Computer Hardware Basics

• Computer awareness encompasses understanding computer basics, hardware components, operating systems, software applications, internet usage, data security, and the impact of computers on society.

Basic Computer Hardware

• Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system.
• The central processing unit (CPU) is the primary component that executes instructions.
• CPU speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz), representing the number of instructions it can process per second.
• Random access memory (RAM) is the computer's short-term memory, used for temporarily storing data and instructions that the CPU is actively using.
• Read-only memory (ROM) stores firmware and critical system instructions that are retained when the computer is powered off.
• The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all computer components.
• Storage devices include hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs), which store data persistently.
• HDDs use magnetic platters to store data, while SSDs use flash memory for faster data access and greater durability.
• Input devices allow users to enter data into the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner).
• Output devices display or present data from the computer (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).
• Video cards (GPUs) process and output images to the monitor.
• Sound cards process audio signals for speakers and microphones.
• Network cards enable the computer to connect to a network.
• Power supplies provide electricity to all components.

Operating Systems

• An operating system (OS) manages computer hardware and software resources.
• The OS provides a platform for software applications to run.
• Popular desktop operating systems include Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Mobile operating systems include Android and iOS.
• The kernel is the core of the OS, responsible for managing the system's resources.
• Device drivers enable the OS to communicate with hardware devices.
• File systems organize and manage files and directories on storage devices.
• User interfaces (UIs) allow users to interact with the OS, including graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and command-line interfaces (CLIs).
• Multitasking allows the OS to run multiple programs simultaneously.
• Memory management involves allocating and deallocating memory to programs.
• Process management involves managing the execution of programs.
• Security features protect the system from unauthorized access and malware.

Software Applications

• Software applications are programs designed to perform specific tasks.
• Word processors (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs) are used for creating and editing documents.
• Spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets) are used for organizing and analyzing data.
• Presentation software (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides) is used for creating and delivering presentations.
• Database management systems (DBMS) (e.g., MySQL, Oracle) are used for storing and managing structured data.
• Web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari) are used for accessing the internet.
• Email clients (e.g., Outlook, Gmail) are used for sending and receiving emails.
• Graphics editors (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, GIMP) are used for creating and editing images.
• Video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie) is used for creating and editing videos.
• Integrated development environments (IDEs) (e.g., Visual Studio, Eclipse) provide tools for software development.
• Anti-virus software protects computers from malware.
• Software suites (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite) bundle multiple applications together.

Internet Safety

• Internet safety involves protecting oneself from online threats and risks.
• Malware includes viruses, worms, and Trojan horses that can harm or compromise computer systems.
• Phishing is a form of online fraud where attackers try to trick users into revealing personal information.
• Strong passwords should be used to protect online accounts.
• Firewalls can prevent unauthorized access to computer networks.
• Virtual private networks (VPNs) encrypt internet traffic to protect privacy.
• Secure websites use HTTPS encryption to protect data transmitted between the user and the website.
• Social engineering involves manipulating people into divulging confidential information.
• Regular software updates patch security vulnerabilities.
• Public Wi-Fi networks may not be secure and can expose data to interception.
• Online scams can involve fake products, services, or investment opportunities.
• Cyberbullying involves using electronic communication to harass or intimidate someone.
• Identity theft involves stealing someone's personal information to commit fraud.

Cloud Computing

• Cloud computing involves delivering computing services over the internet.
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides virtualized computing resources over the internet.
• Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides a platform for developing and deploying applications.
• Software as a Service (SaaS) provides software applications over the internet.
• Public clouds are owned and operated by third-party providers.
• Private clouds are owned and operated by an organization for its own use.
• Hybrid clouds combine public and private cloud resources.
• Cloud storage allows users to store data remotely on servers accessible over the internet.
• Cloud computing can offer scalability, flexibility, and cost savings.
• Cloud security involves protecting data and applications stored in the cloud.
• Virtualization is a key technology that enables cloud computing by creating virtual versions of hardware and software resources.