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GCE O/L Information & Communication Technology study materials
GCE O/L Information & Communication Technology study resources

GCE O/L Information & Communication Technology practice questions

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Question 1Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

Which unit is used to measure the storage capacity of a computer's main memory?

  1. Byte Correct answer.
  2. Hertz
  3. Volt
  4. Bit per second

Explanation

Main memory capacity is expressed in bytes and their multiples such as kilobyte, megabyte and gigabyte, because a byte is the basic group of bits used to store one character. Hertz measures frequency, not storage, and bits per second measures data transfer rate.

Question 2Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

A student types the decimal number 13 and the computer stores it as a binary value. Which 4-bit pattern represents 13?

  1. 1110
  2. 1011
  3. 1101 Correct answer.
  4. 1001

Explanation

The decimal value 13 equals 8 + 4 + 1, so the bits for places 8, 4 and 1 are set, giving 1101 in binary. Reading the place values 8, 4, 2, 1 confirms that only the 2-place remains zero.

Question 3Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

Which hardware component is described as the brain of the computer that fetches, decodes and executes instructions?

  1. Power supply unit
  2. Central Processing Unit Correct answer.
  3. Hard disk drive
  4. Random Access Memory

Explanation

The Central Processing Unit carries out the fetch-decode-execute cycle and performs the arithmetic and logical operations of a program, which is why it is called the brain of the computer. Memory and storage only hold data and instructions for it to work on.

Question 4Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

Which type of software is a word processor an example of?

  1. Firmware
  2. Utility software
  3. System software
  4. Application software Correct answer.

Explanation

A word processor is application software because it helps the user perform a specific productive task such as creating documents. System software and utilities manage the computer itself rather than serving an end-user task.

Question 5Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

Which device is classified as an input device?

  1. Optical mark reader Correct answer.
  2. Plotter
  3. Monitor
  4. Speaker

Explanation

An optical mark reader senses marks on a form and sends that data into the computer, so it is an input device. Plotters, monitors and speakers all present results coming out of the computer.

Question 6Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

In a school computer laboratory, which network type best describes computers within one room connected to share a printer?

  1. Local Area Network Correct answer.
  2. Virtual Private Network
  3. Wide Area Network
  4. Metropolitan Area Network

Explanation

A Local Area Network covers a small geographical area such as a single room or building and is typically owned by one organisation. Wide and metropolitan area networks span much larger distances between sites.

Question 7Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

Which statement correctly describes the difference between data and information?

  1. Data is stored permanently while information is never stored
  2. Data is raw facts while information is processed data with meaning Correct answer.
  3. Data and information both refer to numbers only
  4. Data is processed output while information is raw facts

Explanation

Data consists of unprocessed raw facts such as marks or names, and information is the meaningful result obtained after data is processed and organised. This distinction underlies the whole data-processing cycle.

Question 8Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

A company wants staff to access shared files from any branch office through the internet with a secure encrypted tunnel. Which technology should be used?

  1. Virtual Private Network Correct answer.
  2. Bluetooth
  3. Local Area Network
  4. Infrared

Explanation

A Virtual Private Network creates an encrypted tunnel over the internet so remote users can reach a private network securely. Bluetooth and infrared are short-range wireless links and cannot connect distant branch offices.

Question 9Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

Which file extension normally identifies a compressed archive that contains several files?

  1. .html
  2. .exe
  3. .txt
  4. .zip Correct answer.

Explanation

The .zip extension marks an archive in which one or more files have been compressed and bundled together. The other extensions denote plain text, a web page and an executable program respectively.

Question 10Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

What is the main purpose of a cache memory in a computer system?

  1. To store the operating system permanently
  2. To back up files automatically each night
  3. To provide fast access to frequently used instructions and data Correct answer.
  4. To convert analogue signals into digital form

Explanation

Cache memory is a small, very fast memory placed close to the processor that holds recently or frequently used instructions and data to reduce waiting time. Permanent storage and backup are tasks of secondary storage, not cache.

Question 11Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

Which logic gate produces an output of 1 only when both of its inputs are 1?

  1. OR gate
  2. NOR gate
  3. NOT gate
  4. AND gate Correct answer.

Explanation

The AND gate outputs 1 only for the input combination 1,1 and outputs 0 for every other combination. The OR gate also outputs 1 when only one input is 1, and the NOT gate has a single input.

Question 12Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

A hospital needs a technology to read the barcode on a patient's wristband quickly and accurately at the bedside. Which input method is most suitable?

  1. Touch screen keypad
  2. Optical character reader for printed text
  3. Barcode reader Correct answer.
  4. Voice recognition

Explanation

A barcode reader scans the printed barcode directly and converts it into data with high speed and accuracy, avoiding typing errors at the bedside. Manual keying or voice input would be slower and more error-prone for coded identifiers.

Question 13Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

Which of the following is an example of system software?

  1. Device driver Correct answer.
  2. Spreadsheet package
  3. Presentation software
  4. Web browser

Explanation

A device driver is system software because it lets the operating system communicate with and control a specific hardware device. Spreadsheets, browsers and presentation tools are applications used to perform user tasks.

Question 14Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

A student saves a report and later finds the file has been altered by an unauthorised person. Which measure best protects the file from such tampering?

  1. Setting a password on the document and restricting editing rights Correct answer.
  2. Renaming the file with a shorter name
  3. Increasing the monitor brightness
  4. Moving the file to the desktop

Explanation

Password protection with restricted editing rights controls who can open and modify the document, which directly prevents unauthorised alteration. Renaming or moving a file does not restrict access at all.

Question 15Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

Which numbering system uses sixteen symbols and is often used as a shorthand for binary values?

  1. Octal
  2. Binary
  3. Hexadecimal Correct answer.
  4. Decimal

Explanation

The hexadecimal system has sixteen symbols, 0 to 9 and A to F, and each hexadecimal digit maps exactly to four binary bits, making it a convenient shorthand. Binary and octal use two and eight symbols respectively.

Question 16Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

A student wants to convert the binary number 10110 to decimal. Which value is correct?

  1. 22 Correct answer.
  2. 18
  3. 20
  4. 26

Explanation

Using place values 16, 8, 4, 2 and 1, the bits 1 0 1 1 0 give 16 + 4 + 2, which totals 22. Checking each position confirms no other place contributes.

Question 17Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

A small office has ten computers and needs a device to connect them into one network and forward data only to the intended computer. Which device performs this role?

  1. Modem
  2. Hub
  3. Switch Correct answer.
  4. Repeater

Explanation

A switch learns the addresses of the devices attached to its ports and forwards each frame only to the destination port, reducing unnecessary traffic. A hub instead copies every incoming signal to all other ports.

Question 18Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

A program must output 1 when exactly one of two inputs is 1, and 0 when both inputs are the same. Which gate provides this behaviour?

  1. XNOR gate
  2. AND gate
  3. NAND gate
  4. Exclusive OR gate Correct answer.

Explanation

The Exclusive OR gate outputs 1 only when the two inputs differ, that is for 01 and 10, and outputs 0 when both inputs are equal. The XNOR gate gives the exact opposite truth table.

Question 19Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

A user complains that a computer runs very slowly whenever several programs are open at once, although the hard disk has plenty of free space. Which cause is most likely?

  1. The keyboard layout is incorrect
  2. The amount of RAM installed is too small for the workload Correct answer.
  3. The monitor resolution is set too high
  4. The printer driver is outdated

Explanation

When several programs run together and RAM is insufficient, the operating system must continually swap data to and from secondary storage, which slows the machine dramatically. Plenty of free disk space rules out a full disk as the cause.

Question 20Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology

An examination centre must capture candidate answers from forms where circles are shaded, and process thousands of sheets per day. Which input method is most appropriate?

  1. Optical mark reader Correct answer.
  2. Digital camera with manual entry
  3. Light pen
  4. Magnetic ink character reader

Explanation

An optical mark reader detects the positions of shaded marks on specially printed forms and can process large batches rapidly and accurately, which suits multiple-choice answer sheets. Magnetic ink recognition is designed for characters printed in magnetic ink, as on cheques.

Question 21Computer Systems and Hardware

Which component of a computer is described as the 'brain' that carries out instructions and coordinates all other hardware units?

  1. The power supply unit
  2. The Random Access Memory
  3. The hard disk drive
  4. The Central Processing Unit Correct answer.

Explanation

The Central Processing Unit fetches, decodes and executes program instructions and controls the other units of the computer, which is why it is called the brain of the system. Memory only stores data and instructions temporarily, while storage keeps them permanently.

Question 22Computer Systems and Hardware

A student types a document into a word processor. Which type of software is the word processor classified as?

  1. Application software Correct answer.
  2. Firmware
  3. Utility software
  4. System software

Explanation

Application software is written to let the user perform a particular task such as word processing, spreadsheets or image editing. System software, including the operating system and utilities, manages the hardware and provides the platform on which applications run.

Question 23Computer Systems and Hardware

Which of the following best describes the function of RAM in a computer system?

  1. It permanently stores the operating system files.
  2. It holds programs and data currently being used, and its contents are lost when power is removed. Correct answer.
  3. It converts analogue signals into digital form.
  4. It provides long-term backup storage for user documents.

Explanation

RAM is volatile primary memory: it holds the instructions and data of running programs so the CPU can access them quickly, and its contents disappear when the power is switched off. Permanent storage of files is the job of secondary storage such as hard disks or SSDs.

Question 24Computer Systems and Hardware

Which unit is used to measure the clock speed of a computer processor?

  1. Gigabytes
  2. Bits per second
  3. Gigahertz Correct answer.
  4. Megapixels

Explanation

Clock speed is the number of cycles the processor completes each second and is measured in hertz, commonly gigahertz (GHz). Gigabytes measure storage capacity, megapixels measure camera resolution and bits per second measure data transfer rate.

Question 25Computer Systems and Hardware

A school buys an input device so that students can answer multiple-choice questions by touching a screen. Which device is being described?

  1. A touch screen Correct answer.
  2. A plotter
  3. A graphics tablet
  4. A barcode reader

Explanation

A touch screen is both an input and output device: it displays the questions and detects the position of a finger touching the display, so the user can select an answer directly. A graphics tablet uses a stylus and does not normally display output on its surface.

Question 26Computer Systems and Hardware

Which statement correctly describes the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory?

  1. Volatile memory keeps its data after power is switched off, while non-volatile memory loses it.
  2. Both types of memory always lose their data when power is switched off.
  3. Volatile memory loses its data when power is switched off, while non-volatile memory keeps it. Correct answer.
  4. Volatile memory is only used for permanent backup of files.

Explanation

Volatility describes whether memory retains its contents without power. RAM is volatile and is cleared when the computer is switched off, whereas ROM, flash memory and hard disks are non-volatile and keep their contents.

Question 27Computer Systems and Hardware

Which of the following is an example of secondary storage?

  1. A register inside the CPU
  2. The control unit
  3. A solid-state drive Correct answer.
  4. The cache memory inside the processor

Explanation

Secondary storage holds data and programs permanently and is not directly accessed by the CPU during processing. A solid-state drive stores files even when the computer is switched off, unlike cache, registers and the control unit.

Question 28Computer Systems and Hardware

A user wants to connect a new printer to a computer and needs a fast connection that can also carry power to the printer. Which port type is most suitable?

  1. A PS/2 port
  2. An Ethernet port
  3. A VGA port
  4. A USB port Correct answer.

Explanation

USB is a general-purpose serial interface that carries both data and electrical power, so a printer can be connected and powered through one cable. VGA carries analogue video only and PS/2 is used for older keyboards and mice.

Question 29Computer Systems and Hardware

Which of the following components performs arithmetic and logical operations such as addition and comparison?

  1. The program counter
  2. The clock generator
  3. The Arithmetic Logic Unit Correct answer.
  4. The main memory

Explanation

The Arithmetic Logic Unit is the part of the CPU that carries out calculations and comparisons on data held in registers. The program counter only holds the address of the next instruction, and the clock generator only produces timing pulses.

Question 30Computer Systems and Hardware

A school library wants to record the borrowing of books automatically when each book's printed code is scanned. Which input device is most appropriate?

  1. A joystick
  2. A microphone
  3. A barcode scanner Correct answer.
  4. A digital camera

Explanation

A barcode scanner reads the printed pattern of bars and converts it into digital data that identifies the book, which makes it ideal for fast and accurate library transactions. A microphone, joystick or camera cannot reliably read a printed identification code.

Question 31Computer Systems and Hardware

Which sequence correctly describes the machine cycle of the CPU?

  1. Execute, fetch, decode, store
  2. Fetch, decode, execute, store Correct answer.
  3. Store, decode, fetch, execute
  4. Decode, fetch, execute, store

Explanation

In the machine cycle the CPU first fetches an instruction from memory, then decodes it to determine the operation, then executes it, and finally stores the result. The order matters because decoding cannot happen before the instruction is fetched.

Question 32Computer Systems and Hardware

Which characteristic of a laser printer makes it more suitable than an inkjet printer for producing a large number of identical letters?

  1. It prints at a higher cost per page.
  2. It has a high printing speed and low cost per page for volume printing. Correct answer.
  3. It requires special photographic paper for every page.
  4. It can only print in colour.

Explanation

Laser printers use toner and an electrostatic process that gives fast output with a low cost per page when many copies are produced. Inkjet printers are slower for bulk work and their ink cartridges make each page more expensive.

Question 33Computer Systems and Hardware

What is the main purpose of cache memory in a computer system?

  1. To increase the capacity of the hard disk
  2. To store the BIOS permanently
  3. To convert data into a form suitable for printing
  4. To reduce the average time the CPU takes to access frequently used instructions and data Correct answer.

Explanation

Cache is small, very fast memory placed close to the CPU that keeps recently or frequently used instructions and data. Because the CPU can read from cache faster than from RAM, the average access time and overall processing speed improve.

Question 34Computer Systems and Hardware

A technician connects a monitor that receives a digital signal and also carries audio through the same cable. Which interface is most likely being used?

  1. RJ-45
  2. VGA
  3. HDMI Correct answer.
  4. PS/2

Explanation

HDMI carries digital video and digital audio over a single cable, which makes it suitable for modern monitors and televisions. VGA carries analogue video only, PS/2 is a keyboard and mouse connector and RJ-45 is used for network cables.

Question 35Computer Systems and Hardware

Which statement about Read-Only Memory (ROM) is correct?

  1. Its contents are retained when power is removed and it commonly stores start-up instructions. Correct answer.
  2. It is used as the main working memory for running programs.
  3. It can be written to by normal application programs at any time.
  4. It is volatile and loses its contents when power is removed.

Explanation

ROM is non-volatile memory whose contents are retained without power, and it typically holds firmware such as the start-up instructions used when a computer is switched on. Ordinary application programs cannot change it, and RAM, not ROM, is the working memory for running programs.

Question 36Computer Systems and Hardware

A user needs a portable storage medium with no moving parts that can hold a large amount of data and be rewritten many times. Which device best meets these requirements?

  1. A USB flash drive Correct answer.
  2. A CD-ROM disc
  3. A magnetic tape cartridge
  4. A DVD-R disc

Explanation

A USB flash drive uses solid-state flash memory, so it has no moving parts, is portable and can be erased and rewritten many times. CD-ROM and DVD-R discs are read-only or write-once, and tape is not a convenient portable rewritable medium.

Question 37Computer Systems and Hardware

Which of the following best describes the function of the control unit in a CPU?

  1. It displays output on the monitor.
  2. It stores the results of calculations permanently.
  3. It performs addition and subtraction on data.
  4. It directs the flow of data and coordinates the other parts of the processor. Correct answer.

Explanation

The control unit fetches and decodes instructions and then sends control signals that coordinate the ALU, registers and memory so each instruction is carried out in the correct order. Arithmetic is the job of the ALU, and permanent storage is the job of secondary storage.

Question 38Computer Systems and Hardware

A company wants to produce many copies of a multi-page report with high-quality text and graphics and then bind the pages. Which output device is most suitable?

  1. A plotter
  2. A pair of speakers
  3. A laser printer Correct answer.
  4. A dot matrix printer

Explanation

A laser printer produces fast, high-quality text and graphics on plain paper, which suits multi-page office reports. Dot matrix printers give lower quality, plotters are for large technical drawings and speakers produce audio only.

Question 39Computer Systems and Hardware

A computer has 4 GB of RAM. Which statement best explains why adding more RAM can improve performance when many programs are open at once?

  1. More RAM increases the capacity of the hard disk.
  2. More RAM increases the clock speed of the processor.
  3. More RAM allows more programs and data to be held in memory, reducing the need to use slower secondary storage. Correct answer.
  4. More RAM removes the need for an operating system.

Explanation

When RAM is full, the operating system must move data to and from slower secondary storage, which slows processing. Increasing RAM lets more programs and their data stay in fast primary memory, so less swapping is needed and performance improves.

Question 40Computer Systems and Hardware

Which of the following is an example of system software that manages hardware resources and provides a platform for application programs?

  1. A spreadsheet program
  2. A photo editor
  3. An operating system Correct answer.
  4. A web browser

Explanation

An operating system is system software that manages memory, processors, storage and input/output devices and provides services that application programs rely on. Spreadsheets, browsers and photo editors are application software written for specific user tasks.

Question 41Computer Systems and Hardware

A computer's processor has a clock speed of 3 GHz. What does this value indicate?

  1. The processor transfers 3 gigabits of data per second over a network.
  2. The processor completes 3 billion cycles per second. Correct answer.
  3. The processor has 3 billion transistors.
  4. The processor can store 3 gigabytes of data.

Explanation

One hertz equals one cycle per second, so 3 GHz means three billion clock cycles each second. Clock speed indicates how many instruction steps the processor can work through in a given time, not its storage capacity or transistor count.

Question 42Computer Systems and Hardware

A graphics designer needs a pointing device that allows very precise freehand drawing directly onto a flat surface using a stylus. Which device is most suitable?

  1. A trackball
  2. A touchpad
  3. An optical mouse
  4. A graphics tablet Correct answer.

Explanation

A graphics tablet has a flat surface and a stylus that allow accurate freehand drawing and often detect pressure, which suits detailed graphic work. Mice, touchpads and trackballs are designed mainly for pointing and navigation rather than precise drawing.

Question 43Computer Systems and Hardware

A user reports that a computer becomes extremely slow when many applications are open, and the operating system frequently reads from the hard disk. Which explanation is most consistent with this symptom?

  1. The printer driver is out of date.
  2. The RAM is insufficient, so the system is swapping data to and from secondary storage. Correct answer.
  3. The CPU clock speed is too high for the installed RAM.
  4. The monitor resolution is set too low.

Explanation

When physical RAM cannot hold all the running programs and their data, the operating system uses part of secondary storage as virtual memory and swaps pages between them. This constant disk activity is much slower than RAM access and makes the computer feel very slow.

Question 44Computer Systems and Hardware

Which comparison of primary and secondary storage is correct?

  1. Primary storage is slower and cheaper per gigabyte than secondary storage.
  2. Secondary storage is directly accessed by the CPU during every instruction cycle.
  3. Primary storage is faster and more expensive per gigabyte than secondary storage. Correct answer.
  4. Secondary storage is volatile, while primary storage is non-volatile.

Explanation

Primary storage such as RAM and cache is much faster than secondary storage but is more expensive per gigabyte and usually smaller in capacity. Secondary storage such as hard disks and SSDs is slower and cheaper and provides permanent storage.

Question 45Data Representation and Number Systems

A computer stores the decimal number 45 in an 8-bit register. What is the binary representation?

  1. 01000101
  2. 00101101 Correct answer.
  3. 00110101
  4. 10110100

Explanation

Repeated division by two gives 45 = 32 + 8 + 4 + 1, so bits 5, 3, 2 and 0 are set. Writing this in eight bits gives 00101101. Checking by place values: 32 + 8 + 4 + 1 = 45.

Question 46Data Representation and Number Systems

Which unit correctly completes the statement: one byte consists of eight ___?

  1. nibbles
  2. kilobytes
  3. words
  4. bits Correct answer.

Explanation

A byte is defined as a group of eight binary digits, and each binary digit is called a bit. A nibble is only four bits, and a word is a larger, machine-dependent group. Therefore the missing unit is bits.

Question 47Data Representation and Number Systems

What is the denary value of the hexadecimal number 2F?

  1. 31
  2. 45
  3. 50
  4. 47 Correct answer.

Explanation

In hexadecimal the digit F stands for 15. The value is (2 × 16) + 15 = 32 + 15 = 47. Hexadecimal place values increase by powers of sixteen.

Question 48Data Representation and Number Systems

Which of the following is the correct 8-bit two's complement representation of the denary number −5?

  1. 11111010
  2. 10000101
  3. 11111011 Correct answer.
  4. 00000101

Explanation

First write +5 as 00000101, then invert all bits to get 11111010 and add 1, giving 11111011. The leading 1 confirms a negative value. So −5 is stored as 11111011.

Question 49Data Representation and Number Systems

A logic gate produces an output of 1 only when both of its inputs are 1. Which gate is it?

  1. XOR
  2. AND Correct answer.
  3. OR
  4. NOT

Explanation

The AND gate outputs 1 only for the input combination 1,1 and outputs 0 for every other combination. The OR gate outputs 1 when at least one input is 1, and XOR outputs 1 only when the inputs differ. Therefore the described gate is AND.

Question 50Data Representation and Number Systems

The ASCII code of the character 'A' is 65. What character does the ASCII code 68 represent?

  1. G
  2. C
  3. D Correct answer.
  4. E

Explanation

Uppercase letters are stored in consecutive ASCII codes, so each step of 1 moves to the next letter. Code 68 is 65 + 3, which is three letters after A: A, B, C, D. Therefore 68 represents 'D'.