Computer Software Components

Computer Components

Software

• Operating System (OS): manages computer hardware and provides common services to computer programs
  • Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Application Software: performs specific tasks or functions
  • Examples: Microsoft Office, Google Chrome, Adobe Photoshop
• Programming Languages: used to write software
  • Examples: Python, Java, C++
• Malware: malicious software designed to harm or exploit a computer system
  • Examples: viruses, trojans, spyware

Hardware

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): executes instructions and performs calculations
  • Examples: Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen 5
• Memory (RAM): temporary storage for data and applications
  • Examples: 4GB, 8GB, 16GB
• Storage: permanent storage for data and applications
  • Examples: Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid-State Drive (SSD)
• Input/Output Devices: allow users to interact with the computer
  • Examples: keyboard, mouse, monitor

Networking

• Network: a group of interconnected devices that can communicate with each other
  • Examples: Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet
• Network Protocols: rules and standards that govern data communication
  • Examples: TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP
• Network Devices: devices that connect and manage network traffic
  • Examples: routers, switches, modems
• Network Topology: physical and logical arrangement of devices in a network
  • Examples: bus, star, ring, mesh

Computer Components

Software

• Operating System (OS) manages computer hardware and provides common services to computer programs, with examples being Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Application Software performs specific tasks or functions, such as Microsoft Office, Google Chrome, and Adobe Photoshop.
• Programming Languages are used to write software, including Python, Java, and C++.
• Malware is malicious software designed to harm or exploit a computer system, including viruses, trojans, and spyware.

Hardware

• Central Processing Unit (CPU) executes instructions and performs calculations, with examples being Intel Core i5 and AMD Ryzen 5.
• Memory (RAM) provides temporary storage for data and applications, with common sizes being 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB.
• Storage provides permanent storage for data and applications, with examples being Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and Solid-State Drive (SSD).
• Input/Output Devices allow users to interact with the computer, including keyboards, mice, and monitors.

Networking

• A Network is a group of interconnected devices that can communicate with each other, including Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and the Internet.
• Network Protocols are rules and standards that govern data communication, such as TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP.
• Network Devices connect and manage network traffic, including routers, switches, and modems.
• Network Topology refers to the physical and logical arrangement of devices in a network, with examples being bus, star, ring, and mesh topologies.

Software

Types of Software:

• System software manages computer hardware components and provides a platform for running application software.
• Examples of system software include operating systems, device drivers, and utilities.
• Application software performs specific tasks or functions for the user.
• Examples of application software include word processors, web browsers, and games.
• Programming languages are used to write software programs.
• Examples of programming languages include Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript.

Software Development:

• Programming paradigms are approaches to writing software.
• Object-oriented programming (OOP) organizes code using objects and classes.
• Procedural programming focuses on procedures and functions.
• Functional programming emphasizes pure functions and immutability.
• The software development life cycle includes five stages: analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance.
• Analysis involves defining requirements and specifications.
• Design involves creating a detailed design plan.
• Implementation involves writing the code.
• Testing involves verifying the software meets requirements.
• Maintenance involves updating and fixing the software.

Software Licensing:

• Proprietary software is owned by a company or individual, with restrictions on use and modification.
• Examples of proprietary software include Microsoft Windows and Adobe Photoshop.
• Open-source software is freely available, with source code that can be modified and distributed.
• Examples of open-source software include Linux and Apache.
• Free software is available at no cost, with or without source code.
• Examples of free software include Google Chrome and OpenOffice.

Software Security:

• Threats to software include malware, phishing, and SQL injection.
• Malware is malicious software, such as viruses and trojans.
• Phishing involves attempting to obtain sensitive information through deception.
• SQL injection involves injecting malicious code into databases.
• Security measures to protect software include encryption, firewalls, and access control.
• Encryption involves encrypting data to prevent unauthorized access.
• Firewalls block unauthorized access to a network.
• Access control limits access to authorized users.