COMPUTER

HARDWARE AND
SOFTWARE
HARDWARE encompasses physical computer
parts that you can see and touch

SOFTWARE is a collection of programming code

installed on your computer's hard drive.
 EXTERNAL HARDWARE
 External
hardware devices (peripherals) – any
hardware device that is located outside the
computer.
 Inputdevice – a piece of hardware device which
is used to enter information to a computer for
processing.
 Examples: keyboard, mouse, trackpad (or
touchpad), touchscreen, joystick, microphone,
light pen, webcam, speech input, etc.
 Output device – a piece of hardware device that
receives information from a computer.
 Examples: monitor, printer, scanner, speaker,
display screen (tablet, smartphone …), projector,
head phone, etc.
 INTERNAL HARDWARE

 Internal hardware devices (or internal

hardware components) – any piece of
hardware device that is located inside the
computer.
 Examples: CPU, hard disk drive, ROM,
RAM, etc.
 COMPUTER SOFTWARE
 Software – a set of instructions or programs
that tells a computer what to do or how to
perform a specific task (computer software
runs on hardware)
 APPLICATION SOFTWARE
 Application software – a computer
program that provides users with tools to
accomplish a specific task.
 Examples of application software: word
processing, spreadsheets, presentation,
database management, Internet browsers,
email programs, media players, accounting,
pronunciation, translation, desktop
publishing, enterprise, etc.
 1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

 The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is often referred

to as the brain of the computer. It is responsible for
executing instructions from programs and performing
calculations. The CPU interprets data from input
devices, processes it, and then sends it to output
devices. Modern CPUs have multiple cores, which
allow them to perform several tasks simultaneously,
increasing efficiency and speed.
2. Motherboard
 The motherboard is the main circuit board that
connects all the components of a computer.
 It provides the electrical connections through which
the other parts of the system communicate.
 The motherboard houses the CPU, memory, and
provides slots for other components like the
graphics card, storage devices, and peripheral
connections.
 It also contains the BIOS/UEFI firmware, which
helps boot up the computer.
3. Random Access Memory (RAM)

 Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of volatile

memory that stores data temporarily while a computer
is running.
 It allows the CPU to access data quickly, speeding up
processing times.
 More RAM enables a computer to handle more tasks at
once and run more complex applications without
slowing down.
 However, the data in RAM is lost when the computer is
turned off.
 4. Storage Device (HDD/SSD)
 Storage devices are where data is permanently stored.
 The two main types are Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and
Solid-State Drives (SSDs). HDDs use spinning disks to
read/write data, offering large storage capacities at a
lower cost.
 SSDs, on the other hand, use flash memory, which is
faster and more reliable but often more expensive.
 SSDs have become more popular due to their speed
advantages, significantly reducing boot times and
improving overall system performance.
 5. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
 The Power Supply Unit (PSU) converts electrical
power from an outlet into a usable form for the
computer.
 Itprovides the necessary voltage and current to
each component, ensuring they function correctly.
 The PSU also plays a critical role in protecting the
computer from power surges by regulating the
electricity that flows into the system.
 6. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
 The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) handles the
rendering of images, video, and animations.
 While CPUs can manage basic graphical tasks,
GPUs are specialized for processing complex
visual data, making them essential for gaming,
video editing, and other graphics-intensive
applications.
 GPUs come as integrated components on the
motherboard (integrated graphics) or as dedicated
cards (discrete graphics) with their own memory.
 7. Cooling Systems (Fans, Heat
Sinks, and Liquid Cooling)
 Cooling systems are crucial for maintaining optimal
temperatures inside the computer.
 CPUs and GPUs generate significant heat, especially
under heavy workloads.
 Fans and heat sinks are the most common cooling
methods, where fans draw cool air into the case and
expel hot air, while heat sinks dissipate heat away from
the processor.
 High-performance systems may use liquid cooling,
which circulates coolant through tubes to absorb and
release heat more efficiently.
 8. Expansion Cards
 Expansion cards are additional circuit boards that
can be inserted into the motherboard’s expansion
slots to add extra functionality to a computer.
 Common types of expansion cards include
network cards, additional USB ports, and RAID
controllers for multiple hard drives.
 These cards are useful for customizing a
computer’s capabilities, allowing users to enhance
specific features without replacing the entire
motherboard.
 9. Network Interface Card (NIC)
 The Network Interface Card (NIC) enables the
computer to connect to a network, whether it’s a
local network (LAN) or the internet.
 NICs can be wired, using Ethernet cables, or
wireless, using Wi-Fi.
 The NIC is responsible for sending and receiving
data over the network, allowing the computer to
communicate with other devices and access the
internet.
10. Sound Card
A sound card is a type of expansion card
specifically designed to handle audio processing.
 While modern motherboards often come with built-
in audio capabilities, dedicated sound cards can
offer superior sound quality, with better fidelity,
surround sound capabilities, and advanced audio
effects.
 Sound cards are especially popular among
audiophiles, gamers, and professionals working in
audio production, as they provide a more immersive
audio experience.
 11. Case (Chassis)
 The case, or chassis, houses all the computer
components.
 Itprotects the internal parts from dust, debris, and
physical damage.
 Cases come in various sizes, such as full tower,
mid-tower, and small form factor, depending on the
needs of the user.
 The case also plays a role in airflow management,
which is critical for maintaining the system’s
temperature.
12. Input Devices (Keyboard,
Mouse, etc.)

 Input
devices allow users to interact with the
computer.
 The keyboard and mouse are the most common
input devices, used to enter data and navigate
the system.
 Other input devices include microphones,
scanners, and webcams. These devices convert
physical actions or data into a digital format that
the computer can process.
 13. Output Devices (Monitor,
Printer, etc.)
 Output devices display or produce the results of the
computer’s processing.
 The monitor is the primary output device, displaying
the user interface, applications, and multimedia
content.
 Printers, speakers, and projectors are other
examples of output devices.
 These devices convert the digital signals from the
computer into a human-readable or perceivable
format.
14. Optical Drives (DVD, Blu-ray)
 Although less common in modern computers,
optical drives are used to read and write data to
optical discs like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.
 These drives use lasers to read the data encoded
on the disc surface.
 While many computers now forego optical drives in
favor of digital downloads and USB storage, they
can still be useful for accessing old media or
creating backups.
15. Peripheral Devices

 Peripheral devices are external components

that connect to the computer to expand its
functionality.
 Examples include external hard drives, USB
flash drives, printers, and external GPUs. These
devices enhance the computer’s capabilities
without requiring internal installation.