Introduction to Computer Hardware and Software Concepts

Hardware

Tangible components of a computer system.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The brain of the computer, executing operations.

RAM

Main memory that loses data when powered off.

Secondary Storage

Permanent storage devices like hard drives.

Input Devices

Hardware that inputs data into a computer.

Output Devices

Hardware that outputs data from a computer.

Software

Programs that perform tasks on a computer.

System Programs

Software that manages computer hardware functions.

Operating Systems

Software that oversees computer operations and resources.

Application Programs

Software designed for specific tasks like games.

Analog Signals

Continuously varying waveforms used in older technology.

Digital Signals

Data represented as sequences of 0s and 1s.

Machine Language

Binary code used for programming computers.

Binary Digits

Digits 0 and 1 used in binary code.

Byte

A sequence of eight bits.

Kilobytes

1024 bytes of data.

ASCII

Standard code for character encoding, 128 characters.

Number Systems

Decimal system used in everyday life.

Assembly Language

Mnemonic instructions for easier programming.

High-Level Languages

User-friendly programming languages like Java and Python.

Compiler

Translates high-level language to machine language.

Algorithm

Step-by-step process for solving problems.

Structured Programming

A programming design approach focusing on structure.

Object-Oriented Programming

A programming paradigm based on objects.