Computer Hardware

- is a collective term used to describe any of the physical components of an analog or

digital computer. The term hardware distinguishes the tangible aspects of a
computing device from software

*Internal components - are those necessary for the proper functioning of the computer
- Internal components collectively process or store the instructions delivered by the
program or operating system (OS).
1. Motherboard-This is a printed circuit board that holds the CPU and other essential
internal hardware and functions as the central hub that all other hardware components
run through.
2. CPU- is the brain of the computer that processes and executes digital instructions
from various programs; its clock speed determines the computer's performance and
efficiency in processing data.
3. RAM -is temporary memory storage that makes information immediately accessible to
programs; RAM is volatile memory, so stored data is cleared when the computer powers
off.
4. Hard drive -are physical storage devices that store both permanent and temporary
data in different formats, including programs, OSes, device files, photos, etc.
5. Network interface card (NIC). A NIC is a circuit board or chip that enables the
computer to connect to a network; also known as a network adapter or local area
network adapter, it typically supports connection to an Ethernet network.

*External Components - are those items that are often externally connected to the
computer to control either input or output functions. These hardware devices are designed
to either provide instructions to the software (input) or render results from its execution
(output).
1. Mouse- is a hand-held pointing device that moves a cursor around a computer screen
and enables interaction with objects on the screen. It may be wired or wireless.
2. Keyboard - is an input device featuring a standard QWERTY keyset that enables users
to input text, numbers or special characters
3. Camera -captures visual images and streams them to the computer or through a
computer to a network device.
4. USB flash drive - is an external, removable storage device that uses flash memory and
interfaces with a computer through a USB port.
Hardware vs. software

Hardware refers to the computer's tangible components or delivery systems that store and
run the written instructions provided by the software. The software is the intangible part of
the device that lets the user interact with the hardware and command it to perform specific
tasks. Computer software includes the following:

 OS and related utilities;

 programs that control certain computer functions; and
 applications that usually perform operations on user-supplied data.

 On mobile devices and laptop computers, virtual keyboards are also considered
software because they're not physical.
 Since the software and hardware depend on each other to enable a computer to
produce useful output, the software must be designed to work properly with the
hardware.

SOFTWARE - is a key component to allowing your devices to work as intended

and help you complete your goals. There are several categories of software
you may use at work depending on your needs

- is a series of programs, data and instructions used in a computer's

hardware to help the device operate and you complete tasks. Hardware
is the physical components that comprise a computer, such as the
graphics card, data storage and motherboard. Software is important
because it allows your computer to perform important tasks while also
allowing you to work efficiently on your device.

Components

Application software-The most common type of software is

application software, or apps, which is performed by the end-
user and lets you complete your tasks. An end-user is the
individual using the device. Individuals may also refer to these
applications as non-essential software. You can install these
applications on your devices yourself. Additionally, several
types of application software can help you complete many
tasks. Here are some types of application software you can
use:
 Word processing apps: This type of application allows
you to complete writing tasks, such as writing, editing
and formatting. With this tool, you can also create and
edit tables and print documents as needed.
 Spreadsheet apps: A spreadsheet application can help
you complete tasks to compute and organize data. With
this tool, you can store business data, create budgets and
generate reports and charts.
 Databases: This type of application allows you to store
and sort business information in fields, records and files.
With a database app, you can enter and edit data,
maintain business files and create new records.
 Applications suites: Companies create application suites,
which are composed of a few different but related
applications. An application suite can have similar
interfaces, making it easier for you to navigate between
the applications when you're completing tasks.
 Multimedia apps: This type of application can contain a
combination of text, animation, audio, video and image
content. You can use these tools to create content,
assemble and watch videos and record and mix audio
tracks.
 Communication apps: Communication applications allow
you to connect with other individuals who also have these
applications to share text, video and audio. These tools
can help you host meetings remotely and work with other
professionals who may live across the country.
 Internet browsers: These types of applications allow you
to access the internet through different host providers.
With this tool, you can access and view websites to help
you complete your tasks.
 Email apps: You can these types of applications to write,
send, receive and read emails from other individuals.
These programs are helpful when you're working or trying
to contact other individuals.
2. System software
System software helps you, the hardware of your device and
the application software work together to help you complete
your tasks. A computer system relies on software systems to
allow it to function properly and efficiently. For example, the
memory of your device is part of your system software. Unlike
the application software, the system software it's not end-user
oriented, which means these programs run in the background
of your devices instead of you using them. This means you can
use the application software while the system software runs in
the background to assist the apps' operations.
3. Middleware
Middleware software is the function that helps system
software transition to or from application software programs.
This can help your device manage communication and data
between the two software programs. Types of middleware can
include data management, authentication and communication
through messages.
4. Driver software
The driver software is part of the system software, and this
can help your computer manage the external devices you
connect to it. This tool can help the device plugged in to
operate as intended. Driver software helps translate the
commands of the hardware or device's operating system to
complete the task. For each device you have plugged into your
computer, it requires one driver software. Often, the external
devices come with installed drivers, which means you won't
need a third-party installation. If the device doesn't have a
built-in driver, you can install your own with a third party.
Here are a few examples of external devices that driver
software can help support:
 Printers
 Wireless mice
 Network cards
5. Programming software
Programming software is for coding and not primarily user-end
unless you're a professional who uses and writes codes. As a
programmer, you can use this type of software to write,
produce, inspect and debug application and system software.
These programs can help make completing your tasks more
productive and efficient. Additionally, coders can use this
software as a translator program. A translator program means
it interprets program coding language into machine language
code. This helps programmers run code by each line and
ensure it's correct so the computer can complete basic
instructions.
6. Freeware
Freeware software is a type of application that is free for you
to download. You can download these programs online and
they are in the application software and end-user category.
These types of software value and respect an individual's need
for community and freedom. Here are a few examples of
freeware you can download:
 Instagram
 Facebook
 Adobe Reader
 Skype
7. Open source software
Open-source software is a type of program that allows users to
change the coding and share it with other users. You can
share these programs with any user and they can use them for
a variety of reasons. Here are some examples of open-source
software:
 Internet browsers, such as Firefox
 LibreOffice
 GIMP
8. Proprietary software or closed software
Proprietary software, or closed software, is a type of program
with coding for users who pay a fee to access it. This means
only the author who created the coding and the program has
the authority to change the codes and distribute the software.
Here are a few examples of proprietary or closed software:
 Microsoft Office
 Java
 Adobe Flash Player
9. Shareware
Shareware software is a type of application that is paid
program but offered to users for a trial period before
requesting payment for continual usage. During the trial
duration, you can use all the features in the application
without having to pay a fee. At the end of the trial, the
application may ask for payment if you desire to continue to
use the program if you like it. When you're given a trial
duration, you can assess if you would like to invest financially
in it later. Here are a few examples of shareware:
 Netflix
 Adobe Photoshop
 YouTube TV
10. Utility software
Utility software is a type of system software that can help you
maintain the health of your device and manage the
performance of the programs. You may purchase some of
these software programs in-store or online to download on
your computer. These programs can scan and analyze your
device to find any challenges or make improvements when
necessary. Here are a few examples of utility software you can
download:
 Antivirus and security
 Data backup
 Disk cleaner and defragment

What's the difference between software and programs?

You may use the words "software" and "program" together to
describe a collection of data and instructions used to make a
computer's hardware complete a task, but not every type of
software is a program. A primary difference between a
program and software is that a program doesn't have an
interface for users to navigate with, like software. Programs
have limited functions and features for users to explore. For
example, the software can comprise files, while a program can
be a file itself. Additionally, a program is necessary for
software to operate properly.

Advantages of networking

The benefits of networking include access to job opportunities, professional

connections, career advice, new ideas, and valuable information. Networking
also helps with personal and business growth, building relationships, and
gaining a competitive edge in your industry.
 It allows sharing of software and hardware resources.
 Network loss might not affect a single workstation.
 System and component evolution is conceivable.
 Support for hardware and software in diverse forms.
 Access to other LANs and WANs.
 Private possession.
 Central Storage of Data: Files can be stored on a central node (the file
server) that can be shared and made available to every user in an
organization.
 Connectivity: There is a negligible range of abilities required to connect
to a modern computer network. The effortlessness of joining makes it
workable for even youthful kids to start exploring the data.
 Faster Problem-solving: Since an extensive procedure is disintegrated
into a few littler procedures and each is taken care of by all the
associated gadgets, an explicit issue can be settled in lesser time.
 Reliability: Reliability implies backing up information. Due to some
reason equipment crashes, and so on, the information gets undermined
or inaccessible on one PC, and another duplicate of similar information
is accessible on another workstation for future use, which prompts
smooth working and further handling without interruption.
 Flexible: This innovation is known to be truly adaptable, as it offers
clients the chance to investigate everything about fundamental things,
for example, programming without influencing their usefulness.
  Security through Authorization: Security and protection of information
are additionally settled through the system. As just the system clients
are approved to get to specific records or applications, no other
individual can crack the protection or security of information.
 Storage capacity: Since you will share data, records, and assets with
other individuals, you need to guarantee all information and substance
are legitimately put away in the framework. With this systems
administration innovation, you can do most of this with no issue, while
having all the space you require for capacity.

Information Systems Security

refers to the processes and methodologies involved with keeping information confidential, available, and
assuring its integrity.

It also refers to:

 Access controls, which prevent unauthorized personnel from entering or accessing a system.
 Protecting information no matter where that information is, i.e. in transit (such as in an email) or
in a storage area.
 The detection and remediation of security breaches, as well as documenting those events.
 Information systems security does not just deal with computer information, but also
protecting data and information in all of its forms, such as telephone conversations.
 Risk assessments must be performed to determine what information poses the biggest
risk. For example, one system may have the most important information on it and
therefore will need more security measures to maintain security. Business continuity
planning and disaster recovery planning are other facets of an information systems
security professional. This professional will plan for what could happen if a major
business disruption occurs, but still allow business to continue as usual
-It focuses on protecting computers, networks, and their users.