Computer Hardware and Software

What is System

• Group of components working together to realize an objective.

User/Operator

A person who operates the system

• User: A person/ an organization
• Operator: A person

Hardware

• The physical components/Tangible components(Touchable components/ feel/ see),
• The working parts of the computer,
• The component that participates on different computer activities (input, process, output).

Types of Hardware

• Input device/unit/hardware
• Output device
• Processing device
• Input-output device
• Storing device
• Interfaces(ports)
• Cable/wires etc.

Software

• The logical components of a computer,
• It is soul part of computer,
• It instructs hardware to perform specific operation,
• Computer is just a 'Metallic Box' without software,
• It is the collection/set up/ Integration of Programs/Procedures/Routines.

Example:

Input A

Here, "Input" is opcode and "A" is operand

Opcode (operation code)

• The part of machine code instruction that defines the operation to be performed.
• Opcode is code that instructs the computer on what task it should perform.

Operand

• The quality on which an operation is to be done.
• In computing, an operand is the part of a computer instruction which specifies what data is to be manipulated or operated on, while at the same time representing the data itself.

Instruction

• It is the combination form of opcode and operand that performs specific task.

Instruction = Opcode + Operand

• For a computer to do something, instructions have to be given to the computer processor so it knows how to do what it is being asked to do.

For example, if you were to ask the computer to draw a square, it would need a set of instructions on how to draw the square, so it can complete the task.

Program

• It is the collection of related instructions that perform specific job. Example, adding two numbers and print the result.

Input A

Input B

C = A + B

Print C, is a program

• A computer program is a collection of instructions that performs a specific task when executed by a computer. A computer requires programs to function, and typically executes the program's instructions in a central processing unit.

Software

Collection of related programs for specific purpose.

Example, Bold and Italic in word are programs and Word is software.

• Computer software is a collection of instructions that enable the user to interact with computer, its hardware, or perform tasks. Without software, computers would be useless. For example, without internet browser, we could not surf the internet.
• Computer software consists of computer programs, libraries and related non-executable data (such as online documentation or digital media).
• Computer software is non-tangible, contrasted with the computer hardware, which is physical component of computer.

Types of Software

A. System Software

• The integration of programs that performs system related task.
• System software is computer software designed to provide services to other software.
• Example of system software include operating system, computational science software, game engines, industrial automation, and software as a service applications.

1. System management- Operating system
2. System support- Utilities
3. System development- Programming language or language processor
4. System communication- Network system

B. Application Software

The collection of programs that perform user related tasks (fulfil demand or requirement of users).

1. Taylor/ Custom/ Bespoke software- for organization/ a person
2. Package-a) Designed for common users, b) Global application.

Types of Software (another way of classification)

1. System Software
2. Utility Software
3. Application Software

System software is a works as a bridge between Hardware and Application Software.