1. What is Hardware?
oHardware is a general term for the physical components that make up a computer
system. e.g.,
Keyboard
Mouse
Circuit Board
2. What is Software?
oIt is a general term for the programs that control the computer system
3. What are the types of software?
oTheres are two types of softwares:-
System software
Programs that allow the hardware to run properly. e.g., MS DOS,
Windows, etc
Application Software
Programs that allow the user to do specific task. e.g., Excel,
Powerpoint, etc
4. What are the main components of a computer system?
oCPU – The important part is CPU which interprets and executes the command
from the computer hardware and software.
oCPU is made of different components and numerous small ICs which were
combined together on one or more circuit boards.
oHowever, due to modern manufacturing techniques, the term microprocessor is
now used instead of CPU.
oThis is a single IC which is at the heart of most PCs and is also found in many
household (appliances) devices and equipment where some control or monitoring
is needed. E.g., Fridge, TV, Washing Machine, car, calculator, etc
oRAM – RAM is an internal chip where data is temporarily stored when running
apps. This memory can be written to and read from since its contents are lost
when power is switched off. It is also known as volatile or temporary memory.
oROM – ROM is a memory used to store information that needs to be permanent.
It is often used to contain, for example, configuration data for computer system.
These chips cannot be altered and only be read from.
oOne of the advantage is that the information stored on the ROM is not lost even
when power is switched off. They are also known as non-volatile memory or
permanent memory.
oBIOS ROM – This also contains some coding known as the boot file. This code
tells the computer what to do when it first starts up, it is often referred as BIOS
(Basic Input Output System). When the computer is turned on, the BIOS carries
out a hardware check to find out if all the devices are present and whether they are
functional then it loads OS in the RAM. The BIOS stores the date, time and
system configuration in a non volatile chip called CMOS (Complimentary Metal
Oxide Semiconductor) which is battery powered.
2. What is an OS?
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