8/2/2019 Short Notes on Software and Hardware
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Short Notes on Software and Hardware
Software:
Are the set of instructions or more generally a collection of
computer programs which tell the hardware how towork and perform
different tasks on a computer system. At the lowest level software
is in a form of an assemblylanguage, a set of instructions in a
machine-understandable form. At the highest level, software is in a
form of
high-level languages, which are compiled or interpreted into
machine language code. They can be furtherenumerated by the type of
work done by programs. The three basic types are:
Operating system (System Software): It controls the working of a
computer system and performs essentialtasks like Disk maintenance
and managing screen etc.
Programming Software: These are basically tools use to create,
debug, maintain, or otherwise support otherprograms and
applications.
Application Software: It performs productive tasks for user such
as word processing and databasemanagement etc.Apart from these
three basic types of software, there are some other well-known
forms of computer software are
Inventory Management Software: This type of software helps an
organization in tracking its goods and
materials on the basis of quality as well as quantity.
Utility Software: Also known as service routine, utility
software helps in the management of computer hardwareand
application software. It performs a small range of tasks. Disk
defragmenters, systems utilities and virusscanners are some of the
typical examples of utility software.
Data Backup and Recovery Software: Ideal data backup and
recovery software provides functionalities beyondsimple copying of
data files. This software often supports user needs of specifying
what is to be backed up andwhen. Backup and recovery software
preserve the original organization of files and allow an easy
retrieval of thebacked up data.Generally, most of the software on
computer comes in the form of programs. A program consists of
instructionsthat tell the computer what to do, how to behave.
Hardware:Hardware is the equipments involved in the function of
a computer. Computer hardware consists of thecomponents that can
physically handle. The function s in these categories of these
components is typicallydivided into three main categories; input,
output and storage. Components in these categories connect to
central
processing unit (CPU), the electronic circuitry that provides
the computational ability and control of the computer,via wires or
circuitry called a bus. The main difference between software and
hardware can be assumed of their
physical appearance as hardware are tangible whereas software
are intangible.
Input and Output Devices:Input devices are the hardware that are
used for providing information to the computer like mouse and
keyboardand output devices are the hardware that are used for
receiving information from computer like monitor, printeror the
sound system.
Storage Devices:
Storage capacity is the total amount of information a computer's
memory or disk can hold at any one time. Apersonal computer system
has three basic types of memory storage devices: RAM (random access
memory),disks, and magnetic tape. Capacity can be upgraded, or
increased, as the user's needs grow.
CPU:
is an electronic circuit that executes computer programs. It is
responsible for carrying out arithmetic and logicfunctions as well
as executing instructions to other components. The components of a
CPU work together, anddepending on how they are made, determine
exactly how fast these operations can be carried out along with
howcomplex the operations can be.
Computer Peripherals:
Any device that is attached to the computer is considered a
peripheral. Examples include the printer, monitor,
