instructions. For exams remember the difference between data and software.

A pen drive is hardware and a photo can be data. For exams distinguish the device from the content stored in it.

Hardware provides the machine and software gives it instructions. For exams understand a computer through the combined work of both.

A scanner driver helps the scanner work correctly with the operating system. For exams remember the role of drivers with new hardware.

Cleaning dust from the fan is care of a physical part so it is hardware maintenance. For exams treat cleaning touchable parts as hardware maintenance.

Updating the operating system is related to improving software and security. For exams connect updates with software maintenance.