Which of the following correctly classifies hardware and system software?

Computer & IT Knowledge ·Previously asked in JKSSB Junior Assistant 2026

View the full solved paper: JKSSB Junior Assistant PYQ

Question

Which of the following correctly classifies hardware and system software?

  1. A. Device Driver – Hardware; Keyboard – System Software
  2. B. Compiler – Hardware; RAM – System Software
  3. C. CPU – Hardware; Operating System – System Software (Correct answer)
  4. D. Adobe Scan – Hardware; Monitor – System Software

Correct Answer

Option C — C

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option C.

Key Points

  • CPU is Hardware; Operating System is System Software.
  • (Note: the provisional key showed A; the final JKSSB key is C — and it is clearly the right classification.)
  • The CPU is a physical component → hardware.
  • The Operating System (Windows, Linux, Android) manages hardware and provides a platform for applications → system software.

Additional Information

  • (A) A device driver is software, and a keyboard is hardware — both halves are reversed.
  • (B) A compiler is software, and RAM is hardware — both reversed.
  • (D) Adobe Scan is an application, and a monitor is hardware — both reversed.

Exam Tip

  • hardware = you can touch it; system software = runs/manages the machine (OS, drivers, utilities); application software = does a user task (Word, browser).

Topics covered: Operating Systems