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? Reading Notes for Topic 2

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the basic components of a computer, including hardware (input, output, storage, and processing devices) and software (system and application software). It also discusses the differences between open-source and proprietary software. By the end of the topic, students will understand how these components interact and their respective functions.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
5 views

? Reading Notes for Topic 2

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the basic components of a computer, including hardware (input, output, storage, and processing devices) and software (system and application software). It also discusses the differences between open-source and proprietary software. By the end of the topic, students will understand how these components interact and their respective functions.

Uploaded by

lucasrosemary178
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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📘 Reading Notes for Topic 2: Basic Components

of a Computer

Topic Overview

This topic provides an in-depth understanding of the fundamental components of a


computer. Computers consist of hardware and software that work together to process
data efficiently. This topic covers:
Computer hardware (Input, Output, Storage, and Processing devices)
Computer software (System and Application software)
The distinction between open-source and proprietary software

By the end of this topic, students will have a solid grasp of how these components interact
to enable computing processes.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this topic, students should be able to:


1️⃣ Identify and explain the functions of different hardware components of a computer.
2️⃣ Differentiate between input, output, processing, and storage devices.
3️⃣ Describe the role of system and application software in computing.
4️⃣ Compare open-source vs. proprietary software and their advantages and disadvantages.

2.1 Computer Hardware

Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system. These


include input devices, output devices, storage devices, and processing units.

2.1.1 Input Devices

Input devices allow users to enter data and commands into a computer system.
Input Description Example
Device

Keyboard Used for text entry and command Standard QWERTY, Mechanical,
execution Virtual Keyboard

Mouse Controls the pointer on the screen, Optical Mouse, Wireless Mouse
used for navigation

Scanner Converts physical documents into Flatbed Scanner, Barcode


digital format Scanner

Touchscreen Allows direct interaction with a Smartphones, Tablets, ATM


display screen Screens

Microphone Captures audio input for recording or Built-in Laptop Mic, USB
communication Microphone

Real-Life Analogy: A keyboard is like a pen—it helps you write digital content just as a
pen helps you write on paper.

2.1.2 Output Devices

Output devices display or produce results based on processed data.

Output Description Example


Device

Monitor Displays visual output from the LCD, LED, OLED Monitors
computer

Printer Converts digital documents into Inkjet, Laser, 3D Printers


physical copies

Speakers Outputs sound from the computer Bluetooth Speakers, Studio


system Monitors

Projector Enlarges and displays images on a Business Projectors, Home


surface Theaters

Real-Life Analogy: A monitor is like a television screen, displaying what’s happening


inside the computer in real time.
2.1.3 Storage Devices

Storage devices retain data for immediate or future use.

Storage Device Type Features Example

Hard Disk Drive Internal Mechanical parts, large storage Laptop HDD, Desktop
(HDD) capacity HDD

Solid-State Drive Internal Faster, no moving parts NVMe SSD, SATA


(SSD) SSD

Flash Drive (USB External Portable, plug-and-play USB 3.0 Flash Drive
Drive)

Cloud Storage Remote Online storage, accessible Google Drive,


anywhere Dropbox

Real-Life Analogy:

• An HDD is like a library—it stores a vast amount of information but takes time to
retrieve.

• An SSD is like a notebook—quick to access, lightweight, and efficient.

• Cloud storage is like renting a locker—you store your files online and access them
from anywhere.

2.1.4 Processing Unit

The Processing Unit executes instructions and processes data.

Component Function Example

CPU (Central Brain of the computer, processes Intel Core i9, AMD
Processing Unit) commands Ryzen 9

RAM (Random Access Temporary memory that stores active DDR4, DDR5 RAM
Memory) tasks

Motherboard Connects and integrates all hardware ATX, Mini-ITX


components Motherboards
Graphics Card (GPU) Handles visual rendering and graphics NVIDIA RTX, AMD
processing Radeon

Real-Life Analogy:

• The CPU is like a chef—it processes ingredients (data) to prepare meals (output).

• RAM is like a work desk—it holds files you're currently using for quick access.

Review Questions for Computer Hardware

1. What is the difference between input and output devices? Provide examples.

2. Why is an SSD faster than an HDD?

3. How does RAM affect the speed of a computer?

4. Explain the role of a motherboard in a computer system.

2.2 Computer Software

Computer software refers to programs and operating instructions that enable a computer
to perform tasks.

2.2.1 System Software

System software controls the hardware and core operations of a computer.

Type of System Function Examples


Software

Operating System Manages computer resources and Windows 11, macOS,


(OS) user interaction Linux Ubuntu

Utility Software Maintains system performance and Antivirus, Disk Cleanup


security

Firmware Low-level software that controls BIOS, Router Firmware


hardware

Real-Life Analogy:
• The OS is like a manager—it oversees operations, schedules tasks, and ensures
smooth functionality.

2.2.2 Application Software

Application software allows users to perform specific tasks on a computer.

Category Function Examples

Productivity Helps with work and document Microsoft Office, Google


Software management Docs

Web Browsers Enables internet browsing Chrome, Firefox, Safari

Multimedia Used for editing photos, videos, Adobe Photoshop, VLC Media
Software and music Player

Real-Life Analogy:

• Application software is like a kitchen appliance—each one has a unique function


(e.g., a blender for smoothies, an oven for baking).

2.2.3 Open Source vs. Proprietary Software

Type Definition Examples

Open Source Free software with modifiable source Linux, LibreOffice


Software code

Proprietary Licensed software with restricted Windows, Adobe


Software access Photoshop

Review Questions for Computer Software

1. What is the difference between system software and application software?

2. Why is an operating system necessary for a computer?

3. Compare open-source and proprietary software, giving one advantage of each.

4. What are three examples of application software used in everyday tasks?


Summary

Computer hardware includes input, output, storage, and processing devices.


Computer software is classified into system software and application software.
Open-source software offers free modification, while proprietary software is
commercial and restricted.

Further Exploration & References

Computer Hardware Basics – Microsoft


Introduction to Operating Systems – IBM
Open-Source vs. Proprietary Software – Techopedia

Overall Topic Review Questions

These questions cover all aspects of Topic 2

1. Explain the difference between hardware and software.

2. What is the role of the CPU in a computer system?

3. Give three examples of output devices and their functions.

4. Why is RAM important in computer performance?

5. Compare SSD vs. HDD and state which is better for performance.

6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of open-source software?

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