Computer Hardware Basics

• A computer is an electronic device manipulating data.
• It stores, retrieves, and processes data.
• Computers facilitate document typing, email sending, gaming, and web browsing.

Hardware

• Hardware includes the physical, tangible components of a computer system.
• The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the computer's "brain," executing instructions and calculations.
• Random Access Memory (RAM) temporarily stores data for quick CPU access.
• Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and Solid State Drive (SSD) provide permanent data storage.
• The Motherboard connects all computer components.
• The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) processes images and videos.
• Input Devices (keyboard, mouse) feed data into the computer.
• Output Devices (monitor, printer) display or produce data from the computer.

Software

• Software comprises the instructions and programs that operate computers and perform tasks.
• The Operating System (OS) manages hardware and software resources; examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Application Software includes programs for specific tasks like word processing and web browsing.
• System Software supports application software by managing hardware.
• Drivers enable communication between the OS and hardware devices.
• Firmware is permanently programmed into read-only memory.

Data Representation

• Computers use binary code to represent data
• A Bit, either 0 or 1, is the smallest data unit.
• A Byte is a group of 8 bits.
• Kilobyte (KB) equals 1,024 bytes.
• Megabyte (MB) equals 1,024 kilobytes.
• Gigabyte (GB) equals 1,024 megabytes.
• Terabyte (TB) equals 1,024 gigabytes.

Computer Types

• Desktop Computers are stationary, designed for desk use.
• Laptop Computers are portable with a built-in screen and keyboard.
• Tablet Computers are portable with a touchscreen interface.
• Smartphones are mobile phones offering advanced computing.
• Servers are powerful computers providing services over a network.
• Mainframes are massive, powerful computers for large-scale data processing.
• Supercomputers are exceptionally powerful for complex calculations.

Operating Systems

• Windows, by Microsoft, is widely used on personal computers.
• macOS, by Apple, is used on Macintosh computers.
• Linux is an open-source OS used on servers and embedded systems.
• iOS is Apple's mobile OS for iPhones and iPads.
• Android is Google's mobile OS for smartphones and tablets.

Computer Networks

• Computer networks involve interconnected computers for communication.
• Local Area Network (LAN) connects computers in a limited area.
• Wide Area Network (WAN) connects computers over a large area.
• The Internet is a global network of networks.
• A Router forwards data packets between networks.
• A Switch connects devices within a network.
• An IP Address uniquely identifies a device on a network.
• A Protocol sets rules for device communication.

Computer Security

• Computer security protects systems and data from theft, damage, and unauthorized access.
• Malware includes malicious software like viruses, worms, and trojans.
• A Firewall controls network traffic as a security system.
• Antivirus Software detects and removes malware.
• Encryption converts data into a secure format.
• Authentication verifies a user's identity.
• Authorization determines a user's permitted actions.
• Phishing attempts to gain sensitive information through deception.

Programming Languages

• Programming languages write instructions for computers.
• High-Level Languages (Python, Java, C++) are abstract and user-friendly.
• Low-Level Languages (Assembly Language) are closer to machine code.
• A Compiler translates high-level code into machine code.
• An Interpreter directly executes high-level code.
• Syntax is the structural rules of a programming language.
• Semantics refers to the meaning of the code.

Databases

• A database is an organized collection of data.
• Relational Databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL) organize data into tables.
• NoSQL Databases (MongoDB) handle unstructured data in a non-relational format.
• SQL is a language for managing and querying relational databases.
• Database Management System (DBMS) is software for managing databases.

The Internet

• A global network of interconnected computer networks.
• The World Wide Web (WWW) is a system of interconnected hypertext documents.
• A Web Browser (Chrome, Firefox) accesses the World Wide Web.
• Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is an address identifying resources on the Internet.
• Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) transfers data over the Web.
• Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names into IP addresses.

Cloud Computing

• Cloud computing delivers computing services over the Internet.
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offers virtualized computing resources (e.g., AWS EC2).
• Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides a platform for app development and deployment (e.g., AWS Elastic Beanstalk).
• Software as a Service (SaaS) enables access to software applications over the Internet (e.g., Google Apps).

Artificial Intelligence

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence in machines.
• Machine Learning (ML) uses algorithms enabling computers to learn from data.
• Deep Learning utilizes neural networks with many layers, as a subset of machine learning.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) allows computers to understand human language.
• Computer Vision enables computers to interpret images.
• Neural Networks are computing systems inspired by biological neural networks.

Future Trends

• Quantum Computing uses quantum mechanics for complex problems.
• Blockchain provides decentralized, distributed ledger technology.
• Internet of Things (IoT) connects everyday devices to the Internet.
• Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital information onto the real world.
• Virtual Reality (VR) creates immersive, simulated environments.

Explore the essential hardware components of a computer system. Learn about the functions of the CPU, RAM, HDD/SSD, motherboard, and GPU. Understand the roles of input and output devices in computer operations.