Basic computer operations (hardware and software)

A microphone is an input device that receives voice or other sounds and converts them into signals that a computer or recording system can process. It is used for recording, online meetings, voice messages, and speech input. Printing pictures is done by a printer, displaying text and images is done by a monitor, and deleting data is a software operation. Therefore, option A is correct.

A webcam is an input device designed to capture moving video and, in many cases, still images for a computer or online service. It supports video calls, virtual classes, live meetings, and recording. A printer produces paper copies, while a microphone mainly captures sound. Supplying electrical power is the role of a power source, not a webcam. Hence, option A is the only suitable answer.

The governing concept is the basic IPO cycle of a computer. First, the user supplies input such as numbers or text. Next, the processor applies instructions to organise or calculate that input. Finally, the system produces output such as a total or displayed answer. Thus option A is correct. Output cannot normally be produced before the required input and processing, while the other sequences confuse separate activities with the main working cycle.

The governing concept is backup and data recovery. A backup is a separate stored copy that can be used when the original file is accidentally deleted, corrupted by malware, damaged by hardware failure, or otherwise lost. Thus option A is correct. Public sharing creates possible privacy problems, while screen size, computer performance, and internet speed are unrelated to the purpose of a backup.

The physical, tangible components that can be seen or touched are called hardware, so option A is correct. Examples include the keyboard, monitor, mouse, processor, memory modules, and printer. Software consists of programs and instructions, data is raw input, and information is processed or meaningful data. Thus, the wording “physical parts” clearly distinguishes hardware from the other three terms.

Software is the collection of programs, commands, and related instructions that directs a computer to perform tasks, so option B is correct. A hard disk stores data and programs, a mouse sends pointing input, and a monitor displays output; all three are physical hardware devices. The governing clue is the phrase “set of instructions,” which identifies software rather than a device.

Shut Down is the proper option when the computer must be completely turned off, so D is correct. The operating system closes applications, completes necessary processes, and then powers down in an orderly way. Restart closes and starts the system again, Sleep keeps the session in a low-power state, and Log Out only ends the current user session. These functions are different from a full shutdown.

A keyboard is the primary input device for entering letters, numbers, punctuation, and special symbols, so option A is correct. It converts key presses into signals that the computer can process. A speaker produces sound, a printer creates paper output, and a scanner captures printed material as digital input. The key distinction is that the keyboard is designed for typed alphanumeric entry.

A mouse is a pointing input device used to move the on-screen pointer or cursor, so option B is correct. Moving the mouse changes the cursor’s position, and its buttons allow clicking, selecting, opening, and dragging objects. A monitor displays images, a microphone captures sound, and a projector enlarges visual output. None of those devices normally controls the pointer in the way a mouse does.

A monitor displays processed computer output as text, images, graphics, and video, so option C is correct. It is an output device because information travels from the computer to the screen for the user to see. A keyboard and mouse send input to the computer, while a microphone captures sound as input. The word “visually” points specifically to a screen-based output device.

A printer converts digital text, images, or documents into a physical paper copy, so option D is correct. This paper-based result is called hard-copy output. A scanner performs the reverse process by sending printed material into the computer, while a speaker produces sound and a webcam captures video or images as input. Therefore, the phrase “output on paper” identifies the printer.

The central processing unit, or CPU, executes program instructions and processes data, so option A is correct. It performs calculations, compares values, and controls the sequence of operations by coordinating other components. Printing is done by a printer, sound recording by a microphone, and image scanning by a scanner. The CPU may be called the computer’s “brain,” but it works together with memory and input/output devices.

The governing concept is the difference between temporary primary memory and long-term storage. RAM temporarily holds the programs and data that the processor is actively using, allowing quick access. When the computer is switched off, RAM normally loses its contents. ROM stores fixed instructions, while a hard disk and compact disc are secondary-storage media used to retain data for longer periods. Therefore, option B is correct.

The governing concept is secondary storage, which keeps information after the computer loses power. A hard disk stores the operating system, applications, documents, photographs, and other files for long-term use. RAM, cache, and registers are fast working-memory locations used during processing; their contents are generally temporary and disappear when power is removed. Thus option C is the appropriate answer for durable computer storage.

The governing concept is the distinction between input and output devices. A speaker receives processed audio signals from the computer and converts them into sound waves that a person can hear, so it is an audio output device. A scanner, keyboard, and webcam send images, text, or video into the computer and are therefore input devices. Consequently, option D correctly identifies the device used for hearing sound.

The governing concept is converting physical information into computer-readable digital data. A scanner uses sensors to read text or an image on paper and sends a digital representation to the computer, making it an input device. A printer performs the opposite direction by producing a paper copy from digital content. A monitor only displays output, while a digital camera is not the standard office device named in this question. Therefore, option A is correct.

The governing concept is sound input. A microphone detects sound waves produced by speech and converts them into electrical or digital signals that the computer can record, process, and save. A monitor displays visual output, a printer creates paper output, and a projector enlarges visual output for an audience. Since voice recording requires a device to send sound into the computer, option B, the microphone, is correct.

The governing concept is the role of an input device in communication. A webcam captures moving images of the user and sends the video signal to the computer or video-call application for transmission. A microphone captures only sound, a speaker produces audio output, and a printer creates a paper copy. Because the question asks specifically for video capture during a call, option C, the webcam, is the only suitable answer.

The governing concept is visual output. A projector receives an image signal from the computer and enlarges or projects that image onto a wall, screen, or other large surface, which is useful in classrooms and presentations. A mouse is an input device, a microphone captures sound input, and a scanner converts physical documents into digital input. Therefore, option D is the only device designed to show a computer image on a large surface.

The governing concept is application software designed for document processing. A word processor provides tools to type, format, revise, save, and print text-based documents, so it is the suitable software for writing and editing. A media player handles audio or video, a web browser accesses websites, and antivirus software detects or blocks malicious programs. Since none of those is primarily meant for document creation, option C is correct.

Paint is application software designed for creating simple drawings, colouring shapes, and editing basic images. Therefore, Paint is the suitable choice for making pictures. File Manager organises files, Calculator performs numerical operations, and Notepad is mainly used for entering plain text. These applications may be useful for other tasks but are not primarily drawing tools.

A web browser is application software that contacts web servers and displays websites and web pages on the internet. Examples include Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. A word processor creates documents, an image editor changes pictures, and a calculator performs arithmetic. Those programs do not normally interpret and display website addresses, so the web browser is the only suitable answer.

On a graphical computer desktop, an application is commonly started by double-clicking its icon with the mouse. The operating system recognises the two quick clicks and launches the associated program. A single right-click usually opens a shortcut menu, while turning off the keyboard or disconnecting the monitor cannot start software. Some systems also allow a single click or keyboard command, but double-clicking is the expected basic-operation answer.

Pressing and releasing the left mouse button one time is called a click. A click can select an icon, place the pointer in a document, or choose a menu item. Dragging requires holding the button while moving the mouse, scrolling moves through content using a wheel, and typing enters characters with a keyboard. Thus, clicking is the precise term for one press and release.

Drag and drop means pressing and holding the mouse button on an item, moving the pointer to a new location, and then releasing the button. This operation can reposition icons, move selected text, or transfer files between folders, depending on the program and location. Typing enters characters, scanning captures input from a device, and printing produces a paper copy, so none of them describes this mouse action.