UNIT 2 : The Computer System

Distinguish between hardware and software

 Hardware 

As a physical components of computer. This physical components are tangible which can be touch.

Example, scanner, power supply unit, hard disk, CD rom drive, monitor, keyboard, speakers and printer.

Can be categorized into 4 category

        i.        Inputs

       ii.        Processor

      iii.        Outputs

       iv.        Storages

Example: 
a) Input devices – any hardware device that sends data to a computer, allowing you to interact with and control the computer.

b) Processor – Alternately referred to as a processor, central         processor, or microprocessor, the CPU is the Central Unit of the computer. A CPU handles all instructions it receives from hardware and software running on the computer.

c) Output devices – An output devices is any peripheral that  receives data from a computer, usually for display, projection, or physical reproduction.

d) Storage devices – A storage devices is any hardware capable of     holding information either temporarily or permanently.

Cable and Connectors

        i.         HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)

       ii.         RJ45

      iii.         USB (Universal Serial Bus)

 Software 

Programs and operating information used by by a computer Machine-readable instructions, executable/binary form Non-tangible

Can be grouped into two:

        i.         Operating systems

       ii.         Applications

An operating system or OS is a software that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer software. Without a compter operating system, a computer and software programs would be useless.

Application.

   a)    Enable the user to perform productivity tasks such as creating          documents, surfing the internet, playing video and audio files,          manage databases etc.

   b)    Can only be installed after an OS is installed correctly.

   c)    Applications are OS-specific.

   d)    Come packaged with the OS, standalone, in suites and customised.

Application : Example

   a)    Microsoft office 365

   b)    VLC player

   c)    Mozilla Firefox

Software categories

a)  Free  –   permission for anyone to use/copy/distribute both binary and source code, either verbatim or with modifications (free here refers to “freedom”)

b)  Open source – similar to “free” but accept more restrictive    licenses,  for example, not for commercial uses, outside the  European Union, etc

c)   Public domain – non/no longer copyrighted, usually the binary is released in public domain but not the source code.

d)   Non Free     – use, redistribution or modification is prohibited, requires you to ask for permission.

e)   Proprietary – Similar to “Non Free” but you have to pay to get the permission.

f)   Freeware    – permits redistribution of the binary but not modification, and source code is not available.

g)  Shareware  – allows for redistribution, but anyone who continues to use a copy is required to pay a license fee.