Fundamentals of Hardware & Software Flashcards
Hardware
Hardware: Physical components of a computer system. It includes
Input Devices: Keyboards, mice, scanners, etc.
Output Devices: Monitors, printers, speakers, etc.
Central Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer, processes data.
Storage Devices: Hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, optical drives.
Motherboard: The main circuit board that connects all the components.
RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary memory used by the CPU to store data for quick access.
What is the difference between input and output devices?
An “input device” sends data to a computer, allowing users to interact with it by providing information like text, images, or sounds, while an “output device” receives processed data from the computer and displays it to the user in a perceivable form like on a monitor, through speakers, or as a printed document
Software
“software” refers to the set of instructions (programs) that tell the hardware what to do
Types of Software
System Software: Operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) that manage hardware and provide a user interface.
Application Software: Programs designed for specific tasks (Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop).
Utility Software: Programs that help maintain and manage hardware and software (antivirus, disk cleanup tools).
Types of storage devices
Primary Storage (Main Memory)
Primary storage is a computer component that stores data, programs, and instructions that are currently being used.
RAM (Random Access Memory) → Temporary memory used while the computer is on. It is fast but loses data when the power is turned off.
Secondary Storage (Permanent Storage)
Secondary storage is a type of long-term data storage that keeps information even when a computer is off.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) → A traditional magnetic storage device. It is slower than SSDs but provides a large storage capacity at a lower cost.
Solid State Drive (SSD) → A faster, more reliable type of storage that uses flash memory. It has no moving parts, unlike HDDs, which makes it faster and more durable but can be more expensive.
Optical Discs (e.g., CDs, DVDs) → Store data using lasers to read and write. They are commonly used for media and backups, but they have slower speeds compared to newer technologies.
USB Flash Drive (Pen Drive) → A portable device that uses flash memory. It is commonly used for transferring files between computers and is available in various storage capacities.
Tertiary and Off-line Storage
Tertiary storage and offline storage are both types of computer data storage that are not directly controlled by a computer’s processing unit.
Cloud Storage → A virtual storage that allows data to be stored online and accessed from any device with an internet connection (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox).
Tape Drives → A magnetic storage device often used for backup purposes. While slower, it is cost-effective for long-term storage.
Network Attached Storage (NAS) → A storage device connected to a network to provide centralized access to files for multiple users.
Key Different Differences
Key Differences
Volatility: Primary storage is temporary, while secondary storage retains data permanently.
Speed: SSDs and RAM are faster than HDDs or optical drives.
Capacity: HDDs generally offer larger storage capacities at a lower price than SSDs.
Portability: USB drives, memory cards, and external hard drives are portable, while internal HDDs or SSDs are not.
NB:
Volatile → Data disappears when power goes off.
Non-volatile → Data remains even when power goes off.
