Hardware and software
Objective: Understand the elementary characteristics of computer
equipment, hardware and software.
Hardware vs Software
• Hardware: physical components (e.g., CPU,
RAM, keyboard)
• Software: program and instructions that make
hardware useful (e.g. operating systems, apps).
• Key Idea: Hardware is tangible; software is
intangible.
Microprocessor (CPU) – The Brain of the
Computer
• Function: Processes and executes instructions
• Properties:
• Clock Speed: Measured in GHz (higher speed
= faster processing)
• Cores: More cores allow multitasking (e.g.,
dual-core, quad-core)
• Architecture: 32-bit vs. 64-bit processors
• Example: Intel Core i5, Apple M1, AMD Ryzen
RAM – Short-Term Memory of the Computer
• Function: Temporarily stores data and
programs in use
• Volatile Memory: Data is lost when
the power is turned off
• Capacity: Measured in GB or TB
(8GB, 16GB, etc.)
Peripherals – Extending the Computer’s Functionality
• Input Devices: Mouse, keyboard,
microphone
• Output Devices: Monitor, speakers,
printer
• Storage Devices: USB drives, external
hard disks
• Connectivity Devices: Wi-Fi adapters,
Bluetooth modules
Types of Software –
System Software vs.
Application Software
• System Software: Manages the
computer’s hardware and core
functions
• Examples: Operating systems
(Windows, macOS, Linux),
device drivers
• Application Software: Programs
used by the user for specific tasks
• Examples: Web browsers, word
processors, games.
Software Classification – Open Source vs.
Proprietary
• Open Source Software:
• Free to use, modify, and distribute
• Examples: Linux, Firefox
• Proprietary Software:
• Licensed; users pay for access or
features
• Examples: Microsoft Office, Adobe
Photoshop
Summary
•Hardware: Physical parts of the computer
(CPU, RAM, peripherals)
•Software: Instructions that control the
hardware (system and application software)
•Key Interactions: Software depends on
hardware, and hardware becomes useful
through software.
Assignment:
Complete the tables
• Instructions:
1. Work in pairs to complete the two tables
below.
2. Fill in the missing components,
descriptions, examples, or functions.
3. Use the terms and concepts discussed in
the presentation (also you can research
online)
4. Upload the screenshots to Teams
assignment.
Hardware Components
Component Description Example Function
Executes instructions and
CPU (Processor) Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen (Fill in the function)
processes data
8GB DDR4, 16GB Stores active programs
RAM (Memory) (Fill in the description)
LPDDR5 and processes
Holds data like
Hard Drive (Storage) (Fill in the description) (Fill in the example) documents, photos, and
apps
External devices used for Mouse, (Fill in another
Peripherals (Fill in the function)
input, output, or storage example)
ASUS Motherboard,
Motherboard (Fill in the description) (Fill in the function)
Gigabyte Board
Sofware Components
Software Type Description Example Function
Windows, (Fill in Controls and coordinates
Operating System (Fill in the description)
another example) system operations
Programs for specific MS Word, (Fill in
Application Software (Fill in the function)
tasks another example)
Supports system Keeps the system
Utility Software (Fill in the example)
maintenance optimized and secure
Software to control
Device Drivers (Fill in the example) (Fill in the function)
hardware components
Software with publicly Linux, (Fill in another Can be modified and
Open Source Software
accessible code example) distributed freely
