Computer knowledge (for Essential Digital Skills Entry 3 UK)

What is the difference between hardware and software?

• Hardware is the physical parts of the computer you can touch. Software is the non physical parts of the computer that gives instructions for tasks to be performed.

• There is no difference between hardware and software

• Hardware is the CPU of the computer. Software are spreadsheets.

Answer explanation

Whilst option C is technically correct it isn't really explaining the difference. These are only examples of software and hardware.

What does VPN stand for?

• Virtual Private Network

• Virtual Projector Network

• Virtual Proxy Network

What does a VPN do?

Answer explanation

VPNs hide your online activity from corporations, businesses would-be hackers and anyone else you don't want to track your online activity. It does this by establishing an encrypted connection between the wifi and your device.

What should you try and do if your device isn't working?

• Ask Google.

• Call a computer repair shop.

• Try to reboot the computer.

• Buy a new computer.

Answer explanation

In all cases, a restart wipes away the current state of the software . Any code that’s stuck in a bad state will be wiped away, too. When you restart, the computer or device will bring the system up from scratch, restarting all the software from square one so it will work just as well as it was working before.

Which of these are an example of an online threat?

• Viruses

• Elon Musk

• Computers

Why are computer viruses created?

Answer explanation

Viruses are created by scammers trying to steal your personal data so that they can eventually use that information to withdraw money from your bank account.

Which of these is a reason for why your computer may be operating slowly?

• The printer caused a problem.

• The charging port is faulty.

• You have too many files taking up space on the computer's storage.

What is RAM?

• a computer's short-term memory, where the data that the processor is currently using is stored.

• electronic machinery that executes instructions from programs so you can call your friends, open your web browser, or write emails.

• a type of storage medium that permanently stores data on personal computers (PCs) and other electronic devices.

Why do modern computers no longer overheat (catch on fire)?

• They have bigger RAM space

• The monitors are smaller

• They have in-built cooling fans.

Who created Apple MacBooks?

• Bill Gates

• Elon Musk

• Steve Jobs?