Hardware and Software: Exercise Solutions
Use this page alongside the official Samacheer Kalvi textbook. Solve every exercise question on your own first, then check the solutions below.
I. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1. Find out the part that is not found in the CPU.
- (a) Mother Board
- (b) SMPS
- (c) RAM
- (d) Mouse
The mouse is an external input device connected to the computer via a port (USB or PS/2). It is not housed inside the CPU cabinet. The motherboard, SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supply), and RAM are all internal components located inside the CPU unit.
Q2. Which of the following is correct?
- (a) Free and Open source
- (b) Free and Traditional software
- (c) Passive and Open source
- (d) Passive and Traditional source
Software is broadly classified into two categories based on availability and licensing: Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and Paid and Proprietary Software. "Traditional" and "Passive" are not recognised software categories.
Q3. LINUX is a \_\_\_\_
- (a) Paid Software
- (b) Licensed Software
- (c) Free and Proprietary software
- (d) Free and Open-source software
LINUX is a well-known example of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). It is available free of cost, and its source code is openly available for anyone to view, modify, and redistribute. It is neither paid nor proprietary.
Q4. Find out Paid and Proprietary software from the given list.
- (a) Windows
- (b) MAC OS
- (c) Adobe Photoshop
- (d) All the above
All three — Windows, MAC OS, and Adobe Photoshop — require a paid license to use. Their source code is not publicly available, and users must purchase a license or subscription. This makes them Paid and Proprietary software.
Q5. \_\_\_\_\_\_ is an Operating System.
- (a) Android
- (b) Chrome
- (c) Internet
- (d) Pendrive
Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google. Chrome is a web browser (application software), the Internet is a global network of connected computers, and a pendrive is a storage device (hardware). Only Android manages hardware resources and provides a platform for other software to run.
II. Match the Following
Match the items in Column A with the correct items in Column B:
| # | Column A | Column B |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MAC OS | a. Free and Open source Software |
| 2 | Software | b. Paid and Proprietary Software |
| 3 | Hardware | c. Input Device |
| 4 | Keyboard | d. RAM |
| 5 | LINUX | e. Geogebra |
Correct Matching:
| # | Column A | Matched With | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MAC OS | b. Paid and Proprietary Software | MAC OS requires a paid license; its source code is not open |
| 2 | Software | e. Geogebra | Geogebra is an example of application software |
| 3 | Hardware | d. RAM | RAM is a physical hardware component inside the CPU |
| 4 | Keyboard | c. Input Device | A keyboard sends data into the computer |
| 5 | LINUX | a. Free and Open Source Software | LINUX is freely available and its source code is open |
III. Short Answer Questions
Q1. What are Hardware and Software?
Hardware:
- Hardware refers to the physical, tangible parts of a computer that can be seen and touched.
- Examples include input devices (keyboard, mouse), output devices (monitor, printer), and internal components (CPU, RAM, hard disk, motherboard, SMPS).
Software:
- Software refers to the set of programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
- Software cannot be physically touched, but its functions are visible as output on the screen.
- Software processes the input data by converting it into coded or programmed language and produces results.
Simple rule: If you can touch it, it is hardware. If you can only use it as a program, it is software.
Q2. What do you mean by Operating System? How does it work?
An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages and controls the computer hardware. It acts as an intermediary between the user and the hardware.
How it works: 1. The OS manages memory, processor time, and input/output operations. 2. It provides a user interface (graphical or command-line) for the user to interact with the computer. 3. It loads and runs application software when the user requests it. 4. It handles file storage, device communication, and security.
Without an operating system, a computer cannot function on its own.
Popular operating systems: Windows, LINUX, macOS, Android.
Q3. What is Free and Open Source Software? Give any two examples.
Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) is software that is:
- Available free of cost — no purchase or license fee is required.
- Open source — the source code is publicly available for anyone to view, modify, and redistribute.
- Customisable — users can edit the code to suit their needs, which also leads to community-driven updates and improvements.
Two examples: 1. LINUX — a free, open-source operating system used on servers, desktops, and mobile devices. 2. Geogebra — a free, open-source mathematics learning application for geometry, algebra, and calculus.
IV. Fill in the Blanks
Hardware is the physical body of the computer. Without software (instructions), hardware cannot perform any task — it is lifeless.
Software consists of programmed and coded instructions that process input data and convert it into meaningful output.
Software is classified into two main types: System Software and Application Software.
A linker is system software that combines object files and libraries into a single executable program, controlling internal computer operations during software development.
Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) is available at no cost and can be freely shared, modified, and redistributed.
Adobe Photoshop requires a paid license and its source code is not publicly available, making it proprietary software.
V. Additional MCQs
Q1. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is a device comprising both hardware and software.
- (a) Radio
- (b) Television
- (c) Calculator
- (d) Computer
A computer consists of both hardware (physical parts like keyboard, monitor, CPU) and software (operating system, application programs). The other options either lack programmable software or are not computing devices.
Q2. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ existed before the World Wide Web.
- (a) Google
- (b) Email
- (c) Facebook
- (d) YouTube
Email was invented in the early 1970s, while the World Wide Web was created in 1991. Google, Facebook, and YouTube all came after the web.
Q3. Windows is a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_
- (a) Paid software
- (b) Free software
- (c) Open source software
- (d) Shareware
Microsoft Windows requires a paid license. It is not freely available, and its source code is not open to the public.
Q4. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is one example of an application program.
- (a) Drawing tools
- (b) Operating system
- (c) Device driver
- (d) Utility program
Drawing tools (like MS Paint) are application software designed for end users. An operating system, device driver, and utility program are all examples of system software.
Q5. The license of the software would not be provided unless it is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_
- (a) Downloaded
- (b) Purchased
- (c) Installed
- (d) Shared
Paid and Proprietary software requires a purchase to obtain a valid license. Without purchasing, the license is not granted.
VI. Additional Short Answer Questions
Q1. How can we classify software?
Q2. What are the examples of System Software?
Q3. What is Open Source Initiative?
Q4. Define Application Software.
Examples: MS Word (word processing), MS Paint (drawing), Google Chrome (web browsing), Geogebra (mathematics).
Q5. What are the types of System Software?
Q6. What are the types of Application Software?
Q7. What are the examples of Specific Purpose Software?
Q8. What are the two forms of System and Application Software?
VII. Detailed Answer Questions
Q1. Explain the classification of software with examples.
Software is classified into two main types, and each type further has two forms:
Types of Software
1. System Software
- Manages and controls the computer hardware
- Provides a platform for application software to run
- Sub-types:
- System Management Programs — operating systems (Windows, LINUX, macOS, Android), device drivers
- Developing Software — compilers, interpreters, linkers, debuggers
2. Application Software
- Designed for end users to perform specific tasks
- Sub-types:
- General Purpose Software — word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers
- Specific Purpose Software — reservation systems, billing systems, attendance systems
Forms of Software
| Form | Free and Open Source (FOSS) | Paid and Proprietary |
|---|---|---|
| Available at | No cost | Requires purchase |
| Source code | Openly available | Closed / restricted |
| Customisable | Yes — users can modify | No — modifications not allowed |
| System Software example | LINUX | Windows, macOS |
| Application Software example | Geogebra | Adobe Photoshop |
Q2. Differentiate Hardware and Software in detail.
| Feature | Hardware | Software |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Physical parts of a computer that can be seen and touched | Set of instructions or programs that tell the hardware what to do |
| Tangibility | Tangible — can be touched | Intangible — cannot be touched, only used |
| Function | Processes data and runs software | Instructs hardware to perform specific tasks |
| Types | Input devices, output devices, CPU, memory | System software, application software |
| Examples | Keyboard, mouse, monitor, CPU, RAM, hard disk | Windows, LINUX, MS Paint, Geogebra |
| Durability | Can wear out or break physically | Does not wear out, but can get corrupted by viruses or bugs |
| Dependency | Cannot function without software | Cannot run without hardware |
| Creation | Manufactured in factories | Written by programmers in programming languages |
| Cost | Involves physical manufacturing cost | Involves development and licensing cost |
Key takeaway: Hardware is the body of the computer; software is the mind. Both are essential — hardware without software is lifeless, and software without hardware has no platform to run on.
Q3. Explain Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) vs Paid and Proprietary Software.
| Feature | Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) | Paid and Proprietary Software |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free of cost | Requires purchase or subscription |
| Source code | Openly available — anyone can view, modify, and redistribute | Closed — only the developer can access the source code |
| Customisation | Users can modify and customise the software | Users cannot modify the software |
| Examples | LINUX, Geogebra, LibreOffice, Firefox | Windows, macOS, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office |
| Community | Developed and improved by a community of volunteers | Developed by a company or organisation |
| License | Free, open license (e.g., GPL) | Proprietary license — terms and restrictions apply |
| Updates | Community-driven updates | Company-driven updates |
| Support | Community forums and documentation | Official customer support |
Key Definitions — Quick Revision
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Hardware | Physical, tangible parts of a computer that can be seen and touched |
| Software | Programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do |
| System Software | Software that manages and controls hardware — e.g., operating systems, device drivers |
| Application Software | Programs designed for end users to perform specific tasks — e.g., word processors, games |
| Operating System | System software that manages hardware resources and provides services for other software to run |
| Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) | Software available free of cost with openly available source code |
| Paid and Proprietary Software | Software that requires a paid license and has restricted source code |
| General Purpose Software | Application software designed for a wide range of users and tasks |
| Specific Purpose Software | Application software designed for a particular task or organisation |
| System Management Program | System software that manages computer resources (e.g., OS, device drivers) |
| Developing Software | System software used to create other software (e.g., compilers, linkers) |
| Linker | A program that combines object files into a single executable program |
| Open Source Initiative (OSI) | Organisation that promotes and certifies open source software |
Software Classification — Summary Diagram
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Calling the mouse a CPU component. The mouse is an external input device, not a component inside the CPU. Motherboard, SMPS, and RAM are all inside the CPU cabinet; the mouse is connected externally.
2. Confusing "Free and Open Source" with "Free and Traditional" or "Passive and Open Source." The correct classification is Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) vs Paid and Proprietary Software. "Traditional" and "Passive" are not valid software categories.
3. Calling LINUX a "Licensed" or "Paid" software. LINUX is Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). Its source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and redistribute. It does not require a paid license.
4. Thinking only Windows is proprietary. Both Windows and MAC OS are Paid and Proprietary. Similarly, Adobe Photoshop is also proprietary. When a question asks "Find Paid and Proprietary software from the list" and all options are proprietary, the answer is "All the above."
5. Confusing an operating system with application software. An operating system (like Android) manages hardware and provides a platform for other software. A web browser (like Chrome) is application software that runs on top of the OS. The Internet is a network, and a pendrive is hardware — neither is an operating system.
6. Confusing hardware and software. Hardware is physical (RAM, keyboard, monitor). Software is logical (programs, instructions). If you can touch it, it is hardware. If you can only use it as a program, it is software.
7. Confusing general purpose and specific purpose software. General purpose software (word processors, browsers) is designed for a wide range of tasks. Specific purpose software (reservation system, billing system) is designed for a particular task or organisation.
Exam Checklist
Before your exam, make sure you can:
- [ ] Define hardware and software clearly with examples
- [ ] Differentiate between hardware and software (at least 5 differences)
- [ ] Classify software into system software and application software with examples
- [ ] List the sub-types of system software (System Management Program, Developing Software)
- [ ] List the sub-types of application software (General Purpose, Specific Purpose)
- [ ] Explain Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) with two examples (LINUX, Geogebra)
- [ ] Explain Paid and Proprietary Software with examples (Windows, macOS, Adobe Photoshop)
- [ ] Differentiate between FOSS and Paid/Proprietary Software
- [ ] Define Operating System and explain how it works
- [ ] Identify that the mouse is NOT a CPU component (it is an external input device)
- [ ] Identify Android as an operating system (not Chrome, Internet, or Pendrive)
- [ ] Match items correctly in the textbook match-the-following exercise
- [ ] Identify that a computer comprises both hardware and software
- [ ] Explain what the Open Source Initiative (OSI) is
- [ ] Give examples of specific purpose software (reservation system, billing system, attendance system)