Classification of Hardware and Software
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ScribdTranslationsClassification of Hardware and Software
Uploaded by
ScribdTranslationsHardware and Software
Parts that make up a computer system, computer or computer
Hardware is the physical devices such as the motherboard, CPU, or monitor.
Software is the entire intangible set (we cannot touch) of computer data and programs.
The interaction between Software and Hardware makes the machine operational, that is, the
Software sends instructions to the Hardware making its operation possible.
2.1 Classification of Hardware and Software
Hardware Classification
A computer consists of:
CPU:
(Central Processing Unit)
It is responsible for taking the input information, processing it by performing the respective
mathematical and logical calculations in order to generate output data required by other
devices or the user himself.
It is also known as Processor or Microprocessor. This device determines the computer's
processing speed referenced as the number of instructions processed per unit of time. The
unit of measurement is Hertz (Hz).
MEMORY:
HW entity exclusively responsible for storing information.
Memory capacity is measured in Bytes.
Examples of memory: Read/write RAM used to store programs and files that are running at a
given time.
Read Only ROM. Hard drives, CDs, DVDs, 3 ½ diskettes.
PERIPHERAL DEVICES:
These are the ones with which the user interacts most directly and allow information to be
sent to be processed.
by the CPU and in turn, allow obtaining already processed information. E.g. Keyboard,
Printer, Monitor, Mouse, Speakers, Microphone etc.
Software Classification
Software refers to the logical equipment or logical support, to all the intangible components
of a computer, that is, to the set of programs and procedures necessary to make the
completion of a specific task possible, as opposed to the physical components of the system
(hardware). It includes computer applications such as a word processor, which allows the
user to perform a task, and system software such as an operating system, which allows other
programs to function properly, facilitating interaction with the physical components and
other applications.
Software can be distinguished as follows:
-System software:
set of programs that is responsible for controlling the operation of the programs that run and
the internal management of the computer's physical resources. Naturally, the operating
system is part of the system software, but in addition, it includes:
the programming software
diagnostic and maintenance software.
It also includes among others
Device Drivers
Servers
Window systems
Utilities
Programming software:
computer programs and how to use different programming languages in a practical way.
Includes among others:
Text editors
Compilers
Interpreters
Linkers
Debuggers
Application software,
It allows users to carry out more specific tasks, in any field of activity, with special
emphasis on business.
Includes among others:
Industrial automation applications
Office applications
Educational software
Medical software
Databases
Video games
Data files
