The ICT Lounge
Section 1.1:
Hardware, Software and Computer Types
This section will take a look at hardware/software and the different Key objectives of this section:
types of computers.
# Know the difference between hardware and software and
You will learn the differences between hardware and software, as be able to identify examples of each.
well as examples of each. # Understand the uses of different types of computers and be
able to identify examples of each.
You will also see different types of computers including their uses, # Be able to discuss advantages and disadvantages of
advantages and disadvantages. each different type of computer.
_ Hardware Key Words:
Hardware, Physical, See,
Touch, Pick-up
Definition: "All the physical parts of a computer that you you can see, touch and pick
up."
_Overview of hardware:
_# Hardware is 'physical'.
Physical means that it can be touched and picked up
_# Hardware works with computer code to carry out jobs such as:
Producing an image on a computer screen
Producing sound
Moving cursers / pointers around a screen
etc
_Examples of hardware: (click images to zoom and retrieve more info)
Keyboard Mouse Monitor Scanner Printer
Other examples of
hardware include:
Graphics Card
Sound Card
Network Card
Computer Case
Cooling Fan
Modem
Router
CD-ROM Motherboard Digital Camera Speakers Web Cam CD/DVD Reader
CD/DVD Burner
Power Supply
Cables
NOTE:
We will look at
RAM Hard Disk Processor Microphone Memory Stick individual computer
hardware
components in a
later unit.
_ Software Key Words:
Software, Electronic,
Instructions, Cannot Touch or
Definition: "Coded programs that control how the computer works" Pick-up
_# Software cannot be touched or picked up.
This is because software is not physical. It exists as computer code inside the computer.
_# There are 2 types of software - System Software and Application Software.
_# It refers to the programs that we run on our computer and it tells the hardware how to do something useful.
Software is basically a set of instructions (written in computer code) that tells the hardware what to do
_# Without software, most hardware would be useless.
_Examples of software:
System software: This type of software includes operating systems and different utilities to allow your system to run smoothly.
System software often manages the computer's resources.
Operating Systems Disk Cleaners Disk Defragmenter Virus Protection Other examples of
system software:
Graphic Drivers
Debuggers to identify
system errors
Compression Software
Encryption Software
Disk Check
Application software: Everyday programs that you use to produce something useful. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint are good
examples.
Spreadsheet Other examples of
Word Processors Graphics Editors Web Design Programs
Programs application software:
Presentation Program
(PowerPoint)
Database Program
(Access)
Web Browser (Internet
Explorer)
CAD Design Software
Media players
Computer Games
How to remember the difference between hardware and software. Activities!
1. Is it classed as a computer or part of an ICT system? YES
Hardware/Software - Task 1
2. Can you touch it? YES
2. Then it is HARDWARE
Click the above task and correctly
1. Is it classed as part of an ICT system? YES identify the different examples of
hardware and software.
2. Can you touch it? NO
2. Then it is SOFTWARE
Hardware/Software - Task 2
NOTE: If you are asked to name types of software you should NOT use brand Click the above task and write
names. down as many examples of
hardware/software you can think
For example: you should use 'Graphics Editor' rather than of.
'PhotoShop'.
_ Types of Computers Key Words:
Personal Computer, Laptop,
Definition of a Computer: "Computers are devices that accept information and PDA, Mainframe, Notebook,
then manipulate it to produce a result." Palmtop
Computers allow us to perform many different tasks from gaming to complicated calculations. Computers range from very large to very small
and it is estimated that there are over 1 billion of them in use around the world.
There are many different types of computers and people often choose which type they use based on what sort of tasks they want the
computer to carry out. This section covers the main types of computers.
Personal Computer (Desktop PC)
# Personal Computers are usually found in the home.
Examples:
# They are designed to be used by one person at a time and perform tasks such as
school work, gaming, household accounts, internet access and emailing.
# Personal Computers are made up of input devices, output devices and storage
devices all held together within a base unit which houses all the hardware components
that make the PC work.
Advantages (compared to laptop) Disadvantages (compared to laptop)
You get a better specification for your Desktop PC's are large and bulky.
money.
(this makes them not very portable)
(better components for the same price)
Click image to zoom in and retrieve more
information.
Cheaper to buy due to components being They need a constant power supply as
easier to make. they do not use batteries.
The keyboard is easier to use as it is Need to copy files onto portable storage
larger than a laptop keyboard. (memory stick) or send via email if you
need to work in a different location.
Design of casing allows for heat to
escape. Note: This is because they are not portable
and can't be moved easily.
This helps to keeps the PC pretty cool.
Laptop
# Laptops are portable computers and are small enough to sit on your lap.
Examples:
# They can be used almost anywhere due to their small size and a built-in battery
which powers the laptop when there is no access to a plug socket.
# Modern laptops are generally almost as powerful as a Desktop PC and are used for
similar tasks and purposes.
# They have LCD screens (Liquid Crystal Display) which use low-power. This helps
increase the run-time of a laptop's battery.
Advantages (compared to PC's) Disadvantages (compared to PC's)
Smaller and lighter and are much easier Limited battery life means you need to
Click image to zoom in and retrieve more
to transport. (portable) recharge quite frequently.
information.
Laptop components use low-power. Smaller keyboards are sometimes hard to
use.
Built-in rechargeable battery means they Laptops are prone to theft as they are
will work even without a mains power often used in public places.
supply. (portable)
Usually come with built-in Wi-Fi which Laptops are compact and can get hotter
means they can access the internet from than a desktop PC.
locations with access.
No need to transfer files onto portable
storage if you need to work in a different
location. You simply take the laptop with
you.
Mainframes
# Mainframes are very large and expensive and are capable of supporting hundreds, or
even thousands, of users at the same time. Examples:
# They are used in large organisations for processing huge amounts of data or to
control massive networks of computers.
# Mainframes use more than one processor (parallel processing) which means they can
process many jobs at the same time.
# Early mainframes were the size of a room and got their name because they were housed
in large metal ‘frames’.
Advantages Disadvantages
(compared to other computers) (compared to other computers)
They can process huge amounts of data Very expensive to buy (and to run).
very quickly.
Can perform millions and millions of They are very large and so are almost
calculations per second. impossible to transport.
Parallel processing means they can They generate a lot of heat and need to be
handle many tasks at the same time. in air-conditioned rooms.
They can run and manage huge networks They need a high-level of training for
of computers. people to be able to use them.
Netbook
# Netbooks are extremely small and light versions of laptops and typically weigh about
6 pounds. Examples:
# Netbooks can be used for similar tasks to a laptop but they are not as powerful and
have much smaller screens.
Advantages (compared to laptop) Disadvantages (compared to laptop)
Much smaller and lighter... means they Very small keyboards can be difficult to
are even easier to transport. use.
Longer battery life (their low-power Low performance means they are not
components require less energy). suitable for power-hungry tasks like video
editing.
Cheaper because they do not come with Small screen make images and text
Click image to zoom in and retrieve more
certain components (such as CD/DVD difficult to see. information.
drive).
Very small size makes them easy to
misplace or get stolen.
Small hard disk drives means that they
can store less data.
PDA (personal digital assistant)
# PDA’s are handheld computers with facilities including:
Examples:
Personal organiser (birthdays, appointments etc)
Internet browsing
Telephone calls
Multimedia (video, music etc)
etc
# Generally speaking, there is very little difference between a PDA and a modern mobile
phone.
Advantages Disadvantages
(compared to other computers) (compared to other computers)
Smaller and lighter... means they are Very small keyboards can be difficult to
very portable. use.
Click image to zoom in and retrieve more
(they literally fit in your pocket) information.
Easy to use anywhere... even standing on Some use a stylus pen instead of a
a train. keyboard.
(some people find these tricky to use)
Can be used like a mobile phone to make Small screen make images and text
calls. difficult to see.
Very small size makes them easy to
misplace or get stolen.
Limited power... especially compared to
desktop PC's.
Palmtop
# Palmtop's are very similar in computing power to PDA’s and are used for basic
functions such as: Examples:
Calendars
Phone number and address book lists
Internet access
Email
# Palmtop's get their name simply because they are designed to sit in the palm of your
hand. They often come with a small keyboard.
Advantages Disadvantages
(compared to other computers) (compared to other computers)
Smaller and lighter... means they are Very small keyboards can be difficult to
very portable. use.
(they literally fit in your pocket) Click image to zoom in and retrieve more
information.
Easy to use anywhere... even standing on Less memory means they cannot run
a train. powerful programs (such as graphic
editors)
Activity!
Some have built in cameras and Small screen make images and text Types of Computers -
microphones. difficult to see. Task
(useful for applications such as Skype) Very small size makes them easy to Click the above task and
misplace or get stolen. follow the instructions given
on the sheet. Make sure
Limited power... especially compared to that you complete both
desktop PC's. parts of the task sheet.
Previous - Types and Components of Next - Components of Computer
Computer Systems Menu Systems and Storage Devices
Links to Theory Units:
Section 1: Types and Components of Computer Systems Section 2: Input and Output Devices Section 3: Storage Devices and Media
Section 4: Computer Networks Section 5: Data Types Section 6: The Effects of Using ICT
Section 7: The Ways in which ICT is used Section 7: Part 2 Section 8: Systems Analysis and Design
Links to Practical Units:
Section 9: Communication Section 10: Document Production Section 11: Data Manipulation
Section 12: Integration Section 13: Output Data Section 14: Data Analysis
Section 15: Web site Authoring Section 16: Presentation Authoring
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