Hardware vs Software Whats the difference Software in

Hardware vs Software What’s the difference?

Software in Plain English

Hardware in Plain English

Hardware Terminology, Types of Computers & Parts of a Computer

Computer Software Operating Software Application Software

Basic Terminology ● Computer ● A device that accepts input, processes data, stores data, and produces output, all according to a series of stored instructions. ● ● ● Hardware ● Includes the electronic and mechanical devices, peripheral devices, and any physical equipment in a computer. This includes anything you can see or touch. ● Software ● A set of electronic instuctions that tells the computer how to perform particular tasks. Network ● Two or more computers and other devices that are connected, for the purpose of sharing data and programs. Peripheral devices ● Any Hardware attached to a computer.

Basic Terminology ● ● ● Input ● Whatever is entered into a computer system. ● Refers to the symbols that represent facts, objects, or ideas. Data Information ● ● Output ● Consists of the data processed results produced by a computer. ● Manipulation of the data in many ways. Processing Memory ● ● The results of the computer storing data as bits and bytes; the words, numbers, sounds, and graphics. Area of the computer that temporarily holds data waiting to be processed, stored, or output. Storage ● Area of the computer that holds data on a permanent basis when it is not immediately needed for processing.

Types of Computers

Microcomputer ● ● A personal computer; designed to meet the computer needs of an individual. Provides access to a wide variety of computing applications, such as word processing, photo editing, e-mail, and internet.

Desktop Microcomputer ● ● ● A microcomputer that fits on a desk and runs on power from an electrical wall outlet. The system unit can be housed in either a vertical or a horizontal case. Has separate components (keyboard, mouse, etc. ) that are each plugged into the computer.

Laptop Computer ● ● A portable, compact computer that can run on an electrical wall outlet or a battery unit. All components (keyboard, mouse, etc. ) are in one compact unit. Usually more expensive than a comparable desktop. Sometimes called a Notebook.

Workstation ● ● ● Powerful desktop computer designed for specialized tasks. Can tackle tasks that require a lot of processing speed. Can also be an ordinary personal computer attached to a LAN (local area network).

Supercomputer ● It is a high performance computing machine designed to have extremely fast processing speeds. ● Supercomputers have various applications such as performing complex scientific calculations, modeling simulations, and rendering large amounts of 3 D graphics. ● Can tackle tasks that would not be practical for other computers. Typical uses are breaking codes and Modeling weather systems.

Mainframe ● ● ● Large expensive computer capable of simultaneously processing data for hundreds or thousands of users. Used to store, manage, and process large amounts of data that need to be reliable, secure, and centralized. Usually housed in a closet sized cabinet.

Server ● ● Purpose is to “serve. ” A computer that has the purpose of supplying its users with data; usually through the use of a LAN (local area network).

Handhelds ● Cell Phones ● Tablet Notebooks ● Kindle Fire ● Ipad ● Ereaders (Nooks, Kindles) ● Can be synchronized with a personal microcomputer as a backup.

Parts of a Computer

System unit ● Case that holds the power supply, storage devices, and the circuit boards (including the motherboard).

CPU (Central Processing Unit) ● Where the processing in a computer takes place, often called the brain of the computer.

Input Devices ● Units that gather information and transform that information it into a series of electronic signals for the computer.

Keyboard ● An arrangement of letters, numbers, and special function keys that act as the primary input device to the computer.

Mouse ● An input device that allows the user to manipulate objects on the screen by moving the device along the surface of a desk. ● They can we wired or wireless.

Sound Card ● A circuit board that gives the computer the ability to accept audio input, play sound files, and produce audio output through speakers or headphones.

Output Devices ● Devices that display, print, or transmit the results of processing from the computer’s memory.

Monitor ● Display device that forms an image by converting electrical signals from the computer into points of colored light on the screen. ● Resolution The density of the grid used to display or print text and graphics; the greater the horizontal and vertical density, the higher the resolution or picture quality. Pixels The smallest unit in a graphic image; computer display devices use a matrix of pixels to display text and graphics. ● ● ●

Printer ● Output device that produces text or graphical images on paper. Paper copy is referred to as a hard copy.

Speakers ● Output devices that receive signals from the computer’s sound card to play music, narration, or sound effects.

Storage Devices ● ● Used to keep data when the power to the computer is turned off. Different forms ● Hard Drive Disk ● Flash drive ● CD ● Solid State Drive ● Cloud

Modem ● A modem is a communications device that allows one computer to connect another computer and transfer data over telephone lines. ● It can be either internal or external to your computer. ● The word modem is actually short for Modulator/Demodulator.

Computer Performance

Boot Process • Sequence of events that occurs between the time you turn on a computer and the time that it becomes ready to accept commands. ● Purposes • Runs a diagnostic test to make sure everything is working. • Loading the operating system, so the computer can carry out basic operations.

6 events of the boot process: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Power up Start boot program Power-on self-test Identify peripheral devices Load operating system Check configuration and customization

Circuits • • The path from one component of a computer to another that data uses to travel. Circuits run between ● ● RAM and the microprocessor RAM and various storage devices

Silicon Chip • • Silicon is melted sand. What the circuits are embedded into to keep them together.

Megahertz (m. Hz) • • • A measurement used to describe the speed of the system clock. A megahertz is equal to one million cycles (or pulses) per second. 1. 3 GHz means that the microprocessor’s clock operates at a speed of 1. 3 BILLION cycles per second.

RAM vs. ROM • RAM ● ● • “Random Access Memory” Very volatile • Cannot hold data when the power is off. • Looses all data when power is lost. ● The ability of a storage device to go directly to a specific storage location without having to search sequentially from a beginning location. ROM ● ● ● “Read only memory” This is permanent memory built into the computer and it cannot be changed. One or more integrated circuits that contain permanent instructions that the computer uses during the boot process.

Binary Number System • A method for representing letters or numbers using only two digits, 0 and 1. ● Bit – smallest unit to process • Each 0 or 1 ● Byte • 8 bits • Also referred to as Base 2 Binary Code.

Memory Measurements • Bit ● • Byte ● • ● ● Approximately 1 billion bytes Terabyte ● • Approximately 1 million bytes Exactly 1, 048, 576 bytes Gigabyte ● • Approximately 1, 000 bytes Exactly 1, 024 bytes Megabyte ● • 8 bits Kilobyte ● • Each 0 or 1 Approximately 1 trillion bytes or 1024 gigabytes Petabyte ● 1024 Terabytes