Hardware ComponentOlympia College

Fahmida SiddikaAB 7189103

Nithiya Muniyandi931213015624

Task 1 Definition of Hardware:

Computer hardware is the collection of physical elements that constitutes a computer system. Computer hardware refers to the physical parts or components of a computer such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, hard drive disk (HDD), system unit (graphic cards, sound cards, memory, motherboard and chips), etc. all of which are physical objects that can be touched.[1] In contrast, software is instructions that can be stored and run by hardware.

A computer system consists of mainly five basic units; namely input unit, storage unit, central processing unit communication unit and output unit. Central Processing unit further includes Arithmetic logic unit and control unit, as shown in the figure:. A computer performs five major operations or functions irrespective of its size and make. These are• it accepts data or instructions as input,• it stores data and instruction• it processes data as per the instructions,• it controls all operations inside a computer, and• it gives results in the form of output.

Definition of hard Disk: The hard drive is what stores all your data. It houses the hard disk, where all your files and folders are physically located.The data is stored on a stack of disks that are mounted inside a solid encasement. These disks spin extremely fast (typically at either 5400 or 7200 RPM) so that data can be accessed immediately from anywhere on the drive. The data is stored on the hard drive magnetically, so it stays on the drive even after the power supply is turned off.

The term "hard drive" is actually short for "hard disk drive." The term "hard disk" refers to the actual disks inside the drive.

Definition of Floppy Disk: Floppy disks have an interesting name, considering they do not appear to be "floppy." A floppy disk, or diskette, is a disk storage medium composed of a disk of thin and flexible magnetic storage medium, sealed in a rectangular plastic carrier lined with fabric that removes dust particles. Floppy disks are read and written by a floppy disk drive (FDD).It stores data magnetically, just like a hard disk.

Definition of Main Memory: The main memory in a computer is called Random Access Memory. It is also known as RAM. This is the part of the computer that stores operating system software, software applications and other information for the central processing unit (CPU). It is called "random access" because the CPU can go directly to any section of main memory, and does not have go about the process in a sequential order. 

Definition of procesor:

A processor is the logic circuitry that responds to and processes the basic instructions that drive a computer.The term processor has generally replaced the term central processing unit (CPU). The processor in a personal computer or embedded in small devices is often called a microprocessor.

Definition Of Monitor:

A monitor or a display is an electronic visual display for computers. The monitor comprises the display device, circuitryand an enclosure. The display device in modern monitors is typically a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) thin panel, while older monitors used a cathode ray tube (CRT) about as deep as the screen size.

Definition of Keyboard:

A keyboard is the set of typewriter-like keys that enables you to enter data into a computer. Computer keyboards are similar to electric-typewriter keyboards but contain additional keys. The keys on computer keyboards are often classified as follows:

alphanumeric keys -- letters and numbers,

punctuation keys -- comma, period, semicolon, and so on.special keys --

 function keys, control keys, arrow keys, Caps Lock key, and so on.

Software Components

Definition of Software The programs, routines, and symbolic

languages that control the functioning of the hardware and direct its operation.

Definition of System Software System software is a type of computer

program that is designed to run a computer’s hardware and application programs. If we think of the computer system as a layered model, the system software is the interface between the hardware and user applications.

System Software System software is a type of computer program

that is designed to run a computer’s hardware and application programs. If we think of the computer system as a layered model, the system software is the interface between the hardware and user applications.

The operating system (OS) is the best-known example of system software. The OS manages all the other programs in a computer.

System Software Examples Description

BIOS Manage the data flow between the operation system and attached devices such as the hard dish,video adapter,keyboard,mouse and printer.

Assembler Basic computer instructions and coverts them into a pattern of bits that the computer’s processor can use to perform its basic operations.

Definition of Application Software Application software is all the 

computer software that causes a computer to perform useful tasks beyond the running of the computer itself. A specific instance of such software is called a software application, application program, application or app.

Application Software

The term is used to contrast such software with system software, which manages and integrates a computer's capabilities but does not directly perform tasks that benefit the user. The system software serves the application, which in turn serves the user.

Examples include accounting software, enterprise software, graphics software, media players, and office suites.

Application software applies the power of a particular computing platform or system software to a particular purpose.

Definition of Programming Software

A programming tool or software development tool is a program or application that software developers use to create, debug, maintain, or otherwise support other programs and applications. The term usually refers to relatively simple programs, that can be combined together to accomplish a task, much as one might use multiple hand tools to fix a physical object.