Computer Hardware refers to the physical or tangible parts of a computer.

Peripheral Devices refers to the additional components of a computer for

added functionality like keyboard, mouse, projector, printer, microphone, and
speaker.

Four Components of Hardware

1. Input Devices are any hardware component that allows you to enter data and
instructions into a computer.
Examples: Mouse, Keyboard, Microphone, Camera, Floppy Disks, CD/DVD Discs

2. Output Devices are any hardware component that conveys information to one or more
people.
Examples: Monitor, Printer, Speaker, Projector,

3. System Unit is a case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are
used to process data.
Examples: Central Processing Unit (CPU), Motherboard

4. Storage Devices holds data, instructions, and information for future use. For example,
computers can store hundreds or millions of customer names and addresses. Storage
holds these items permanently.
Examples: Solid State Drive (SSD), Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
What is computer software?

Computer software is a series of programs, data and instructions used in a

computer’s hardware to help the device operate and you complete tasks.
Hardware is the physical components that comprise a computer, such as the
graphics card, data storage and motherboard. Software is important because
it allows your computer to perform important tasks while also allowing you to
work efficiently on your device.

What’s the difference between software and programs?

You may use the words “software” and “program” together to describe a
collection of data and instructions used to make a computer’s hardware
complete a task, but not every type of software is a program. A primary
difference between a program and software is that a program doesn’t have
an interface for users to navigate with, like software. Programs have limited
functions and features for users to explore. For example, the software can
comprise files, while a program can be a file itself. Additionally, a program is
necessary for software to operate properly.

TYPES OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE:

1. Application software

The most common type of software is application software, or apps, which is

performed by the end-user and lets you complete your tasks. An end-user is
the individual using the device. Individuals may also refer to these
applications as non-essential software. You can install these applications on
your devices yourself. Additionally, several types of application software can
help you complete many tasks. Here are some types of application software
you can use:

Word Processing Apps: For creating and editing documents like letters,
reports, and essays.

- Example: Microsoft Word, Google Docs

Spreadsheet Apps: For organizing and calculating data in rows and

columns.
 - Example: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets

Databases: For storing and managing large amounts of information.

- Example: Microsoft Access, MySQL

Application Suites: A collection of different but related apps, often with

similar interfaces.

- Example: Microsoft Office (includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Multimedia Apps: For creating and working with various types of media like
images, videos, and audio.

- Example: TikTok, YouTube, Online games

Connecting Apps: For connecting with others through text, video, or audio.

- Example: Zoom, Skype, Messenger

Internet Browsers: For accessing websites and browsing the internet.

- Example: Chrome, Firefox, Safari

Email Apps: For sending, receiving, and managing emails.

- Example: Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail

 2. System Software: The software that manages your computer’s
internal operations.

3 TYPES OF SYSTEM SOFTWARE:

Operating System (OS): This is the core software that manages the
computer’s resources, such as memory, storage, and the processor. Popular
examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Driver Software: Software that lets your computer use external devices.

Here are a few examples of external devices that driver software can help
support:

Printers

Wireless mice

Network cards

Utility software

Utility software is a type of system software that can help you maintain the
health of your device and manage the performance of the programs. You
may purchase some of these software programs in-store or online to
download on your computer. These programs can scan and analyze your
device to find any challenges or make improvements when necessary. Here
are a few examples of utility software you can download:

Antivirus and security

Data backup

Disk cleaner and defragment

3. Middleware

Middleware software is the function that helps system software transition to

or from application software programs. This can help your device manage
communication and data between the two software programs. Types of
middleware can include data management, authentication and
communication through messages.

4. Programming software

Programming software is for coding and not primarily user-end unless you’re
a professional who uses and writes codes. As a programmer, you can use this
type of software to write, produce, inspect and debug application and system
software. These programs can help make completing your tasks more
productive and efficient. Additionally, coders can use this software as a
translator program. A translator program means it interprets program coding
language into machine language code. This helps programmers run code by
each line and ensure it’s correct so the computer can complete basic
instructions.

5. Freeware

Freeware software is a type of application that is free for you to download.

You can download these programs online and they are in the application
software and end-user category. These types of software value and respect
an individual’s need for community and freedom. Here are a few examples of
freeware you can download:

Instagram

Facebook

Adobe Reader

Messenger

6. Open source software

Open-source software is a type of program that allows users to change the

coding and share it with other users. You can share these programs with any
user and they can use them for a variety of reasons. Here are some
examples of open-source software:

Internet browsers, such as:

Firefox
LibreOffice

GIMP

7. Proprietary software or closed software

Proprietary software, or closed software, is a type of program with coding for

users who pay a fee to access it. This means only the author who created the
coding and the program has the authority to change the codes and distribute
the software. Here are a few examples of proprietary or closed software:

Microsoft Office

Java

Adobe Flash Player

8. Shareware

Shareware software is a type of application that is paid program but offered

to users for a trial period before requesting payment for continual usage.
During the trial duration, you can use all the features in the application
without having to pay a fee. At the end of the trial, the application may ask
for payment if you desire to continue to use the program if you like it. When
you’re given a trial duration, you can assess if you would like to invest
financially in it later. Here are a few examples of shareware:

AVG Anti-Virus

Adobe App

Skype