New Curriculum First Term Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs examination for SS 1

Class: SSS 1
Term: First Term
Subject: Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Marks: 70

SECTION A: OBJECTIVES (40 MARKS)
Instruction: Answer ALL 40 questions. Each carries 1 mark.

1. A laptop starts but overheats during sustained use; dust has blocked the internal cooling system. The immediate hardware function most affected is ________. (a) conversion of key presses to text   (b) heat removal from processing components   (c) permanent retention of user files   (d) reception of cellular signals
2. All of these are routine measures for caring for peripherals except ________. (a) spraying cleaning liquid directly into live ports   (b) storing accessories in a dry place   (c) keeping connectors free from dust   (d) checking cables for visible damage
3. A handset recognises neither of two working SIM cards, though Wi-Fi operates. Which internal connection merits examination after basic settings have been checked? (a) the SIM-card reader and contacts   (b) the camera lens cover   (c) the speaker cone   (d) the display backlight
4. Which statement describes the relationship between the mobile-phone CPU and RAM? (a) Both parts replace the battery during charging   (b) RAM produces sound while the CPU acts only as an antenna   (c) RAM generates the cellular signal while the CPU stores SIM credit   (d) The CPU processes instructions while RAM holds data currently in use
5. In the chain 'keyboard → computer processing → monitor', the monitor's function is to ________. (a) retain documents when the power is off   (b) interpret key presses into processor instructions   (c) present processed information to the user   (d) replace the system unit
6. The principal reason to test a suspected network fault with a known-working SIM is ________. (a) to bypass the phone's security account   (b) to separate subscriber or SIM problems from handset problems   (c) to increase the electrical voltage of the antenna   (d) to reset every installed application
7. During fault isolation, a disconnected battery terminal prevents a phone from starting. How should the affected connection be classified? (a) a network provider service   (b) an external output peripheral   (c) an internal power connection   (d) application software
8. A repairer replaces a faulty RAM module while leaving the student's installed programs intact. This action chiefly concerns which system layer? (a) the mobile network subscription   (b) file-format settings   (c) application software   (d) physical components
9. When a handset makes calls normally but one installed calculator crashes repeatedly, how should the fault initially be classified? (a) an antenna hardware fault   (b) a damaged microphone   (c) an application-software fault   (d) an invalid SIM connection
10. Which of these connections is NOT a sensible first check when a USB keyboard fails to respond? (a) The condition of the USB port   (b) The keyboard's cable or connector   (c) The keyboard's USB plug   (d) The ink supply of the office printer
11. ________ should be recorded before and after authorised network servicing to determine whether the fault has changed. (a) The output of a charging-current check alone   (b) The operating-system storage-capacity figure   (c) The results of network and call tests   (d) The result of a screen-colour test
12. After a printer produces faded pages, the most appropriate first maintenance check is ________. (a) its cartridge or toner condition   (b) the laptop's battery cells   (c) the computer's cooling fan   (d) the mobile phone antenna
13. A handset connects to Wi-Fi yet repeatedly fails on the cellular network. Which conclusion follows from the two tests? (a) Wi-Fi operation alone does not prove the cellular radio path works   (b) the telephone's clock has failed   (c) the display is the likely root cause   (d) both wireless systems must use the same radio component
14. During a desktop inspection, the CPU is healthy but the machine repeatedly loses unsaved work when power fails. Which component's normal behaviour best explains the loss? (a) ROM   (b) SSD   (c) RAM   (d) USB flash drive
15. Which part of a phone is primarily associated with sending and receiving radio signals? (a) vibration motor   (b) antenna or RF section   (c) display glass   (d) charging socket only
16. A software update leaves a phone’s cracked display unusable. What conclusion best explains this outcome? (a) software maintenance cannot repair a physically broken display   (b) every display fault begins in application software   (c) network software controls all glass damage   (d) an operating-system update replaces faulty connectors
17. A customer presents a carrier-restricted phone without proof that the restriction can be removed. The professional response is to ________. (a) charge for a guaranteed unlock without testing   (b) verify ownership and carrier authorisation before any permitted unlock   (c) bypass the restriction without asking for documents   (d) alter identifying device numbers to gain service
18. The handset shuts down when its battery connector is disturbed, although the interface otherwise works. What fault best explains this? (a) a blocked earpiece grille   (b) an outdated language pack   (c) a network operator's voicemail feature   (d) an intermittent power connection
19. A repair trainee connects the charging cable, but no charging indication appears. The correct diagnostic sequence begins by checking ________. (a) the battery-health estimate alone   (b) the known-good charger, cable and charging port   (c) the software storage-usage report   (d) the SIM network-mode settings
20. All of these are examples of computer hardware except ________. (a) a cooling fan   (b) a keyboard   (c) a word-processing application   (d) a motherboard
21. Which of these is NOT a mobile-network troubleshooting observation? (a) Whether signal strength changes with location   (b) The amount of toner left in a desktop printer   (c) Whether another SIM connects to the network   (d) Whether network mode is compatible with local coverage
22. A charged handset is recognised by a connected computer, yet its screen is dark. Which area warrants the first detailed inspection? (a) the SIM interface and subscriber settings   (b) the charging protocol despite the charged battery   (c) the cellular RF section and antenna   (d) the display assembly and its connection
23. Which of the following is a defensible comparison of computer RAM and permanent storage? (a) RAM retains installed files indefinitely; storage holds only current calculations   (b) Both lose all information when the battery is removed   (c) Storage executes instructions while the CPU only displays them   (d) RAM holds working data temporarily; storage retains files after shutdown
24. A newly assembled desktop powers on but cannot load an operating system. Which explanation should be investigated before replacing hardware? (a) a printer without paper   (b) an empty spreadsheet   (c) missing or corrupted system software   (d) a loose mouse button
25. The correct handling of an external cable during maintenance involves ________. (a) bending the connector until it fits   (b) pulling forcefully on the wire while the device operates   (c) using a metal object to widen the powered port   (d) disconnecting by the plug after equipment is powered off
26. A voice note records silence, but incoming calls can still be heard clearly. The first audio component to test is ________. (a) the loudspeaker   (b) the earpiece   (c) the screen   (d) the microphone
27. Which finding most strongly points to a network-coverage issue rather than a hardware fault? (a) Several known-good handsets lose the same network signal at the same location   (b) Only one handset fails with every tested SIM in several locations   (c) The handset's SIM tray is visibly broken   (d) A damaged antenna contact is found during inspection
28. In a mobile handset, the microphone and earpiece serve different functions. The microphone primarily ________. (a) converts an electrical signal into audible sound   (b) stores call logs permanently   (c) converts speech into an electrical signal   (d) provides the network subscriber identity
29. A desktop accepts keyboard input and produces a paper report. How is the printer classified by information flow? (a) an operating system   (b) an output peripheral   (c) a storage controller   (d) an input peripheral
30. A SIM card works in a second handset but is not recognised in the customer’s phone. Which inference is supported by this comparison? (a) the fault may lie in the handset's SIM interface   (b) the subscriber's account is definitely unpaid   (c) the mobile network has permanently closed   (d) the microphone is necessarily defective
31. Which pairing correctly distinguishes system software from application software? (a) Operating system — system; spreadsheet — application   (b) Keyboard — system; calculator — hardware   (c) Spreadsheet — system; operating system — application   (d) Printer driver — application; operating system — hardware
32. The ________ is chiefly responsible for carrying out processing instructions in a computer. (a) the monitor   (b) the keyboard   (c) the power cable   (d) the CPU
33. Which example most accurately illustrates the relationship between hardware and an application used for school records? (a) the SSD storing a database and the database application using its data   (b) two versions of the same records application   (c) the keyboard and the desktop casing   (d) the SSD and its metal mounting bracket
34. A student labels a monitor and a scanner as 'input devices'. What is the best correction? (a) Both are output because they use electricity   (b) A monitor is input; a scanner is storage   (c) Both are memory because they handle information   (d) A scanner is input; a monitor is output
35. The correct next step after a SIM swap restores normal service is to ________. (a) record the test result and investigate the original SIM or account   (b) declare the battery defective   (c) replace the phone's screen without testing   (d) resolder the charging port immediately
36. Which function belongs to both computer and phone processing units? (a) Receiving signals as a SIM card   (b) Holding all files without storage   (c) Executing stored program instructions   (d) Producing loudspeaker sound directly
37. During an ordinary voice call, the component that turns an electrical audio signal into sound at the listener's ear is ________. (a) the SIM reader   (b) the earpiece speaker   (c) the charging port   (d) the microphone
38. A school computer laboratory has repeated USB-port damage. Which practice most directly reduces the problem? (a) Align and insert peripheral connectors gently   (b) Use force when ports feel tight   (c) Stack unused monitors over exposed connectors   (d) Keep accessories connected during power faults
39. The main reason an operating system is needed before a word processor can run is ________. (a) to replace the electrical power supply   (b) to manage hardware resources and support applications   (c) to perform the work of a touchscreen   (d) to increase the physical capacity of RAM
40. A phone receives signal outdoors but frequently loses it deep inside a building. The most reasonable explanation is ________. (a) incompatibility between screen and handset connector   (b) a fault in application storage configuration   (c) signal attenuation and poorer indoor reception   (d) failure of the microphone input circuit

SECTION B: THEORY (30 MARKS)
Instruction: Answer Question 1 and any other TWO questions. Each question carries 10 marks.

Question 1
(a) A school laboratory PC starts but reports that no operating system can be found. Distinguish a hardware fault from a system-software fault, giving one example of each. (4 marks)
(b) Outline three checks to distinguish the two faults without replacing unrelated components. (6 marks)

Question 2
(a) Explain why RAM and permanent storage do not perform the same function. (4 marks)
(b) A phone records silence in a voice note but plays downloaded audio normally. Identify the likely component and give a three-stage verification procedure. (6 marks)

Question 3
(a) A pupil calls a scanner, monitor, keyboard and printer “output devices.” Reclassify all four by function. (4 marks)
(b) Explain three maintenance measures that could reduce recurring peripheral failures in a school ICT room. (6 marks)

Question 4
(a) A handset reports “No SIM.” Explain how a known-working SIM can support fault isolation. (4 marks)
(b) A customer asks a technician to remove a carrier restriction. State three professional precautions before providing any permitted service. (6 marks)

Objective Marking Scheme
Question 1 – ✅ (b) heat removal from processing components
Question 2 – ✅ (a) spraying cleaning liquid directly into live ports
Question 3 – ✅ (a) the SIM-card reader and contacts
Question 4 – ✅ (d) The CPU processes instructions while RAM holds data currently in use
Question 5 – ✅ (c) present processed information to the user
Question 6 – ✅ (b) to separate subscriber or SIM problems from handset problems
Question 7 – ✅ (c) an internal power connection
Question 8 – ✅ (d) physical components
Question 9 – ✅ (c) an application-software fault
Question 10 – ✅ (d) The ink supply of the office printer
Question 11 – ✅ (c) The results of network and call tests
Question 12 – ✅ (a) its cartridge or toner condition
Question 13 – ✅ (a) Wi-Fi operation alone does not prove the cellular radio path works
Question 14 – ✅ (c) RAM
Question 15 – ✅ (b) antenna or RF section
Question 16 – ✅ (a) software maintenance cannot repair a physically broken display
Question 17 – ✅ (b) verify ownership and carrier authorisation before any permitted unlock
Question 18 – ✅ (d) an intermittent power connection
Question 19 – ✅ (b) the known-good charger, cable and charging port
Question 20 – ✅ (c) a word-processing application
Question 21 – ✅ (b) The amount of toner left in a desktop printer
Question 22 – ✅ (d) the display assembly and its connection
Question 23 – ✅ (d) RAM holds working data temporarily; storage retains files after shutdown
Question 24 – ✅ (c) missing or corrupted system software
Question 25 – ✅ (d) disconnecting by the plug after equipment is powered off
Question 26 – ✅ (d) the microphone
Question 27 – ✅ (a) Several known-good handsets lose the same network signal at the same location
Question 28 – ✅ (c) converts speech into an electrical signal
Question 29 – ✅ (b) an output peripheral
Question 30 – ✅ (a) the fault may lie in the handset's SIM interface
Question 31 – ✅ (a) Operating system — system; spreadsheet — application
Question 32 – ✅ (d) the CPU
Question 33 – ✅ (a) the SSD storing a database and the database application using its data
Question 34 – ✅ (d) A scanner is input; a monitor is output
Question 35 – ✅ (a) record the test result and investigate the original SIM or account
Question 36 – ✅ (c) Executing stored program instructions
Question 37 – ✅ (b) the earpiece speaker
Question 38 – ✅ (a) Align and insert peripheral connectors gently
Question 39 – ✅ (b) to manage hardware resources and support applications
Question 40 – ✅ (c) signal attenuation and poorer indoor reception

Theory Marking Scheme
Question 1
(a) Hardware: physical component defect, e.g., damaged/disconnected SSD (2); system software: missing/corrupted operating system or boot files (2). [4 marks]
(b) Award 2 each: inspect SSD/data/power connections; verify drive detection in firmware/diagnostics; attempt safe boot/system recovery using authorised media and record the result. [6 marks]
Question 2
(a) RAM temporarily holds active data/programs and is volatile (2); SSD/ROM/other persistent storage retains stored data across power cycles (2). [4 marks]
(b) Microphone/input path (2); check permissions/recording application and reproduce (1); check microphone aperture/connection (1); test known-good part or diagnostics then retest (2). [6 marks]
Question 3
(a) Input: scanner, keyboard (2); output: monitor, printer (2). [4 marks]
(b) Award 2 each for explained suitable measures: gentle connector handling, routine cable/port inspection, dust removal with power isolated, safe storage/cleaning, correct printer consumable checks. [6 marks]
Question 4
(a) Test the suspect SIM in a known-good phone (2); test a known-good SIM in the handset and compare outcomes (2). [4 marks]
(b) Award 2 each: verify ownership/authority, confirm legal operator policy and compatibility, back up permitted data/get consent, record pre- and post-service network tests, decline unapproved bypasses. [6 marks]