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Computer Sytem Software and Hardware

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50 views3 pages

Computer Sytem Software and Hardware

Uploaded by

johnessa montero
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Introduction to Computers
Hardware and Software [src]
Hardware

Hardware refers to the physical elements of a computer. This is also sometime


called the machinery or the equipment of the computer. Examples of hardware
in a computer are the keyboard, the monitor, the mouse and the central
processing unit. However, most of a computer's hardware cannot be seen; in
other words, it is not an external element of the computer, but rather an
internal one, surrounded by the computer's casing (tower). A computer's
hardware is comprised of many different parts, but perhaps the most important
of these is the motherboard. The motherboard is made up of even more parts
that power and control the computer.

In contrast to software, hardware is a physical entity. Hardware and software


are interconnected, without software, the hardware of a computer would have
no function. However, without the creation of hardware to perform tasks
directed by software via the central processing unit, software would be
useless. Basic internal hardware
Miko3k [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], from Wikimed

Hardware is limited to specifically designed tasks that are, taken


independently, very simple. Software implements algorithms (problem
solutions) that allow the computer to complete much more complex tasks.
personal computer hardware what is computer
hardware
Software

Software, commonly known as programs or apps, consists of all the


instructions that tell the hardware how to perform a task. These instructions
come from a software developer in the form that will be accepted by
the platform (operating system + CPU) that they are based on. For example, a
program that is designed for the Windows operating system will only work for
that specific operating system. Compatibility of software will vary as the
design of the software and the operating system differ. Software that is System software on right. Applic
designed for Windows XP may experience a compatibility issue when running left. More system and application s
under Windows 2000 or NT. indicated in the tray at the bot
By Paul Mullins: screenshot
Software is capable of performing many tasks, as opposed to hardware which
can only perform mechanical tasks that they are designed for. Software
provides the means for accomplishing many different tasks with the same
basic hardware. Practical computer systems divide software systems into two
major classes:

 System software: Helps run the computer hardware and computer system
itself. System software includes operating systems, device drivers, diagnostic
tools and more. System software is almost always pre-installed on your
computer.
 Application software:Allows users to accomplish one or more tasks. It
includes word processing, web browsing and almost any other task for
which you might install software. (Some application software is pre-installed
on most computer systems.)
Diagrammatic view of a very simp
Software is generally created (written) in a high-level programming language,
algorithm that could be progra
one that is (more or less) readable by people. These high-level instructions are public domain image
converted into "machine language" instructions, represented in binary code,
before the hardware can "run the code". When you install software, it is
generally already in this machine language, binary, form.
software what is software
Firmware

Firmware is a very specific, low-level program for the hardware that allows it
to accomplish some specific task. Firmware programs are (relatively)
permanent, i.e., difficult or impossible to change. From the higher-level view
of software, firmware is just part of the hardware, although it provides some
functionality beyond that of simple hardware.

Firmware is part of devices (or device components) such as a video card,


sound card, disk drive and even the motherboard. The AMIBIOS image to the
right is from a Baby AT Motherboard.

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