In the view of a general consumer, using a computer is easy because all it needs is mastery of the procedures needed to execute a specific task. Such is the scenario, thanks to the user interface that provides prompt commands that guide users. A computer would always tell the user if the task can be performed or not and would always seek confirmation to execute a given command. However, few users, bar programmers and software developer, actually understand what transpires behind their home screen. Concerns about achieving effectiveness and efficiency in computer use are founded on ensuring smooth coordination between five major computer components namely:
Hardware - The physical units of the system
Software - Programs or sets of instructions that control the processing and movement of data within the computer system
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Data - Individual facts represented by binary code that are input into the system
Personnel or people are the users of the system
Procedures - Sets of instructions that specify what processing is to be performed.
Hardware Components and Installation of Applications
Computer hardware refers to the tangible components some of which are illustrated in figure 1and 2 below. The computerized functionality that enables users to execute given tasks is an outcome of the interaction between hardware and software, which would be useless without each other. Computer hardware are grouped depending on their location and function. There are hardware parts that are almost always found inside a computer, whether a desktop or a laptop, others are found outside connected to a computer, other are integrated into other devices in new technologies, there are also network hardware, and lastly auxiliary hardware.
| Hardware Inside | Hardware Outside | Integrated Hardware | Network Hardware | Auxiliary Hardware |
|
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.) |
Monitor Keyboard Mouse Battery Backup (UPS) Flash Drive Printer Speakers External Hard Drive Pen Tablet |
Sound Card Network Interface Card (NIC) Expansion Card (Fire wire, USB, etc.) Hard Drive Controller Card Analog Modem Scanner Projector Floppy Disk Drive Joystick Webcam Microphone Tape Drive Zip Drive |
Digital Modem (e.g. Cable Modem, DSL Modem, etc.) Router Network Switch Access Point Repeater Bridge Print Server Firewall |
Fan (CPU, GPU, Case, etc.) Heat Sink Data Cable Power Cable CMOS Battery Daughterboard |
The difference between a desktop and a laptop beside portability is that the former has many features and may be packed with higher computing power (Englander, 2009). However, both models operate using similar hardware and software. The motherboard forms the basis of any computer. It holds the circuitry that connects all the components of the computer, which makes it a critical component in the system unit. The CPU is the brain of the computer and has processors that are responsible for processing all information relayed to the system. The memory, cache, RAM, and ROM sit next to the CPU and are responsible for storage of tasks being worked on for fast interpretation by the CPU. The cache and RAM have temporary memory, implying that they store instructions on running programs, and are completely cleared when the programs are closed. The ROM is a permanent memory which stores start-up instructions that are executed ones the computer is turned on. The hard drive, which is connected to the motherboard, stores software installed by the user including data files created by these programs. Video and sound cards perform the processing of visual and audio outputs. Network hardware has the wireless network area card that allows users to connect to available wireless internet.
Figure 1: A typical personal computer system (Englander, 2009).
The relationship between computer hardware and software is in the processing of the input. Input is processed into output through the CPU via the fetch-execute cycle. Such capability of the CPU is made possible by its components that include:
The Arithmetic and Logic Unit which performs calculations
The Control Unit is responsible for loading and executing instructions
The Instruction Register stores the current instructions
The other Registers store the results of calculations ( Accumulator ) and where the next instruction is to come from ( Program Counter )
Communications between the CPU and memory occur using Buses - Address Bus, Data Bus, and the Control Bus
Figure 2: HP Pavilion desktop, model 550-177cb, showing monitor, Cpu keyboard, speakers, and pointing device components of hardware (Englander, 2009) .
Utilities in the Operating System
Contrary to hardware which can be touched, computer software is intangible. Their major function is to establish user interface with hardware through programming. Software is the coding part that allows the function of the hardware to be implemented. For this reason, computer software is classified into:
System Software
These programs are developed by programmers to perform tasks intended for the hardware. Therefore, system software is designed to operationalize the hardware to perform specific functions. System hardware is categorized into operating system (OS), which is the main system that instructs the hardware on what function to perform and the process of doing it. In short, the OS utilizes the hardware and without it, there is nothing for a computer to do. Windows, Linux, and DOS are the most common examples of operating systems used in computers. The other component of system software is the language translator. A computer has its own language that it can understand. Language translators such as interpreter compiler and utility software are optimized to convert computer language into human readable language. Compliers convert whole documents into computer language.
Application Software
Application software enables users to perform certain tasks such as writing documents or drawing. They are first for efficient and proficient task performance. They are grouped into general purpose software that are used for performing daily requirements such as worksheet processing and photo editing. They can be obtained in a package containing a number of programs. The other category is special purpose software which are used for instance, at industry level such as banking application.
There are other software such as middleware which mediate between system and application software. Applets are smaller applications that may come as accessories with the OS. Firmware is stored in read only a microprocessor or read only memory. The relationship between hardware and software is obtained through configuration, a process, which arranges functional units on the bases of their function, nature, and characteristics. Configuration affects system function and performance, hence influences the choice of hardware, software, firmware, settings, and documentation needed to operationalize a computer.
Reference
Englander, I. (2009). The architecture of computer hardware, system software, and networking . New Jersey: Hoboken.
