BA183.1

• Computer hardware serves as the backbone of the computer system, handling main tasks involved in computing and executing commands
• Internal hardware components are all mounted onto a main circuit board known as the motherboard
• CPU, or Processor, is the brain of the computer, responding to all commands given and transforming input data into usable output information
• Storage Unit is responsible for storing data and instructions that the CPU needs to access quickly during processing
• Control Unit interprets program instructions stored in memory, coordinates their execution, and generates control signals to manage the operation of other components within the CPU and the entire computer system
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is a component of the CPU where mathematical calculations, comparisons, and logical operations take place
• Memory (RAM) is the computer's working area, made up of silicon chips where software instructions and data are stored
• Hard Disk Drive (HDD) functions like a filing cabinet, permanently storing all data/files and operating systems running when the computer is turned on
• Solid State Drive (SSD) performs like a Hard Disk but is extremely fast and expensive, used in smaller laptops/notebook computers
• CD/DVD/Blu-ray Drive allows playing CDs, watching DVDs or BluRay movies that come on a disk
• Graphic Card/Video Card processes video, graphic, and visual effects seen on the monitor, with the Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) as part of the graphics card performing the actual processing of graphics and images
• Sound Card (Audio Card) facilitates the input and output of audio signals to and from a computer, providing audio for multimedia applications through a speaker or sound system
• Power Supply Unit converts mains AC to low-voltage regulated DC power for the internal components of a computer
• Memory Cards, USB Flash Drives, External Hard Disks, Floppy Drives, NAS Drives, and Personal Cloud are additional hardware components used for storage and data backup
• Peripheral Connectors like USB, Ethernet, Firewire, Thunderbolt, eSATA, DVI, HDMI, VGA, Audio Port, Keyboard Port, and Mouse Port are used to connect peripherals to a computer
• Input Devices take in instructions and data from external sources, while Output Devices display or produce the output of the computer system after processing data
• Single-Board Computers are compact devices integrating essential components onto a single circuit board, offering a cost-effective and versatile solution for various computing tasks
• Types of Single-Board Computers include Intel, Raspberry Pi, and Arduino, each with specific features and applications
• Computer software is a collection of instructions, data, or computer programs used to run machines and carry out specific activities
• Types of software:

  • System Software:
  • Directly operates the computer hardware
  • Provides basic functionality to users and other software
  • Controls and enhances the processing capabilities of the computer
  • Includes operating systems, utilities, device drivers, language processors, and firmware software
  • Application Software:
  • Performs special functions or provides functions beyond basic computer operation
  • Includes programs like computer games, spreadsheets, word processors, databases, and internet browsers
• Types of software:

  • System Software:
  • Directly operates the computer hardware
  • Provides basic functionality to users and other software
  • Controls and enhances the processing capabilities of the computer
  • Includes operating systems, utilities, device drivers, language processors, and firmware software
  • Application Software:
  • Performs special functions or provides functions beyond basic computer operation
  • Includes programs like computer games, spreadsheets, word processors, databases, and internet browsers
• System software types:

  • Operating system: main program managing computer software and hardware resources
  • Utilities: help, analyze, configure, optimize, or maintain a computer
  • Device drivers: communication device between device and computer
  • Language Processor: converts human-readable language into machine language
  • Firmware Software: manages and controls activities of individual devices
• Application software types:

  • General Purposive Software: used for a variety of tasks
  • Customized Software: designed to perform specific tasks or functions for a specific organization
• Types of Application Software Based on Accessibility and Shareability:

  • Freeware Software: accessible without spending money, source code cannot be altered
  • Shareware Software: offered as a free trial, users must pay if satisfied
  • Open-Source Software: available for free with source code modification capabilities
  • Closed Source Software: paid software with ownership rights to the source code
• Operating systems manage all hardware and software resources in a computer system, controlling every file, device, section of main memory, and processing time
• Essential Subsystem Managers in an operating system:

  • Main Memory Management
  • Processor Management
  • Device Management
  • File Management
  • Network Management
  • User Interface
• Common Operating Systems in Organizations:

  • Windows OS
  • Linux
  • MacOS
  • Chrome OS
  • Android
  • Unix