Review of Hardware and Software

1.1 Hardware and Software

Definition of Hardware

  • Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system.

Internal Hardware Devices

  • Central Processing Unit (CPU): The 'brain' of the computer; performs calculations to complete software instructions.

  • Motherboard: The circuit board connecting all the main components of the computer.

  • Memory (RAM, ROM): Data and instructions for processing must be placed into main memory.

    • RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporarily stores data for processing; volatile, meaning data is lost when power is off.

    • ROM (Read Only Memory): Permanent storage for critical instructions (e.g. boot-up sequence); non-volatile.

  • Video Card: Enables processing and display of graphics, connects to the motherboard.

  • Sound Card: Processes and delivers sound, connects to the motherboard.

  • Internal Hard Disk: Stores software and files; capacity ranges from gigabytes (GB) to terabytes (TB).

External Hardware Devices

  • Input Devices: Allow users to input data into the computer.

    • Examples: Mouse, Keyboard, Microphone.

  • Output Devices: Deliver data from the computer to the user.

    • Examples: Monitor, Speakers, Printers.

  • External Storage Devices: Provide additional storage options or backups.

    • Examples: External hard drives.

Definition of Software

  • Software consists of programs that control a computer's operations and process electronic data.

Types of Software

  1. Applications Software: Designed for users to perform specific tasks.

    • Examples include word processors, spreadsheets databases, photo/video editing, etc.

  2. System Software: Involved in the running of the computer.

    • Examples include operating systems, device drivers, and utility software.

1.1 Hardware and Software Continued

What is Hardware?

  • Hardware refers to the physical components that make up a computer system, where each item has specific roles.

  • Categories include internal (e.g., CPU, RAM) and external hardware.

1.2 Internal Hardware Devices

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

  • Acts as the brain of the computer, responsible for executing calculations and software instructions.

Memory Components

  • RAM: Stores temporary data to be processed; volatile.

  • Any data intended for CPU processing must first be in RAM.

1.3 Internal Hardware Devices Continued

Additional Components

  • Graphics Video Card: Connects to motherboard to process graphics.

  • Sound Card: Enables audio functions through connection with the motherboard.

  • Internal Hard Disk: Used for storage of software/files, with capacity in GB or TB.

  • Network Card: Provides internet connectivity, wired or wireless.

  • Optical Disk Drive (e.g., CD, DVD, Blu-Ray): Reads/writes optical disks.

  • Power Supply Unit (PSU): Supplies power to main components (motherboard, HDD, drives).

1.4 Computer Software

Definition of Software

  • Software comprises instructions run on the computer, directing it on tasks.

1.5 Applications Software and System Software

Application Software

  • Software designed for specific tasks.

    • Examples:

      • Word Processing: For preparing documents such as reports and essays.

      • Spreadsheets: For organizing and manipulating numeric data using formulas like Sum, Average, and IF conditions.

      • Databases: For organizing fields and records, creating reports and queries.

System Software

  • Software required to manage computer operations.

    • Examples include Operating Systems, Device Drivers, and Utility Software which help maintain computer performance.

1.6 Differences Between Software Types

Difference Between Hardware and Software

  • Hardware: Physical components (e.g., keyboard, CPU).

  • Software: Instructions that run on hardware, enabling function.

Difference Between Application and System Software

  • Application Software: Completes specific tasks (e.g., Word processors).

  • System Software: Manages and maintains system operation (e.g., Operating systems).

1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

  • Described as the 'brain' where sorting, searching, calculating, and decision-making occurs.

  • Speed is measured in Gigahertz (GHz), with a 1 GHz CPU executing 1 billion instructions per second.

  • Prominent manufacturers: Intel and AMD.

Main Memory

  • Applications are installed on secondary storage but temporarily held in main memory while in use.

  • CPU checks cache first for data before accessing RAM; cache transfers data to the CPU for processing.

Cache

  • Fastest memory type, stores frequently accessed data between the CPU and RAM.

1.3 Memory Types

RAM (Random Access Memory)

  • Volatile; stores instructions and data temporarily, lost when power is off.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

  • Non-volatile; contains critical instructions that do not erase when power is off.

1.4 Input and Output Devices

Peripheral Devices

  • General term for devices that connect to a computer for input/output.

    • Input Devices: Transfer data to the computer.

    • Output Devices: Output data from the computer.

    • Storage Devices: Store data long term.

1.5 Secondary/Backing Storage

Definition of Backing Storage

  • Non-volatile storage used for long-term data retention, retaining data when powered off. Examples include hard drives.

1.6 Operating Systems

Role of Operating Systems

  • System software that manages computer operations, providing user interfaces, security, application management, and resolving errors.

1.7 Types of Operating Systems: CLI vs. GUI

Command Line Interface (CLI)

  • Requires textual commands for interaction; often used by experts due to complexity.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

  • Visual interface with windows, icons, and menus for easier interaction using pointing devices.

1.8 Types of Computers

Personal/ Desktop Computers

  • Characteristics and Uses: Standalone for personal use; networked for sharing resources.

Laptop Computers

  • Characteristics: Portable, combined components; used similarly as desktops.

Tablet Computers

  • Characteristics: Touchscreen interface, wireless connectivity; primarily for apps and media consumption.

Smartphones

  • Combines features of a computer with phone capabilities; operates on mobile OS with multi-application support.

1.9 Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Types

  • Desktop/Personal Computer: Pros: Upgradable, better specs; Cons: Not portable, more space.

  • Laptop: Pros: Portable; Cons: Limited battery, hard to upgrade.

  • Tablet: Pros: Lightweight; Cons: Smaller screen, less capable for extensive application use.

  • Smartphone: Pros: Highly portable; Cons: Limited performance compared to larger devices.

1.10 Emerging Technologies Impact on Life

Examples of Emerging Technologies

  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Simulates human intelligence; used in tasks like chess playing (Deep Blue example).

  2. Biometrics: Uses unique physical traits for identification (fingerprint, iris, facial recognition).

  3. Vision Enhancement: Amplifies light for visibility in low conditions, used mainly by military.

  4. Robotics: Performs labor-intensive tasks in manufacturing, programmed for precision and resilience.

  5. Quantum Cryptography: Secures online communications, vital for financial transactions.

  6. Computer-assisted Translation: Examples include Google Translate for multi-language support.

  7. 3D/Holographic Imaging: Produces 3D visuals; used in various sectors from advertising to virtual interactions.

  8. Virtual Reality: Creates immersive environments for training, gaming, and education.