Computer Hardware Components

Study Notes

CPU (Central Processing Unit): executes instructions and performs calculations
Motherboard: main circuit board connecting all hardware components
RAM (Random Access Memory): temporary storage for data and programs
Storage Devices: hold data and programs (e.g., hard drives, solid-state drives)
Power Supply: provides power to all components
Input/Output Devices: interact with users (e.g., keyboard, mouse, monitor)

System Software: manages computer hardware and provides platform for running applications
- Operating System (OS)
- Device drivers
- Utilities
Application Software: performs specific tasks or functions
- Productivity software (e.g., Microsoft Office)
- Graphics and design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop)
- Games

Input Devices: allow users to enter data or commands
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Scanner
- Microphone
Output Devices: display or produce output
- Monitor
- Printer
- Speakers
- Plotter

RAM (Random Access Memory): temporary storage for data and programs
- Volatile (loses data when power is turned off)
- Fast access times
ROM (Read-Only Memory): permanent storage for data and programs
- Non-volatile (retains data when power is turned off)
- Slow access times

Base 2: uses only two digits (0 and 1)
Bit: single binary digit (0 or 1)
Byte: group of 8 bits
Binary Representation: represents numbers, characters, and instructions using binary code
Advantages:
- Simple to implement and understand
- Fast and efficient processing
- Universal language for computers

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) executes instructions and performs calculations in a computer system.
The Motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all hardware components together.
Random Access Memory (RAM) provides temporary storage for data and programs, and data is lost when the power is turned off.
Storage Devices, such as hard drives and solid-state drives, hold data and programs for long-term storage.
The Power Supply provides power to all components of a computer system.
Input/Output Devices, such as keyboards, mice, and monitors, interact with users and provide input/output functionality.

System Software manages computer hardware and provides a platform for running applications.
The Operating System (OS) manages hardware resources and provides a platform for running applications.
Device drivers control hardware devices and allow the OS to interact with them.
Utilities perform maintenance and management tasks on a computer system.

Application Software performs specific tasks or functions.
Productivity software, such as Microsoft Office, provides tools for creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Graphics and design software, such as Adobe Photoshop, provides tools for creating and editing images.
Games provide entertainment and leisure activities.

Keyboards allow users to enter text and commands into a computer system.
Mice and other pointing devices allow users to interact with graphical user interfaces.
Scanners and cameras capture images and video for use in computer systems.
Microphones capture audio input for use in computer systems.

RAM (Random Access Memory) provides temporary storage for data and programs, and data is lost when the power is turned off.
ROM (Read-Only Memory) provides permanent storage for data and programs, and data is retained when the power is turned off.
RAM has faster access times than ROM, but ROM is non-volatile.

The Binary Number System uses a base 2 system, with only two digits (0 and 1).
A bit is a single binary digit (0 or 1).
A byte is a group of 8 bits.
The Binary Number System represents numbers, characters, and instructions using binary code.
The advantages of the Binary Number System include simplicity, speed, and universality across computer systems.