Computer Hardware Components

Study Notes

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

Description

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.