Computer hardware and software: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 22:29, 22 May 2024

Every computer is composed of two basic components: hardware and software.

Hardware includes the Physical features, which are every part that you can either see or touch, for example: monitor, case, keyboard, mouse, and printer.
The part which activates the physical components is called software. It includes the features that are responsible for directing the work to the hardware. Software can be divided into the programs and data.

Von-Neumann architecture of the computer[edit | edit source]

Von-Neumann computer consists of two main components: memory and CPU (Central Processing Unit). The rest of the computer can be viewed as input/output devices for the two main components. This concept has not yet been overcome and even the latest computers still come from von-Neumann architecture.

von- Neumann architecture

Application Software[edit | edit source]

An application software is a computer program designed to perform a group of coordinated functions, tasks, or activities. Examples of an application include a word processor, a spreadsheet, an accounting application, a web browser, a media player, or a console game^[1]. Applications may be connected with the computer and its system software or may be published separately, and may be coded as proprietary or open-source.

Operating System[edit | edit source]

Operating system is defined as a system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. All application software computer programs require an operating system to function. Operating system controls computer's hardware, run the computer's programs, and organizes files.

CPU[edit | edit source]

Central processing unit. Unit that brings the instructions from memory to be executed and decoded.

Storing device[edit | edit source]

Any hardware that can hold information, temporarily or permanently. We distinguish two types of storage: a primary storage device (RAM), and a secondary storage device (hard drive). Secondary storage can be removable, internal, or external storage.

Examples of permanent computer storage:

1. Magnetic storage devices: hard drive, floppy diskette etc.

2. Optical: blu-ray disc, CD-rom disc etc.

3. Flash memory devices: memory card, memory stick, SSD

RAM[edit | edit source]

It stands for random access memory, it keeps the data and general purpose program that the compter is executing at the moment. RAM is not permanent; its content can be changed and it is erased when the computer is off.

Motherboard[edit | edit source]

It is the physical arrangement in a computer that contains the computer's basic circuitry and components. It has a socket for the CPU, RAM and expansion part (sound cards, graphic cards ETC) and also connects together the CPU, memory, hard drives, optical drives, video card and more.

Bits and bytes[edit | edit source]

Bit is the smallest storage unit in the computer. A bit can store just 0 or 1, which is called binary, and therefore can be stored by physical devices or systems that has two separate states. For example 2 positions, or states of an electrical switch, the two states being ‘on‘ and ‘off‘. A bit can also be described as true/ false, no/ yes etc. Notice that a bit has only two coding options, or 2 values. One bit is too small to be used, and thus computers use a larger storage unit called bytes.

Bytes- are made of bits. 8 bits are used to create 1 byte. Notice that a Byte has 2⁸ coding options, 256 values. RAM, hard drives and flash drives, are all types of storages measured by Bytes.

Other storage units:

1 KB (kilobytes)= 1024 Bytes
1 MB (megabytes)= 1024 KB
1 GB (gigabyte)= 1024 MB
1 TB (terabyte)= 1024 GB
1 PB (petabyte)= 1024 TB

Data[edit | edit source]

is any set of characters that has been gathered and translated for some purpose, usually analysis. It can be any character, including text and numbers, pictures, sound, or video. If data is not put into context, it doesn't do anything to a human or computer. Within a computer's storage, data is a collection of numbers represented as bytes that are in turn composed of bits.

Information[edit | edit source]

a meaning change data into information. For instance letter A, is only a data for an illiterate person but an information for someone who can read.

Knowledge[edit | edit source]

is a familiarity, awareness, or understanding of someone or something, such as facts, information, descriptions or skills, which is acquired through experience or education by perceiving, discovering, or learning. Knowledge can refer to a theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.

Algorithm[edit | edit source]

is a procedure or formula for solving a problem based on conducting a sequence of specified actions. A computer program can be viewed as an elaborate algorithm. In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm usually means a small procedure that solves a recurrent problem.

References[edit | edit source]

1. "Application software". PC Magazine. Ziff Davis.

external links[edit | edit source]

http://www.computerhope.com

http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/algorithm

http://www.merriam-webster.com

https://web.stanford.edu/class/cs101/bits-bytes.html

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-=== computer hardware and software ===
+Every computer is composed of two basic components: '''hardware and software'''.
-Every computer is composed of two basic components: '''hardware and software'''.
-'''hardware''' includes the Physical features, which are every part that you can either see or touch, for example: monitor, case, keyboard, mouse, and printer.
-The part which activates the physical components called '''software'''. it includes the features that responsible for directing the work to the hardware.
-==== von-Neumann architecture of the computer ====
+*'''Hardware''' includes the Physical features, which are every part that you can either see or touch, for example: monitor, case, keyboard, mouse, and printer.
-according to it there is a general structure that a computer's hardware programming and data should follow. it contain few components, for example, the first and primary used is the Input. Which is every hardware feather that using to insert orders to the software. E.g. keyboard.
+*The part which activates the physical components is called '''software'''. It includes the features that are responsible for directing the work to the hardware. Software can be divided into the programs and data.
-How the von-Neumann architecture works?
+====Von-Neumann architecture of the computer====
-Step 1- send data and program to main memory through input device
+Von-Neumann computer consists of two main components: memory and CPU (Central Processing Unit). The rest of the computer can be viewed as input/output devices for the two main components. This concept has not yet been overcome and even the latest computers still come from von-Neumann architecture.
-Step 2- control unit read from memory
+[[File:Von Neumann Architecture.svg|thumb|von- Neumann architecture]]
-Step 3- control unit send instruction to ALU and then read data from memory to ALU
-Step 4- ALU store the result
-Step 5- output result from memory to output device
-Harvard architecture is modern than von Neumann architecture which allows the computer to read data faster and more effectively, in a way that von Neumann architecture is incapable of. The main differences between the two types of computer architecture are related to the functioning of the central processing unit.
-==== '''Application Software''' ====
+===='''Application Software'''====
-An '''application software '''is a computer program
+An '''application software '''is a computer program designed to perform a group of coordinated functions, tasks, or activities. Examples of an application include a word processor, a spreadsheet, an accounting application, a web browser, a media player, or a console game<sup>[1]</sup>. Applications may be connected with the computer and its system software or may be published separately, and may be coded as proprietary or open-source.
-designed to perform a group of coordinated functions, tasks, or activities for
-the benefit of the user. Examples of an application include a word processor, a spreadsheet, an accounting
-application, a web browser, a media player or a console game<sup>[1]</sup>. Applications may be
-connected with the computer and its system software or may be published
-separately, and may be coded as proprietary, open-source or university
-projects. System software is another
-type of software that is mainly involved with running the computer, so it
-consists of low-level programs that interact with the computer at a very basic
-level, such as operating systems, compilers, and utilities for managing
-computer resources. When comparing
-both, applications software sits on top of systems software because it is
-unable to run without the operating system and system utilities. Application software can also be seen as being
-either horizontal or vertical. Horizontal applications are more popular and
-widespread, because they are of general purpose. Vertical applications are
-niche products, designed for a particular type of business or department within
-an organization.
-==== Memory ====
-memory unit is divided to two types of register:
+====Operating System====
-'''MDR'''-The register of a computer's control unit that has the data to be stored in the computer storage e.g. RAM.
+'''Operating system''' is defined as a system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. All application software computer programs require an operating system to function. Operating system controls computer's hardware, run the computer's programs, and organizes files.<!--[if !supportLists]--><!--[if !supportLists]-->
-'''MAR'''-has both memory address of data and memory address of instructions.
+===='''CPU'''====
-The function of this specific register is to access data and instructions from the memory.
+Central processing unit. Unit that brings the instructions from memory to be executed and decoded.
-'''Processing unit'''- composed of a units which process the orders. One of them is the ALU-arithmetic logical unit that prefoemes two typed of orders:
-.     Mathematical operations (+,-)
-.     Logical operations (=,<,>)
-'''Control unit'''- Unit that bring the instruction from memory to be executed and decodes.
+====Storing device====
-'''CPU'''- central processing unit. Has the instructions of a computer program by presenting the basic arithmetic, logical, control and input/output.                                                                              CPU composed of ALU (arithmetic logical unit) and CU (control unit).
+Any hardware that can hold information, temporarily or permanently. We distinguish two types of storage: a primary storage device (RAM), and a secondary storage device (hard drive). Secondary storage can be removable, internal, or external storage.
-'''Output unit'''- Hardware which performs the result of the instruction.
+Examples of permanent computer storage:
-==== RAM ====
+.	Magnetic storage devices: hard drive, floppy diskette etc.
-Is random acsses memory, keeps the data and general purpose program that the compter executes. RAM is not permanent, its contain can be changed and it is erased when the computer is off.
-==== Storing device ====
+.	Optical: blu-ray disc, CD-rom disc etc.
-any hardware that can hold information, temporarily or permanently.
-we distinguish two types of storage: a primary storage device (RAM), and a secondary storage device (hard drive).
-Secondary storage can be removable, internal, or external storage.
-Examples of computer storage:
+.	Flash memory devices: memory card, memory stick, SSD
-.	Magnetic storage deviced- for example: hard drive, floppy diskette etc.
-.	Optical- example: blu-ray disc, CD-rom disc etc.
-.	Flash memory devices- memory card,memory stick.
-.	Online and cloud- cloud storage, network media.
-.	Paper storage- OMR, punch card.
-Today the most storage devices are hard disc drive or SSD.
+====RAM====
+It stands for random access memory, it keeps the data and general purpose program that the compter is executing at the moment. RAM is not permanent; its content can be changed and it is erased when the computer is off.
-==== motherboard ====
+====Motherboard====
-is the physical arrangement in a computer that contains the computer's basic circuitry and components. It has a socket for the CPU, RAM and expansion part (sound cards, graphic cards ETC) and also connects together the CPU, memory, hard drives, optical drives, video card and more.
+It is the physical arrangement in a computer that contains the computer's basic circuitry and components. It has a socket for the CPU, RAM and expansion part (sound cards, graphic cards ETC) and also connects together the CPU, memory, hard drives, optical drives, video card and more.
-To activate a computer there Is a need in an '''operating system'''. (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. All computer programs require an operating system to function.
-Operating system controls computer's hardware, run the computer's programs and orgenizes files.
+====Bits and bytes====
-The programs that we use on everyday base called an '''application program'''. app is a computer program designed to perform a group of coordinated functions, tasks, or activities for the benefit of the user. E.g. ppt, excel, word.
+'''Bit '''is the smallest storage unit in the computer. A bit can store just 0 or 1, which is called binary, and therefore can be stored by physical devices or systems that has two separate states. For example 2 positions, or states of an electrical switch, the two states being ‘on‘ and ‘off‘. A bit can also be described as true/ false, no/ yes etc. Notice that a bit has only two coding options, or 2 values. One bit is too small to be used, and thus computers use a larger storage unit called bytes.
+'''Bytes'''- are made of bits. 8 bits are used to create 1 byte.  Notice that a Byte has 2<sup>8</sup> coding options, 256 values. RAM, hard drives and flash drives, are all types of storages measured by Bytes.
-==== Bits and bytes ====
-'''Bits'''- are the smallest storage units in the computer. A bit can store just 0 or 1, which is called binary, and therefore can be stored by physical devices or systems that has two separate states. For example 2 positions, or states of an electrical switch, the two states being ‘on‘ and ‘off‘. A bit can also be described as true/ false, no/ yes etc. Notice that a bit has only two coding options, or 2 values. One bit is too small to be used, and thus computers use a larger storage unit called bytes.
-'''Bytes'''- are made of bits. 8 bits are used to create 1 byte. 1 byte can store 1 letter, character or symbol, such as the letter ‘a‘, the number ‘6‘ or the symbol ‘@‘, meaning 1 byte has only 1 possible value. The letter ‘a‘ for example, is one byte, which is made by the combination of 01000001, and each number is 1 bit. RAM, hard drives and flash drives, are all types of storages measured by bytes.
 Other storage units:
-KB (kilobytes)= 1024 bytes
-MB (megabytes)= 1024 KB
-GB (gigabyte)= 1024 MB
-TB (terabyte)= 1024 GB
-PB (petabyte)= 1024 TB
-Each storage unit is made of the smaller units, and the basic one composing all is the bit.
-==== data ====
+*1 KB (kilobytes)= 1024 Bytes
-is any set of characters that has been gathered and translated for some purpose, usually analysis. It can be any character, including text and numbers, pictures, sound, or video. If data is not put into context, it doesn't do anything to a human or computer.
+*1 MB (megabytes)= 1024 KB
-Within a computer's storage, data is a collection of numbers represented as bytes that are in turn composed of bits (binary digits) that can have the value one or zero. Data is processed by the CPU, which uses logical operations to produce new data (output) from source data (input).
+*1 GB (gigabyte)= 1024 MB
+*1 TB (terabyte)= 1024 GB
+*1 PB (petabyte)= 1024 TB
-==== Information ====
+====Data====
-can be encoded into various forms for transmission and interpretation (for example, information may be encoded into a sequence of signs, or transmitted via a sequence of signals).
+is any set of characters that has been gathered and translated for some purpose, usually analysis. It can be any character, including text and numbers, pictures, sound, or video. If data is not put into context, it doesn't do anything to a human or computer. Within a computer's storage, data is a collection of numbers represented as bytes that are in turn composed of bits.
-The bit is a typical unit of information, but other units such as the nat may be used.
-Example: information in one "fair" coin ﬂip: log2(2/1) = 1 bit, and in two fair coin flips is log2(4/1) = 2 bits.
-==== Knowledge ====
+====Information====
-is a familiarity, awareness or understanding of someone or something, such as facts, information, descriptions or skills, which is acquired through experience or education by perceiving, discovering, or learning.
+a meaning change data into information. For instance letter A, is only a data for an illiterate person but an information for someone who can read.
-Knowledge can refer to a theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.
-==== algorithm ====
+====Knowledge====
-An algorithm (pronounced AL-go-rith-um) is a procedure or formula for solving a problem, based on conducting a sequence of specified actions. A computer program can be viewed as an elaborate algorithm. In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm usually means a small procedure that solves a recurrent problem.
+is a familiarity, awareness, or understanding of someone or something, such as facts, information, descriptions or skills, which is acquired through experience or education by perceiving, discovering, or learning. Knowledge can refer to a theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.
+====Algorithm====
+is a procedure or formula for solving a problem based on conducting a sequence of specified actions. A computer program can be viewed as an elaborate algorithm. In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm usually means a small procedure that solves a recurrent problem.
+==References==
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+<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--><!--[if !supportLists]-->1.
+<!--[endif]-->"Application
+software". ''PC Magazine''. Ziff Davis.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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+====external links====
+http://www.computerhope.com
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+http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/algorithm
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-<!--[endif]-->"Application
-software". ''PC Magazine''. Ziff Davis.
-=== links ===
-==== related links ====
+http://www.merriam-webster.com
-==== external links ====
+https://web.stanford.edu/class/cs101/bits-bytes.html
-==== bibliography ====
+[[Category:Medical Informatics]]
-http://www.computerhope.com
-http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/algorithm
-http://www.merriam-webster.com
-https://web.stanford.edu/class/cs101/bits-bytes.html