Computer Hardware Fundamentals

• Computer Hardware Fundamentals aims to teach an introduction to computer systems.
• The lesson will cover hardware, software, components of a computer system, networks, and the World Wide Web (WWW).
• By the end of the lesson, students should understand computer systems, differentiate hardware from software, identify the main components of a computer system, understand computer networks, and learn the significance of the WWW.

Introduction to Computer Systems

• A computer system is an electronic device that processes data and performs tasks according to software instructions.
• A computer system consists of physical components (hardware) and programs (software).
• "Computer system" collectively refers to all parts of a computer and the devices plugged into it.
• Smartphones, laptops, and tablets are examples of computer systems used daily for accessing information, communicating, and performing tasks.

Hardware and Software

• Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer system, such as the monitor, CPU, and keyboard.
• Software involves a set of instructions that tell the computer what to do.
• Examples of software include Microsoft Word, Google Chrome, and games.
• The physical elements of a computer or electronic system are the hardware.
• Software is a collection of instructions that tells the computer how to perform a task.
• Hardware has four main categories: input devices, output devices, secondary storage devices, and internal components.
• Software is mainly divided into system software and application software.
• Hardware is tangible where as software is intangible.
• Hardware is developed using electronic and other materials.
• Software is created by writing instructions using a programming language.
• Damaged hardware can be replaced with a new component, and damaged software can be reinstalled using a backup copy.
• A computer starts functioning once the hardware is loaded into the system, where as software should be installed into the computer to function.
• Hardware has been like the body of a car (engine, tires, seats), and software is like the driver that controls it.

Components of a Computer System

• The main components are input devices, output devices, the Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, and the motherboard.
• Input Devices are for entering data (e.g., keyboard, mouse).
• Output Devices display results (e.g., monitor, printer).
• Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer.
• Memory provides temporary (RAM) and permanent (SSDs, HDDs) data storage.
• The Motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all components.
• When a document is typed (input), the CPU processes the text, stores it in memory, and displays it on the monitor (output).

Networks

• A network is a group of computers connected to share resources and information.
• There are two main types of networks: Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN).
• A LAN is a small area network, such as in a school or office.
• A WAN covers a large area, like the Internet.
• A school computer lab is an example of a LAN.
• Accessing Google is through a WAN.

World Wide Web (WWW)

• The World Wide Web (WWW) is a collection of information accessed via the Internet.
• The Internet is a global network of interconnected computers and devices which communicate using standardized protocols (like TCP/IP).
• The Internet includes services such as email, file sharing, online gaming, and voice/video calls.
• The Internet acts as the infrastructure or medium that enables data exchange and communication worldwide.
• The Internet has been viewed as the roads and highways connecting cities.
• The World Wide Web (WWW) is a service operating on the Internet containing web pages linked by hyperlinks and accessed through browsers.
• The World Wide Web is related to websites, web pages, and multimedia content, identified by URLs and built with web technologies (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
• The World Wide Web provides access to online information via hyperlinked documents.
• The World Wide Web is the shops, houses, and landmarks on the roads of the Internet.
• The Internet connects devices where as the WWW offers information and services.
• Browsers are software used to access the Web (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
• A URL is the address of a website (e.g., www.example.com).
• Search Engines enable you to find information online (e.g., Google, Bing).
• When searching the Internet for a recipe, you are using the WWW through a browser like Chrome.