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Computer 1

The document provides an overview of computers, detailing their definition, components, and software types. It explains hardware, distinguishing between internal components like the CPU and RAM, and external peripherals like keyboards and mice. Additionally, it categorizes software into system software, which controls hardware, and application software, which serves specific user needs.

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Bashdar Azad
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19 views7 pages

Computer 1

The document provides an overview of computers, detailing their definition, components, and software types. It explains hardware, distinguishing between internal components like the CPU and RAM, and external peripherals like keyboards and mice. Additionally, it categorizes software into system software, which controls hardware, and application software, which serves specific user needs.

Uploaded by

Bashdar Azad
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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)) College of Science((

)) Mathematics Department((
((First stage))

((Computer))

(( Dounya A. Mahmud))

‫أستاذ المادة‬
))‫((يوسف رائد‬
WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
A computer is a programmable electronic machine used to
store, retrieve, and process data. They are used to type
documents, send e-mail, play games, browse the Internet,
create presentations, event invitations, and listen to music or
watch videos,
Before we talk about different types of computers, let's talk
about two things all computers have in common: Hardware and
Software.

1.Hardware
computer hardware is a collective term used to describe any of the physical
components of an analog or digital computer. The term hardware distinguishes
the tangible aspects of a computing device from software, which consists of
written, machine-readable instructions or programs that tell physical components
what to do and when to execute the instructions.
Computer hardware can be categorized as being either internal or external
components. Generally, internal hardware components are those necessary for
the proper functioning of the computer, while external hardware components are
attached to the computer to add or enhance functionality.
What are internal computer hardware components?
Internal components collectively process or store the instructions delivered
by the program or operating system (OS). These include the following:

 Motherboard. This is a printed circuit board that holds the central


processing unit (CPU) and other essential internal hardware and
functions as the central hub that all other hardware components run
through.

 CPU. The CPU is the brain of the computer that processes and
executes digital instructions from various programs; its clock
speed determines the computer's performance and efficiency in
processing data.

 RAM. RAM -- or dynamic RAM -- is temporary memory storage that


makes information immediately accessible to programs; RAM is volatile
memory, so stored data is cleared when the computer powers off.

 Hard drive. Hard disk drives are physical storage devices that store
both permanent and temporary data in different formats, including
programs, OSes, device files, photos, etc.

 Solid-state drive (SSD). SSDs are solid-state storage devices based


on NAND flash memory technology; SSDs are non-volatile, so they can
safely store data even when the computer is powered down.

 Optical drive. Optical drives typically reside in an on-device drive bay;


they enable the computer to read and interact with nonmagnetic external
media, such as compact disc read-only memory or digital video discs.

 Heat sink. This is a passive piece of hardware that draws heat away
from components to regulate/reduce their temperature to help ensure
they continue to function properly. Typically, a heat sink is installed
directly atop the CPU, which produces the most heat among internal
components.
 Graphics processing unit. This chip-based device processes graphical
data and often functions as an extension to the main CPU.

 Network interface card (NIC). A NIC is a circuit board or chip that


enables the computer to connect to a network; also known as a network
adapter or local area network adapter, it typically supports connection to
an Ethernet network.
What are external hardware components?
External hardware components, also called peripheral components, are
those items that are often externally connected to the computer to control
either input or output functions. These hardware devices are designed to
either provide instructions to the software (input) or render results from its
execution (output).

Common input hardware components include the following:

 Mouse. A mouse is a hand-held pointing device that moves a cursor


around a computer screen and enables interaction with objects on the
screen. It may be wired or wireless.

 Keyboard. A keyboard is an input device featuring a standard QWERTY


keyset that enables users to input text, numbers or special characters.

 Microphone. A microphone is a device that translates sound waves into


electrical signals and supports computer-based audio communications.

 Camera. A camera captures visual images and streams them to the


computer or through a computer to a network device.

 Touchpad. A touchpad is an input device, external or built into a laptop,


used to control the pointer on a display screen. It is typically an
alternative to an external mouse.

 USB flash drive. A USB flash drive is an external, removable storage


device that uses flash memory and interfaces with a computer through a
USB port.

 Memory card. A memory card is a type of portable external storage


media, such as a CompactFlash card, used to store media or data files.
2.Software
Software is a generic term used to refer to applications, scripts and
programs that run on a device. It can be thought of as the variable part
of a computer, while hardware is the invariable part. The two main
categories of software are application software and system software.

TYPES OF SOFTWARE
1.System software
2.Applications software
1.SYSTEM SOFTWARE

It’s a program that controls the computer hardware or that can be used to maintain
the computer in some state so that it runs smoothly. It’s the software
that controls the way the computer operates.

Application Software
Application software is any software used for specified applications. Applications

software is software designed to be put to specific practical use.


- Specialist application software- these are programs with associated documentation, designed
specifically to carryout particular tasks e.g. solving sets of math’s, equations; stock control.

- Application packages- a suite of programs, with associated documentation used for a particular
type of problem but can also be used for a variety of similar problems.

They include
• Word Processing

•Spreadsheet

• Database

• Presentation Graphics
•Communication

• Tutorials

• Entertainment, Games

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