Understanding Computer Hardware & Software

• Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a computer such as the central processing unit (CPU), monitor, keyboard, mouse, and printer
• Computer software is a set of instructions or programs that tell the computer what to do; examples include operating systems and application software

Hardware Components

• The central processing unit (CPU) is the primary component of a computer that processes instructions
• The CPU interprets and executes instructions and performs calculations
• Random access memory (RAM) is a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly; any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes
• RAM is used to store data and instructions that the CPU is actively using
• Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of memory that stores critical programs such as the program that boots the computer
• ROM is non-volatile, meaning data is permanently stored and not lost when the power is turned off
• A hard disk drive (HDD) is a data storage device used for storing and retrieving digital information, using magnetic storage
• HDDs are non-volatile
• A solid-state drive (SSD) is a storage device that uses flash memory to store data
• SSDs are faster and more durable than HDDs
• Input devices allow users to enter data and commands into the computer
• Examples of input devices: keyboard, mouse, scanner, and microphone
• Output devices allow the computer to display or output data to the user
• Examples of output devices: monitor, printer, and speakers

Software Types

• Operating System (OS) software manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs
• Examples of operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
• Application software is designed to perform specific tasks for the user
• Examples of application software: word processors, web browsers, media players, and games

Computer Types

• A desktop computer is a personal computer designed for regular use at a single location
• A laptop computer is a portable personal computer with a screen and keyboard; a laptop is smaller than a desktop
• A tablet is a portable computer with a touchscreen interface, larger than a smartphone but smaller than a laptop
• A smartphone is a mobile phone with advanced computing capabilities and connectivity
• A server is a computer or system that provides resources, data, services, or programs to other computers, known as clients, over a network

Starting and Shutting Down a Computer

• The boot process begins when the computer is turned on and loads the operating system into memory
• A warm boot restarts the operating system without turning off the power
• A cold boot starts the computer from a powered-down state
• Properly shutting down the computer prevents data loss and system errors
• Steps to shut down: saving all work, closing all open applications, and using the shutdown command in the operating system

Using the Operating System

• The desktop is the primary user interface of an operating system
• Icons are small images that represent programs, files, or folders
• A window is a rectangular area on the screen where an application runs
• A menu is a list of commands or options available to the user
• Common operating system tasks: launching applications, managing files and folders, configuring system settings

File Management

• Files are used to store data and information on a computer
• Folders are used to organize and group files
• File extensions indicate the file type, such as .docx for Microsoft Word documents, .xlsx for Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, and .jpg or .png for image files
• Common file operations: creating, opening, saving, copying, moving, renaming, and deleting files and folders
• File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) are used to navigate and manage files and folders

Computer Maintenance

• Regularly updating the operating system and applications ensures security and optimal performance
• Virus scans should be scheduled regularly to protect against malware
• Defragmenting the hard drive improves performance by reorganizing files
• Backing up data regularly prevents data loss in case of hardware failure or other issues
• Disk Cleanup can remove temporary files and free up space on the hard drive

Malware and Security

• Malware is software that is intended to damage or disable computers and computer systems
• Types of malware: viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, and adware
• A computer virus is a type of malware that replicates itself by attaching to other programs
• A computer worm is a standalone malware program that replicates itself to spread to other computers
• A Trojan horse is a type of malware that disguises itself as a legitimate program
• Spyware is malware that collects information about a person or organization without their knowledge
• Adware is software that displays unwanted advertisements on a computer
• Firewalls prevent unauthorized access to a computer or network
• Anti-virus software detects and removes malware
• Practicing safe browsing habits helps prevent malware infections
• Examples of safe browsing habits: avoiding suspicious links, downloading files from trusted sources, and keeping software up to date

Networks

• A computer network connects two or more computers to share resources
• A local area network (LAN) connects computers within a limited area, such as a home, school, or office
• A wide area network (WAN) connects computers over a large geographical area
• The Internet is a global network of computers
• A modem converts digital signals from a computer into analog signals for transmission over telephone lines
• A router forwards data packets between computer networks
• Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to a network without cables

Explore computer hardware components like CPU, RAM, and ROM, including their functions in processing instructions and storing data. Learn about software's role in instructing computer operations.