Computer Hardware

Hardware, which is abbreviated as HW, refers to all physical components of a computer system,
including the devices connected to it. You cannot create a computer or use software without using
hardware. The screen on which you are reading this information is also a hardware.

Hardware Upgrade
A hardware upgrade refers to a new hardware, or a replacement for the old one, or additional
hardware developed to improve the performance of the existing hardware. A common example of
a hardware upgrade is a RAM upgrade that increases the computer's total memory, and video card
upgrade, where the old video card is removed and replaced with the new one.

Computer Hardware Parts

Some of the commonly used hardware in your computer are described below:
1. Motherboard
2. Monitor
3. Keyboard
4. Mouse
1) Motherboard:
The motherboard is generally a thin circuit board that holds together almost all parts of a computer
except input and output devices. All crucial hardware like CPU, memory, hard drive, and ports for
input and output devices are located on the motherboard. It is the biggest circuit board in a
computer chassis.
It allocates power to all hardware located on it and enables them to communicate with each other.
It is meant to hold the computer's microprocessor chip and let other components connect to it. Each
component that runs the computer or improves its performance is a part of the motherboard or
connected to it through a slot or port.
There can be different types of motherboards based on the type and size of the computers. So, a
specific motherboard can work only with specific types of processors and memory.

Components of a Motherboard:

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CPU Slot: Also called CPU socket or Processor Socket. It is provided to install the CPU. It is a
link between a microprocessor and a motherboard. It facilitates the use of CPU and prevents the
damage when it is installed or removed. Furthermore, it is provided with a lock to prevent CPU
movement and a heat sink to dissipate the extra heat. You can install a CPU on a motherboard
without soldering.

CPU SOCKET/SLOT

RAM Slot: It is a memory slot or socket provided in the motherboard to insert or install the RAM
(Random Access Memory). There can be two or more memory slots in a computer.

RAM SLOT

Expansion Slot: It is also called the bus slot or expansion port. It is a connection or port on the
motherboard, which provides an installation point to connect a hardware expansion card, for

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example, you can purchase a video expansion card and install it into the expansion slot and then
can install a new video card in the computer. Some of the common expansion slots in a computer
are AGP, AMR, CNR, PCI, etc.

AGP Slot: It stands for Accelerated Graphics Port. It provides the slot to connect graphics cards.
PCI Slot: It stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect slot. It allows you to connect the PCI
devices like modems, network hardware, sound, and video cards.

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Northbridge/Northbridge: They are the two chips in the core logic chipset on the motherboard.
The Northbridge also known as the host bridge or Memory Controller allows communications
between the CPU interface, AGP, and memory. Furthermore, it also allows the southbridge chip
to communicate with the RAM, CPU, and graphics controller. The southbridge implements the
slower capabilities of the motherboard in the northbridge/southbridge chipset computer
architecture.

SOUTHBRIDGE

SOUTHBRIDGE AND NORTHBRIDGE

USB Port: It allows you to connect hardware devices like mouse, keyboard to your computer.

USB PORT

Heat Sink: It absorbs and disperses the heat generated in the computer processor.

HEAT SINK
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Power Connector: It is designed to supply power to the motherboard.

POWER CONNECTOR

CMOS battery: It stands for complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor. It is a memory that

stores the BIOS settings such as time, date, and hardware settings.

CMOS BATTERY

2) Monitor:
A monitor is the display unit of a computer on which the processed data, such as text, images, etc.,
is displayed. It comprises a screen circuity and the case which encloses this circuity. The monitor
is also known as a visual display unit (VDU).
Types of Monitors:
1. CRT Monitor: It has cathode ray tubes which produce images in the form of video signals.
Its main components are electron gun assembly, deflection plate assembly, glass envelope,
fluorescent screen, and base.
2. LCD Monitor: It is a flat panel screen. It uses liquid crystal display technology to produce
images on the screen. Advanced LEDs have thin-film transistors with capacitors and use
active-matrix technology, which allows pixels to retain their charge.
3. LED Monitor: It is an advanced version of an LCD monitor. Unlike an LCD monitor,
which uses cold cathode fluorescent light to backlight the display, it has LED panels, each
of which has lots of LEDs to display the backlight.
4. Plasma Monitor: It uses plasma display technology that allows it to produce high
resolutions of up to 1920 X 1080, wide viewing angle, a high refresh rate, outstanding
contrast ration, and more.

3) Keyboard:
It is the most important input device of a computer. It is designed to allow you input text,
characters, and other commands into a computer, desktop, tablet, etc. It comes with different sets

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of keys to enter numbers, characters, and perform various other functions like copy, paste, delete,
enter, etc.
A keyboard is an input device through which users can input text, numbers, and special characters.
It is an input device with a typical QWERTY keyset. It is an external hardware device that is
connected to the computer. It serves as the user's most fundamental interface with a system. It has
numerous buttons that can be used to generate letters, numbers, and symbols as well as unique
keys like the Windows and Alt keys that can also accomplish other tasks.
Types of Keyboards:
1. QWERTY Keyboards
2. AZERTY Keyboards
3. DVORAK Keyboards

AZERTY KEYBOARD

DVORAK KEYBOARD
4) Mouse:
It is a small handheld device designed to control or move the pointer (computer screen's cursor) in
a GUI (graphical user interface). It allows you to point to or select objects on a computer's display
screen. It is generally placed on a flat surface as we need to move it smoothly to control the pointer.
Types of Mouse: Trackball mouse, Mechanical Mouse, Optical Mouse, Wireless Mouse, etc.
A mouse can be wireless or wired. It is a portable pointing device that is used to interact with
objects on computer screens with the help of moving the cursor around the screen. On the display
screen, the cursor moves in the same direction as the users' mouse movements. The term "mouse"
refers to a compact, wired, elliptical-shaped gadget that somewhat resembles a mouse.

TRACKBALL MOUSE

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 MECHANICAL MOUSE

OPTICAL MOUSE

OPTICAL VERSUS MECHANICAL MOUSE

WIRELESS MOUSE
Parts of a mouse:
o Two buttons: A mouse is provided with two buttons for right click and left click.
o Scroll Wheel: A wheel located between the right and left buttons, which is used to scroll
up and down and Zoom in and Zoom out in some applications like AutoCAD.
o Battery: A battery is required in a wireless mouse.
o Motion Detection Assembly: A mouse can have a trackball or an optical sensor to provide
signals to the computer about the motion and location of the mouse.

External Hardware Components

The items that are frequently attached to the computer from outside in order to control input or
output functions are known as external hardware components, sometimes known as peripheral
components. These hardware components either serve as input devices for the software or output
devices for the output of the software's operations (output).
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The following are examples of common input hardware components:
o Microphone: A microphone is an input device that converts sound waves into electrical
impulses in order to allow computer-based audio communications. It was developed by
Emile Berliner in 1877. It is used to enter audio into computers or transform sound waves
into electric waves. It captures audio with the help of converting sound waves into an
electrical signal that could be a digital or analog signal. This process can be implemented
by a computer as well as other digital audio devices.

o Camera: Visual pictures are captured by a camera, which then transmits them to a
computer or a network device. A camera is a piece of equipment that takes photographs
with the help of using photosensitive film or a plate inside of a light-proof housing. The
photosensitive film is exposed to light via the camera's shutter, which opens and closes as
the image is imprinted onto the film.

o Touchpad: A touchpad is an input device that is also known as a glide pad, glide point,
pressure-sensitive tablet, or trackpad. It enables finger cursor movement for the user. It can
take the place of a regular mouse. To control the pointer on a display screen, a touchpad
can be either external or incorporated into a laptop. Usually, it serves as a substitute for an
external mouse.

o USB flash drive: A USB flash drive is a type of storage device for data that connects to a
computer via a USB port and uses flash memory. It is an external, removable storage device
that has a built-in Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. Many USB flash drives can be
removed and written to. They have a compact, reliable, and small physical design. They
often operate more quickly the more storage space they have. Because there are no moving
parts, USB flash drives are extremely mechanically durable.

o Memory card: A memory card is a kind of portable external storage device; video, photo,
and other data files can be stored on it. A form of storage medium, which is additionally
known as a flash memory. Also, it provides a volatile and non-volatile medium. It is
frequently found in gadgets, including phones, laptops, digital cameras, camcorders,
gaming consoles, MP3 players, printers, and more.

Joysticks, styluses, and scanners are examples of additional input hardware components.

The following are a few examples of output hardware components:

o Printer: A printer is a hardware output device used to produce hard copies of documents
or print them. It converts computer-generated electronic data into printed form. Text files,
pictures, or a combination of the two can all be considered documents. It receives input
commands from users so that computers or other devices may print the sheets. You must
create a soft copy of your report and print it using a printer, for example, if your institution

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 needs you to submit a project report.

o Speaker: One of the most popular output devices is a speaker that connects to a computer
to generate a sound output. While some speakers can only be connected to computers,
others can be used with any type of sound system.

o Headphones, earphones, earbuds: These are also output devices much like speakers,
which offer audio that can only be heard by one listener.

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Software
Software, which is abbreviated as SW or S/W, is a set of programs that enables the hardware to
perform a specific task. All the programs that run the computer are software. The software can be
of three types: system software, application software, and programming software.

1) System Software
The system software is the main software that runs the computer. When you turn on the computer,
it activates the hardware and controls and coordinates their functioning. The application programs
are also controlled by system software. An operating system is an example of system software.
Operating System:
An operating system is the system software that works as an interface to enable the user to
communicate with the computer. It manages and coordinates the functioning of hardware and
software of the computer. The commonly used operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Linux,
and Apple Mac OS X.
Some other examples of system software include:
o BIOS: It stands for basic input output system. It is a type of system software, which is
stored in Read Only Memory (ROM) located on the motherboard. However, in advanced
computer systems, it is stored in flash memory. BIOS is the first software that gets activated
when you turn on your computer system. It loads the drivers of the hard disk into memory
as well as assists the operating system to load itself into the memory.
o Boot Program: Boot refers to starting up a computer. When you switch on the computer,
the commands in the ROM are executed automatically to load the boot program into
memory and execute its instructions. The BIOS program has a basic set of commands that
enables the computer to perform the basic input/output instructions to start the computer.
o An assembler: It plays the role of a converter as it receives basic computer instructions
and converts them into a pattern of bits. The processor uses these bits to perform basic
operations.
o A device driver: This system software controls hardware devices connected to a computer.
It enables the computer to use the hardware by providing an appropriate interface. The
kernel of a Computer's CPU communicates with different hardware through this software.
Operating systems generally come with most of the device drivers. If the operating system
does not have a device driver for hardware, you have to install the device driver before
using that hardware device.

2) Application Software:
Application software is a set of programs designed to perform a specific task. It does not control
the working of a computer as it is designed for end-users. A computer can run without application
software. Application software can be easily installed or uninstalled as required. It can be a single
program or a collection of small programs. Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, and any
other software like payroll software or income tax software are application software. As we know,
they are designed to perform specific tasks. Accordingly, they can be of different types such as:
o Word Processing Software: This software allows users to create, edit, format, and
manipulate the text and more. It offers lots of options for writing documents, creating
images, and more. For example, MS Word, WordPad, Notepad, etc.
o Spreadsheet Software: It is designed to perform calculations, store data, create charts, etc.
It has rows and columns, and the data is entered in the cell, which is an intersection of a
row and column, e.g., Microsoft Excel.

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 o Multimedia Software: These software are developed to perform editing of video, audio,
and text. It allows you to combine texts, videos, audio, and images. Thus, you can improve
a text document by adding photos, animations, graphics, and charts through multimedia
software. For example, VLC player, Window Media Player, etc.
o Enterprise Software: These software are developed for business operational functions. It
is used in large organizations where the quantum of business is too large. It can be used for
accounting, billing, order processing and more. For example, CRM (Customer
Relationship Management), BI (Business Intelligence), ERP (Enterprise Resource
Planning), SCM (Supply Chain Management), customer support system, and more.

Programming Software:
Computer programmers ue programming software to write codes. It is a set or collection of tools
that help developers in writing other software or programs. It assists them to develop, write, test,
debug and maintain software or programs or applications. We can say that these are facilitator
software that helps translate programming language such as Java, C++, Python, etc., into machine
language code. So, it is not used by end-users. Examples of programming software include
assemblers, compilers, debuggers, interpreters, text editors, etc. This software is also called a
programming tool or software development tool.
Debuggers: As the name suggests, the debugger is used for removing bugs from a code. It simply
allows other programs to be tested and debugged. It is used to prevent software from
malfunctioning.
Interpreters: A language processor converts a single statement from the source code into the
machine code. An interpreter is a program that executes code immediately before moving on to
the next line. If a statement contains error, the interpreter stops translating at that point and displays
an error message.
Compilers: A compiler quickly reads the entire source program in the high level language and
translates it into the equivalent program in machine language
Some examples of programming software include:
o Eclipse: It is a java language editor.
o Visual Studio: A comprehensive IDE from Microsoft for various programming languages
like C#, C++ and more.
o IntelliJ IDEA: An IDE developed by JetBrains popular for JAVA development.
o Eclipse: An open-source IDE known for its extensibility, used for JAVA and other
languages.
o Visual Studio Code: A versatile code editor with a rich set of extensions for many
programming languages.
o Coda: It is a programming language editor for Mac.
o Notepad++: It is an open-source editor for windows.
o Sublime text: It is a popular cross-platform code editor for Linux, Mac, and Windows.
o Visual Studio Debugger: Part of Visual Studio IDE . It provides a graphical interface for
debugging.
o PyCharm: A full detailed IDE that supports Python development with support for source
control and projects
o Spyder and Jupyter: There are both Open source python IDE optimized for data science
workflows, integrating well with Python data science libraries

Note: IDE (Integrated Development Environment is a programming software that provides tools
and resources to help developers write and debug code.
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A code editor is a text editor program designed specifically for editing source code.
Difference Between IDE and Code Editors
• IDE have Graphical User Interface (GUI) while code editor does not.
• An IDE also provides tools for debugging and compiling your code. A code editor can
open files in different formats for making changes, but they lack the building and
evaluation aspects of IDE.
• IDEs are time heavy (takes long time to load) while code editors are light and easy to use.

Humanware
Humanware is the combination of hardware and software elements that make human interaction
with a device as good as possible. You can think of hardware as cooking utensils in a kitchen.
Software, meanwhile, can pertain to a recipe. The humanware component in this scenario is the
chef. All the utensils and recipes in the world will be useless if you do not have a chef to bring
food to life.
Humanware, also known as human-computer interaction, refers to the components, systems, and
processes that connect and facilitate interaction between users and technology. This includes user
interfaces, hardware and software designed to be user-friendly, and various input/output devices
geared towards improving the users’ experience. It emphasizes the significance of people’s roles in
the functioning of technology, rather than focusing solely on hardware or software.

Importance of Humanware
Humanware is a crucial term in technology as it highlights the human element involved in the
successful operation, integration, and development of technology systems.
This term encompasses the human abilities, intelligence, experience, and skills needed to collaborate
and interact with the software and hardware components of a system.
In essence, humanware emphasizes that regardless of technological advancements, human
interaction and expertise remain indispensable to derive maximum benefits and efficiency within
any technological infrastructure.
Recognizing and nurturing humanware plays an essential role in exceeding user expectations and
driving innovation by fostering synergistic relationships between humans and technology.
Explanation
Humanware, as a technological term, emphasizes the importance of the human aspect in the
development and implementation of technology. Its purpose is to cultivate a user-centric approach
while designing and creating systems, software, or hardware. By considering the needs, preferences,
and capabilities of the end-users, developers can ensure that the technology effectively integrates
with everyday human lives and activities.
Consequently, humanware prioritizes ease of use, accessibility, and ergonomics to facilitate seamless
interactions between technology and users across various platforms and devices. It encapsulates
various concepts such as training, user experience, and teamwork, among others, to foster workable
solutions that cater to diverse users’ needs, enhancing their overall productivity and satisfaction.
Humanware encompasses a range of applications and can be applied to different sectors, including
education, healthcare, business, and entertainment industries.
In educational settings, effective humanware translates into the creation of adaptable and
personalized learning platforms that cater to various learning styles and abilities. In the medical field,
it involves designing user-friendly devices and software that enhance the patient experience and
allow healthcare providers to offer personalized care solutions. In the business world, humanware
steers developers to create efficient tools and systems that streamline operations and maintain a
robust organization.
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Ultimately, the essence of humanware lies in the acknowledgment of the critical role human factors
play in technology’s success and the continuous efforts towards optimizing these interactions for
improved user experiences.

Examples of Humanware
Humanware is a term used to describe a range of technologies designed to enhance human abilities
and improve the quality of life for individuals, particularly those with disabilities or impairments.
Here are three real-world examples of humanware technology:
BrailleNote Touch Plus: This is a cutting-edge technology designed for the visually impaired and
blind individuals. BrailleNote Touch Plus is an advanced tablet designed to support both braille input
and speech output. It allows users to read, write, browse the internet, and perform various tasks
without needing sighted assistance. It can also help students who are learning braille by providing
instant audio feedback as they write.
ReWalk Robotics Exoskeleton: Designed for individuals with spinal cord injuries, the ReWalk
Robotics Exoskeleton is a wearable robotic system that enables people with paralysis to stand, walk,
and even climb stairs. It works by using motorized leg attachments controlled by a wearable
computer and supported by crutches. This real-world humanware example demonstrates how
technology can help restore mobility to those who have lost it due to injury or illness.
Cochlear Implants: Cochlear implants are surgically implanted electronic devices that enable
individuals with severe hearing impairments or deafness to perceive sound. Unlike traditional
hearing aids, cochlear implants bypass the damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the
auditory nerve. As a result, users can experience a more comprehensive understanding of sounds and
speech. This humanware technology has significantly improved the quality of life for many
individuals with hearing impairments.

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Digital Applications
Digital applications (also called an app) refer to any software or program that runs on electronic
devices, such as computers, mobile phones, tablets, among others. These applications are created
by software developers and can be downloaded and installed by users to run on their devices, with
the aim of performing a specific task, such as data processing, information storage and analysis,
process automation, among others. Digital applications can be developed for various purposes,
including entertainment, e-commerce, health, education, industry, among others. Some common
examples of digital applications are social networks, banking applications, transportation
applications, games, business management systems, among others. Most apps have a specific and
narrow function; For example, a food delivery app might only be designed for users to get food
from local restaurants delivered and can't be used for anything else, such as grocery shopping or
making restaurant reservations.
Here are some key characteristics of applications:

1. Purpose: Applications are developed with a specific purpose or set of

functionalities in mind. They can be general-purpose, like word processors or
web browsers, or they can be specialized for a particular industry or task.
2. User Interface: Applications typically have a user interface (UI) that allows
users to interact with the software. The UI can range from simple command-line
interfaces to sophisticated graphical user interfaces (GUIs) with buttons, menus,
and other visual elements.
3. Platform: Applications are often designed to run on specific operating systems
or platforms. For example, there are applications developed for Windows,
macOS, iOS, Android, and other operating systems.
4. Distribution: Applications can be distributed through various channels, such as
app stores, websites, or direct downloads. The distribution method depends on
the platform and the preferences of the application developers.
5. Lifecycle: Applications go through a lifecycle that includes development,
testing, deployment, and maintenance. Developers may release updates or
patches to address issues, add new features, or improve performance.
6. Examples: Common examples of applications include word processors
(Microsoft Word, Google Docs), web browsers (Chrome, Firefox), email clients
(Outlook, Gmail), games, photo editors, social media apps (Facebook, Twitter),
and many others.
7. Web Applications: Some applications run entirely within a web browser and are
referred to as web applications. These applications do not need to be installed on
a device and can be accessed through a web browser.
8. Mobile Applications: Mobile applications, or mobile apps, are designed
specifically for smartphones and tablets. They can be downloaded from app
stores and take advantage of mobile device features like GPS, cameras, and
touchscreens.
Overall, applications play a crucial role in the functionality and usability of modern computing
devices, providing users with tools and services to meet their diverse needs.

Types of Apps
There are a few different types of apps available for download by businesses and individuals alike.
The following are the most commonly recognized apps in use today:

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Native app: Apps that are created for a certain mobile platform are known as native applications.
For example, an app that is made for an Apple iPhone will only be usable on Apple devices and
would not work on other types of mobile phones, such as Android. These types of apps are
primarily used to provide the highest performance on a particular mobile operating system. Native
Apps can be developed with a wide variety of programming languages from JAVA to Python to
C++. An example of a native app is the calculator application, Spotify, on the iPhone.

Advatages to Native Apps.

1. They are customized for specific platforms, so highly responsive
2. The User experience (UX) tends to be superior, because they use the devices user interface
(UI).
3. Availability on app store ensures reach to broader audience
4. They are more intuitive and interactive apps
5. Less hardware dependency; clean and efficient coding
6. They can also access features that come with the device itself such as GPS
Downsides of Nativs Apps
1. To reach a wider audience (iOS and Andriod users), the companies need to duplicate their
development and maintenance effort
2. Requires more storage space on user’s device particularly when downloading developer-
released updates.

Hybrid Apps: A hybrid app is an app that is made to support both native and web-based
technologies and is a combination of both web-based and native applications. Instagram and Gmail
are two extremely popular examples of hybrid app. These are technically web apps, but they
behave like native apps. These apps are easier and quicker to create and only use a single code
base that can be integrated across various platforms and operating system. However, it's important
to note that hybrid apps often have a lower performance rate than native or web-based apps.
Example of hybrid apps Instagram, Uber, Gmail, Evertone, Twitter, Whatsapp, Facebook
Advantages of Hybrid Apps
1. Development is streamlined since business only need to build one version of the product
2. Easier to build, deploy, upgrade and maintain
3. Built on one code base that can be deployed across platform
4. Distributed widely via app store and google play store
5. It can function offline and updates are easier to facilitate.

Downsides of Hybrid Apps

1. They suffer performance-wise compared to their native counterparts
2. They are typically slower and less reliable than native apps
3. Does not support customization.
4. The app may look and behave differently in terms of User experience (UX) and appearance
from one operating system to the next.
5. Depending on the developer’s skill set and experience, they may build an app that functions
better on Andriod over iOS or vice versa, assuming they tend to favour one type of
development.

Web-based app: Web based apps run on a web browser. They are accessed on a mobile device
and do not require downloading on the part of the user and can run on devices web browser using
URL. A web app can be loaded in any browser like Chrome, Safari , Firefox etc. These types of
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apps are coded in JavaScript, HTML5 or CSS. Example of Web Apps include. Some examples of
web applications are Starbucks, Basecamp, Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Amazon, NetFlix. All
of them have web applications that you can access via a link .

Advantages of Web Based Apps

1. Just like hybrid apps, they do not require multiple codebases or customization to unique
operating system, therefore development time can be fairly
2. Lower development cost.
3. They adapt to the UI (User Interface) pf the specific device on which it is functioning
4. It doesn’t require downloading hence won’t take up storage space in the device
Downsides of Web Apps
1. The app solely depends on the web browser to function, that means that if the browser
capabilities are limited, then the app’s capability will be limited too.
2. Browsers often have different capabilities hence the UX can vary across them.
3. Theya are completely dependent on Internet Connectivity. Web apps cant function offline
either. They may have an offline mode but their capabilities will still be limited. For
example, you wont be able to backup data without an internet connection.

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