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refers to the external and internal devices and equipment that enable you to perform major functions such as input, output, storage, communication, and processing.

Hardware

is a collection of instructions, data, or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks.

Software

Physical components of a computer that can be seen and touched. Can wear out or become physically damaged.

HARDWARE

Programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do. Does not wear out physically but may become outdated, corrupted, or infected with malware

SOFTWARE

are hardware tools used to enter data, text, and commands into a computer, with key examples including keyboards, mice, and microphones

Input devices

are hardware components that convert processed digital data into a human understandable form, such as monitors, printers, and speakers.

Output devices

are hardware parts that save digital data. The main types are hard disk drives, solid-state drives, and USB flash drives. They keep information safe and ready for use.

Storage devices

Used to hold running program instructions.
Used to hold data, intermediate results, and results of ongoing processing of job(s).
Fast in Operation Small Capacity Expensive Volatile (looses data on power dissipation)

PRIMARY STORAGE

Used to hold stored program instructions.
Used to hold data and information of stored jobs.
Slower than primary storage.
Large Capacity Lot cheaper than primary storage.
Retains data even without power.

SECONDARY STORAGE

primary storage (3)

1. ram

2. rom

3. hdd

secondary storage (3)

1. sSD

2. cloud storage

3. optical disk

consists of the internal computer components that interpret and transform raw input data into meaningful information, primarily including the Central Processing Unit (CPU), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), and motherboard

Processing hardware

is the main case of a personal computer that houses critical processing hardware, including the motherboard, Central Processing Unit (CPU), and Random Access Memory (RAM).

system unit

is the core hardware component of a computer that functions as its primary computational brain.

Central Processing Unit

is the most vitally important type of memory. handles and houses numerous key processes, including system apps and those processes the computer is currently managing.

RAM

is an electrical device that converts electric power from a source into the correct voltage, current, and frequency to power a load

power supply

is a specialized electronic chip designed to rapidly render images, speed up video processing, and handle parallel math calculations.

graphics processing unit

consists of the physical devices and transmission media that transfer data between systems

Communication hardware

is any auxiliary hardware component connected to a computer to expand its capabilities, categorized primarily into input devices, output devices, and storage/networking devices

peripheral device

are physical interfaces used to link a computer to external devices, displays, and networks, with the most common types including USB, HDMI, and Ethernet.

Computer Ports and Connectors

standardize how external devices link to computers for data transfer, power, and video

USB ports and connectors

is a modern, 24-pin reversible physical connector that handles data transfer, power delivery, and video output through a single compact port.

USB-C

is a digital connection standard used on computers, monitors, and TVs to send high-quality video and audio signals through a single cable.

HDMI

is a high-performance digital interface standard developed by VESA used primarily to connect computers to displays.

DisplayPort

is a legacy 15-pin analog video interface commonly used to connect computers to monitors, projectors, and televisions.

VGA

is a physical socket on computer hardware used to establish a wired local area network (LAN) and internet connection.

Ethernet port

on computers are physical connection interfaces used to route sound signals in and out of a system, most commonly represented by 3.5mm analog jacks, digital optical connections, and integrated digital video-audio interfaces.

Audio ports

are the core physical parts that decide how fast it runs and what it can do. The main parts are the processor (CPU), short-term memory (RAM), and storage

hardware specifications

is the amount of short-term memory your computer has, measured in gigabytes (GB). Common sizes include 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB. lets you run more programs at the same time and switch between them smoothly.

RAM capacity

is the total amount of digital data a device can hold, measured using units like gigabytes (GB) and terabytes (TB).

storage capacity

The smallest unit, showing a 0 or 1

Bit

Made of 8 bits; equals one text character

Byte

About 1,024 bytes

Kilobyte

About 1,024 kilobytes

Megabyte

About 1,024 megabytes; standard for phones and base computers

Gigabyte

About 1,024 gigabytes; common for modern hard drives

Terabyte

Uses spinning disks; offers high capacity at a lower price

HDD

Uses flash memory; runs much faster than HDDs

SSD

Remote online space accessed via the internet.

Cloud Storage

COMMON STORAGE TYPES (3):

1. hdd

2. ssd

3. cloud storage

describes the power and features of the video hardware. Key parts include the GPU model, VRAM size, and clock speed

graphics specifications

is a set of instructions, data, or programs that tell a computer how to work and execute specific tasks.

SOFTWARE

A type of computer program that controls computer hardware and provides a platform for running user applications

System Software

A computer program designed to help users perform specific tasks, such as Microsoft Word, Google Chrome and Spotify. It is the user-facing layer that lets you work, play, or create, unlike system software that runs the computer's hardware.

Application Software

A collection of tools used by computer programmers to write, test, debug, and maintain other software programs. Key examples include text editors, compilers, and debuggers.

Programming Software

A type of system software designed to help configure, analyze, optimize, and maintain a computer system. Key examples include antivirus programs, disk cleanup tools, and file compression software.

Utility Software

A specialized type of low-level software permanently or semi permanently embedded directly into hardware devices to provide control, monitoring, and startup instructions.

Firmware

SOFTWARE CATEGORIES (4):

1. application software

2. Programming Software

3. Utility Software

4. System Software

act as a bridge between users and hardware, manage system resources, and provide a platform to run applications.

OPERATING SOFTWARE

Any application designed to help users create, process, and manage data more efficiently, with core examples including word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation tools

Productivity Software

is a digital tool used to organize, calculate, and analyze data in rows and columns. Examples include Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets

Spreadsheet software

is a tool used to create, store, manage, update, and secure data electronically.

Database Software

A software program used to create, edit, format, and print text documents.

Word Processors

A digital tool used to create, design, and display visual slide shows.

Presentation Software

A computer program used to create, edit, and change digital pictures and drawings.

Graphics Software

A class of computer programs used to create, edit, play, and share content combining text, audio, images, animation, and video.

Multimedia Software

Any program or application designed to transmit data, files, and messages in text, audio, or video formats between users or computers

Communication Software

Any program or application designed to run over a network or the internet.

Internet Browsers

Any computer program or web-based tool designed to facilitate learning, teaching, and administrative tasks.

Educational Software

protects a computer by detecting, preventing, and removing viruses, malware, spyware, and other harmful programs.

ANTIVIRUS

specialized tool that creates copies of files, folders, databases, or entire systems, including operating systems and applications, to ensure data can be restored in case of accidental deletion, hardware failure, cyberattacks, or other disasters.

BACKUP SOFTWARE

is Microsoft's built-in feature that is used to remove any unnecessary files from the system.

Disk Cleanup

a type of utility software designed to reorganize scattered data on traditional hard disk drives (HDDs).

DISK DEFRAGMENTER

reduces the size of files by removing unnecessary data, making them easier to store and transfer.

Compression software

is used to restore deleted, lost, or inaccessible files caused by accidental deletion, formatting, system errors, or storage corruption.

FILE RECOVERY SOFTWARE

Recovers files by examining file information such as names, locations, and sizes.

File System Analysis

Scans the storage device for known file patterns to restore deleted files, even if the original file names or folders are lost.

Signature-Based Recovery

Recovery software typically uses two main methods:

1. File System Analysis

2. Signature-Based Recovery

Any computer program produced and distributed for sale or profit.

Commercial Software

Anyone can view, change, and share the code. It relies on community work, openness, and clear rules called licenses

Open-Source Software

Costs zero money to use but it is still protected by copyright. The creator keeps the source code private and sets custom rules for how people can use the app

FREEWARE

a proprietary software distribution model where users can test a program for free before buying.

SHAREWARE

The core process of adding new programs to your device so that files are placed in correct folders and configuration settings are generated.

INSTALLING SOFTWARE

A core part of managing computer systems. It replaces older files with newer versions to fix security holes, solve bugs, and add new features. Proper management keeps your device safe and running well.

UPDATING SOFTWARE

It safely removes programs you no longer need, frees up disk space, and fixes app problems.

UNINSTALLING SOFTWARE

is system software that acts as the middleman between you, the computer hardware, and the applications. It runs applications, and provides an interface so users can actually use the computer.

operating system

Manages Hardware Controls CPU, memory/RAM, storage, ports, printer, etc

operating system

The way the user interacts with the computer through the OS. It makes easy for people to use the computer without knowing machine code.

User Interface

is any program that is currently running. handles all running programs.

Process management

Controls how computer memory/RAM is used by programs.

MEMORY MANAGEMENT

Controls and communicates with all hardware devices connected to the computer.

DEVICE MANAGEMENT

Controls how data and files are stored, named, and accessed on storage device

FILE MANAGEMENT

Protects the computer, data, and users from unauthorized access.

SECURITY MANAGEMENT

It acts as a bridge between you and the machine, letting you use a mouse, keyboard, and screen to manage files, browse the web, and run programs.

DESKTOP OPERATING SYSTEM

the core software that manages a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device's hardware and runs its applications. It acts as a bridge between you, the apps, and the physical phone parts like the touch screen, camera, and battery

MOBILE OPERATING SYSTEM

specialized software that manages and connects multiple devices across a computer network

NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEM

is a specialized software platform built to control a single, dedicated device or machine rather than a general-purpose computer. Its primary job is to run specific code, manage hardware resources, and ensure the device performs its intended task reliably.

EMBEDDED OPERATING SYSTEM

specialized software designed to process data and handle events within strict, predictable time limits. Unlike regular operating systems like Windows or Linux that focus on overall speed, guarantees that critical tasks finish right on time. If it misses a deadline, the system can fail or cause severe harm.

REAL TIME OPERATING SYTEM

types of operating system (3)

1. desktop operating system

2. mobile operating system

3. real time operating system

-a popular operating system made by Microsoft. It uses a graphical user interface with icons, menus, and windows so people can easily run apps, manage files, and use computers.

MICROSOFT WINDOWS

the main operating system built by Apple for its Mac desktop and laptop computers. It manages computer hardware, runs apps, and provides an easy-to-use visual desk screen with a dock and files.

macOS

a free, open-source operating system— similar to Microsoft Windows or Apple's macOS. It acts as the bridge between a computer's physical hardware (like the memory and CPU) and the programs you run

LINUX

is a mobile operating system developed by [Google] that runs on billions of smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices worldwide. It acts as the core software managing phone hardware and lets users run apps, browse the web, and customize their devices.

ANDROID

It is the built-in software created by Apple that runs on and powers all iPhone devices, controlling the touch screen, apps, settings, and general use of the phone.

IOS

a lightweight operating system designed by Google. It uses the Google Chrome web browser as its main user interface and relies heavily on cloud computing and web apps. Users generally experience fast startup times, built-in security features, and seamless integration with Google services

chromeOS

common operating system (3)

1. microsoft window

2. macos

3. linux

is a desktop computer interface bar that lets you launch programs, switch between open windows, and check system status like time and battery

TASKBAR

is the main control center in Microsoft Windows. You open it by clicking the Windows icon on your taskbar or by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard. It lets you launch apps, search for files, change computer settings, and shut down your device.

START MENU

is on the far right side of the Windows taskbar. It shows the clock, date, background app icons, and system status alerts like volume, Wi-Fi, and battery

NOTIFICATION AREA

a computer folder that temporarily holds deleted files before permanent removal.

RECYCLE BIN