Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system. It can be divided into internal hardware (components inside the computer) and external hardware (peripheral devices connected to the computer).
Examples of Internal Hardware:
Motherboard: The main circuit board that connects all internal components.
CPU (Central Processing Unit): The "brain" of the computer that processes instructions.
RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary memory used to store data while the computer is running.
Hard Drive (HDD/SSD): Storage device for saving data permanently.
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Handles graphics rendering for displays.
Power Supply Unit (PSU): Supplies power to the computer.
Examples of External Hardware:
Monitor: Displays output from the computer.
Keyboard: Input device for typing.
Mouse: Input device for navigating the screen.
Printer: Output device for printing documents.
External Hard Drive: Portable storage device.
USB Flash Drive: Portable storage for transferring files.
Software refers to the programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do. It is divided into Application Software and System Software.
Application Software:
These are programs designed to help users perform specific tasks.
Examples:
Microsoft Word: For creating documents.
Google Chrome: A web browser for browsing the internet.
Photoshop: For editing images.
Zoom: For video conferencing.
Games: Like Minecraft or Fortnite.
System Software:
These are programs that manage and control the hardware so that application software can run.
Examples:
Operating System (OS): Like Windows, macOS, or Linux. It manages hardware and software resources.
Device Drivers: Software that allows the OS to communicate with hardware (e.g., printer drivers).
Utility Software: Tools that help maintain the computer (e.g., antivirus software, disk cleanup tools).
Compiler: Translates high-level programming code (e.g., Python, C++) into machine code that the computer can execute.
Linker: Combines multiple object files (created by a compiler) into a single executable program.
Internal Hardware: Components inside the computer (e.g., CPU, RAM, Motherboard).
External Hardware: Peripheral devices connected to the computer (e.g., Keyboard, Monitor, Printer).
Application Software: Programs for specific tasks (e.g., Word, Chrome, Photoshop).
System Software: Programs that manage hardware and software (e.g., Windows OS, Device Drivers).