FILAMER CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

College of Computer Studies

CC1
Introduction to
Computing
 MODULE 1:

Core Concepts of Hardware

and Software
Overview:

This module introduces the core concepts of hardware and

software, focusing on their definitions, functions, and
interactions. It provides foundational knowledge necessary
for understanding how these components work together to
perform computing tasks. The module will cover key
hardware components, software types, and their roles in
computer systems, enabling learners to grasp how
hardware and software support and enhance computing
capabilities.
 Objectives
Explain what hardware and software are and their roles in a
computer system.
Describe the main hardware components, including the CPU,
memory, storage devices, and peripherals.
Distinguish between system software and software
application
Explain how hardware and software work together to
perform computing tasks.
Discuss how effective integration of hardware and software
improves system performance and user experience.
Lesson 1: Hardware and Software

What is a Hardware?

Computer hardware is a collective term used to describe any of

the physical components of an analog or digital computer. The
term hardware distinguishes the tangible aspects of a
computing device from software, which consists of written,
machine-readable instructions or programs that tell physical
components what to do and when to execute the instructions.
What is a Software?

Software is a collection of data, programs, procedures,

instructions, and documentation that perform various
predefined tasks on a computer system. It enables users to
interact with the computer.

The software in a computer system is any program, script, or

application running on it. It includes libraries, programs, and
corresponding non-executable data, such as digital media and
online documentation.
Two Types of Software:

1.System Software

It aids a user and the hardware to function and interact with

each other. Basically, it is software to manage computer
hardware behavior to provide basic functionalities to users.

Simply put, the system software is an intermediator or a middle

layer between the user and the hardware. It sanctions a
platform or environment for the other software to work in. This
is the reason why it is very important in managing the entire
computer system.
When you first turn on the computer, it is the system software
that gets initialized and loaded into the memory of the system.
It runs in the background and is not used by the end users.
Hence, this type of software is also known as ‘low-level
software’.

Some examples of operating systems are:

·Android
·CentOS
·iOS
·Linux
·Mac OS
·MS Windows
·Ubuntu
2. Application Software, also known as end-user programs or
productivity programs, help the user in completing tasks such
as doing online research, jotting down notes, setting the alarm,
designing graphics, keeping an account log, doing calculations,
or even playing games. They lie above the system software.

Some examples of application software:

·Microsoft Word - A word processing program used for
creating and editing documents.
·Microsoft Excel - A spreadsheet application for data analysis,
charting, and calculations.
·Adobe Photoshop - A graphic design and photo editing
software.
Two Types of Software:

1.System Software

It aids a user and the hardware to function and interact with

each other. Basically, it is software to manage computer
hardware behavior to provide basic functionalities to users.

Simply put, the system software is an intermediator or a middle

layer between the user and the hardware. It sanctions a
platform or environment for the other software to work in. This
is the reason why it is very important in managing the entire
computer system.
Computer hardware and software need each other, and neither
of them can work independently. The amalgamation of the
hardware and the software gives control and flexibility to
modern-day computing systems. Without them, computers would
be of no use.

For instance, without your web browser's help, you cannot surf
the Internet. Similarly, no application can run on your computer
without an operating system.

Today, we carry out various day-to-day activities using different

types of software, such as a payment app, Google Maps, an
instant communication app, online food ordering app, online
shopping, etc.
Interaction Between Hardware and Software:

1. How Software Controls Hardware:

Software and hardware work together to perform various
computing tasks, and their interaction is crucial for the
functioning of a computer system. Here’s how software controls
hardware:

Instructions Execution: The operating system (OS) and

application software send instructions to hardware
components to execute specific tasks. For example, when a
user opens a document in a word processor, the software
sends commands to the CPU to load the document from
storage into memory, where it can be edited.
Device Drivers: Software drivers act as intermediaries
between the operating system and hardware
components. They translate the software’s high-level
commands into specific instructions that the hardware
can understand. For example, a printer driver converts
print commands from a word processing application into
the appropriate signals for the printer to produce a
physical copy.
Resource Management: The operating system manages
hardware resources such as CPU time, memory
allocation, and storage space. It schedules tasks,
handles interruptions, and ensures that different
applications can share resources without conflicts. For
instance, when multiple applications are running
simultaneously, the OS allocates CPU time to each
application, allowing them to operate efficiently.
2. Software-Hardware Compatibility:

For optimal performance, hardware and software must be

compatible and properly integrated. Compatibility ensures
that:
Functionality: Software applications are designed to take
full advantage of hardware capabilities. For example,
graphic-intensive applications such as video games or 3D
modeling software are optimized to work with high-
performance graphics cards, enabling enhanced visual
quality and performance.
Stability: Compatible software and hardware reduce the risk
of system crashes, errors, or malfunctions. When software
is designed to work with specific hardware configurations, it
minimizes the chances of compatibility issues that could
lead to instability or system failures.

Performance Optimization: Hardware components are

often designed with specific software requirements in mind.
For example, modern processors come with features that
improve performance for certain types of applications, such
as virtualization or multimedia processing. Software that is
aware of these features can leverage them to improve
overall system performance.
3. Impact on User Experience:

The interaction between hardware and software significantly

affects the user experience:

Responsiveness: Effective interaction ensures that user

inputs are processed quickly and accurately. For
example, a well-integrated touchscreen and operating
system will respond immediately to touch gestures,
providing a smooth and responsive user experience.
Efficiency: Good interaction between hardware and
software leads to efficient execution of tasks. For
instance, when using a video editing application, the
integration of software with hardware components like the
CPU and GPU allows for fast rendering and processing of
video files.

User Feedback: Software often provides feedback to

users based on hardware interactions. For example,
software might display a progress bar while a file is being
saved to a hard drive, giving users visual feedback on the
status of their task.
Importance of Integration

1. System Performance:
Effective integration of hardware and software is crucial for
enhancing overall system performance. When hardware
components and software applications work together
seamlessly, several benefits are realized:

Efficiency: Proper integration ensures that hardware

resources (such as the CPU, memory, and storage) are
utilized effectively by the software. This prevents
bottlenecks where certain hardware components may be
underutilized or overburdened, leading to improved
performance and efficiency.
Speed: When hardware and software are well-integrated,
data processing and task execution occur more rapidly. For
example, an optimized operating system can efficiently
manage hardware resources, leading to faster application
load times and quicker response to user inputs.

Functionality: Integration enables hardware and software to

support a broader range of functions and features. For
instance, advanced graphics cards and drivers allow
software applications to deliver high-quality visuals and
complex graphics processing, enhancing the functionality of
applications such as video editing software or games.
2. User Experience:
The integration of hardware and software also significantly
impacts the user experience, which can be a critical factor in
user satisfaction and productivity:

Seamlessness: Well-integrated systems provide a smooth

and uninterrupted experience. Users can interact with
applications and devices without encountering compatibility
issues, crashes, or delays. For example, a smartphone
where the operating system and hardware are designed to
work together seamlessly ensures a smooth experience
when running apps or accessing features.
Intuitiveness: Integration allows for a more intuitive user
interface and interaction design. For example, touchscreens
integrated with responsive software ensure that touch
gestures are recognized accurately, making it easier for
users to navigate and interact with their devices.

Productivity: When hardware and software are effectively

integrated, users can perform tasks more efficiently. For
example, in a well-integrated office suite, users can
seamlessly switch between word processing,
spreadsheets, and presentations, which improves workflow
and productivity.
Satisfaction: A well-integrated system reduces frustration
and increases user satisfaction. Users are less likely to
experience technical issues or usability problems, leading
to a more enjoyable and productive experience.