Navid Bashir Ahmed

ID: 800-00-1370

Computer Assignment

CIS 135

Hardware

Hardware is the name given to all those parts of a computer system which are tangible. In other words all parts of a computer, which can be held and touched, are termed as different types of hardware. Hardware Devices are used to input, store and output information that has been entered into a computer. The Hardware processes the data, which is inputted into the computer system by running a set of instructions and outputs the information required. A few examples of hardware devices are Monitors, CPUs, Printers and Keyboards.

Software

Software is the name given to the programs, which make a computer system run. These programs are made up of a set of instructions in coded language, which when provided to the hardware of the computer system help the hardware in performing the tasks that it has been given. Without software hardware is useless as the computer system would not know how to carry out the tasks that it has been given. Software can be anything from Operating Systems, Compilers, Word Processors to Games. The two different types of software are system software and application software.

System Software

System Software is the name given to specialist programs, which enable the hardware of the computer system to function correctly. It is essential that any computer should have adequate system software. Along with the hardware the system software of the computer runs the computer system. A computer system cannot be loaded without system software, as the hardware would not know what to do. System software is not just one program. It consists of a number of programs each responsible for a particular task. System software cannot be custom made and is loaded in accordance to the needs of the computer system. These programs include translation software, compilers, assemblers, interpreters and operating systems.

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Application Software

To perform different jobs or applications in a computer system a software needs to be written. This software is known as application software. These softwares are a series of programs, which give the computer system instructions on how to complete a particular task. There are many types of Application software each written by the manufacturer to perform a certain task. Application software can be custom written as well on the request of the user to suit the needs of the user. A few example of Applications Software are

Word Processors, Accounting Programs, Sound and Video editing programs and Games.

Data

Data is the information, which is given to the computer to be processed. The method of inputting data into a computer is known as data capture and the document from which the data is taken is known as the source document. This data can be in any form from pictures to written information for example cheque stubs, receipts, etc.

Information

Information is that which is derived or outputted by a computer system after processing the data, which was entered in the computer system. In other words it is the result of the set of actions, which a computer system was asked to carry out. This information can be given in to forms hard copy and soft copy. Hard Copy being the tangible form such as a print out and soft copy being a display on the monitor

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM or Random Access Memory is temporary memory. Data and instructions, which are currently being processed by the computer system, are stored in the RAM. Because the access is random the data and stored instructions can be accessed immediately. Information contained in the RAM can be easily changed and edited. RAM is referred to as volatile memory because the data and instructions, which are stored in the RAM is lost when the computer is switched off.

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Read Only Memory (ROM)

ROM or Read Only Memory is permanent memory and it cannot be changed or edited like Random Access Memory (RAM). Rom contains the programs, which the computer needs to load correctly like system software such as the computing language of the computer system. The ROM is built in the motherboard and cannot be expanded manually. It can only be changed by using a special hardware device provided by the manufacturer of the ROM chip.

Secondary Storage

Secondary storage is also known as backing storage as this is information or data, which is not immediately required by the computer. Thus such information is saved in secondary storage devices that can be recovered later as and when required by the user of the computer system. There are removable and irremovable devices of secondary storage. Removable secondary storage devices can be carried long distances easily whereas it is harder to carry irremovable devices. But removable secondary storage devices have lesser space capacities compared to irremovable storage devices. A few examples of Secondary storage devices are hardisks, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, zip drives and compact disks.

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Word Count: 824