Topic 1 &2 Components of a computer

Hardware and software

Hardware

Physical component that make up a typical computer system

Internal Hardware components of a computer

Hardware	Definitions
Motherboard	Connect computer parts and lets them communicate.
CPU	Runs instructions for calculations , decoding and then executing
RAM	Temporary and Volatile memory. Stores the data that is being used in the running program
ROM	Non - volatile memory. Stores the system (Bios) configurations (Information)
Graphic card	Visual output on to display devices from given information
NIC	Connects devices to network using MAC address
HDD & SSD	HDD - Magnetic stores SSD - Solid state technology
Sound card	Lets computer play , record sound and output and input it on headphones and microphone

System software

Program that controls computer system.

Application software

Provides the service that user needs to solve a given task

Application Software	System Software
Word documents	Compliers
Spreadsheets	Linkers
Database	Device drives
Presentation	Bios
Audio editing	Operating system
Video editing	Utilities

Operating system

An operating system is software that provides an interface between the user and the hardware in a computer system

A user interface is how the user interacts with the operating system

analogue & digital data

Analogue : Is continuous data created from a non digital device, things like scanning paper in a scanner for data

Digital : Is in binary form they consist of 1 & 0’s things that are created or stored in a digital device

The conversion of data is done through the central processing unit and it is the fetch de-code and execute information process.

Central processing unit

The role of the central processing unit is to take input and execute instructions.

Fetch	Fetch’s the data from the random access memory taking it back to the central processing unit.
De-Code	Work out what is required from the instruction and then takes it to execution
Execute	The central processing nit will carry out the instructions that was fetched

Diffrence between ROM & RAM

Features	RAM	ROM
stores	Data & program in use	Start up - Instructions
capacity	Variable	Fixed
contents	temporary	Permanent
read/write	Both	Read only
volatile/non-volatile	Volatile	Non volatile

Input and output

Input : Are hardware components that allow the user to interact with a computer system

Key board
mouse
remote
joystick
scanner
cameras

Output: Hardware components that receive information from a computer system and present it to the user

Monitor
Touch screen
Project
Printer
Speaker
3d printer

Storage

Storage devices is the hardware that reads from and writes to diffrent storage medias

Magnetic	non volatile, that uses magnets to store 1 & 0’s
Solid state	Non volatile , uses electronic circuits to store 1 & 0’s
Optical	Non volatile , uses lasers to burn the surface of a disk create pits and is suitable for storing 1 & 0’s

Backing storage is used to store data programs when they are not actively being used in RAM

Hard disk drive	general storage in computers and servers
Portable hard disk	external storage for transfer and backup
Magnetic tape	back up and archiving large volumes of data
CD	audio data storage
DVD	higher capacity storage data and software distribution
Blu - ray	High definition video and capacity storage
Solid state drive	fast - internal storage
Portable solid state drive	external storage, fast transfer and back up
USB memory stick	portable data storage
Flash memory	removable memory cards used in phones and camera

Network hardware

Router	Responsible for routing data packets between diffrent networks it connects together, LAN & WAN
Network interface card	Allows computer to connect to a network
Hub	Allows to connect multiple devices in a network but it will pass on anything it receives
Switch	Connects multiple devices on a network but it only sends data to the device it was intended for. It uses a MAC address
Bridge	A network bridge is a device used to connect two local area networks togther to create a larger network it can only connect to local area networks

Data packets: are small chunks of data, it has been broken down so that it can be transmitted over the internet. It contains sources IP address, Destination IP address , Packet number.

MAC address: is unique identifier given to device which communicates over a local area network. A mac address will never be changed because it is assigned when it is created.

Wireless network

A wireless network is a network where connections are made using radio waves to transmit data through the air

Wi-fi

Commen slandered from of wireless network connection using radio waves.

High speed
Long range
Many devices can be connected

Advantages	Disadvantage
Portability	speed is slow sometimes
cost	security is less secure
compatibility	Range is 100m

Bluetooth

Commen slandered form of wireless network connection using radio waves, direction connection between 2 devices.

Advantages	Disadvantage
Compatibility	Speed is very slow
Power	security can be disrupted by anyone
	Range is short ranged

Cloud computing

Cloud storage is a term to describe long term, secondary storage of data that resides in a remote location.

Public Cloud	The customer and the cloud storage provider are diffrent companies
Private cloud	The customer and the clouds storage provider are a single organization's
Hybrid Cloud	Combines both public and private cloud options and allow for sensitive data to remain private whilst providing public cloud service for less sensitive information

Advantages	Disadvantages
Data can be accessed from anywhere	Stable internet required
Access to anyone with permission	vulnerable to security breakers
Access on any device	user dependent on storage provider availability of its service
Increases or decreases storage capacity	if company is shut down or lost data may be lost
Provides multiple servers	as data storage space increases so do the prices
Advanced security system
No need to higher special staff

Network environments

Internet: Global are network local area network and wide area network provides world with data and can be accessed by everyone.

Intranet: A network designed to work much like the internet but operate only with a local area network meaning it is exclusive to “Employees” in a work space

Its advantages are:

Better band width than internet
Data is kept within the organization
Less chance of hacking and attacks
Administration can mange access to external sites and links

Extranet: It is an extension to an intranet that allows authorized access from outside of the local area network.

Network types

A network is two of more devices connected togther with the purpose of sharing resources.

Local area network

Small geographical area , all hard ware is owned by company using it

Advantages	Disadvantage
Secure devices with firewall	Hardware fails
user of network share files and folders	network traffic

Wireless local area network

Local area network connected wirelessly

Advantages	Disadvantages
Used in variety of environments	security threats
Access to peripheral’s such as printers	limited coverage and can be affected by walls

Wide area network

Large geographical area, they are collection of LANs joined together, people from outside can use it as well.

Data transfer and password

Data transfer

Sharing is a fundamental reason to use a network electronic data is constantly moving between sender and receiver.

Creating a safe Passwords

Mixture of upper/ lower case
Contains at least one number
Contains at least on symbol
Minimum of eight characters