Computer Hardware Learning Quizzes for Sixth Form Computer Science

Question 1

Which component in a computer system is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations?

Accepted Answer

Processor

Answer

Hard disk drive

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/output device

Question 2

Which of the following devices serves as a primary input method in a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Keyboard

Answer

Monitor

Answer

Printer

Answer

Speaker

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the distinction between von Neumann and Harvard architectures in computer systems?

Accepted Answer

Distinct ways in which instructions and data are stored

Answer

Difference in the type of memory used

Answer

Variation in the number of processors employed

Answer

Divergence in the bus structures utilized

Question 4

In a processor, what is the main purpose of the fetch-decode-execute cycle?

Accepted Answer

To retrieve, interpret, and carry out instructions sequentially

Answer

To store and manage data in memory

Answer

To handle input and output operations efficiently

Answer

To oversee and control the functioning of the operating system

Question 5

Which of the following components is an example of an expansion card that can enhance a computer's functionality?

Accepted Answer

Graphics card

Answer

CPU

Answer

RAM

Answer

Motherboard

Question 6

In a computer system, what is the primary function of a motherboard?

Accepted Answer

To provide a platform for connecting all essential components

Answer

To store and manage data and information

Answer

To carry out calculations and process data

Answer

To display visual output on a screen

Question 7

Which of the following characteristics is NOT associated with a parallel bus in computer architecture?

Accepted Answer

Single address line for accessing memory locations

Answer

Multiple data lines for simultaneous data transfer

Answer

High-speed data transmission capability

Answer

Reduced susceptibility to interference

Question 8

In a computer system, what is the main purpose of a heat sink?

Accepted Answer

To dissipate heat generated by electronic components

Answer

To improve the processing speed of the system

Answer

To minimize noise produced by operating components

Answer

To provide additional storage space for data

Question 9

Define the central processing unit (CPU) in a computer system.

Accepted Answer

The core that executes instructions and processes data

Answer

The storage component that holds data

Answer

The input/output (I/O) interface

Answer

The data pathway connecting various components

Question 10

Which memory type offers the best performance but has a shorter data retention period?

Accepted Answer

Random access memory (RAM)

Answer

Hard disk drive (HDD)

Answer

Solid-state drive (SSD)

Answer

Read-only memory (ROM)

Question 11

Describe the main function of a bus in a computer system.

Accepted Answer

Facilitating communication and data transfer between components

Answer

Storing data for later retrieval

Answer

Executing instructions and calculations

Answer

Providing electrical power to all system components

Question 12

What is the primary purpose of a graphics processing unit (GPU)?

Accepted Answer

Generating and displaying visual content

Answer

Processing text-based data and documents

Answer

Storing large amounts of data

Answer

Connecting external devices and peripherals

Question 13

Describe the key distinction between a laptop and a desktop computer.

Accepted Answer

Physical size and portability

Answer

Operating system compatibility

Answer

Graphics processing capabilities

Answer

Storage capacity and expandability

Question 14

How does a bus enable communication between various components within a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Provides a shared pathway for data exchange

Answer

Stores programs and data

Answer

Executes instructions

Answer

Connects input and output devices directly to the processor

Question 15

What is the primary purpose of a bus in a computer architecture?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating data transfer between components

Answer

Providing permanent storage for data

Answer

Executing data processing tasks

Answer

Supplying power to system components

Question 16

Which characteristic is unique to the von Neumann architecture?

Accepted Answer

Stored program concept

Answer

Separate data and instruction paths

Answer

Parallel processing capabilities

Answer

Extensive use of cache memory

Question 17

What is the fundamental difference between a 32-bit and a 64-bit processor?

Accepted Answer

The number of bits processed simultaneously

Answer

The operational speed of the processor

Answer

The amount of memory that can be accessed

Answer

The type of operating system supported

Question 18

Which of the following is classified as an input device?

Accepted Answer

Keyboard

Answer

Monitor

Answer

Hard disk drive

Answer

Printer

Question 19

Which type of ROM can be reprogrammed after initial programming?

Accepted Answer

EEPROM

Answer

PROM

Answer

DRAM

Answer

SRAM

Question 20

What is the primary function of a CPU register?

Accepted Answer

Storing temporary data and instructions

Answer

Performing complex calculations

Answer

Controlling the flow of data within the CPU

Answer

Storing the operating system for execution

Question 21

Which of the following is a key difference between the von Neumann and Harvard architectures?

Accepted Answer

Separate data and instruction memory

Answer

Use of registers

Answer

Use of a single bus for both data and instructions

Answer

Stored-program concept

Question 22

Which type of memory is temporary and loses its contents when the power supply is interrupted?

Accepted Answer

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Answer

Flash memory

Answer

Hard disk drive

Answer

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Question 23

Which type of bus carries memory addresses from the CPU to main memory?

Accepted Answer

Address bus

Answer

Control bus

Answer

Expansion bus

Answer

Data bus

Question 24

Which input device converts images into digital data?

Accepted Answer

Scanner

Answer

Joystick

Answer

Mouse

Answer

Keyboard

Question 25

Which output device displays visual information?

Accepted Answer

Monitor

Answer

Projector

Answer

Plotter

Answer

Printer