One Basic Components of a Computer System
• Hardware – Parts of the Computer System you can
physically touch
- Refers to the physical components that make up a computer system.
- There are many different kinds of hardware that can be installed inside, and
connected to the outside, of a computer.
- Computer hardware may sometimes be seen abbreviated as computer hw.
List of Computer Hardware
Here are some common individual computer hardware components that you'll often find inside a modern
computer. These parts are almost always found inside the computer's case, so you won't see them unless
you open the computer:
• Motherboard
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Power Supply
• Video Card
• Hard Drive (HDD)
• Solid-State Drive (SSD)
• Optical Drive (e.g., BD/DVD/CD drive)
• Card Reader (SD/SDHC, CF, etc.)
Here is some common hardware that you might find connected to the outside of a computer, although
many tablets, laptops, and netbooks integrate some of these items into their housings:
• Monitor
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Battery Backup (UPS)
• Flash Drive
• Printer
• Speakers
• External Hard Drive
• Pen Tablet
Here are some less common individual computer hardware devices, either because these pieces are now
usually integrated into other devices or because they've been replaced with newer technology:
• Sound Card
• Network Interface Card (NIC)
• Expansion Card (Firewire, USB, etc.)
• Hard Drive Controller Card
• Analog Modem
• Scanner
• Projector
• Floppy Disk Drive
• Joystick
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Tape Drive
• Zip Drive
The following hardware is referred to as network hardware, and various pieces are often part of a home
or business network:
• Digital Modem (e.g., Cable Modem, DSL Modem, etc.)
• Router
• Network Switch
• Access Point
• Repeater
• Bridge
• Print Server
• Firewall
Network hardware isn't as clearly defined as some other types of computer hardware. For example, many
home routers will often act as a combination router, switch, and firewall.
In addition to all the items listed above, there's more computer hardware called auxiliary hardware, of
which a computer might have none, or several, of some kinds:
• Fan (CPU, GPU, Case, etc.)
• Heat Sink
• Data Cable
• Power Cable
• CMOS Battery
• Daughterboard
Some of the devices listed above are called peripheral devices. A peripheral device is a piece of hardware
(whether internal or external) that isn't actually involved in the computer's main function. Examples
include a monitor, video card, disc drive, and mouse.
Another Basic Components of a Computer System
• Software –
- Is software on a computer that is designed to control and
work with computer hardware. The two main types of
system software are the operating system and the software
installed with the operating system, often
called utility software. In some cases, the operating system
and utility software depend on each other to function
properly.
- Some system software is used directly by users and other
system software works in the background. System software
can allow users to interact directly with hardware
functionality, like the Device Manager and many of the
utilities found in the Control Panel.
The Five Types of Systems Software
1. Operating System (OS)
The operating system is a type of system software kernel that sits between computer hardware and end
user. It is installed first on a computer to allow devices and applications to be identified and therefore
functional.
Examples of Operating Systems
Popular OSs for computers are:
• Windows 10
• Mac OS X
• Ubuntu
Popular network/server OSs are:
• Ubuntu Server
• Windows Server
• Red Hat Enterprise
Popular internet/web OSs are:
• Chrome OS
• Club Linux
• Remix OS
Popular mobile OSs are:
• iPhone OS
• Android OS
• Windows Phone OS
2. Device Drivers
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. Without drivers, the OS would not assign any duties.
Examples of devices which require drivers:
• Mouse
• Keyboard
• Soundcard
• Display card
• Network card
• Printer
3. Firmware
Firmware is the operational software embedded within a flash, ROM, or EPROM memory chip for the
OS to identify it. It directly manages and controls all activities of any single hardware.
4&5. BIOS and UEFI
The most important firmware in computers today is installed by the manufacturer on the motherboard and
can be accessed through the old BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or the new UEFI (Unified Extended
Firmware Interface) platforms.
It is the configuration interface which loads first when the computer is powered up and is going through
POST (Power On Self Test).
