, Domain 1 – IT Basics & Hardware
1. Which component is responsible for performing calculations and executing instructions
in a computer?
A. RAM
B. CPU
C. SSD
D. GPU
Answer: B
Explanation: The CPU (central processing unit) is the “brain” of the computer that
processes instructions from software and performs calculations; other components mainly
store or display data.
2. Which type of memory is volatile and loses its contents when the power is turned off?
A. ROM
B. HDD
C. RAM
D. Flash drive
Answer: C
Explanation: RAM (random access memory) is volatile working memory used to store
data and instructions while the system is running; when power is lost, its contents are
cleared.
3. Which device is most suitable for long term storage of large files like videos and
backups?
A. CPU
B. RAM
C. Hard disk drive
D. Heat sink
Answer: C
Explanation: Hard disk drives (and SSDs) are designed for persistent storage of large
amounts of data, unlike RAM, which is temporary, and the CPU, which does not store
data permanently.
4. Which connector is commonly used to attach modern external storage devices to a PC?
A. VGA
B. HDMI
C. USB
D. PS/2
Answer: C
Explanation: USB ports are the standard for connecting external storage such as flash
drives and external hard disks to computers, supporting data transfer and often power.
5. A user complains that their computer is very slow when multiple applications are open.
Which upgrade is most likely to help?
A. Replacing the monitor
B. Adding more RAM
C. Changing the keyboard
D. Removing the DVD drive
Answer: B
1. Which component is responsible for performing calculations and executing instructions
in a computer?
A. RAM
B. CPU
C. SSD
D. GPU
Answer: B
Explanation: The CPU (central processing unit) is the “brain” of the computer that
processes instructions from software and performs calculations; other components mainly
store or display data.
2. Which type of memory is volatile and loses its contents when the power is turned off?
A. ROM
B. HDD
C. RAM
D. Flash drive
Answer: C
Explanation: RAM (random access memory) is volatile working memory used to store
data and instructions while the system is running; when power is lost, its contents are
cleared.
3. Which device is most suitable for long term storage of large files like videos and
backups?
A. CPU
B. RAM
C. Hard disk drive
D. Heat sink
Answer: C
Explanation: Hard disk drives (and SSDs) are designed for persistent storage of large
amounts of data, unlike RAM, which is temporary, and the CPU, which does not store
data permanently.
4. Which connector is commonly used to attach modern external storage devices to a PC?
A. VGA
B. HDMI
C. USB
D. PS/2
Answer: C
Explanation: USB ports are the standard for connecting external storage such as flash
drives and external hard disks to computers, supporting data transfer and often power.
5. A user complains that their computer is very slow when multiple applications are open.
Which upgrade is most likely to help?
A. Replacing the monitor
B. Adding more RAM
C. Changing the keyboard
D. Removing the DVD drive
Answer: B
