Computer Science Study Material
1. Hardware & Software
Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system. These are tangible
and can be seen or touched.
Types of Hardware:
Input Devices – Used to input data into the computer (e.g., Keyboard, Mouse,
Touchscreen)
Output Devices – Used to output information from the computer (e.g., Monitor,
Printer, Speakers)
Processing Devices – Perform data processing tasks (e.g., CPU)
Storage Devices – Store data and software (e.g., Hard Drive, USB)
Communication Devices – Enable connectivity (e.g., Network Cards, Routers)
Software
Software is a set of instructions that tell the hardware what to do. It is intangible and
cannot be touched.
Types of Software:
System Software (e.g., Operating Systems like Windows, macOS, Android)
Application Software (e.g., Word Processors, Browsers, Mobile Apps)
Utility Software (e.g., Antivirus, Backup Tools)
Programming Software (e.g., Compilers, Debuggers)
Hardware vs Software
Feature Hardware Software
Can you touch it? Yes No
Examples Monitor, Keyboard MS Word, Android
Function Performs tasks physically Instructs the hardware
2. Main Components of a Computer System
A computer system consists of interconnected parts that work together to process data
and perform tasks.
Key Components:
Input Unit – Receives data from the user (e.g., Keyboard, Mouse)
Central Processing Unit (CPU) – Executes instructions and processes data
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs calculations
CU (Control Unit): Directs all operations
Memory/Storage Unit – Stores temporary and permanent data
RAM: Temporary memory for active processes
ROM: Permanent memory with essential programs
Output Unit – Presents processed information (e.g., Monitor, Printer)
Motherboard – Main circuit board connecting all components
Power Supply Unit – Provides electricity to components
3. Operating Systems
An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and
software resources, and provides services for computer programs.
Functions of an OS:
Manages hardware resources
Runs and manages applications
Provides a user interface (GUI/CLI)
Handles file management
Ensures security and multitasking
Common Operating Systems:
Platform Operating System Examples
Desktops/Laptops Windows, macOS, Linux
Smartphones Android, iOS
Tablets iPadOS, Android
Smartwatches watchOS, Wear OS
Servers Windows Server, Ubuntu Server
4. Types of Computers and Smart Devices
Types of Computers:
Personal Computers – Desktop and laptop computers for general use
Mobile Devices – Smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches for portable computing
Workstations – High-performance PCs for professionals
Servers – Provide services and manage data for other computers
Mainframes – Large systems for enterprise-level applications
Supercomputers – Extremely powerful for complex calculations
Comparison Table:
Type Portability User Type Main Use
Desktop No Personal/Office General computing
Laptop Yes Students/Workers Portable work
Smartphone Yes Everyone Communication,
apps
Tablet Yes Readers/Artists Reading,
multimedia
Smartwatch Yes Fitness Users Health tracking
Server No Organizations Data and network
services
Supercomputer No Scientists Complex
simulations
