Hardware, Software and Networking

Hardware, Software and Networking

1. BIOS(Basic Input Output System)

   • it contains the data and the programmes that tell the PC how to start up
   • it also loads the operating system and the other programmes from a storage device such as a hard disc
   • it allows you access to access information about the hardware on your system eg: how much RAM there is
   • You can change the order that things actually boot in eg: you can choose to boot the hardrive first

2. Components

   • ROM(Read Only Memory)
     • Stores the instructions that are used to boot up a computer
     • non-volatile
   • 2 types of cables
     • Data cable
       • Is used to transfer data to and from different components
     • Power cable
       • Used to connect components to the power supply
   • Hard Drive
     • Is the main storage device in your computer.
     • It stores all of your files, applications, software etc..
     • non-volatile

3. OS(Operating System)

   • Versions of Linux
     • OpenSUSE 13.2
     • Fedora
     • Debian
     • Linux mint
     • Korora
   • Other operating systems
     • Windows
     • OSX
     • Mac OS
     • Google Chromium OS
     • UNIX
   • an operating systems is a program that allows software to comuincate with the harware
   • What does an operating system do?
     • Sorting out where to store data on dissk drives
     • Deal with security
     • Organising files and folders
     • Managing data transfer from the CPU to the perpherals
   • An OS provides a user interface which allows the user to interact with the computer.
   • Multi-tasking
     • An operating system which allows you to run more than 1 program/application simultaneously. Eg: having Microsoft office open while listening to music.
   • Main functions
     • File management
     • Provides security
     • Peripheral Management
     • Memory Management
     • Multi-tasking
     • User interface between the user and hardware.
   • security
   • Single-user operating system
     • an OS with many user accounts all connected to

4. Utility Software

   • Firewall
     • it filters data coming through the internet to your computer
     • it compares data coming through the internet against a set of rules and blocks certain data that are from an unauthorised source
     • It's needed because it stops any attempts by intruders to get on your computer through the internet
   • Anti-virus
     • is a software that is used to detect and remove threats to the computer
   • Disk defragmenter
     • It is used to reorganise the hard drive by putting pieces of related data back together.
       • Then it stores the files next to each other.
     • free-up more disk space
   • Disk clean up software
     • It searches and deletes the files on your computer that are no longer needed
   • Automatic Updates
     • This uses a web browser to search for updates for software like your OS.
       • When an update is found it is automatically downloaded and installed in your PC.
   • It's all about optimising the performance and security
   • Spyware protection
     • Is used toscan your computer and check for programs designed to gather personal and financial information.
   • Disk formatting
     • creates drives by partitioning a disk into multiple drives
       • each partition has a different purpose