Computer Hardware Components

Hardware

• Physical components of a computer system:
  • Input devices: keyboard, mouse, scanner, camera
  • Processing devices: CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
  • Storage devices: hard drive, solid state drive, flash drive
  • Output devices: monitor, printer, speaker
  • Networking devices: router, modem, network card
• Types of hardware:
  • Peripheral devices: devices connected to the computer but not essential for its operation
  • External devices: devices outside the computer case, e.g., keyboard, mouse
  • Internal devices: devices inside the computer case, e.g., CPU, RAM

Software

• Programs and operating systems that run on computer hardware:
  • System software: operating system, device drivers, utilities
  • Application software: productivity software, games, multimedia applications
  • Programming languages: Java, Python, C++, etc.
• Types of software:
  • Open-source software: freely available and modifiable source code
  • Proprietary software: owned and controlled by a single entity
  • Freeware: free to use, but may have limitations or restrictions
  • Shareware: free to try, but must be purchased for full use

Interaction between Hardware and Software

• Hardware provides the physical platform for software to run on
• Software instructs the hardware on what to do and how to do it
• The operating system acts as an intermediary between hardware and software, managing resources and allocating tasks
• Hardware and software must be compatible for a system to function properly

Hardware

• Physical components of a computer system include:
  • Input devices: keyboard, mouse, scanner, camera
  • Processing devices: CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
  • Storage devices: hard drive, solid state drive, flash drive
  • Output devices: monitor, printer, speaker
  • Networking devices: router, modem, network card
• Peripheral devices are devices connected to the computer but not essential for its operation
• External devices are devices outside the computer case, e.g., keyboard, mouse
• Internal devices are devices inside the computer case, e.g., CPU, RAM

Software

• Programs and operating systems that run on computer hardware include:
  • System software: operating system, device drivers, utilities
  • Application software: productivity software, games, multimedia applications
  • Programming languages: Java, Python, C++, etc.
• Open-source software has freely available and modifiable source code
• Proprietary software is owned and controlled by a single entity
• Freeware is free to use, but may have limitations or restrictions
• Shareware is free to try, but must be purchased for full use

Interaction between Hardware and Software

• Hardware provides the physical platform for software to run on
• Software instructs the hardware on what to do and how to do it
• The operating system acts as an intermediary between hardware and software, managing resources and allocating tasks
• Hardware and software must be compatible for a system to function properly

Identify the physical components of a computer system, including input, processing, storage, and output devices. Learn about peripheral and external devices, and understand their roles in a computer setup.