Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics
This section covers Computer Fundamentals and Hardware Basics. The exam checks whether you can identify input, output, processing, and storage components; explain what the CPU, memory, and motherboard do; and use binary storage units correctly.
Core rules and concepts
- The basic computer cycle is input → processing → output, with storage holding data for later use.
- CPU executes instructions and contains the control unit and arithmetic logic unit. RAM is volatile working memory; ROM is non-volatile and holds startup instructions.
- Hard disk, SSD, pen drive, and DVD are storage devices. A monitor is output; a keyboard, mouse, scanner, and microphone are input; a touchscreen is both input and output.
- Motherboard connects components. Ports such as USB, HDMI, and Ethernet connect peripherals and networks.
- Binary units: 1 byte = 8 bits; 1 KB = 1024 bytes; 1 MB = 1024 KB; 1 GB = 1024 MB. Hardware is physical; software is a set of instructions.
Worked example
A photo is 3 MB. Convert it to KB using the binary convention.
Reasoning: 1 MB = 1024 KB, so 3 MB = 3 × 1024 = 3072 KB. Do not multiply by 1000 unless the question explicitly uses decimal units. Show the unit conversion, not just the number.
Traps that cost marks
RAM is not permanent storage. ROM is not the same as a hard disk. A printer is output, not input. A modem is a communication device, not a storage device. Do not mix up MB and GB, and do not call a program “hardware” just because it is installed on a computer.