Chapter 1.1: Hardware and Software

Hardware

  • Physical components of a computer system.

  • Internal hardware examples: processor, motherboard, RAM, ROM, video cards, sound cards, internal hard disk drives.

  • External hardware examples: monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, external storage devices.

Software

  • Programs controlling computer operations or processing electronic data.

  • Two types: applications software and system software.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

  • The 'brain' of the computer that carries out calculations.

Motherboard

  • Circuit board which connects to the main components of the computer system.

Memory

  • Data and instructions processed by the CPU must be placed into main memory.

Graphic Video Cards

  • Device that enables the computer to process and display graphics.

Sound Cards

  • Device that enables the computer to input, process, and deliver sound.

Internal Hard Disk

  • Hardware device that stores information like software and files (Capacity ranges from GB to Tera Bytes).

Network Card

  • Provides network (internet) connection through wireless signals or a physical cable connection

Optical Disk Drive (CD/DVD/Blu-Ray)

  • Allows optical disks to run.

Power Supply

  • Gives power to the computer system.

Input Hardware Devices

  • Input data into a computer.

  • Examples: Mouse, Keyboard, Microphone

Output Hardware Devices

  • Outputs data from a computer.

  • Examples: Monitor, Speakers, Printers

External Storage Devices

  • Provides external storage or backup solutions.

  • Examples: External Hard drive

Software

  • A collection of instructions that can be run on a computer.

  • Not physical, a bunch of codes.

Application Software

  • Designed to allow users to complete specific tasks.

  • Write a letter, browse the internet, manipulate data in a spreadsheet or database, manipulate graphics, sound or video

  • Examples: word processing, spreadsheet, databases, photo-editing software, graphics manipulation, video-editing software, apps, measuring and control software

  • Word Processing: Reports, essays (formatting, styles, tables, spell check, etc.)

  • Spreadsheet: Organise numeric data (formulas like SUM, MAX, MIN, AVERAGE, lookups, graphs).

  • Database: Insert and organise data (queries, reports).

  • Photo Editing: Edit digital images (contrast, brightness, filters, lighting).

  • Graphics Manipulation: Create and edit bitmap and vector graphics (lines, curves, text).

  • Video Editing: Edit/format video (split, trim, transitions, audio, filters).

  • Apps: Games, streaming, social media, communication, camera, GPS, health/fitness.

  • Measuring and Control Software: Changing physical conditions in an environment (take readings, compare sensor readings

System Software

  • Involved in running the computer.

  • Examples: operating systems, device drivers, utilities, compilers, linkers.

  • Device Drivers

    • Allow hardware devices to work.

  • Linkers

    • Combines object files produced by a compiler into a single program.

  • Operating Systems

    • Manages computer functions and provides a user interface.

  • Compiler

    • Translates a program into machine-readable code.

  • Utilities

    • Manage and maintain computer resources and performance by running specific tasks.


Application Software vs. System Software

  • Application Software: Designed to allow users to complete specific tasks (e.g., Word Processor for writing letters).

  • System Software: Used to manage and maintain the computer system (e.g., Operating System like Windows 10).