In a typical microcomputer system, the physical hardware is grouped into which three basic categories of equipment?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of how basic computer hardware is categorised in introductory computer science. Microcomputer systems, such as personal computers, are usually described in terms of major hardware groups. Recognising these groups helps you organise your knowledge of components like the system unit, input or output devices and storage devices. Many computer awareness exams directly ask about these three basic categories.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to a microcomputer system, which is a common personal computer.
• It asks for three basic categories of physical equipment.
• Options include combinations that mention system unit, input or output devices, primary storage and secondary storage.
• We assume standard textbook grouping used in computer fundamentals chapters.

Concept / Approach:
Introductory texts often divide microcomputer hardware into three broad categories. The first is the system unit, which contains the central processing unit and main memory. The second is input or output devices, such as keyboard, mouse, monitor and printer, which allow communication with the computer. The third is secondary storage, which includes devices like hard drives, solid state drives and optical disks where data is stored for long term use. While primary storage is important, it is usually considered part of the system unit rather than a separate basic category at this level.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the main hardware group that holds the main electronic components of the computer. This is the system unit, which contains the CPU and primary memory on the motherboard. Step 2: Recognise that input devices such as keyboard and mouse, and output devices such as monitor and printer, form a second category: input or output devices. Step 3: Note that secondary storage devices like hard disks, solid state drives, USB drives and optical disks form a third important category, used for long term storage of data and programs. Step 4: Option c lists these three categories together: system unit, input or output devices and secondary storage. Step 5: Option a lists specific devices rather than broad categories, so it does not match the conceptual grouping requested. Step 6: Option b mixes memory with input or output devices but does not clearly identify secondary storage as a separate category. Step 7: Option d mentions primary and secondary storage but omits the important group of input or output devices. Step 8: Option e lists only three peripheral devices and leaves out the system unit and storage, so it is incomplete. Step 9: Therefore, the best answer that matches standard textbook categorisation is system unit, input or output devices and secondary storage.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you look at diagrams of a typical computer system in basic computer books, hardware is often drawn in three boxes: the system unit in the centre, surrounded by input or output devices like keyboard and monitor, and a separate box for storage devices such as disk drives. Captions label these groups with phrases like system unit, input or output devices and secondary storage. This consistent three way grouping confirms that option c reflects the expected answer in exam contexts.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a is just a list of example devices and does not name the basic categories. Option b blurs the distinction between memory and input or output devices and does not clearly treat secondary storage as a separate group. Option d leaves out input or output devices entirely, which are fundamental components. Option e again lists only peripherals and ignores the system unit and storage, so it does not answer the question as asked.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes memorise individual devices without understanding the broader categories, leading them to select lists like keyboard, mouse, printer that feel familiar but do not match the conceptual grouping used in theory questions. Another pitfall is to confuse primary storage and secondary storage and assume they must form two of the three categories. Remember that primary storage (main memory) is part of the system unit, while secondary storage is treated separately along with the group of input or output devices.

Final Answer:
The three basic hardware categories in a microcomputer system are system unit, input or output devices and secondary storage.