Internal Computer Hardware
1. **Motherboard**:
- Central component connecting all other parts.
- Contains the CPU, memory, and connectors for other hardware.
- Made of plastic, copper, and aluminum.
2. **Central Processing Unit (CPU)**:
- Executes instructions from programs.
- Includes Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) and Control Unit (CU).
3. **Random Access Memory (RAM)**:
- Temporary storage for running applications.
- Data is lost when the computer is turned off.
4. **Read-Only Memory (ROM)**:
- Permanent storage for essential data.
- Non-volatile memory.
5. **Network Interface Card (NIC)**:
- Connects the computer to a network.
- Can be wired or wireless.
6. **Graphics Card**:
- Displays graphical information.
- Includes a processing unit, memory, cooling mechanism, and display connections.
7. **Sound Card**:
- Produces sound through speakers or headphones.
- Allows recording of sound.
8. **Internal Hard Disk Drive (HDD) / Solid-State Drive (SSD)**:
- Stores data, applications, and operating system.
- HDDs use magnetic storage; SSDs use flash memory.
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Software
1. **Applications Software**:
- Provides specific services to users.
- Examples: word processing, spreadsheet, database, apps and applets, video
editing, graphics editing, audio editing, CAD.
2. **System Software**:
- Provides platform for applications software.
- Examples: compilers, linkers, device drivers, operating systems, utilities.
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Applications Software
1. **Word Processing**:
- Example: MS Word.
- Used to create and edit text documents.
2. **Spreadsheet**:
- Example: MS Excel.
- Organizes and manipulates numerical data.
3. **Database**:
- Example: MS Access.
- Manages structured data.
4. **Control and Measurement Software**:
- Used with sensors for physical data measurement.
- Example: Greenhouse sensors.
5. **Audio Editing Software**:
- Example: Audacity.
- Edits, manipulates, and generates audio data.
6. **Video Editing Software**:
- Examples: Filmora, Clipchamp.
- Manipulates videos to produce new content.
7. **Graphics Editing Software**:
- Bitmap and vector images editing.
- Examples: Adobe Photoshop, Canva.
8. **Apps and Applets**:
- Small applications performing simple tasks.
- Examples: Instagram, WhatsApp.
9. **Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software**:
- Used for design and drafting.
- Example: AutoCAD.
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System Software
1. **Compiler**:
- Translates high-level code into machine code.
- Examples: Java, C++.
2. **Linkers**:
- Combines object files into a single executable program.
3. **Device Drivers**:
- Controls specific hardware components.
- Examples: Mouse, CD drives.
4. **Operating Systems (OS)**:
- Manages computer hardware and software resources.
- Examples: Windows, Linux.
5. **Utilities**:
- Performs maintenance tasks.
- Examples: Antivirus, file management.
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Additional Notes
1. **Screen Savers**:
- Prevent screen burn-in by displaying moving images or patterns when the
computer is idle.
2. **Analogue and Digital Data**:
- Digital data is binary (0s and 1s).
- Analogue data varies continuously.
