ICT: Hardware, Software, Operating Systems and Types of Computer — Practice Questions (0417)

These are original questions written for Marlbridge, for revision and practice on this content. They are not reproduced past-paper questions, and they do not replicate the exam’s exact structure, question count or mark tariffs — examination boards hold copyright in their own papers. Use these alongside the official past papers available free from your board.

Related: Operating Systems, Types of Computer and Emerging Technologies revision notes · Computer Systems study guide

---

What do these questions practise? Sections 1.1 Hardware and software, 1.3 Operating systems, 1.4 Types of computer and 1.5 Emerging technologies of Cambridge IGCSE ICT 0417 (2026–2028). Section 1.2 (main components) is practised on the separate Computer Systems practice page.

Section A: 1.1 Hardware and software

1. Define hardware and software. [2]

2. Name three internal hardware components of a computer. [3]

3. State the difference between applications software and system software, and give two examples of each. [6]

4. Describe two differences between analogue and digital data. [2]

5. A greenhouse uses a temperature sensor and a computer to control a heater. Explain why the data must be converted from analogue to digital, and from digital to analogue. [4]

Section B: 1.3 Operating systems

6. Describe two characteristics of a command line interface. [2]

7. Give two advantages and one disadvantage of a graphical user interface. [3]

8. A driver wants to make phone calls while driving. Identify the most suitable type of interface and explain why. [3]

Section C: 1.4 Types of computer

9. Give two advantages of a desktop computer compared with a laptop. [2]

10. A sales representative travels to meet customers. Compare the use of a smartphone and a laptop for this job. [4]

11. Explain what is meant by expandability and why it is usually lower for mobile computers. [2]

12. Describe how a smartphone can be used to remotely control a device in the home. [2]

Section D: 1.5 Emerging technologies

13. Explain the difference between virtual reality and augmented reality. [2]

14. Discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on everyday life. [6]

---

Answers

1. Hardware: the physical components of a computer system [1]. Software: programs that control the operation of the computer or the processing of data [1].

2. Any three: CPU/processor [1]; motherboard [1]; RAM [1]; ROM [1]; graphics card [1]; sound card [1]; network interface card [1]; internal hard disk or SSD [1].

3. Applications software provides the services the user needs to carry out a task [1]; examples, any two: word processor, spreadsheet, database management system, video or graphics editor, CAD, apps [2]. System software provides the services the computer needs to operate [1]; examples, any two: operating system, compiler, linker, device driver, utilities [2].

4. Any two: analogue data varies continuously, while digital data takes discrete values [1]; analogue data is the form found in the real world, such as temperature, while digital data is stored as binary (0s and 1s) [1]; computers can only process digital data [1].

5. The temperature sensor produces an analogue signal, but the computer can only process digital data, so an analogue-to-digital converter changes it [1–2]. The computer’s digital output must be converted to an analogue signal by a digital-to-analogue converter to control the heater or a motor [1–2].

6. Any two: user types commands at a prompt [1]; commands must be learned and typed exactly [1]; little or no use of graphics [1]; gives direct control over the operating system [1].

7. Advantages, any two: easy to learn [1]; no commands to remember [1]; icons and menus are intuitive [1]; several programs visible in windows [1]. Disadvantage, any one: needs more memory and processing power [1]; can be slower than typing commands for expert users [1].

8. A dialogue-based interface [1], because the driver can speak commands such as “call home” and keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road [1], which is safer than using a touch screen [1].

9. Any two: easier to upgrade and expand [1]; usually cheaper for the same performance [1]; larger screen and full-size keyboard [1]; less likely to be stolen or damaged [1].

10. Smartphone: very portable and always with the representative [1]; can make calls, email and use maps on the mobile network [1]. Laptop: larger screen and keyboard, better for writing reports and giving presentations [1]; more processing power but heavier and needs Wi-Fi or tethering to go online [1].

11. Expandability is how easily a computer can be upgraded or have components added, such as more RAM or storage [1]. Mobile computers are compact with components fixed or soldered in to save space, so they are hard to upgrade [1].

12. An app on the smartphone sends commands over Wi-Fi or the internet to a smart device, such as a heating system or lights [1], letting the user switch it on or off or change settings when away from home [1].

13. Virtual reality creates a fully computer-generated environment that replaces the user’s view of the real world, usually through a headset [1]; augmented reality overlays digital images or information on the real world, for example through a phone camera [1].

14. Positive, up to 4: voice assistants make tasks easier [1]; recommendations personalise shopping and streaming [1]; medical AI helps doctors detect disease early [1]; banks use AI to spot fraud [1]; translation tools help communication [1]. Negative, up to 4: some jobs replaced [1]; biased decisions if trained on biased data [1]; large amounts of personal data collected, raising privacy concerns [1]; fake images or text can spread misinformation [1]. A balanced answer with both sides is needed for full marks. Maximum 6.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know how AI works internally? No. The 0417 syllabus focuses on the impact of AI and extended reality on everyday life.

Where is section 1.2 practised? On the Computer Systems practice page, which covers the CPU, internal memory, input and output devices and backing storage.

Based on the Cambridge IGCSE ICT 0417 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028, sections 1.1 and 1.3 to 1.5.