Computer Hardware and Software

Study Notes

Hardware encompasses the physical and mechanical components of a computer system, while software consists of instructions that guide these components.
Shickard’s Mechanical Calculator, invented in 1623, utilized cogs and gears similar to clocks.
The 19th century saw the invention of punch cards by Herman Hollerith, which were lightweight cardboard used for data processing.
ENIAC, designed by John Presper Eckert and John William Mauchly, was the first electronic programmable computer and symbolized the First Generation of computers.
The invention of the transistor in 1947 transitioned computers into the Second Generation, utilizing semiconductor devices for voltage stabilization.
Microchips include integrated circuits with interconnected transistors, while microprocessors serve as advanced circuits and are known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit).

Storage allows computers to retain data in various forms, typically using bytes (groups of eight bits).
Volatile Memory relies on electric power to store data temporarily; Non-volatile Memory retains data without power.
RAM speeds up loading times for applications, while hard disks store the operating system and personal files.
Optical discs include CDs (up to 650 MB), Blu-ray discs (25 to 50 GB), and DVDs (4 to 8 GB), used for data storage.
USB Flash Drives can be erased and reprogrammed, while tape drives utilize magnetic tape, offering storage capabilities of up to 500 GB.
Data processing involves converting data formats, and microprocessors function as the brain of the computer.

Software refers to the instructional information that directs hardware activities and includes system and application software.
System Software manages hardware components and runs computer systems; it includes the Operating System (OS) and firmware.
The Operating System ensures that software can access hardware components effectively.
BIOS is essential for locating and loading the OS into memory on startup, while device drivers facilitate communication between the OS and hardware.

Application software enables users to perform specific tasks, such as productivity suites like Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Software classifications include Freeware (available for free), Commercial Software (requires purchase), Shareware (free temporarily), and Open-source Software (modifiable and redistributable).