Computer Software and Hardware

CPU

(Central Processing Unit)  hardware within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system

Primary Storage

Also known as main storage or memory, is the area in a computer in which data is stored for quick access by the computer’s processor. It is volatile storage (which lose data when powered off)

Secondary Storage

Differs from primary storage in that it is not directly accessible by the CPU. The computer usually uses its input/output channels to access secondary storage and transfers the desired data using intermediate area in primary storage. Secondary storage does not lose the data when the device is powered down—it is non-volatile. Per unit, it is typically also two orders of magnitude less expensive than primary storage. In modern computers, hard disk drives are usually used as secondary storage. Some other examples of secondary storage technologies are: flash memory (e.g. USB flash drives or keys), floppy disks, magnetic tape, paper tape, punched cards,

RAM

(Random Access Memory) a form of primary storage. Allows data items to be read and written in roughly the same amount of time regardless of the order in which data items are accessed

Hard Disk Drive

Data storage device used for storing and retrieving digital information using rapidly rotating disks coated with magnetic material. An HDD retains its data even when powered off (non-volatile).

Solid State Drive

Non volatile -The solid-state drive uses flash memory, which uses memory chips (typically NAND-style chips). In these chips, semiconductors flip arrays into different states of electric charge to store code. Since nothing moves but the electrical patterns, the storage drive is “solid state.” Such devices may employ separate power sources, such as batteries, to maintain data after power loss. No moving parts, faster then HDD, smaller, long life span

Operating System

Software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. Example:  Windows, Mac, Linux

Peripherals

a "device that is used to put information into or get information out of the computer." 

There are three different types of peripherals:

Input, used to interact with, or send data to the computer (mouse, keyboards, etc.)

Output, which provides output to the user from the computer (monitors, printers, etc.)

Storage, which stores data processed by the computer (hard drives, flash drives, etc.)

Optical Drive

A disk drive that uses laser light or electromagnetic waves within or near the visible light spectrum as part of the process of reading or writing data to or from optical discs. Some drives can only read from discs, but recent drives are commonly both readers and recorders, also called burners or writers. Compact discs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs are common types of optical media which can be read and recorded by such drives. Optical drive is the generic name; drives are usually described as "CD" "DVD", or "Blu-ray", followed by "drive", "writer", etc.

Input

A peripheral (piece of computer hardware equipment) used to provide data and control signals to aninformation processing system such as a computer or other information appliance. Examples of input devices include keyboards, mouse,scanners, digital cameras and joysticks.

Output

Any piece of computer hardware equipment used to communicate the results of data processing carried out by an information processing system (such as acomputer) which converts the electronically generated information into human-readable form. Examples: monitors, speakers, printers

Software

Is any set of machine-readable instructions that directs a computer's processor to perform specific operations. Examples: windows, microsoft office, internet explorer

Hardware

Which is the physical component of computers. Examples: monitors, mouse, keyboard. Computer hardware and software require each other and neither can be realistically used without the other.