Components of Computers

Computers are made up of hardware and software.

Hardware

The physical components of a computer system that can be touched and seen.

Motherboard

1. A circuit board that allows data to travel to the different components in a computer.
2. The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all the components of a computer.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

1. The component of a computer that carries out and controls the computer's instructions.
2. The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer. It executes instructions and performs calculations.
3. It is split into three main subcomponents:
   1. Control unit (CU) - controls the order and processing of processes.
   2. Arithmetic-logic unit (ALU) - computer arithmetic and logic operations.
   3. Registers - temporarily store small amounts of data needed by the CPU.

Primary Memory

The component of a computer that stores data and instructions that the computer needs to run and execute instructions.

1. RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage for data and instructions that are currently being used by the CPU.
2. ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent storage for essential instructions that cannot be modified. Stores the necessary data that the computer needs to boot.
3. Cache: Small but extremely fast memory that stores frequently used data for fast retrieval.

Storage

The component of a computer that stores data and instructions permanently. Usually used for storing user data.

There are two types of storage:

1. Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Magnetic storage that uses spinning disks to store data. Weaker than SSD, but much cheaper and commonly has more capacity.
2. Solid State Drive (SSD): Flash storage that uses memory chips to store data. Much more powerful and faster, but more expensive.

Graphics and Sound Components

The components of a computer that process and output visual and audio data.

1. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Processes visual data and outputs it to a display device.
2. Sound Card: Processes audio data and outputs it to speakers or headphones.

Power Supply

The component of a computer that converts AC power from an outlet into DC power for the computer.

The power supply converts AC power from an outlet into DC power for the computer.

Input and Output Devices

1. Input devices: Send data and instructions to a computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone).
2. Output devices: Receive data and instructions from a computer and display them to the user (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).

User Interfaces

The means by which human users interact with a digital technology. The intent is to make the user's experience straight forward, intuitive, and requiring minimum effort to achieve the desired outcome.

1. Graphical User Interface (GUI): Uses visual elements like icons and windows to interact with the user.
2. Command Line Interface (CLI): Uses text commands to interact with the user.

Haptic Interfaces

1. A user interface that provides feedback to the user through touch.
2. Haptic interfaces provide feedback to the user through touch (e.g., vibrations in a game controller).

Software

The programs and applications that run on a computer.

Operating Systems

1. Software that manages the hardware, software and memory of a computer as well as providing a user interface.
2. The operating system is the software that manages the hardware, software, and memory of a computer. It provides a user interface for interacting with the system.

Applications / Applicative Software

1. Software that serves a specific purpose, such as a word processor or video editor.
2. Software applications are programs that perform specific tasks (e.g., word processors, web browsers, games).

Malicious Software (Malware)

1. Software designed to steal data or damage computers/ IT systems.
2. Common types of malware include ransomware, viruses, trojan horses, etc.