1.1 Hardware and Software

Hardware

• Definition: Physical components of a computer system.

• Types:

  • Internal Hardware

  • External Hardware

Internal Hardware

• CPU

  • Executes computer program instructions.

  • Performs input/output and logical operations.

• Motherboard

  • Connects and allows communication between hardware components.

  • Acts as a hub for connected devices.

• Graphics Card

  • Sends graphical information to display devices (e.g., monitor, projector).

• Sound Card

  • Produces sounds and allows recording sound inputs.

• Network Interface Card (NIC)

  • Connects computer to a network.

External Hardware

• Components:

  • Keyboard

  • Mouse

  • Printer

  • Monitor

  • USB Memory Stick

  • External Hard Drive

Software

• Definition: Programs that control computer operations.

• Types:

  • Application Software: Carries out specific tasks (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets).

  • System Software: Manages and controls hardware (e.g., operating systems, device drivers).

Analogue Data

• Definition: Continuous data with varying values.

• Characteristics:

  • Low bandwidth; requires conversion for processing/storage.

• Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC): Converts analogue signals for computer processing.

Digital Data

• Definition: Discrete data in binary (1s and 0s).

• Characteristics:

  • High bandwidth; no conversion needed for processing.

• Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC): Converts digital data for human processing (e.g., music playback).