Computer Hardware Basics

Hardware

• Physical components of a computer system
• Examples:
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  • Memory (RAM)
  • Storage devices (hard drive, solid state drive)
  • Input/Output devices (keyboard, mouse, monitor)
  • Peripherals (printer, scanner, speakers)

Types of Hardware

• Input Devices:
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • Scanner
  • Webcam
• Processing Devices:
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  • Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
• Storage Devices:
  • Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
  • Solid State Drive (SSD)
  • Flash Drive
• Output Devices:
  • Monitor
  • Printer
  • Speakers
• Networking Devices:
  • Router
  • Switch
  • Modem

Software

• Intangible programs and operating systems that run on hardware
• Examples:
  • Operating Systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  • Productivity Software (Microsoft Office, Google Docs)
  • Browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox)
  • Games

Types of Software

• System Software:
  • Operating Systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  • Device drivers
  • Firmware
• Application Software:
  • Productivity Software (Microsoft Office, Google Docs)
  • Browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox)
  • Games
• Programming Languages:
  • Python
  • Java
  • C++
  • JavaScript

Hardware Components

• Physical parts of a computer system, including:
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU) - executes instructions
  • Memory (RAM) - temporary storage for data
  • Storage devices - hold data long-term (hard drive, solid state drive)
  • Input/Output devices - interact with users (keyboard, mouse, monitor)
  • Peripherals - additional devices that enhance functionality (printer, scanner, speakers)

Hardware Categories

• Input Devices: allow users to interact with the computer
  • Keyboard - for text input
  • Mouse - for navigation
  • Scanner - for digitizing documents
  • Webcam - for video conferencing
• Processing Devices: handle computations and graphics
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU) - executes instructions
  • Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) - handles graphics processing
• Storage Devices: store data long-term
  • Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - uses spinning disks and magnetic heads
  • Solid State Drive (SSD) - uses flash memory
  • Flash Drive - portable storage
• Output Devices: display or produce output
  • Monitor - display visuals
  • Printer - print documents and images
  • Speakers - produce sound
• Networking Devices: connect computers and devices
  • Router - directs traffic between networks
  • Switch - connects multiple devices
  • Modem - connects to the internet

Software Overview

• Intangible programs and operating systems that run on hardware
• Examples:
  • Operating Systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) - manage hardware and software
  • Productivity Software (Microsoft Office, Google Docs) - create documents and spreadsheets
  • Browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox) - access the internet
  • Games - entertainment software

Software Categories

• System Software: manage computer hardware and resources
  • Operating Systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  • Device drivers - control hardware components
  • Firmware - software embedded in hardware
• Application Software: perform specific tasks
  • Productivity Software (Microsoft Office, Google Docs)
  • Browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox)
  • Games
• Programming Languages: used to develop software
  • Python - widely used for various applications
  • Java - used for Android app development
  • C++ - used for game development
  • JavaScript - used for web development

Test your knowledge of the physical components of a computer system, including input devices, processing devices, and storage devices.