Hardware vs. Software basics.

Correct answer: A. Sound card or audio device

Audio driver helps sound hardware work with the system. For exams check driver also in sound problems.

Correct answer: A. Internet may not work even if network card is fine

Network driver helps hardware network card work with the system. For exams check both hardware and driver in internet issues.

Correct answer: A. Hardware identity of a network interface

MAC address is related to unique identity of a network interface. For exams do not treat it as a normal website address.

Correct answer: A. IP is network configuration address and MAC is interface identity

IP can change with software configuration while MAC relates to network interface. For exams keep both addresses separate.

Correct answer: A. Software layers handling network communication

Network stack handles rules and layers of data communication. For exams separate network card hardware and stack software.

Correct answer: A. Software security configuration

The direct answer is option A, software security configuration. A firewall monitors network traffic entering or leaving a computer or network. Firewall rules specify which connections or types of traffic may be allowed and which must be blocked. These rules are settings or configuration instructions implemented by firewall software or a firewall device, so option A is the correct classification. Option B, a monitor screw, is a physical hardware part and has nothing to do with deciding network access. Option C, printer ink, is a consumable physical material used for printing and does not control network traffic. Option D, a mouse wheel, is a physical input component used for scrolling, not a security rule. A rule itself is not a screw, ink or wheel; it is a logical instruction that controls communication. Although some firewalls are built into hardware, the wording “firewall rule” refers to the security configuration or policy, not to a physical part. Exam cue: allow, deny, block, permit and network traffic are strong clues for firewall configuration.

Correct answer: A. Device can be hardware and rules can be software configuration

In security hardware device and software rules can work together. For exams identify form and function separately.

Correct answer: A. Hardware based security

TPM can be hardware related to security keys and trust. For exams identify it among security hardware examples.

Correct answer: A. Both can relate to security but one may be external device and the other internal chip

Security technologies can have different hardware forms. For exams check device location and function.

Correct answer: A. To help start system only with trusted software

Secure boot can help block untrusted boot software. For exams connect it with UEFI and security.

Correct answer: A. It can hide at deep software level of system

A rootkit can secretly affect system control. For exams understand it as a security threat not a normal file.

Correct answer: A. Both can help run software in isolated environments

Both can be used for isolation and security. For exams also remember their difference in level and resource use.

Correct answer: A. It gives an isolated environment at software level

A container is not a real physical machine but software based isolation. For exams do not get confused by the name.

Correct answer: A. It may be a software management idea not a real RAM chip

The word virtual often shows something created or managed by software. For exams separate physical and virtual.

Correct answer: A. API is between programs and user interface is for users

API is communication between software components while user interface is for human use. For exams keep both interfaces separate.

Correct answer: A. Tools for software development

An SDK can provide tools to help developers create software. For exams do not treat it as a hardware device.

Correct answer: A. It provides prewritten code or functions

A library makes repeated tasks easier in software development. For exams do not confuse it with a building library.

Correct answer: A. Software conditions and services needed for a program to run

Runtime environment can provide services needed to run a program. For exams do not treat it as a hardware component.

Correct answer: A. Program can be inactive code and process is a running instance

A program can be a file in storage and becomes a process when running. For exams focus on running state.

Correct answer: A. A stream of execution within a running process

A thread is part of software execution and is not hardware. For exams treat process and thread as software concepts.

Correct answer: A. CPU may handle multiple streams of work

Multithreading is a software design that can affect use of CPU resources. For exams understand relation between software structure and hardware use.

Correct answer: A. Screen turning off automatically due to power setting

Power setting is software control that can change behavior of hardware like display. For exams understand the effect of settings.

Correct answer: A. Faulty RAM can show symptoms like app crashes

Direct answer: Option A is correct. Hardware means a physical computer part, while software means programs and instructions. A hardware fault can sometimes produce symptoms that look like a software problem, so the visible symptom alone is not enough to identify the cause. Step by step: RAM temporarily holds data and instructions; if RAM is defective, data may be corrupted or unavailable; the operating system or an application may then stop responding or close unexpectedly; therefore faulty RAM can cause app crashes. Option A is correct because it shows a real hardware-to-software symptom relationship. Option B is wrong because a broken mouse may prevent movement or clicking, but it does not always update a browser. Option C is wrong because a damaged monitor may show no picture or distorted images, not create passwords. Option D is wrong because a faulty printer can cause printing errors, but it does not make the CPU faster. Memory cue: a physical fault can imitate a program fault, so test both hardware and software.

Correct answer: A. By checking location form function control and dependency of the item

In hard questions names can confuse so check many clues. For exams identify device program data and setting separately.

Correct answer: A. Fan hardware, power, and control software

A high temperature with a stopped fan requires layered troubleshooting rather than checking an unrelated application setting. At the hardware level, inspect whether the fan is physically blocked, damaged, disconnected, or unable to receive power. At the electrical level, check the connector, supply, and relevant control circuit. At the software or firmware level, verify temperature readings, fan-control rules, BIOS or embedded-controller behaviour, and driver or system-management settings. Dust and a faulty sensor can also affect the diagnosis. Browser themes, document fonts, and printer-paper colour have no meaningful role in cooling. Thus option A gives the appropriate combined scope.