Hardware is the physical parts of a computer. Each part has a job: bring data in, process it, store it, or send a result out.
The idea
Input devices send data into the computer. A keyboard, a mouse, a scanner and a microphone are examples. Output devices send a result to the user. A monitor, a printer and speakers are examples. The processor, often called the CPU, does the calculating and follows the instructions. Main memory, RAM, holds the work that is happening now. When the power goes off, RAM loses that work. ROM keeps the instructions that help the computer start, and it does not lose them when the power goes off. Storage such as a hard disk or a memory card keeps files after the computer is shut down.
Name the category before the example. A keyboard is input. A monitor is output. A hard disk is storage. The processor is neither input nor output. Do not call a program hardware. Microsoft Word is software. The keyboard is hardware. If a question asks for a difference, give the job of each part, not only the name. A device that does two jobs, such as a touch screen, can be both input and output. Say which job you mean.
The ICT tips guide sets out the papers, the practical, and the mistakes that cost marks. WASSCE ICT tips
What earns the marks
Category first, then one example. "It is a part of the computer" is too thin for a mark. RAM and ROM are both memory, and they are not the same mark. RAM is temporary. ROM keeps its contents. Storage is where files stay. Mixing those three loses the mark for the one you confused. A brand name with no category does not answer "what type of device".
Practice questions
These are practice questions in the style of the paper, with a model answer and a mark scheme. They are not a promise of what your paper will ask.
1Question 1
4 marks
(a) Distinguish between an input device and an output device. (2 marks)
(b) Give one example of each. (2 marks)
Model answer
(a) An input device sends data into the computer. An output device presents a result to the user.
(b) A keyboard is an input device. A monitor is an output device.
Mark scheme
Input sends data into the computer1 mark
Output presents a result to the user1 mark
A correct input example, such as a keyboard, mouse, scanner or microphone1 mark
A correct output example, such as a monitor, printer or speaker1 mark
2Question 2
2 marks
State one difference between RAM and ROM. (2 marks)
Model answer
RAM holds the work that is happening now and loses it when the power goes off. ROM keeps its contents, including the instructions used when the computer starts.
Mark scheme
RAM is temporary, or it loses its contents when power goes off1 mark
ROM keeps its contents, or it holds start up instructions1 mark
3Question 3
3 marks
Classify each of the following as input, output or storage: printer, mouse, hard disk. (3 marks)
Model answer
A printer is an output device. A mouse is an input device. A hard disk is storage.
Mark scheme
Printer is output1 mark
Mouse is input1 mark
Hard disk is storage1 mark
Practise ICT with Anna
More questions on this topic are inside glearn, marked as you answer, with the reason written out. The first ones need no account.
No. The operating system is software. Hardware is the physical parts: the processor, the memory, the keyboard, the disk. Software is the instructions that tell those parts what to do.
What is the difference between memory and storage?+
RAM holds the work that is happening now and loses it when the power goes off. Storage, such as a hard disk, keeps files after the computer is shut down. ROM is memory that keeps the start up instructions. All WASSCE ICT past questions