IGCSE Information and Communication Technology 0417 · Topic 1

Types and components of computer systems: past paper questions

280 real questionsasked in 10 of the last 10 exam series2019–2025usually: Describe, State, Explain, Discuss, Give

Real questions on types and components of computer systems

The newest 20 of 280 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

0417/11 · October/November 2025 · Q1[2]
Circle two examples of internal memory. Actuator CD-ROM Hard drive Mouse Pen drive RAM ROM SD card
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0417/11 · October/November 2025 · Q2a(i)[1]
The data read by a sensor is
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0417/11 · October/November 2025 · Q2a(ii)[1]
The data read by a microprocessor is
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0417/11 · October/November 2025 · Q2b[4]
Contrast analogue data with digital data.
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0417/11 · October/November 2025 · Q5[4]
Instructions are entered into a computer and processed to produce an output. Explain the role of the CPU in processing the instructions.
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0417/11 · October/November 2025 · Q6a[6]
Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the headteacher choosing desktop computers.
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0417/11 · October/November 2025 · Q6b[3]
The headteacher is planning to use the computers for computer aided learning (CAL). Explain what is meant by computer aided learning (CAL).
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0417/11 · October/November 2025 · Q6c[3]
Describe three features of CAL.
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0417/11 · October/November 2025 · Q8b[6]
Access to the cloud is via the internet. Describe the characteristics of the internet.
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0417/11 · October/November 2025 · Q9a[4]
Describe the process of safely uploading the file onto the organisation's network. Include in your answer any issues that may occur and how they can be avoided.
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0417/12 · October/November 2025 · Q2a(i)[1]
Apart from converting data, state one other reason for using an ADC.
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0417/12 · October/November 2025 · Q2a(ii)[1]
Apart from converting data, state one other reason for using DAC.
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0417/12 · October/November 2025 · Q3[6]
A student is planning to buy a new desktop computer. He could buy one with a touch screen or one with a keyboard and mouse. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of buying a desktop computer with a touch screen rather than one with a keyboard and mouse.
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0417/12 · October/November 2025 · Q4[4]
Compare internal memory and backing storage. Include in your answer both similarities and differences.
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0417/12 · October/November 2025 · Q6[2]
Students can bring their mobile computers into school to complete their work in lessons. State two examples of mobile computers.
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0417/12 · October/November 2025 · Q7a[6]
Describe the advantages of using an RFID tag rather than a bar code.
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0417/13 · October/November 2025 · Q2[4]
A computer system uses random access memory (RAM). 2 State four characteristics of RAM.
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0417/13 · October/November 2025 · Q3b[6]
When the schedule has been produced, the delivery driver uses satnav to find the shortest route to the first person's address. Describe how satnav can be used to find the shortest route to the address.
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0417/13 · October/November 2025 · Q8[4]
A 3D printer is a form of inkjet printer. Contrast a 3D printer with an inkjet printer.
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0417/11 · May/June 2025 · Q2a(i)[2]
Word processing
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What examiners said

The question appeared to be quite straightforward in describing word processing. Candidates gained at least one mark for writing about users creating and editing text. However, some candidates found it challenging to gain the second mark.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0417/11 Q2(a)(i) (Cambridge)

Many candidates confused control software with the CPU or the control panel. However, many candidates did attempt the question.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0417/11 Q2(a)(ii) (Cambridge)

This question was attempted by many of the candidates who produced good answers with many of the candidates able to write that apps helped users to perform tasks. As with the previous parts of this question candidates gained at least one mark but found it challenging to gain the second mark.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0417/11 Q2(a)(iii) (Cambridge)

Practise this topic

Answer these questions online and get each one marked against the official mark scheme, with what you missed and how to fix it.

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In the syllabus

1 0417.1.1.01 — Hardware consists of the physical components of a computer system

Hardware consists of the physical components of a computer system
Internal components including Central Processing Unit (CPU), processor, motherboard
Internal memory including random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM)
Hardware components including graphics card, sound card, Network Interface Card (NIC), camera, internal/external storage devices, input and output devices
Software are programs for controlling the operation of a computer or processing of electronic data
Applications software provides the services that the user requires to solve a task
Examples of applications software including word processing, spreadsheet, database management systems, control, measurement, applets and apps, video editing, graphics editing, audio editing, computer aided design (CAD)
System software provides the services that the computer requires to operate
Examples of system software including compilers, linkers, device drivers, operating systems and utilities
Characteristics of analogue and digital data
Differences between analogue and digital data
The need to convert: • analogue to digital data so it can be processed by a computer • digital data to analogue data so it can be used to control devices

2 0417.1.1.02 — Internal components including Central Processing Unit (CPU), processor, motherboard

Internal components including Central Processing Unit (CPU), processor, motherboard

3 0417.1.1.03 — Internal memory including random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM)

Internal memory including random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM)

4 0417.1.1.04 — Hardware components including graphics card, sound card, Network Interface Card (NIC), camera, internal/external storage devices, input and

Hardware components including graphics card, sound card, Network Interface Card (NIC), camera, internal/external storage devices, input and output devices

5 0417.1.1.05 — Software are programs for controlling the operation of a computer or processing of electronic data

Software are programs for controlling the operation of a computer or processing of electronic data

6 0417.1.1.06 — Applications software provides the services that the user requires to solve a task

Applications software provides the services that the user requires to solve a task

7 0417.1.1.07 — Examples of applications software including word processing, spreadsheet, database management systems, control, measurement, applets and app

Examples of applications software including word processing, spreadsheet, database management systems, control, measurement, applets and apps, video editing, graphics editing, audio editing, computer aided design (CAD)

8 0417.1.1.08 — System software provides the services that the computer requires to operate

System software provides the services that the computer requires to operate

9 0417.1.1.09 — Examples of system software including compilers, linkers, device drivers, operating systems and utilities

Examples of system software including compilers, linkers, device drivers, operating systems and utilities

10 0417.1.1.10 — Characteristics of analogue and digital data

Characteristics of analogue and digital data

11 0417.1.1.11 — Differences between analogue and digital data

Differences between analogue and digital data

12 0417.1.1.12 — The need to convert: • analogue to digital data so it can be processed by a computer • digital data to analogue data so it can be used to co

The need to convert: • analogue to digital data so it can be processed by a computer • digital data to analogue data so it can be used to control devices

13 0417.1.2.01 — The role of the CPU in processing instructions entered into the computer in order to produce an output

The role of the CPU in processing instructions entered into the computer in order to produce an output
Characteristics of ROM and RAM
Differences between ROM and RAM
Characteristics of input and output devices
Differences between input and output devices
Characteristics of backing storage
Differences between backing storage and internal memory

14 0417.1.2.02 — Characteristics of ROM and RAM

Characteristics of ROM and RAM

15 0417.1.2.03 — Differences between ROM and RAM

Differences between ROM and RAM

16 0417.1.2.04 — Characteristics of input and output devices

Characteristics of input and output devices

17 0417.1.2.05 — Differences between input and output devices

Differences between input and output devices

18 0417.1.2.06 — Characteristics of backing storage

Characteristics of backing storage

19 0417.1.2.07 — Differences between backing storage and internal memory

Differences between backing storage and internal memory

20 0417.1.3.01 — Characteristics of operating systems including: Command Line Interface (CLI), Graphical User Interface (GUI), dialogue based and gesture bas

Characteristics of operating systems including: Command Line Interface (CLI), Graphical User Interface (GUI), dialogue based and gesture based interface
Differences between types of operating systems
Advantages and disadvantages of the different types of operating systems

21 0417.1.3.02 — Differences between types of operating systems

Differences between types of operating systems

22 0417.1.3.03 — Advantages and disadvantages of the different types of operating systems

Advantages and disadvantages of the different types of operating systems

23 0417.1.4.01 — Characteristics of a desktop computer

Characteristics of a desktop computer
Uses of a desktop computer including office and business management, education, gaming and entertainment
Characteristics of mobile computers including laptop computers, smartphones, tablet and phablet computers
Uses of mobile computers including office and business management, education, gaming, entertainment and remotely controlled devices
Advantages and disadvantages of the different types of computer including portability and expandability

24 0417.1.4.02 — Uses of a desktop computer including office and business management, education, gaming and entertainment

Uses of a desktop computer including office and business management, education, gaming and entertainment

25 0417.1.4.03 — Characteristics of mobile computers including laptop computers, smartphones, tablet and phablet computers

Characteristics of mobile computers including laptop computers, smartphones, tablet and phablet computers

26 0417.1.4.04 — Uses of mobile computers including office and business management, education, gaming, entertainment and remotely controlled devices

Uses of mobile computers including office and business management, education, gaming, entertainment and remotely controlled devices

27 0417.1.4.05 — Advantages and disadvantages of the different types of computer including portability and expandability

Advantages and disadvantages of the different types of computer including portability and expandability

28 Emerging technologies

Impact on everyday life including Artificial Intelligence (AI), extended reality (virtual and augmented)

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