Computer Fundamentals

Computer

Programming

• A set of instructions that a computer can understand and execute
• Written in programming languages, such as:
  • High-level languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++)
  • Low-level languages (e.g., Assembly, Machine Code)
• Types of programming:
  • Procedural (functions, loops, conditional statements)
  • Object-Oriented (classes, objects, inheritance)
  • Functional (pure functions, immutability)

Hardware

• Physical components of a computer system
• Examples:
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU): executes instructions
  • Memory (RAM): temporary data storage
  • Storage Drive (HDD/SSD): permanent data storage
  • Input/Output Devices (keyboard, mouse, monitor)
  • Power Supply: provides power to components
• Types of hardware:
  • Input devices (keyboard, scanner, microphone)
  • Output devices (monitor, printer, speaker)
  • Storage devices (HDD, SSD, flash drive)

Software

• Programs and operating systems that run on computer hardware
• Types of software:
  • System Software (operating system, device drivers)
  • Application Software (productivity, games, utilities)
  • Programming Languages and Development Tools
• Examples:
  • Operating Systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  • Productivity Software (Microsoft Office, Google Docs)
  • Web Browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox)

Computer Programming

• A computer program is a set of instructions that a computer can understand and execute.
• Programming languages are used to write these instructions, categorized into:
• High-level languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++)
• Low-level languages (e.g., Assembly, Machine Code)
• There are three main types of programming:
• Procedural programming (uses functions, loops, and conditional statements)
• Object-Oriented programming (uses classes, objects, and inheritance)
• Functional programming (uses pure functions and immutability)

Computer Hardware

• Physical components of a computer system include:
• Central Processing Unit (CPU): executes instructions
• Memory (RAM): temporary data storage
• Storage Drive (HDD/SSD): permanent data storage
• Input/Output Devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, monitor)
• Power Supply: provides power to components
• Hardware components can be categorized into:
• Input devices (e.g., keyboard, scanner, microphone)
• Output devices (e.g., monitor, printer, speaker)
• Storage devices (e.g., HDD, SSD, flash drive)

Computer Software

• Software refers to programs and operating systems that run on computer hardware.
• Types of software include:
• System Software (e.g., operating system, device drivers)
• Application Software (e.g., productivity software, games, utilities)
• Programming Languages and Development Tools
• Examples of software include:
• Operating Systems (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Productivity Software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Docs)
• Web Browsers (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox)

Volatile Memory

• Loses data when power is turned off
• Temporarily stores data while the computer is running
• Examples:
• RAM (Random Access Memory)
• Cache Memory
• Characteristics:
• Fast access times
• Low latency
• High storage capacity
• Economical

Non-Volatile Memory

• Retains data even when power is turned off
• Permanently stores data even when the computer is turned off
• Examples:
• ROM (Read-Only Memory)
• EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory)
• EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory)
• Flash Memory (e.g., SSDs, USB drives)
• Characteristics:
• Slower access times
• Higher latency
• Lower storage capacity
• More expensive

Key Differences

• Volatile memory loses data when power is off, while non-volatile memory retains data
• Volatile memory is generally faster and more economical, while non-volatile memory is more durable and reliable