Chapter Three

Computer Hardware and

Software

What is a computer?

A computer can be defined as an

interrelated combination of components
that performs the basic system functions
of input, processing, storage, output, and
control and can provide end users with a
powerful information processing tool.

Computer System Components

Inputs devices
Outputs devices
Processing devices
Central Processing Unit
Secondary storage devices
Communication devices

Types of Computers

Microcomputer (personal computers

or PC)
Workstations
Mid-range computer
Mainframe computer
Supercomputers

Computer usage

PC, workstations

Personal

Workstation
Midrange

Workgroup
system

Mainframe
supercomputers

OrganizationalWide system

Computer Software
Computer software can be classified into
Application software (AS).
Define the tasks that the computer should
perform expressing the user perspective.
- Examples of AS include - SPSS, word
processor, spread sheet, DBMS, web
design software.

System software (SS).

Perform the background tasks that make the
computer system and AS work together. The
basic system software in a computer is called
Operating System (OS) which forms a
communication tool between the end user and
the computer system.

The role of OS

Examples of application software and system

software

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Types of OS

DOS (Disk operating system )

Command-line interface.
Single user OS.
Can only be used by experts.

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Types of OS

UNIX

Command-line interface.
Multi-tasking or Multi-user OS.
More secure than DOS due to the use of
user password, file ownership and access
permission setting.

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Types of OS

Windows NT, 2000, XP

friendly, easy to use interface (Graphical user
interface)
Multi-tasking and multi-user OS.
Networking capabilities.

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Operating Environment (OE)

OE means the layer between the user

and the computer system or the way of
communication between them.
Operating environment

Command-based

Shells

Graphical-based

Gesture-based

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