Types and components of computer software

Types and components of computer software

1. Hardware and software

   • Hardware
     • Consisting of physical components of a computer system
     • CPU (Central Processing Unit)
     • Motherboard
       • holds many of the crucial electronic components of the system
     • RAM (Random Access Memory
       • used to store programs and data that currently in use
       • volatile types of memory, where stored information is lost if the power is removed
     • ROM (Read Only Memory)
       • Non-volatile
       • BIOS (Basic Input-Output System)
       • Mainly used to distribute firmware.
     • Video Card
       • expansion card which generates a feed of output images to a display
     • Audio Card
       • expansion card which facilitates input and output of audio signals to and from a computer under control of computer programs.
     • Hard Disk Drive
       • Main storage device. Retains its data even when power is off
   • Software
     • programs for controlling the operation of a computer or processing of electronic data
     • Applications
       • set of one or more programs designed to carry out operations for a specific application
       • Word processing, spreadsheet and photo/video-editing software
     • System
       • designed to operate and control the computer hardware and to provide a platform for running application software
       • compilers, linkers, device drivers, operating systems and utilities

2. The main components of computer systems

   • CPU (Central Processing Unit)
     • carries out the instructions of a computer program
   • ROM VS RAM
     • Non-volatile VS Volatile
     • Read VS Read and Write
     • Permanent VS Temporary
   • Input Devices
     • Devices that pass data into the computer
   • Output Devices
     • Devices that take data from the computer
   • Secondary/Backing Storage
     • the name for all of the devices (apart from ROM and RAM) that can store data in a computer system

3. Operating systems

   • software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs
   • Command Line Interface (CLI)
     • Type the commands to carry out an operation
   • Graphical User Interface (GUI)
     • Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointer
   • CLI VS GUI
     • Difficult VS Easy
     • Expert VS Normal
     • Commands VS Icons
     • Direct com. VS Indirect com.

4. Types of computer

   • PC(Personal Computer)
   • Laptop
   • Tablet
   • Smartphone

5. Impact of imerging technologies

   • AI (Artificial Intelligence)
   • Biometrics
   • Vision enhancements
   • Robotics
   • Quantum Cryptography
   • Computer-assisted translation
   • 3D and holographic imaging
   • Virtual Reality