HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE BASICS of a computer for exams

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►The set of instructions, which control the sequence of operations, are known as Program. It is a sequence of instructions, written to perform a specified task with a computer.

►A Software instructs the computer what to do and how to do it. It is a set of instructions that tells the computer about the tasks to be performed and how these tasks are to performed.

►One or more defects or problems that prevent the software from working as intended of working at all are called Bug.

►Software that contributes to the control and performance of the computer system and permits the user to use the system more conveniently is termed as System Software.

►Antivirus Software is used to scan the hard disk to remove the virus from them.

►The assembly language program is translated into machine code by a separate program known as an Assembler.

►A Backup, or the process of backing up, refers to the copying and archiving of computer data so it may be used to restore the original after a data loss event. It contains a copy of every program data and system file on a computer.

►An Operating System controls the way in which the computer system functions and provides a means by which users can interact with the computer.

►Loading of the Operating System is known as Booting. Restarting a computer that is already on, is referred to as Warm Booting.

►Basic Input – Output System (BIOS) is the part of operating system that manages the essential peripherals such as the keyboard, screen, disk drives and parallel and serial ports.

►An Integrated Software is a single application that combines major features of several types of application.

►An Application Software is the program that makes the computer useful to the users.

►Computer hardware is the collection of physical elements that constitutes a computer system.

►Computer hardware refers to the physical parts or components of a computer such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, hard drive disk (HDD), system unit (graphic cards, sound cards, memory, motherboard and chips), etc. all of which are physical objects that can be touched.

►The motherboard is the main component of computer. It is a large rectangular board with integrated circuitry that connects the other parts of the computer including the CPU, the RAM, the disk drives(CD, DVD, hard disk, or any others) as well as any peripherals connected via the ports or the expansion slots.

►Here are some common individual computer hardware components that you'll often find inside a modern computer case:

1. Motherboard
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
3. Random Access Memory (RAM)
4. Power Supply
5. Video Card
6. Hard Drive (HDD)
7. Solid-State Drive (SSD)
8. Optical Drive (e.g. BD/DVD/CD drive)
9. Card Reader (SD/SDHC, CF, etc)

Here are some common hardware that you might find connected to the outside of a computer:

1. Monitor
2. Keyboard
3. Mouse
4. Battery Backup (UPS)
5. Printer
6. Speaker

Here are some less common computer hardware, (either because these pieces are now usually integrated into other devices or because they've been replaced with newer technology):

1. Sound Card
2. Network Interface Card (NIC)
3. Expansion Card (Firewire, USB, Thunderbolt, etc.)
4. Hard Drive Controller Card
5. Analog Modem
6. Scanner
7. Floppy Disk Drive
8. Joystick
9. Webcam
10. Microphone
11. Tape Drive
12. Zip Drive

The following hardware are referred to as network hardware and various pieces are often part of a home or business network:

1. Digital Modem (e.g. Cable Modem, DSL Modem, etc.)
2. Router
3. Network Switch
4. Access Point
5. Repeater
6. Bridge
7. Print Server
8. Firewall