Course Code: ITF 101 Semester: First

Description: Introduction to Computing Year: First

Course Outline:

➢ Computer Hardware and Its’ Components

➢ Computer Software and Its’ Components

Overview:

This lesson covers the basics of computer technology. You will focus on the on the following
components of computer proficiency: computer hardware and computer software. Other
concepts will be also be explored. You will have the knowledge of computer’s components and
their usage and their essentials in business and personal lives.

Specific Objectives:

After this lesson, the student will be able to:

1. Explain and define Computer hardware and computer software

2. Discuss the function of hardware and software components
3. Distinguish hardware and software components
4. Break down examples of computer hardware and software components

Activities:

There will be no activities, but there’s an assignment given at the bottom of this module.

Please read the content and answer the following assignment.

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 Course Code: ITF 101 Semester: First
Description: Introduction to Computing Year: First

Lesson Proper

Computer System Components: Hardware and Software

As discuss in module 2, Computer System is a collection of entities (hardware, software and liveware or
people ware) that are designed to receive, process, manage and present information in meaningful format.
Now what is Computer hardware and it’s components?

Computer Hardware

Hardware, which is abbreviated as HW, refers to all physical components of a computer system, including
the devices connected to it. It can be refers to a physical parts/ intangible parts of a computer. You cannot
create a computer or use software without using hardware. The screen on which you are reading this
information is also a hardware.

What is a hardware upgrade?

A hardware upgrade refers to a new hardware, or a replacement for the old one, or additional hardware
developed to improve the performance of the existing hardware. A common example of a hardware
upgrade is a RAM upgrade that increases the computer's total memory, and video card upgrade, where the
old video card is removed and replaced with the new one.

Some of the commonly used hardware in your computer are described below:

1) Motherboard:

The motherboard is generally a thin circuit board that holds together almost all parts of a computer except
input and output devices. All crucial hardware like CPU, memory, hard drive, and ports for input and
output devices are located on the motherboard. It is the biggest circuit board in a computer chassis.

It allocates power to all hardware located on it and enables them to communicate with each other. It is
meant to hold the computer's microprocessor chip and let other components connect to it. Each
component that runs the computer or improves its performance is a part of the motherboard or connected
to it through a slot or port.

There can be different types of motherboards based on the type and

size of the computers. So, a specific motherboard can work only with
specific types of processors and memory.

Components of a Motherboard:

Component Name Function Illustrations

CPU Slot It is provided to install the CPU. It is a link between a
microprocessor and a motherboard. It facilitates the
use of CPU and prevents the damage when it is
installed or removed. Furthermore, it is provided with
a lock to prevent CPU movement and a heat sink to
dissipate the extra heat.

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 Course Code: ITF 101 Semester: First
Description: Introduction to Computing Year: First

RAM Slot: It is a memory slot or socket provided in the

motherboard to insert or install the RAM (Random
Access Memory). There can be two or more memory
slots in a computer.
Expansion Slot: It is also called the bus slot or expansion port. It is a
connection or port on the motherboard, which
provides an installation point to connect a hardware
expansion card, for example, you can purchase a video
expansion card and install it into the expansion slot
and then can install a new video card in the computer.
Some of the common expansion slots in a computer
are AGP, AMR, CNR, PCI, etc.
Capacitor:

It is made of two conductive plates, and a thin

insulator sandwiched between them. These parts are
wrapped in a plastic container.

Inductor (Coil): It is an electromagnetic coil made of a conducting wire

wrapped around an iron core. It acts as an inductor or
electromagnet to store magnetic energy.

Northbridge: It is an integrated circuit that allows communications

between the CPU interface, AGP, and memory.
Furthermore, it also allows the southbridge chip to
communicate with the RAM, CPU, and graphics
controller.

USB Port: It allows you to connect hardware devices like mouse,

keyboard to your computer.

It stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect slot.

It allows you to connect the PCI devices like modems,
PCI Slot: network hardware, sound, and video cards.

AGP Slot: It stands for Accelerated Graphics Port. It provides the

slot to connect graphics cards.

Heat Sink: It absorbs and disperses the heat generated in the

computer processor.

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 Course Code: ITF 101 Semester: First
Description: Introduction to Computing Year: First

Power Connector: It is designed to supply power to the motherboard.

CMOS battery: It stands for complementary metal-oxide-

semiconductor. It is a memory that stores the BIOS
settings such as time, date, and hardware settings.

2) Monitor:

A monitor is the display unit of a computer on which the processed data, such as text, images, etc., is
displayed. It comprises a screen circuity and the case which encloses this circuity. The monitor is also
known as a visual display unit (VDU).

3) Keyboard:

It is the most important input device of a computer. It is designed to allow you input text, characters, and
other commands into a computer, desktop, tablet, etc. It comes with different sets of keys to enter
numbers, characters, and perform various other functions like copy, paste, delete, enter, etc.

4) Mouse:

It is a small handheld device designed to control or move the pointer (computer screen's cursor) in a GUI
(graphical user interface). It allows you to point to or select objects on a computer's display screen. It is
generally placed on a flat surface as we need to move it smoothly to control the pointer. Types of Mouse:
Trackball mouse, Mechanical Mouse, Optical Mouse, Wireless Mouse, etc.

i)Trackball Mouse: ii) Mechanical Mouse: iii) Optical Mouse: iv) Cordless or Wireless Mouse:

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Course Code: ITF 101 Semester: First
Description: Introduction to Computing Year: First

Main functions of a mouse:

o Move the cursor: It is the main function of the mouse; to move the cursor on the screen.
o Open or execute a program: It allows you to open a folder or document and execute a program.
You are required to take the cursor on the folder and double click it to open it.
o Select: It allows you to select text, file, or any other object.
o Hovering: Hovering is an act of moving the mouse cursor over a clickable object. During
hovering over an object, it displays information about the object without pressing any button of
the mouse.
o Scroll: It allows you to scroll up or down while viewing a long webpage or document.

Parts of a mouse:

o Two buttons: A mouse is provided with two buttons for right click and left click.
o Scroll Wheel: A wheel located between the right and left buttons, which is used to scroll up and
down and Zoom in and Zoom out in some applications like AutoCAD.
o Battery: A battery is required in a wireless mouse.
o Motion Detection Assembly: A mouse can have a trackball or an optical sensor to provide
signals to the computer about the motion and location of the mouse.

Computer Software
Software, which is abbreviated as SW or S/W, is a set of programs that enables the hardware to perform a
specific task. All the programs that run the computer are software. The software can be of three types:
system software, application software, and programming software.

1) System Software

The system software is the main software that runs the computer. System software refers to the files and
programs that make up your computer's operating system. System files include libraries of functions,
system services, drivers for printers and other hardware, system preferences, and other configuration files.
The programs that are part of the system software include assemblers, compilers, file management tools,
system utilities, and debuggers.

Systems software carries out middleman tasks to ensure communication between other software and
hardware to allow harmonious coexistence with the user.
Systems software can be categorized under the following:

i) Operating System:

An operating system is the system software that works as an interface to enable the user to communicate
with the computer. It is installed first on a computer to allow devices and applications to be identified and
therefore functional. It manages and coordinates the functioning of hardware and software of the
computer. The commonly used operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Apple Mac OS X.

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Course Code: ITF 101 Semester: First
Description: Introduction to Computing Year: First

Types of Operating Systems

• Real-Time OS: Is installed in special purpose embedded systems like robots, cars, and modems.
• Single-user and single-task OS: Are installed on single-user devices like phones.
• Single-user and multitask OS: Are installed on contemporary personal computers.
• Multi-user OS: Is installed in network environments where many users have to share resources.
Server OSs are examples of multi-user operating systems.
• Network OS: Is used to share resources such as files, printers in a network setup.

• Internet/Web OS: Is designed to run on the browser that is online.

• Mobile OS: Is designed to run on mobile phones, tablets and other mobile devices.

Functions of Operating Systems

• They provide the interface between the user and hardware through GUI-Graphics User Interface.
• Manages and allocates memory space for applications.
• Processes the management of applications, input/output devices, and instructions.
• Configures and manages internal and peripheral devices.
• Manages single or multi-user storage in local and network computers.
• Security management of files and applications.
• Manages input and output devices.
• Detects, installs, and troubleshoots devices.
• Monitors system performance through Task Manager and other tools.
• Produce error messages and troubleshooting options.
• Implement interface for network communication.
• Manages printers in single or multi-user systems.
• Internal or network file management.

ii) BIOS:

It stands for basic input output system. It is a type of system software, which is stored in Read Only
Memory (ROM) located on the motherboard. However, in advanced computer systems, it is stored in
flash memory. BIOS is the first software that gets activated when you turn on your computer system. It
loads the drivers of the hard disk into memory as well as assists the operating system to load itself into the
memory.

iii) Boot Program:

Boot refers to starting up a computer. When you switch on the computer, the commands in the ROM are
executed automatically to load the boot program into memory and execute its instructions. The BIOS
program has a basic set of commands that enables the computer to perform the basic input/output
instructions to start the computer.

iv) An assembler:

It plays the role of a converter as it receives basic computer instructions and converts them into a pattern
of bits. The processor uses these bits to perform basic operations.

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Course Code: ITF 101 Semester: First
Description: Introduction to Computing Year: First

v)A device driver:

Driver software is a type of system software which brings computer devices and peripherals to life.
Drivers make it possible for all connected components and external add-ons perform their intended tasks
and as directed by the OS. If the operating system does not have a device driver for hardware, you have
to install the device driver before using that hardware device.
Examples of devices which require drivers:
• Mouse
• Keyboard
• Soundcard
• Display card
• Network card
• Printer

vi)Utilities
Utilities are types of system software which sits between system and application software. These are
programs intended for diagnostic and maintenance tasks for the computer. They come in handy to ensure
the computer functions optimally. Their tasks vary from crucial data security to disk drive
defragmentation.
Most are third-party tools but they may come bundled with the operating system. Third-party tools are
available individually or bundled together such as with Hiren Boot CD, Ultimate Boot CD, and
Kaspersky Rescue Disk.
Examples and features of utility software include:
• Antivirus and security software for the security of files and applications, e.g., Malwarebytes,
Microsoft Security Essentials, and AVG.
• Disk partition services such as Windows Disk Management, Easeus Partition Master, and Partition
Magic.
• Disk defragmentation to organize scattered files on the drive. Examples include Disk Defragmenter,
Perfect Disk, Disk Keeper, Comodo Free Firewall, and Little Snitch.
• File Compression to optimize disk space such as WinRAR, Winzip, and 7-Zip.
• Data backup for security reasons, e.g., Cobian, Clonezilla, and Comodo.
• Hardware diagnostic services like Hard Disk Sentinel, Memtest, and Performance Monitor.
• Data recovery to help get back lost data. Examples include iCare Data Recovery, Recuva, and
EaseUs Data Recovery Wizard.
• Firewall for protection against external threats, e.g., Windows Firewall.

2) Application Software:

Application software is a set of programs designed to perform a specific task. It does not control the
working of a computer as it is designed for end-users. A computer can run without application software.
Application software can be easily installed or uninstalled as required. It can be a single program or a
collection of small programs. Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, and any other software like
payroll software or income tax software are application software. As we know, they are designed to
perform specific tasks. Accordingly, they can be of different types such as:

• Word Processing Software: This software allows users to create, edit, format, and manipulate
the text and more. It offers lots of options for writing documents, creating images, and more. For
example, MS Word, WordPad, Notepad, etc.
• Spreadsheet Software: It is designed to perform calculations, store data, create charts, etc. It has
rows and columns, and the data is entered in the cell, which is an intersection of a row and
column, e.g., Microsoft Excel.
• Multimedia Software: These software are developed to perform editing of video, audio, and
text. It allows you to combine texts, videos, audio, and images. Thus, you can improve a text

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Course Code: ITF 101 Semester: First
Description: Introduction to Computing Year: First

document by adding photos, animations, graphics, and charts through multimedia software. For
example, VLC player, Window Media Player, etc.
• Enterprise Software: These software are developed for business operational functions. It is used
in large organizations where the quantum of business is too large. It can be used for accounting,
billing, order processing and more. For example, CRM (Customer Relationship Management), BI
(Business Intelligence), ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), SCM (Supply Chain Management),
customer support system, and more.

3) Programming Software:

It is a set or collection of tools that help developers in writing other software or programs. It assists them
in creating, debugging, and maintaining software or programs or applications. We can say that these are
facilitator software that helps translate programming language such as Java, C++, Python, etc., into
machine language code. So, it is not used by end-users. For example, compilers, linkers, debuggers,
interpreters, text editors, etc. This software is also called a programming tool or software development
tool.

Some examples of programming software include:

• Eclipse: It is a java language editor.

• Coda: It is a programming language editor for Mac.
• Notepad++: It is an open-source editor for windows.
• Sublime text: It is a cross-platform code editor for Linux, Mac, and Windows.

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Course Code: ITF 101 Semester: First
Description: Introduction to Computing Year: First

Assignment:

Instructions upon sending your assignment:

1. Draw the given puzzle below in a one whole sheet of paper.

2. Picture your answers and send it to my gmail account
(secretarykim12345@gmail.com). Upon sending, write your full name and year and
section as the subject of your activity.
3. Deadline of Submission: September 26, 2021

Direction: In the puzzle below, look for the 10 hidden computer components and give their
role on the computer system. Encircle the word in the puzzle and also list down the word.

REVEAL THE PARTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

C G M M Q F Y L W K C P A H K H G C N H
P O R K I R X N A A O A U A K B M P H U
Z A M Z W G W P X W A F V R Q V X U M Y
Q U I P R Y P T E X V I R D B W A O R B
I R T B A R S R U Y L G R D V J B O C U
A O N R D C S G S I L N H I Q S M I L X
C U H L Q U T Z G D C J F S E E J K O U
N H X S P U P D A K O Z X K M T Y U Z S
G H L P F H G P I Z T A F D O U U F T R
A S L W W T R A O S Q F A R E H B G M O
R Y B E A E M J I X K P I I X E C F H T
E S A C M E T S Y S D D E V W T I D V I
K W M I Q K K I S I O R R E I L D F F N
L E I O M E H Y A S K S A I I D G Z K O
M Q U N D H M R W O Q U H O V K T M J M
W P T H E R M K Z W J U B J B E A P Q Z
K Z Z M L H M O U S E C K Y C Y V Y S D
Y B Y V X E W P L Q Q Y O V N H E Z H D
R N F H T U B U G L S N P F J W N K N J
M J G N Y H V J D U G F L U X O M K D A

Name of Parts Role on the Computer System

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

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Course Code: ITF 101 Semester: First
Description: Introduction to Computing Year: First

References:

www. javaTpoint.com

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