Understanding Computer Hardware

• A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information or data
• It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data
• Computers can be used to type documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web

Hardware components

• Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer that executes instructions
• It performs arithmetic, logical, and control operations
• Random Access Memory (RAM) is a volatile memory that stores data and instructions that the CPU is actively using
• Its contents are lost when the power is turned off
• Read-Only Memory (ROM) is a non-volatile memory that stores instructions that are essential for the computer to start up
• Its contents are not lost when the power is turned off
• Storage devices store data and instructions permanently
• Examples include Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid State Drives (SSDs)
• Input devices allow the user to enter data and instructions into the computer
• Examples include keyboards, mice, and scanners
• Output devices allow the computer to display data to the user
• Examples include monitors, printers, and speakers

Software components

• Operating System (OS) is a software that manages computer hardware and software resources
• It provides a platform for applications to run on
• Examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Application software are programs that allow users to perform specific tasks
• Examples include word processors, web browsers, and games
• Drivers are software that allow the operating system to communicate with hardware devices

Types of computers

• Desktop computers are designed to be used at a single location
• Laptop computers are portable computers that can be carried around
• Tablet computers are mobile computers with a touchscreen display
• Smartphones are mobile phones with computer-like functionality
• Servers are powerful computers that provide services to other computers on a network

Computer networks

• A computer network is a group of computers that are connected together to share resources
• Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects computers in a small area, such as an office or home
• Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that connects computers over a large area, such as a city or country
• The Internet is a global network of computers that are connected together

Computer security

• Computer security is the process of protecting computer systems and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction
• Firewalls are hardware or software that block unauthorized access to a computer system
• Antivirus software is software that detects and removes viruses and other malware
• Passwords are used to protect user accounts from unauthorized access
• Encryption is used to protect data from being read by unauthorized users

Microsoft

• Microsoft is a technology company that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services
• Founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975
• Headquartered in Redmond, Washington
• Microsoft is best known for its Windows operating system, Microsoft Office suite, and Internet Explorer web browser
• Microsoft also produces a range of hardware products, including the Xbox game console, the Surface tablet, and the Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality headset

Microsoft Windows

• Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems developed by Microsoft
• The first version of Windows was released in 1985
• The latest version of Windows is Windows 11
• Windows is the most popular operating system in the world
• Windows is used on a wide range of devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones

Microsoft Office

• Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity applications developed by Microsoft
• The first version of Office was released in 1989
• The latest version of Office is Microsoft 365
• Office includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Office is used by businesses and individuals around the world

Microsoft Azure

• Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing service created by Microsoft for building, testing, deploying, and managing applications and services through Microsoft-managed data centers
• It provides a wide range of cloud services, including computing, storage, networking, and analytics
• Azure is used by businesses of all sizes to run their applications and services in the cloud

Microsoft .NET

• Microsoft .NET is a software development framework developed by Microsoft
• It provides a platform for building a wide range of applications, including web applications, desktop applications, and mobile applications
• .NET is used by developers around the world to build high-quality software

Microsoft Visual Studio

• Microsoft Visual Studio is an integrated development environment (IDE) developed by Microsoft
• It provides a comprehensive set of tools for developing software, including a code editor, a debugger, and a compiler
• Visual Studio is used by developers around the world to build high-quality software

Microsoft SQL Server

• Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft
• It is used to store and manage data for a wide range of applications
• SQL Server is used by businesses of all sizes to manage their data

Microsoft Dynamics 365

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a line of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) applications developed by Microsoft
• It provides a comprehensive set of tools for managing all aspects of a business, including finance, operations, sales, and marketing
• Dynamics 365 is used by businesses of all sizes to improve their efficiency and productivity

Microsoft Xbox

• Microsoft Xbox is a video game console developed by Microsoft
• The first Xbox was released in 2001
• The latest Xbox is the Xbox Series X and Series S
• Xbox is one of the most popular video game consoles in the world

Microsoft Surface

• Microsoft Surface is a line of tablet computers and 2-in-1 PCs developed by Microsoft
• The first Surface was released in 2012
• Surface devices are designed to be both portable and productive

Microsoft HoloLens

• Microsoft HoloLens is a mixed reality headset developed by Microsoft
• It allows users to interact with digital content in the real world
• HoloLens is used in a variety of industries, including gaming, education, and healthcare