Basics
of Computer Science - System
A computer system is an integrated form of different components
that work together to give a desirable result. It has different component and
each works for a specific purpose; however, they generate a common result as
required by the user.
Components of Computer System
Let us now understand the following basic components of a computer
system.
- Hardware
- Software
- Humanware
- Firmware
- Bridgeware
Hardware
The physical components collectively form the hardware of a
computer system. Hardware comprises of the equipment that helps in the working
system of the computer.
Following are the different types of hardware components (which
have specific functions) −
· Monitor −
It displays (visual) the result.
· CPU −
It is the Central Processing Unit that controls the computer’s functions and
transmits data.
· Motherboard −
It is mainly accountable to establish communication between components and transmission
of information.
· RAM −
It is the Random Access Memory and responsible for the storage of programs that
are currently running and also stores data temporarily.
· Hard
Disk Drive − It is a permanent memory
storage device.
· Floppy
Disk Drive − It is hardly being used in
recent times.
· Optical
disks − It is a device that also
store data. For example, CD, DVD, etc.
Input & Output Device
The following table categorically lists down the input and output
device −
|
Input Device |
Output Device |
Input Device |
Output Device |
|
Mouse |
Monitor |
Microphone |
Speaker |
|
Keyboard |
Printer |
Camera |
Earphone |
|
Scanner |
Projector |
Trackball |
Monitor |
|
Touchpad |
Plotter |
Joystick |
Monitor |
Software
The hardware components can only function when software components
are added to the computer system. Software is a program that performs different
commands given by a user.
Software is an intangible part of hardware and controls the
sequence of operations.
Types of Software
Depending on the basic features and functionality, software can be
categorized as −
- Operating
Systems (OS)
- Application
Software (AS)
- E-accessibility
Software
Let us now discuss the software components in brief.
Operating System
This software helps to load the basic program automatically as
soon as the computer is started. Following are the major types of operating
system −
|
Operating Software |
Examples |
|
Microsoft Windows |
XP, Vista, etc. |
|
Mac OS X |
Panther, Cheetah, Snow leopard, etc. |
|
Linux |
Debian,
Ubuntu, Fedora, Knoppix, etc. |
Application Software
The software, which can be used on an installed operating system,
is known as application software. Following are the significant examples of
application software −
|
Application Software |
Examples |
|
Office programs |
Microsoft
Office, OpenOffice, LibreOffice,
etc. |
|
Web
browser |
Internet
Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, Safari, etc. |
|
Antivirus Program |
Norton,
McAfee, Quick Heal, Avira, Kaspersky, etc. |
E-accessibility Software
The E-accessibility software components additional facilities to
users such as −
- Voice
recognition software
- Screen
reader
- Magnifying
tool
- On-screen
keyboard
- Video
games
- Learning
software, etc.