Basics of computer
application
Shivangi Singh
M.Sc Electronic Media
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.
Computer hardware can be categorized as being either internal or external components.
Generally, internal hardware components are those necessary for the proper functioning
of the computer, while external hardware components are attached to the computer to
add or enhance functionality.
SOFTWARE
The entire set of applications, protocols, and processes involved with a
computer system's operation uses the software. A program or software
program is called a set of instructions that direct a computer's hardware to
perform a particular task.
System software and device software are the two main types of software.
System software governs a computer's internal operation, mainly by operating
systems and controls peripherals such as displays, printers, and storage
devices. In contrast, application software guides the machine to perform
user-given commands and can assume to include any program that processes a
user's data. However, computer software contains text processors,
spreadsheets, database processing, inventory and payroll services, and many
more apps. The third category of software is network software, which
coordinates communication between network-connected computers.
Block Diagram of Computer
Mainly computer system consists of three parts, that are central processing
unit (CPU), Input Devices, and Output Devices. The Central Processing Unit
(CPU) is divided into two parts again: arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and the
control unit (CU). The set of instruction is in the form of raw data.
A large amount of data is stored in the computer memory with the help of
primary and secondary storage devices. The CPU is like the heart/brain of the
computer. The user does not get the desired output, without the necessary
option taken by the CPU. The Central processing unit (CPU) is responsible for
the processing of all the instructions which are given by the user to the
computer system.