Computer Hardware Components

Hardware Components

• 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)

Software Classification

• 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/Output Devices

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

Primary Memory

• 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

Binary Number System

• 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

Hardware Components

• 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.

Software Classification

System Software

• 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

• 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.

Input/Output Devices

Input Devices

• 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.

Output Devices

• Monitors display graphical output from a computer system.
• Printers produce physical output from a computer system.
• Speakers and headphones produce audio output from a computer system.
• Plotters produce printed output for use in computer-aided design (CAD) systems.

Primary Memory

• 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.

Binary Number System

• 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.