Introduction to Computers: Hardware and Software

Computer hardware Description Computer hardware includes the physical, tangible parts or components of a computer, such as the case, central processing unit, monitor, keyboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, speakers and motherboard.

Software Description Computer software, or simply software, is a collection of data or computer instructions that tell the computer how to work. This is in contrast to physical hardware, from which the system is built and actually performs the work.

Input device Description In computing, an input device is a piece of computer hardware equipment used to provide data and control signals to an information processing system such as a computer or information appliance. Examples of input devices include keyboards, mouse, scanners, digital cameras, joysticks, and microphones.

Output device Description An output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment which converts information into human-readable form. It can be text, graphics, tactile, audio, and video. Some of the output devices are Visual Display Units i.e. a Monitor, Printer, Graphic Output devices, Plotters, Speakers etc.

Personal computer Description A personal computer is a multi-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and price make it feasible for individual use. Personal computers are intended to be operated directly by an end user, rather than by a computer expert or technician.

Most common components of the computer system. 1- PC-case 2- Power Supply (SMPS) 3- Motherboard 4- Processor (CPU) 5- Memory (RAM) 6- Storage Devices (HDD, CD, DVD USB) 7- Display Devices (CRT Monitor, TFT, LCD, LED) 8- Adapter Cards 9- Ports & Cables