Fundamentals of Hardware and Software

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​A computer is an electronic device that operates according to a set of instructions.

–Hardware

–Software

–Data

–User

​•Hardware

–Mechanical devices in the computer

–Anything that can be touched

•Software

–Instructions that tell the computer what to do

–Also called a program

​•Data

–Raw figures, texts, symbols, etc.

–Computer organize and present data

•Users

–People operating the computer

–Tell the computer what to do

DId you do your homework?​ Research...

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​Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer and controls how the rest of the computer works. It includes the

1. control unit (CU) and

2. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU).

​ROM (Read Only Memory)

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​and

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RAM (Random Access Memory)

​•Memory devices (Stores data or programs)

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Random Access Memory (RAM)

•Volatile (content is lost when the power is interrupted or switched off. )

•Stores current data and programs (Temporary)

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Read Only Memory (ROM)

•Permanent storage

•Holds the computer boot directions

​Research: What is the difference between  storage media and storage devices. Give examples of each. (5 marks)

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​•A set of instructions that tells the computer what to do

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•There are two types of software

–System software

–Application software

​•System software

–Operating system software

•E.g. Windows 10, Windows 11

•Controls the hardware and how all other software works.

–Utility software

•Protect and maintain the system software.

•Symantec AntiVirus, Mc Afee Antivirus, AVG and Avast protect

against viruses.

•Software to Backup and restore files.

​•Application software

–Accomplishes a specific task

–E.g. Word processors (MS Word), Spreadsheets (Excel) and databases (Access)

​1.List the four basic tasks of any computer.

2.State the name of the cycle that represents the four basic tasks listed in question 1.

3.What is the general name given to the physical parts of a computer.

4.Explain what each of the following terms represent:

  A. CPU      B. CU        C. ALU

​5.Explain the difference between an input device and an output device.

6. What is the general name given to each of the following

   a) computer programs that tells the hardware how to work.

  b) telecommunications equipment through which data and information can be accessed.

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1.What is information technology (IT)?

2.What is communications Technology (CT)?

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​Reference:

​•Oxford Information Technology – 3rd Edition.

Pages 6 and 7