Computer hardware word document

HARDWARE

4 major types of hardware:

-input= devices to get info in your computer like keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, camera, microphone

-output= hardware in the device for info out your computer like monitor, headphones, speaker, printer,

projector, fax,

-process= CPU ( Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory)

-storage= device to get info from your pc and out from your pc like a flash drive, hard drive, memory

card, floppy disk, cd, DVD, SD card, Vinyl, DVR, Blu-ray

ERGONOMIC= Something that was designed to fit in the human body

Pixel Resolution= amount of pixel per SQ. INCH

STORAGE=

8 bites= 1 bytes

1000B = 1 Kilobyte

1000KB = 1 Megabyte (million)

1000MG= 1 Gigabyte (billion)

1000GB= 1 Terabyte (Trillion)

1000TB= 1 Petabyte (quadrillion)

CDS= R AND RW, just one burned, must be reused to burn it again

FLASH DRIVE holds energy without being plugin (like a phone, memory card)

1. Introduction

Hardware
(computer), equipment involved in the function of a
computer. Computer hardware consists of the components that can be
physically handled. The function of these components is typically
divided into three main categories: input, output, and storage.
Components in these categories connect to microprocessors,
specifically, the computer’s central processing unit (CPU), the
electronic circuitry that provides the computational ability and
control of the computer, via wires or circuitry called a bus.

Software, on the other
hand, is the set of instructions a computer uses to manipulate data,
such as a word-processing program or a video game. These programs are
usually stored and transferred via the computer’s hardware to and
from the CPU. Software also governs how the hardware is utilized; for
example, how information is retrieved from a storage device. The
interaction between the input and output hardware is controlled by
software called the Basic Input Output System software (BIOS).

Although microprocessors
are still technically considered to be hardware, portions of their
function are also associated with computer software. Since
microprocessors have both hardware and software aspects they are
therefore often referred to as firmware.

2. Input hardware

Input hardware consists
of external devices—that is, components outside of the computer’s
CPU—that provide information and instructions to the computer. A
light pen is a stylus with a light-sensitive tip that is used to draw
directly on a computer’s video screen or to select information on
the screen by pressing a clip in the light pen or by pressing the
light pen against the surface of the screen. The pen contains light
sensors that identify which portion of the screen it is passed over.

A mouse is a pointing
device designed to be gripped by one hand. It has a detection device
(usually a ball, a light-emitting diode [LED], or a low-powered
laser) on the bottom that enables the user to control the motion of
an on-screen pointer, or cursor, by moving the mouse on a flat
surface. As the device moves across the surface, the cursor moves
across the screen. To select items or choose commands on the screen,
the user presses a button on the mouse. A joystick is a pointing
device composed of a lever that moves in multiple directions to
navigate a cursor or other graphical object on a computer screen.

A keyboard is a typewriter-like
device that allows the user to type in text and commands to the
computer. Some keyboards have special function keys or integrated
pointing devices, such as a trackball or touch-sensitive regions that
let the user’s finger motions move an on-screen cursor.

Touch-screen displays,
which are video displays with a special touch-sensitive surface, are
also becoming popular with personal electronic devices—examples
include the Apple iPhone and Nintendo DS video game system.
Touch-screen displays are also becoming common in everyday use.
Examples include ticket kiosks in airports and automated teller
machines (ATM).

An optical scanner uses
light-sensing equipment to convert images such as a picture or text
into electronic signals that can be manipulated by a computer. For
example, a photograph can be scanned into a computer and then
included in a text document created on that computer. The two most
common scanner types are the flatbed scanner, which is similar to an
office photocopier, and the handheld scanner, which is passed
manually across the image to be processed.

A microphone is a device
for converting sound into signals that can then be stored,
manipulated, and played back by the computer. A voice recognition
module is a device that converts spoken words into information that
the computer can recognize and process.

A modem, which stands
for modulator-demodulator,
is a device that connects a computer to a telephone line or cable
television network and allows information to be transmitted to or
received from another computer. Each computer that sends or receives
information must be connected to a modem. The digital signal sent
from one computer is converted by the modem into an analog signal,
which is then transmitted by telephone lines or television cables to
the receiving modem, which converts the signal back into a digital
signal that the receiving computer can understand.

A network interface card
(NIC) allows the computer to access a local area network (LAN)
through either a specialized cable similar to a telephone line or
through a wireless (Wi-Fi) connection. The vast majority of LANs
connect through the Ethernet standard, which was introduced in 1983.

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Computer Hardware

Computer Parts

Peripheral Devices

The computer hardware components are the physical parts of  the computer system .  The computer hardware includes the electronic , electrical  and mechanical components connected to the computer system .

The computer hardware components can be of two types . Some hardware components are placed inside the computer system case ( cabinet ) and the peripheral hardware devices are connected externally to the system.

In this article , you will learn the various computer hardware components , its functions and other important technical features which computer science students must know .

Computer Hardware Components

Table Of Contents

• 
  
  Introduction To Computer Hardware
• 
  
  What Is Computer System ?
• 
  
  What Is Computer Hardware ?
• 
  
  Types Of Hardware Components.

• 
  
  Internal Hardware Components.
• 
  
  External Hardware Components
• 
  
  Peripheral Devices.
• 
  
  Input And Output Devices.

What is Computer System ?

Before we start the discussion on various hardware components , let us first understand the computer system architecture.

A computer system is an electronic device . The computer system is made up of  both software and hardware components .  The software and hardware components are essential part of every computer system.

The software components provide the set of program instructions necessary to drive and control the computer system. The computer makes use of two types of software components .

The system software is a type of software used by the system itself to drive the various hardware components connected to the computer system.

For example, the operating system is a type of system software which works as an interface between the user and the hardware components.

Whereas, the application software is specially designed to provide a specific functionality to the computer user . For example we use different types of application software to write the documents , emails or play music and video player to watch any video files.

A computer system basically performs four types of basic operations . These four types of operations include input operations , storage operations , data processing and output operations.

The computer system performs these operations with the help of various software and the hardware components during the program execution.

A computer system operations can be functionally grouped into four basic units . These four include input unit , memory unit , central processing unit and the output unit .

It is important to understand in detail the functions , different types and technical features of various hardware components and how these components interact with other components in a computer system.

What Is Computer Hardware ?

The computer hardware a general term used to describe the various physical components that are part of  the computer system .  

The hardware component could be either an electronic , electrical  and mechanical component used in the  computer system.

The computer system is a digital machine which makes use of different types of electronic hardware components.

These electronic components include motherboard , hard disk  , microprocessor , RAM modules , graphics card and other such electronic components.

The computer system hardware also includes the electrical components such as power supply unit ( SMPS – Switch Mode Power Supply ) , heat sink for the processor , system ventilation and cooling fan and electrical cables used in the system.

The computer also needs some mechanical hardware components . These mechanical components include system case ( cabinet ) and different types of screws , clamps used to fix other devices.

What Is Computer Hardware ?

Types Of Computer Hardware

Based on the location of the computer hardware component , the hardware can either be connected internally or externally to the system. Two types of hardware components are internal and external components.

The components are said to be internal when they are installed inside the computer case. Whereas, it the hardware is connected externally then it is referred as external or peripheral device.

1. Internal Hardware Components.
2. External Hardware Components.

Internal Hardware Components

If the hardware component is placed and connected inside the computer system case ( cabinet ) then it is referred as system component or internal  system component .

The internal system hardware components include :

• 
  
  System Case ( Cabinet ).
• 
  
  Motherboard.
• 
  
  Microprocessor ( CPU ).
• 
  
  Processor Heat Sink.
• 
  
  Power Supply Unit ( SMPS ) .
• 
  
  RAM Modules.
• 
  
  System Ventilation Fan.

• 
  
  Graphics Card .
• 
  
  Sound Card.
• 
  
  Internal Hard Disk.
• 
  
  Solid State Drive ( SSD ).
• 
  
  CD DVD Drive.
• 
  
  Optical Drive.
• 
  
  Connection Cables ( Buses ).

Internal Computer Parts

Computer Motherboard

What Is Computer Hardware ?

Peripheral Devices

External Hardware Components

Whereas , some computer hardware components are connected externally to the system . Such externally connected components are also commonly referred to as the peripheral hardware devices.

These externally connected devices are very much part of the system and the system will flash an error during the booting if some of these devices are not connected .These devices are connected to the system externally with the help of various connection cables.

For example , the externally connected hardware includes :

• 
  
  Display Monitor.
• 
  
  Keyboard.
• 
  
  Mouse.
• 
  
  Printer.
• 
  
  Projector.
• 
  
  Mike.

• 
  
  Camera .
• 
  
  Scanner.
• 
  
  External Hard Disk.
• 
  
  Speakers.
• 
  
  Joystick.
• 
  
  Headphone.

Input And Output Devices

The input and output devices are an essential feature of every computer system . The system will perform the necessary checks at the time of booting to ensure some of the essential devices are connected to the system .

For example , the standard input device such as keyboard and output device computer display monitor connection is checked during the system booting process .

Input Devices

The input devices are used to accept user data in terms of text , numbers , images or any other digital input. The commonly used input devices include keyboard , mouse , scanner , camera and other such input devices.

Output Devices

The output devices are used by the system to provide and present the processed data to the user . The most commonly used output devices include the display monitor , printer , plotter and external storage devices.

What Is Computer Hardware ?

Computer Hardware Explained

Let us now understand each of these devices in terms of the functions and the technical features  in detail.  

Computer Case

What Is Computer Case ?

The computer case ( also referred as cabinet or chassis ) is the most prominent visible component of the system which provides a safe house to some of the most important internal system components .

The computer case is usually made up of metallic parts . The size of the computer case depends upon the system configuration and the budget.

The main function of the system case is to provide a protected enclosure to organize and assemble various internal components such as motherboard , microprocessor ( CPU ) , main memory RAM , SMPS power supply unit , hard disk and other system devices.

Types Of Computer Case

The computer cases are available in different shapes , size and other technical features depending upon the system requirements.

The computer case types and the its form factor include Super Tower case ( EL – ATX , Height – 27 to 29 inches )  , Full Tower case ( EATX , Height – 22 to 27 inches )  ,  Mid Tower case ( ATX , Height – 17 to 21 inches ) ,  Mini Tower case ( Micro -ATX , Height – 22 to 27 inches )  , Small Case ( Mini –ITX  , Height – 10 to 12 inches )  , HTPC Case ( Mini –ITX  , Height – 4 to 6 inches ).

 The computer case selection also depends upon the motherboard form factor and other system specifications .

Case Form Factor

What Is Computer Case Form Factor ?

In computer hardware industry the form factor for computer case indicates a standard size of the computer case that is compatible with specific type of motherboard. A motherboard is also categorized based on the form factor applicable for the motherboard size.   

Case Image	Case Name	Case Form Factor	Case Size
	Super Tower	XL — ATX	27 To 29 Inches
	Full Tower	E — ATX	22 To 27 Inches
	Mid Tower	ATX	17 To 21 Inches
	Mini Tower	Mini — ATX	14 To 16 Inches
	Small Case	Micro — ITX	10 To 12 Inches
	HTPC Case	Micro — ITX	4 To 6 Inches

What Is Computer Hardware ?

Computer Motherboard

The motherboard is the main printed circuit board ( PCB ) in a computer system . The motherboard works as a junction and connection board for some of the most important components used in a computer system.

The motherboard provides the connection sockets for the  microprocessor ( CPU ) , main memory RAM , secondary memory hard disk , graphics card and controller chips set which connects the various input and output devices to the system.

The motherboard selection depends upon the system specifications in terms of processor to be used , main memory RAM size required , expansion slots required and the intended purpose of the system .

READ MORE

What Is Motherboard ?

IMPORTANT

If you are building a PC , then always first select the processor brand ( Intel OR AMD ) and a specific processor which you intend to use and then select the  matching motherboard.

What Is Motherboard Form Factor ?

The motherboard is the main circuit board which connects all the system components together . The motherboard comes in different sizes as shape depending upon the requirements.

The motherboard form factor is referred to its size , shape , input & output panel and the mounting holes . The motherboard form factor is a uniform standard implemented by the motherboard manufacturing industry .

The motherboard form factor standards include AT ( discontinued ) ,  Extended ATX ( 12 X 12 inch size ) , ATX ( 12 X 9.6 inch size ) most common , Micro ATX ( 9.6 X 9.6 inch size )  , Mini ITX ( 6.7 X 6.7 inch size ).

Microprocessor

Central Processing Unit ( CPU )

The microprocessor is the brain of the computer and provides the real processing power to the system. It is also referred to as CPU ( Central Processing Unit )  or simply a processor .

The microprocessor chip is mounted inside a special socket provided on the motherboard . The  CPU socket can firmly hold the processor chip due its lever locking mechanism.

The CPU generates considerable heat and therefore , a special heatsink with miniature fan is placed on the top of the processor chip . This heatsink protects the processor chip from damage due to excessive heat.

The processor market is mainly controlled by two American companies that is Intel Corporation and  AMD . However , Intel is a clear market leader in the processor market .

 And therefore , the Intel processor needs compatible motherboard . Similarly , the AMD processor also needs a compatible motherboard to mount the AMD processor chip .

Processor Socket On the Motherboard

The processing power of the processor ( CPU ) is measured and expressed in terms of its speed to execute the program instructions.

The CPU is driven by a stream of clock pulses generated by the CPU clock . The frequency of the clock is called a clock rate, or the speed of the CPU.

The CPU speed is  measured in hertz ( Hz ). The modern processors speed is measured in Gigahertz ( GHz ) . One GHz is equal to 1,000,000,000 cycles per second.   

READ MORE

How CPU Works ?

What Is Computer Hardware ?

Power Supply Unit

Switch Mode Power Supply ( SMPS )

The power supply unit ( PSU ) is another important component mounted inside the computer cabinet ( Case ). The SMPS ( Switch Mode Power Supply ) is the most commonly used PSU .

The main function of the power supply unit ( PSU )  is to provide electrical power supply to the various components present inside the system cabinet such as motherboard , hard drive and other components as per their requirements.

The power supply requirement for the system depends upon the system configuration and the specifications in terms of  voltage and current requirements.

The system power supply requirements should be precisely calculated . The wrong calculation or under powered supply to the system can cause damage to some of the expensive components such as processor , motherboard or RAM modules.

The various system components have different power requirements and therefore, the SMPS provides multiple power supply wire connectors meant for different components.

Some reputed system cabinet brands provide inbuilt power supply unit and the system ventilation fan already pre installed.  

RAM Modules

Random Access Memory ( RAM )

The computer system memory unit consist of different types of memories organized in a hierarchical order with different size and speed. Each of these memory performs a specific role during the program execution.

The RAM ( Random Access Memory ) is the main memory ( primary memory ) and a critical resource  that is managed by the operating system.

The RAM is present in the system in the form of RAM modules mounted into RAM slots ( DIMM slots ) on the system motherboard. The RAM modules are also commonly  referred to as DIMM .

The standard size of the RAM ranges between 4 GB to 16 GB which also depends upon the type of the operating system . The 32 Bit operating system can support maximum 4 GB RAM whereas 64 Bit operating system can support any size of the RAM.

As the hardware technology evolved , the RAM technology also changed over a period . The RAM generation technology started from DDR1 and DDR4 is the latest standard .

The RAM modules to be used in the  system must be compatible with the motherboard type. The RAM slot compatibility is checked  in terms of voltage , number of pins and the frequency of the RAM module.

Each motherboard supports a specific type of the RAM which is generally mentioned on the RAM slots present on the motherboard.

READ MORE

What Is Computer Memory ?

What Is Computer Hardware ?

Graphics Card

Graphics Card And Sound Card

The microprocessor ( CPU ) in a computer system is responsible to perform all the calculations necessary to render a quality image or play a video clip . The CPU inside a general purpose computer can efficiently handle the routine tasks without any problem.

However , sometimes  the computer is used for some high end jobs such as video editing , computer graphics or simply for playing any high end video games .

For handling  a such heavy duty applications , the CPU performance needs to be augmented with the help of graphics card . The graphics card is equipped with a dedicated processor called GPU ( Graphics Processing Unit )  that can efficiently handle the graphics.

A graphics card is a separate processing unit ( GPU ) installed on the motherboard into the PCI expansion slots which significantly improves the user experience and the quality of the graphics rendered by the system.

NVIDIA , AMD and Intel are some of the leading brands for Graphics card.

What Is Computer Hardware ?

Sound Card

Similarly , sometimes  the computer is used for some high end jobs such as video editing with sound effects , sound recording studio quality audio or for playing any high end music.

For handling  such heavy duty audio applications , the CPU performance needs to be augmented with the help of additional sound card . The sound card is equipped with a dedicated processor that can efficiently handle all the audio processing jobs.

The sound card is separate unit installed on the motherboard into the PCI expansion slots which significantly improves the system performance to handle the sound processing work .

The sound card also works as an interface which provides some additional functionality to attach various DJ equipments and also the musical instruments to the computer system.

The sound card can either be attached internally or connected externally .

What Is Computer Hardware ?

Hard Disk Drive

The Hard Drive ( Disk Memory ) is the permanent memory ( secondary memory ) and it is managed by the operating system.

The hard disk is fixed into a specific slot bay present in the system cabinet which holds the hard drive with the help of screws .

The hard disk is connected to the system using SATA cable for data transfer and the power connection from SMPS. However , the external hard disk can be connected through any USB port .

 The hard disk runs on a mechanical parts which consist of number of rotating discs and mechanical head to read and write the data. This makes it prone for failure after prolonged usage.

This technology is being replaced by SSD ( Solid State Drive ) drives. However , SSD are very expensive at the moment and therefore , the hard disk are still being extensively used.

Depending upon the storage requirements for the system , number of  disk drives can be added to the system into the internal bays of the system cabinet.

The hard disk drives are available in different capacities and types suitable for different applications.

Toshiba , HP , Western Digital  ( WD ) , Seagate , Sony  and Samsung are some of the leading reputed hard disk brands available in the market.

What Is Computer Hardware ?

Solid State Drive ( SSD )

The solid state drive ( SSD ) is a high speed permanent memory ( secondary memory ) and it is managed by the operating system. The solid state drive disk SSD can be fixed into a computer case in number of ways .

However, the most common place for SSD is to use one of the  specific slot ( internal bays )  present in the system case . The SSD disk is fixed into the internal bays which holds the SSD drive with the help of screws .

The main advantage of the SSD drive is the long life since there are no moving mechanical parts inside the SSD . Further, it has vary high data access speed which can significantly improve the computer performance.

The solid state drive ( SSD ) disk is connected to the system using SATA cable for the data transfer. The power supply is provided to SSD using one of the connector  from PSU SMPS.

The solid state drive ( SSD ) can also be connected to the system externally  through any USB port .

The solid state drive ( SSD ) does not have any moving mechanical parts which makes it a much better option as compared to hard disk drive. The SSD is made up of memory chips which gives a very high speed data access.

The SSD ( Solid State Drive ) drives are now being used as an alternative to the hard disk drives. However , the SSD are relatively far more expensive at the moment as compared to the hard disk drives .

The solid state drive ( SSD ) disks are available in different storage capacities . Kingston , Sandisk , Toshiba , HP , Intel ,Western Digital  ( WD ) , Seagate  and Samsung are some of the leading reputed SSD disk brands available in the market.

IMPORTANT

If you are building a PC and planning to use SSD for secondary storage then it is important to use the correct type of the SATA cable to get the full advantage of high speed data access . The wrong selection of the SATA cable can affect the data access speed of the SSD.

What Is Computer Hardware ?

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Related Topics

What is Computer Hardware and Software:: Computer Hardware is defined as the physical part or component of a computer system which can be felt, seen, and touched.

The computer monitor which we use to view the display is a Hardware Device.

computer memory is used to store data or programs all the types of hardware used in computer systems for better functionality of computers.

Computer software can be defined as a set of instructions or collection of programs which are designed and developed to perform specific tasks. 

IT professionals develop customized programs that can be used in certain areas of our day-to-day life.

These types of software or programs are very helpful and can reduce human efforts immensely.

Different PC Software can be categorized in two main types 

1. System Software
2. Application Software

Computer software needs hardware to function properly.

For Example, Hard disk drive is a hardware device of a computer system that saves or stores information, programs, or data in high volumes but it cannot work in absence of software programs.

The software helps hardware to run and vice versa.

Another example is if you have installed a sound card on your computer system which is used for playing sound and videos, and also used for playing games, but you cannot hear any sound without proper driver installation which is software that activates the hardware to function properly.

Drivers are software program that comes with the hardware.

So we can say that to use the full features of hardware and software they are dependent on each other both play vital roles in each other functions.

They are independent devices and programs but rely heavily on each other

Hardware is an essential part of the computer system like CPU, RAM, Power supply, and Monitors.

We cannot start or use our computer if any part of the devices is missing but speakers, printers, or even mouse are some of the hardware when found missing does not affect the boot process of the computer, these devices are used for additional functions of the computer.

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Types of Hardware Components Used in Computer & Their Differences

As we have discussed above hardware are physical devices that can be touched.

Different and common types of hardware devices and their uses are mentioned below for a better understanding

• Cabinet Case
• Motherboard
• Ram
• Hard Disk
• CPU
• SMPS (Switching Mode Power Supply)
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Monitors
• Printers
• Speaker etc.

These are the most used and common hardware devices here mentioned some of the devices are used for better functionality or used for additional features. Like speakers and Printers.

They are not used in the boot process of the PC as when found missing PC cannot start or boot on its own. They are not responsible for booting computers.

But some of the devices mentioned above are responsible for the booting process of a PC, for example, power supply, CPU, and Computer Memory [RAM] are essential hardware devices.

They are solely responsible for the booting of a PC and their better computer functionality.

#1. Cabinet Case.

Cabinet case comes in various shapes and sizes but the commonly used case is a tower case whose height ranges from 15 to 25 inches.

They enable different types of hardware devices to fit in themselves to make it a whole and all the devices are connected to the case using screws.

The Commonly attached hardware devices to the PC case are a Power supply, Motherboard CPU, RAM, Hard disk, DVD-RW, etc.

#2. Motherboard.

The Computer Motherboard or mainboard is nothing but a piece of PCB (printed circuit board) where all the other devices are connected to it using cables & wires.

Motherboard generally distributes all the voltages and power received from SMPS or power supply to other parts of the hardware devices attached to the PC.

#3. RAM [Random Access Memory].

RAM [Random Access Memory] is an essential part of the computer system which is used for storing data or programs temporarily.

It is a volatile memory that tends to lose data when power is missing from a power supply.

When RAM is found missing motherboard gives a sound, and no display is found on monitors.

#4. Hard Disk Drive.

Computer Hard disk drives are used to store data permanently.

It is a type of non-volatile memory that does not lose data or programs when there is no power.

Nowadays huge volumes of data can be stored on a hard disk.

Which are also called secondary storage hardware devices.

The hard disk capacity is measured in MB-MEGABYTES, GB-GIGABYTES & TB-TERABYTES.

#5. CPU [Central Processing Unit].

CPU stands for Central Processing Unit which is responsible for almost all the operations the computer system performs.

CPU performs Arithmetical and logical operation which includes addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication, and logical operations including comparison, and less and greater values.

Every input which is sent by input devices is first collected in primary memory and later transferred to the CPU for further processing.

#6. SMPS (Power Supply).

SMPS is known as Switching Mode Power Supply. 

Which is responsible to give power to the motherboard later this power is distributed among the other hardware devices for better functionality.

mainly three types of power supply are used in modern day PC.

1. AT (Advance Technology)
2. AT-X (Advanced Technology-Extended)
3. AT-XT(Advanced technology with Extended Technology)

#7. Keyboard.

The keyboard is an input device that is primarily used for entering text as input to the CPU.

#8. Mouse.

The mouse is a Pointing device that is used for selecting, pointing, and dragging icons, files, and folders from one location to another in hard drives.

#9. Monitors.

Monitors are display units or commonly called VDU which stands for [visual display unit] they are used to display information received from computers on their screen.

They are also called SOFTCOPY Terminals.

#10. Printers.

Printers are hardware component of the computer which is often used for producing outputs on paper as a HARDCOPY.

#11. Speaker.

Speakers are used to output digital signals. You can use a speaker for hearing sound, videos, and playing games.

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Different Types of Computer Software and Their Uses

Computer software is a set of instruction or programs which are used for a specific or special task assign to them. 

You cannot touch or feel the software as they are just a set of instructions which is written by SW programmers for an application.

The user will need both hardware and software for a computer system to work properly. Hardware reads software.

Most of the software on our computer system is in the form of programs.

The software can be categorized in two types

• System Software
• Application Software
• Utility Software

System Software.

The system software is any software that controls the hardware so that any application software can run and can be executed to perform various tasks mentioned by programmers.

System software runs and executes programs, they also monitor various other components of a computer system like CPU, primary and secondary storage, and other peripheral devices of the PC.

They communicate and control peripherals devices like printers, scanners, webcam, sound cards, etc.

The primary examples of system software’s are operating system such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac, Unix, etc. 

where the operating system acts as the interface between the user and computers and language processors are those which convert programming languages i.e.

Assembly language and High-level languages to machine language which is a language that is understood by computers.

 Compilers & Interpreters are examples of language processors.

Application Software.

The Application Software’s designed and developed for performing particular tasks. This software directly interacts between the computer system and users.

Application software is the software used in general-purpose computers.

Applications software are programs installed on computers, laptops, or mobile phones and are incorporated with system software.

Application and system software are two categories of computer software used to perform different tasks and jobs on a computer.

Application software like [Word Processing, Spreadsheet] cannot be installed if software like [ Operating system] is not on the system.

This application software is designed and developed by software developers and engineers to derive specific results.

The companies that release their applications can be free or paid, depending entirely on the company.

Word processing software like MS Word is usually used for text documents, and multimedia software is used for playing songs and videos.

For creating and maintaining presentations, PowerPoint is extensively used widely.

Utility Software.

Utility Software’s are group or collection of programs or tools that are extensively used and utilized for managing a computer’s resources and organizing computer files, folders, and internal memory structure.

This software can improve system performance or scan and repair corrupted file systems.

Utility software can be categorized by function: data management, productivity, and collaboration.

Utility software is a vital part of any computer system.

The utility software provides fantastic features that help perform different tasks such as file management, data backup and recovery, virus protection etc.

Utility software is free and sometimes paid. They are designed and developed so that they can be compatible with Windows, Linux, Android, IOS, and Mac.

Types of Application Software

1. Word Processing Software.
2. Accounting Software.
3. Database Software.
4. Accounting Software.
5. Designing Software.
6. Educational | Learning Software.
7. Multimedia Software.

Characteristics of Application Software

1. They are designed and developed for particular tasks and operations.
2. They are simple to use and operate [User-Friendly].
3. Application software helps the user complete tasks faster than manual work.
4. They can be installed on various platforms like windows, Mac, Linux, Etc.
5. They are lightly weighted compared to system software like an operating system.

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9 Differences Between Computer Hardware and Software

#	Hardware	Software
1	Computer hardware is manufactured.	Computer software is designed and developed by software engineers.
2	Hardware is physical quantities that can be touched.	The software can be used and utilized but can not be touched.
3	Physical damage occurs to computer hardware devices.	Software is not corrupted or damaged due to physical damage.
4	Computer viruses do not harm hardware devices.	The software can be corrupted by virus infection.
5	The hardware is the physical part of your computer	The software is everything that runs on top of the hardware
6	Computer hardware devices know Machine language or Binary Language	The software can be designed and developed using various languages like C, C++, PHP, Python, etc.
7	If hardware devices are damaged it is changed or replaced.	If the software is corrupted it is reinstalled with a fresh copy.
8	Outdated software needs to be replaced with a new one.	Outdated software can be updated online as well as offline.
9	Ex: Mouse, Keyboard, Monitor, CPU, Motherboard, Hard Disk Drives, etc.	Ex: MS Office, Tally, Photoshop, PageMaker, CorelDraw, etc.

Useful Video On : Computer Hardware & Software

Different Types of System Software & Their Uses

1. Translators
2. Device Drivers
3. Utility Programs
4. Operating System

#1. Translators.

These are those programs that translate codes that are written in high-level or Assembly language into Machine language or that language that is easily understood by the computer.

#2. Device Drivers.

These programs are used to help better the functionality of hardware devices. Such as mouse, sound cards, and keyboards.

#3. Utility Programs.

Format, Defragmentation, cleaning of hard disk space & installing and removing application programs from the computer.

These utility programs help the user to better communicate and interact with software and hardware.

#4. Operating System.

This acts as the primary interface between a user and computer hardware.

It presents the user with a GUI stands for Graphical User Interface where the user can directly communicate or interact with hardware and software used in computer systems.

The system software manages and controls hardware and user inputs.

They are also used in providing an interface for the development of the application SW.

Application Software of Computer

Application Software is a program that is designed and developed for specific purposes and for a special task that is directly used by the users.

In other words, it can be described as an interface between the user and system software, which helps the user to perform a given specific task.

Common Application software is a word processor and spreadsheets.

For Example:: Paint & Windows Media Player.

User Written or Customized Software.

They are designed and developed as well as customized as per the requirements of the clients.

Software Developer who uses a high-level language such as Visual Basic (VB) for the Front End and SQL(Structural Query Language) server for the development of the application software which fulfills the needs of their clients.

They are developed to perform a special and specific task as the user needs. The developer or the programmer has the privilege to change or update or add or delete the source code of the software at any time when found necessary.

They may be used in Railway Reservation, Payroll, Calculating Salaries of Employees in Huge Organizations, Creating Application for online Examination, Graphics and Animation.

10 Software and Hardware Examples

#	Software	Hardware
1	Operating System	CPU [Central Processing Unit]
2	Devices Drives	Motherboard
3	Compilers and Interpreters	RAM [Random Access Memory]
4	MS-Office	Hard Disk Drives
5	Photoshop	Keyboard
6	PageMaker	Mouse
7	CorelDraw	Printers
8	VLC Player	DVD-RW
9	Web Browser	SMPS [ Switching Mode Power Supply ]
10	AutoCAD	Joystick, Camera.

Software Parts of Computer

1. System Software
2. Application Software
3. Utility Software

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs] on Computer Hardware and Software

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1. Mouse

2. Keyboard

3. Monitor

4. Motherboard

5. CPU ( Central Processing Unit )

6. RAM Memory

7. ROM Memory

8. Hard Disk Drive

9. Optical Drive

11. Power Supply