Computer Hardware and Software

Study Notes

Input devices are used to enter data, commands, and programs into the computer.
Examples of input devices include: keyboard, mouse, trackball, joystick, light pen, scanners, and digital cameras.
Output devices include: monitor or display, printer, and speakers.

Computer software consists of routines, programs, procedures, and specialized aids that make hardware components perform their functions.
Operating system (OS) is the basic software responsible for interacting with the hardware and is the foundation for user programs and application programs.
Application programs are used for carrying out specific tasks, such as office document creation, pay roll processing, and publishing.
Utility programs are a type of software.

Data ware refers to the systematic and organized collection of data and procedures relevant to an organization.

People ware refers to personnel who manage and use the computer system, design applications and systems software, write and encode programs, and run the hardware.

Input refers to whatever goes into the computer, including commands, data from another computer, or device.
Input devices feed data into a computer, such as a keyboard or mouse.
Output is any information (data) that comes out of a computer, including output devices such as display screens, speakers, and printers.

Computer data storage is referred to as storage or memory, which can save digital data.
Examples of storage devices include RAM, hard disks, CDs, DVDs, and removable flash memory sticks.
Permanent, or non-volatile, storage devices do not require power to remember the data stored.
Mass storage devices, like hard disk, are non-volatile, and a loss of power does not affect their ability to retain data.
ROM (Read Only Memory) is a type of non-volatile storage.
Temporary or volatile storage is more often called "memory".
A loss of power means that any data stored in volatile storage will be lost irretrievably.

The processor is the brain of a computer and is also called the CPU (Central Processing Unit).
The processor is a microchip that performs simple operations like basic arithmetic and comparing two values.
The processor actually performs the operations directed by a program.