(a) Define the term hardware. [1]
(b) Define the term software. [1]
(c) State one example of system software. [1]
- (a) The physical / electronic / mechanical components of a computer system(1)
- (b) The programs / instructions / code that run on the hardware(1)
- (c) Operating system (allow a named OS, e.g. Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS); or a named utility program, e.g. defragmenter, backup, encryption, compression, anti-malware / antivirus software; allow translator (compiler / interpreter / assembler); allow device driver; allow (program) library. Reject an application (e.g. word processor, web browser, game)(1)
- Answer: (a) physical components (b) programs that run on the hardware (c) e.g. operating system
- Examiner tip: Be precise: hardware is the physical components of a computer system, and software is the programs that run on it – vague answers like 'the parts of a computer' risk losing the mark.