Components of Computer
Components of Computer
COMPUTER
Hardware
COMPONENTS
OF
Software
COMPUTER
Peopleware
A. HARDWARE
• It is the
physical
Input Process
component
that makes up
the computer Storage Output
system.
Input
• Input is all information put into a computer.
Input can be supplied from a variety of
sources:
– A person
– A storage device on computer
– Another computer
– A peripheral device
– Another piece of equipment, such as a musical
instrument or thermometer
Input Devices
• Primary input device:
– Keyboard
– Mouse
– Joystick
– Scanner
– Cameras
Process
• Process is the data which is manipulated.
Examples :
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Random Access Memory (RAM)
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
- Control Unit (CU)
Storage
• Storage is the data which is written into some
storage devices and saved for later processing.
Examples:
- Hard disk
- Flash drive
- Memory cards/sticks
- Compact Disc (CD)
- Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)
Output
• Output it is the result of processed data or
displays information.
Examples:
- Monitor
- Speaker
- Printer
- Headphone
B. SOFTWARE
• These are the
computer System
programs/
applications
runs in the
computer. Application
PC Software Characteristics
• User-friendly
• Easy
• Intuitive
• Minimum training and documentation
needed to use
• Sold in stores, catalogs, or
downloadable from the WWW
• Purchased from software publishers
• Must be installed
– Standard or custom installation
– The setup process copies some of all of
the software to the hard disk
– May require the CD-ROM to be in the drive
to run
System Software
• Systems software: coordinates the
activities and functions of hardware and
programs
Operating Utility
System (OS) Programs
Operating System
• Uses
– Newsletters
– Reports
– Brochures
• Functions
– Handles high-level publishing needs
Electronic Spreadsheets
• Uses
– Comparing mortgage interest rates
– Preparing budgets
– Tracking weight loss
• Functions
– Manipulates numbers in rows and columns
– Recalculates the results when a number is
changed
– What if?
Electronic Spreadsheets
Database Management
• Uses
– Keep track of a large number of related facts
– Query the data for specific information
– Retrieve information in a variety of ways
• Functions
– Store data
– Update data
– Manipulate data
– Retrieve data
– Print data in many forms
– Report on data in a variety of ways
Graphics
• Uses
– Maps
– Graphs
– Charts
• Helps to
– Compare data
– Spot trends
– Make decisions
• Visual information is more compelling
Presentation Graphics
• Uses
– Sales tool
– Demonstrate a product
– Show cost/benefit projections on charts
– Present audio/video testimonials from satisfied
customers
• May contain
– Text
– Graphics
– Audio
– Video
Computer Art
• Use software to
– Produce art
– Express ideas
• Graphic artist
– Artistic ability
– Computer skills
– Produces computer art
Communications
What is legal?
Software Piracy
• Making illegal copies of copyrighted software
• Why the fuss?
– Very easy to duplicate software vs. a text book
– Software company may lose hundreds of dollars
per pirated copy
• Prosecution
– Yes: Small-medium sized business who purchase
a few copies and distribute to many users
– No: Individual users who probably would not have
purchased software on their own anyway
Counterfeiting
• Legitimate reasons
– Backup copy
– Copy to hard disk
• Illegitimate reasons
– Obtain software without paying for it
Acquiring Software
• Freeware
– Free to all
– Copyrighted
– Distributed in machine-readable format
• Shareware
– Freely distributed for a trial period
– Pay a nominal fee to register with the author
Acquiring Software
• Public-domain software
– Un-copyrighted
– May be used or altered without restriction
– Generally developed under government
grants
• Open-source
– Free to all
– Source code is distributed
– May be used or altered
– Popular under the LINUX OS
Acquiring Software
• Commercial software
– Used most often
– Copyrighted
– Generally costly
– May not be copied without permission of
the manufacturer
C. PEOPLEWARE
• They are the
mainly System
Operation
Developmen
responsible for t
Personnel
the development
and use of the Users Clientele
system.
System Development
Examples:
- Data-entry personnel
- Data control personnel
• Users are the individuals who
directly use the computer.