COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Define IT and its two basic categories: hardware and software.
2. Describe the categories of computers based on size.
3. Compare the roles of personal productivity, vertical market, and horizontal market software.
4. Describe the roles of operating system software and utility software as components of system software.
5. Define the purpose of each of the six major categories of hardware.
Information technology – any computer-based tool that people use to work with information and support the information and information-processing needs of an organization
Technology Quick Tour
Hardware – physical devices that make up a computer (or computer system)
Software – set of instructions that hardware executes to carry out a specific task for you
Input devices – used to enter information and commands
Output devices – hear, see, or otherwise recognize the results of information-processing requests
Storage devices – store information for use at a later time (magnetic, optical, flash)
Six Categories of Hardware
Processing
CPU – hardware that interprets and executes software and coordinates all hardware
RAM – temporary holding area for information and software
Telecommunications devices – send information to and receive it from another person or computer in a network
Connecting devices – lets you connect peripherals to your computer, such as Cables, Ports, Expansion boards, Etc.
Application software – enables you to solve specific problems or perform specific tasks
System software – handles tasks specific to technology management and coordinates the interaction of all technology devices.
Two main types of system software
- Operating system software
- Utility software
Operating system software – controls application software and manages hardware devices
Utility software – provides additional functionality to your operating system, Anti-virus, Screen saver, Etc.
Personal productivity software – helps you perform personal tasks
- Writing memos (word processing)
- Creating graphs (spreadsheet)
- Creating slide presentations (presentation)
Vertical & Horizontal Market Software
Vertical market software – application software for a specific industry. Patient-scheduling software. Restaurant management software
Horizontal market software – application software suitable for use in many industries. Payroll, inventory, and billing
Computer Categories (by size)
A personal digital assistant (PDA) – a small handheld computer for personal tasks like appointment scheduling and address book maintenance
Tablet PC – a pen-based computer with the functionality of a notebook or desktop
Notebook computer – small, portable, fully functional, battery-powered computer
Desktop computer – the most popular type of personal computer
Minicomputer (mid-range computer) – meets needs of several people simultaneously in a small or medium-sized business
Mainframe computer – meets needs of hundreds of people in a large business
Supercomputer – fastest, most powerful, and most expensive type of computer
Software Intellectual Interface
Personal productivity software – helps you perform personal tasks
- Writing memos (word processing)
- Creating graphs (spreadsheet)
- Creating slide presentations (presentation)
Software suite – several applications bundled together (usually productivity software)
Word processing – helps you create letters, memos, and other basic documents
Spreadsheet – helps you work with numbers, perform calculations and create graphs
Presentation – helps you create and edit information that will appear in slides
Desktop publishing – extends word processing by including design and formatting techniques to enhance the appearance of the document
Personal information management (PIM) – helps you create and maintain to-do lists, appointments, calendars, etc.
Personal finance – helps you maintain your checkbook and handle other personal finance tasks
Web authoring – helps you design and develop Web sites
Graphics – helps you create and edit photos and art
Communications – helps you communicate with others
Ports and Connectors
Port – place on your system unit, monitor, or keyboard through which information and instructions flow to and from the computer
Connector – something like a cable; can also be wireless
Some ports work with plug-and-play and hot-swap ports and devices
Plug and play – operating system feature that finds and installs the driver for the device
Hot swap – an operating system feature that allows you to plug or unplug a device while the computer is running
Ports
PS/2 port – fits PS/2 connectors (used for keyboards and mice)
Parallel port – fits parallel large flat parallel connectors found on printers
USB (universal serial bus) port – fits small, flat, plug-and-play, hot-swap USB connectors
Firewire port (IEEE1394 or I-Link) – fits hot-swap, plug-and-play Firewire connectors
Wireless Connections
Infrared IR or IrDA (infrared data association) – uses red light to send and receive information
Bluetooth – transmits information as radio waves for a distance of 30 feet
WiFi (wireless fidelity) or IEEE 802.11a, b, or g – transmits information as radio waves for a distance of up to several miles
Expansion Cards, Slots, & Bus
Expansion card (board) – circuit board that you insert into the expansion slot and connect to a peripheral device
Expansion slot – long skinny socket on the motherboard for the expansion card
Expansion bus – pathways along which information moves between devices (outside the motherboard) and the CPU
PC Card – expansion card for a notebook
PC Card slot – opening on the side or front of a notebook, into which you plug a PC Card
Learn this Questions
1. Describe the roles of operating system software and utility software as components of system software.
2. Define the purpose of each of the six major categories of hardware.
3. Define IT and its two basic categories: hardware and software.
4. Describe the categories of computers based on size.
5. Compare the roles of personal productivity, vertical market, and horizontal market software.