Computer and Hardware
What is Computer Hardware?
Physical components, both internal and external, that makes up a computer is known as hardware. Computer Hardware includes the physical parts of a computer, such as the case, central processing unit (CPU), monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, graphics cards, sound card, speakers and motherboard.
Operating system
A set of computer programs that manages the hardware of a computer. An operating system controls the resources on a computer, including memory and disk storage. An example of an operating system is windows xp.
Application software
Programs loaded on the computer to perform a specific function using the capabilities of the computer. An example of application software is a word processor or a computer game.
Local and Network Applications
The computer is only as useful as the program on it. Applications can be divided into two general categories:
Local application – A local application is a program, such as word processor, that is stored on the hard disk of the computer. The application runs only on that computer.
Network application-A network application is one that is designed to run over a network, such as the internet. A network application has two components, one that runs on the local computer and one that runs on a remote Computer. Email is an example of a network application.
-Most computers have a combination of local and network applications installed.
Classes of computers
There are many different types of computers available including:
Mainframes
Desktops
Workstations
Hand-held portable devices
-Each type of a computer has been designed with a particular purpose in mind, such as portable access to information, processing of detailed graphics, and so on.
-The most common types of computers used in homes and businesses are servers, workstations, desktops, laptops and other portable devices. Mainframes, on the other hand, are large centralized computers found in sizeable enterprises and purchased through specialized resellers
