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Computer Hardware Fundamentals

Computer systems consist of hardware and software. Hardware includes tangible components like the CPU, memory, storage devices, input devices, and output devices. Software includes programs and instructions that control the hardware and allow it to perform tasks. There are two main types of software: system software that controls the hardware platform, and application software for specific tasks. The evolution of computing began with simple mechanical calculators and progressed through major milestones like the first general-purpose computer designs, the development of electronic computers, personal computers, and modern mobile devices that brought powerful computing everywhere.

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15 views

Computer Hardware Fundamentals

Computer systems consist of hardware and software. Hardware includes tangible components like the CPU, memory, storage devices, input devices, and output devices. Software includes programs and instructions that control the hardware and allow it to perform tasks. There are two main types of software: system software that controls the hardware platform, and application software for specific tasks. The evolution of computing began with simple mechanical calculators and progressed through major milestones like the first general-purpose computer designs, the development of electronic computers, personal computers, and modern mobile devices that brought powerful computing everywhere.

Uploaded by

cristobaljmark
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Introduction to Computer Systems

I. Computer Hardware:

Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that you can
touch and see (tangible).

Key hardware components include:

 Central Processing Unit (CPU): Also known as the processor, the CPU is the brain of
the computer, responsible for executing instructions.
 Memory (RAM): Random Access Memory stores data and instructions temporarily
while the computer is running.
 Storage Devices: Devices like hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs)
store data permanently.
 Input Devices: These include keyboards, mice, and touchscreens, which allow users to
input data into the computer.
 Output Devices: Such as monitors, printers, and speakers, which display or output
information from the computer.

II. Computer Software:

Computer software refers to the programs, instructions, and data that tell the hardware
what to do.

There are two main categories of software:

 System Software: Controls the computer hardware and provides a platform for
running application software. Examples include operating systems like Windows,
macOS, and Linux.
 Application Software: Programs designed for specific tasks or purposes, such as word
processors, web browsers, and video games.
Software can further be classified into:

 Open-source software: Software whose source code is freely available for anyone to
use, modify, and distribute.
 Proprietary software: Software owned by a specific company or individual, with
restricted access to the source code.

III. Evolution of Computer Systems:

The evolution of computer systems can be traced back to ancient times with devices like
the abacus, which facilitated basic arithmetic calculations.

Major milestones in the history of computing include:

 Mechanical Calculators: In the 17th century, mechanical devices like Blaise Pascal's
Pascaline and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz's Step Reckoner were developed to perform
mathematical calculations.
 Analytical Engine: Proposed by Charles Babbage in the 19th century, it is considered
the first design for a general-purpose mechanical computer.
 Electronic Computers: The development of electronic computers in the mid-20th
century, such as the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) and
UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer), marked the beginning of the modern
computing era.
 Personal Computers: The introduction of microprocessors in the 1970s led to the
development of personal computers (PCs), making computing accessible to individuals
and small businesses.
 Mobile Computing: The rise of smartphones and tablets in the 21st century brought
computing power to the palm of our hands, revolutionizing how we interact with
technology.

Understanding the basics of computer hardware, software, and the historical development
of computer systems provides a foundation for further exploration and study in the field of
computer science and technology.

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