ICT Theory

Recognise, explain, apply

Master ICT skills for international exams through structured notes, visual study cards, glossary checks, and multiple-choice practice.

ICT theory modules

Unit 1

Study the main parts of a computer system, how hardware and software work together, and how users interact with operating systems.

1.1

A computer system is useful only when physical hardware and software instructions work together.

Hardware is any physical part of a computer system that can be touched, such as the CPU, keyboard, monitor, memory, storage drive, or network card.
Software is the set of instructions, programs, and data that tells the hardware what to do.
System software manages the computer itself, while application software helps users complete tasks such as writing, browsing, calculating, designing, or communicating.

Hardware cannot solve a useful user problem on its own because it needs instructions.
Software cannot run unless a processor, memory, storage, and input/output hardware are available.
A complete answer should identify the item, classify it as hardware or software, and explain what it does in context.

Questions may ask for examples, differences, advantages, or why both hardware and software are needed.
Avoid vague answers such as hardware is inside the computer; external devices such as keyboards and printers are also hardware.
Use precise examples: operating system, spreadsheet, browser, antivirus, CPU, RAM, SSD, monitor.

Internal hardware includes the processor, motherboard, RAM, ROM, video card, sound card, and internal storage.
External hardware includes input and output devices such as keyboards, mice, monitors, printers, speakers, and microphones.
Application software is written for user tasks; system software manages the computer and supports hardware devices.

A motherboard is the main printed circuit board that connects the CPU, memory, storage, and expansion components.
A graphics card prepares images and video for display; a network interface card lets a device connect to a network.
Portable device answers should link battery power, screen size, storage, wireless access, touchscreen input, and portability to the scenario.

Hardware	Software
Physical electronic or mechanical parts	Instructions and programs
Can wear out, break, or be replaced physically	Can be installed, updated, corrupted, or deleted
CPU, RAM, keyboard, monitor, SSD	Operating system, browser, spreadsheet, antivirus