1.

Hardware, Software, and IT Concepts

Hardware is the physical components of a computer system. It's anything you can physically
touch, like the keyboard, monitor, mouse, and internal components such as the hard drive and
motherboard. A legal example would be the servers and network infrastructure used by a law
firm to store client data and manage their case files. These physical devices are essential for
the firm's operations.

Software is a set of instructions, data, or programs used to operate computers and execute
specific tasks. It's the non-physical part of a computer. A legal example is a case management
software used by law firms to track deadlines, manage documents, and handle billing. This
software provides the functionality that runs on the hardware.

Information Technology (IT) encompasses all the technologies, including hardware, software,
and networks, used to create, process, store, secure, and exchange all forms of electronic data.
A legal example would be a law firm's entire digital ecosystem, including its computers, legal
research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), internal communication systems, and
cybersecurity protocols. IT is the framework that allows the firm to use technology effectively.

2. Computer Types and Their Characteristics

Computers can be categorized based on their cost, capacity, speed, and typical users.
●​ Microcomputers (e.g., Personal Computers, Laptops): * Cost: Relatively low, from a
few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
○​ Capacity: Moderate storage and processing power.
○​ Speed: Fast enough for most daily tasks.
○​ Typical Users: Individuals, small businesses, and students. A legal example is a
lawyer's desktop computerused for drafting documents and conducting legal
research.

●​ Minicomputers (e.g., Midrange Servers):

○​ Cost: Moderate to high, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.
○​ Capacity: High storage and processing power.
○​ Speed: High-speed, designed for multi-user environments.
○​ Typical Users: Medium to large companies for departmental use. A legal
example is a server used by a large law firm to manage its network, host
 applications, and store shared data for multiple lawyers and staff.

●​ Mainframes:
○​ Cost: Very high, often in the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.
○​ Capacity: Extremely large storage and processing power.
○​ Speed: Exceptionally fast, capable of handling millions of transactions.
○​ Typical Users: Large corporations, government agencies, and financial
institutions. A legal example is the judicial database system used by a large
court system to manage case files, dockets, and public records for an entire

state.
●​ Supercomputers:
○​ Cost: Extremely high, from millions to billions of dollars.
○​ Capacity: Enormous storage and parallel processing capabilities.
○​ Speed: The fastest computers in the world, performing trillions of calculations per
second.
○​ Typical Users: Scientific and research institutions for complex simulations and
data analysis. A legal-related example is using a supercomputer for complex
 forensic analysis of large datasets in a high-profile criminal investigation.

3. Main Parts of a Personal Computer

A personal computer is made up of several key components:

●​ Case/Chassis: The outer shell that houses and protects the internal components.
●​ Motherboard: The main circuit board that connects all the components and allows them
to communicate.
●​ Central Processing Unit (CPU): The "brain" of the computer that performs calculations
and executes instructions.
●​ Random Access Memory (RAM): Temporary memory used to store data that the CPU
is actively using.
●​ Storage Device: Where data is permanently stored, such as a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or
Solid State Drive (SSD).

●​ Power Supply Unit (PSU): Converts AC power from the wall outlet into DC power for
the computer's components.
 ●​ Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) / Video Card: Processes and outputs images to the
monitor.

●​ Cooling System: Fans and heat sinks to prevent components from overheating.
●​ Peripherals: External devices like a keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

4. Computer Evaluation based on Components

A computer's performance can be evaluated by its key hardware components. An example is

assessing a computer for an eDiscovery task (electronic discovery).Electronic discovery
(eDiscovery) is the process of identifying, collecting, and producing electronically stored
information (ESI) in response to a legal request, such as in a lawsuit or investigation.In
Uganda, e-discovery is an evolving field, with legal frameworks and case law adapting
to the increasing use of digital information. The legal basis for using electronic evidence
is primarily found in the Electronic Transactions Act of 2011, which makes electronic
records admissible in court. Other relevant laws include the Computer Misuse Act and
the Electronic Signatures Act.

●​ Input: Devices like a keyboard, mouse, and scanner. In an eDiscovery context, a

scanner is used to digitize paper documents, making them searchable and easier to
process.

●​ Output: Devices like a monitor, printer, or speakers. A high-resolution monitor is

crucial for reviewing detailed documents, while a printer is necessary for producing
physical copies of evidence.
●​ Processing: The CPU (central processing unit) and GPU(graphics processing
unit). For eDiscovery, a powerful multi-core CPU is essential to run complex software
 that analyzes millions of documents, emails, and other files.

●​ Memory (RAM): The amount of RAM directly affects the computer's ability to multitask
and process large files quickly. In eDiscovery, a computer with 32 GB or more of RAM
is often needed to handle massive datasets without slowing down.
●​ Storage: The Hard Drive or SSD. A large and fast SSD is critical for storing the
immense volume of data involved in a case and for quickly accessing documents during
 review. A legal firm would need a multi-terabyte SSD to handle large case files.

5. System and Application Software

System software is the base software that manages and controls computer hardware and
provides a platform for application software to run. It's the essential layer that makes the
computer usable.

●​ Importance: It ensures the hardware and other programs function correctly, manages
memory and storage, and handles input/output operations. Without it, the computer
would just be a collection of unusable hardware.
●​ Common Types:
○​ Operating Systems (OS): The most crucial type. Examples include Windows,
macOS, and Linux. A legal example is the Windows OS running on a lawyer's
 computer, which allows them to open and use legal software.

○​ Device Drivers: Programs that allow the OS to communicate with hardware

peripherals.
 ○​ Utilities: Programs that help analyze, configure, optimize, or maintain the
computer.

Application software is a program or a group of programs designed for end-users to perform a

specific task. It sits on top of the system software.

●​ Importance: It provides the tools and functionality for users to be productive and
perform specialized tasks. For a legal professional, this software is their primary tool for
their work.
●​ Common Types:
○​ Word Processors: Such as Microsoft Word, used by lawyers to draft legal
briefs and contracts.
○​ Legal Research Software: Specialized programs like Westlaw or LexisNexis,
which provide access to legal statutes, case law, and journals.

○​ Case Management Software: Programs like Clio or MyCase, which help law
firms keep clients informed,manage client information, case files, billing, and
scheduling.