Hardware & Software: Designed, Produced and Created By: Héctor Izquierdo Martín

Hardware &
Software
Designed, produced and created by:
Héctor Izquierdo Martín
Index
Hardware
CPU
Memory
Storage
I/E Devices
Software
Conclusion
Computer hardware refers to the physical components that make up a
computer system. These components can be touched, seen, and
manipulated. They are the tangible parts of a computer system that
work together to process data and perform operations. Said components
include the Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, storage devices
and input/output (I/O) devices.
Hardware
Other important more general components include the motherboard,
which acts as a hub connecting all the other components and the power
supply, which provides power to the system.
Computer hardware components must be compatible with each other

and work together seamlessly to ensure that the computer system
functions properly. They are designed and built to withstand the
demands of regular use and to be upgraded or replaced as needed.
In summary, computer hardware encompasses all of the physical

components of a computer system, including the CPU, memory,
storage devices, I/O devices, peripherals, buses, and ports. These
components work together to enable the computer to process data, store
information, and communicate with external devices.
The CPU is the brain of the computer and is
responsible for processing instructions and data. It is
made up of several components, including the control
Central unit, the arithmetic logic unit, and the registers.
Processing The control unit is responsible for managing the flow

of instructions between the CPU and other hardware
Unit components.
The arithmetic logic unit performs mathematical and
( CPU ) logical operations.
The registers store temporary data used by the CPU
during processing.
Memory
Memory is the component that stores data and
instructions that are currently in use by the CPU.
This includes both volatile and non-volatile memory.
Volatile memory, such as random-access memory
(RAM), loses its data when the computer is turned off.
There are different types of RAM, including: Dynamic
RAM (DRAM), Static RAM (SRAM), and
Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM), each with
their own characteristics and performance capabilities.
Non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory
(ROM), retains its data even when the computer is
turned off. There are different types of ROM,
including: Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable
Programmable ROM (EPROM), and Electrically
Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), each with
their own characteristics and capabilities.
Computer storage refers to the hardware devices used to store data and programs on a
computer. There are several types of computer storage, including hard disk drives (HDDs),
solid-state drives (SSDs), optical drives, flash memory, and magnetic tape. Each type of
storage has its own unique features and characteristics.
1. Hard Disk Drives (HDDs): Hard disk drives are mechanical devices that use rotating
disks to store data magnetically. The disks are coated with a magnetic material that can be
written and read by a magnetic head. HDDs are relatively inexpensive and have large
storage capacities, making them suitable for storing large amounts of data. However, they
are relatively slow and can be prone to failure.
2. Solid-State Drives (SSDs): Solid-state drives are electronic devices that use NAND
flash memory to store data. Unlike HDDs, they have no moving parts, which makes them
faster and less prone to failure. SSDs are more expensive than HDDs, but they are also
more durable and can operate in extreme temperatures. They are commonly used in
Storage laptops and other portable devices because of their high-speed performance and low
power consumption.
3. Optical Drives: Optical drives use a laser to read and write data on optical disks, such as
CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. They are relatively inexpensive and have a large storage
capacity. However, they are slow and can be prone to scratches and other damage.
4. Flash Memory: Flash memory is a type of electronic storage that uses floating-gate
transistors to store data. It is commonly used in USB drives, memory cards, and other
portable storage devices. Flash memory is fast, durable, and has a low power
consumption, making it ideal for portable devices. However, it can only be written and
erased a limited number of times before it begins to degrade.
5. Magnetic Tape: Magnetic tape is a type of storage media that uses a magnetic coating to
store data. It is typically used for long-term storage of large amounts of data, such as
backups and archives. Magnetic tape is relatively inexpensive and has a large storage
capacity, but it is slow and can be prone to errors.
Input and output
devices (I/O)
I/O devices are used to input and output data to and from the computer. These devices include keyboards, mice,
monitors, printers, scanners, and speakers. Peripherals are additional hardware components that enhance the
functionality of the computer. These devices include webcams, microphones, game controllers, and external hard
drives.
The main difference between an input device and an output device is the direction of data flow. An input device is
used to input data into a computer, while an output device is used to output data from a computer.
Input devices are used to input data, commands, or instructions into a computer. Examples of input devices include
keyboards, mice, scanners, digital cameras, and microphones. These devices allow the user to interact with the
computer and provide information to the computer to process.
Output devices, on the other hand, are used to display or output data from a computer. Examples of output devices
include monitors, printers, projectors, and speakers. These devices allow the computer to communicate or present
information to the user.
The physical components of a computer are interconnected and communicate with each other using buses and ports.
Buses are pathways that allow data to be transferred between hardware components. Ports are the physical connectors
that allow external devices to be connected to the computer. The most common ports include USB, HDMI, Ethernet,
and audio ports.
Computer software, also known as simply "software,"
refers to a set of instructions or programs that tell a
computer what to do. It is a collection of programs, data,
and instructions that tells a computer how to perform
specific tasks or functions.
Software can be broadly classified into two categories:

system software and application software. System
software is responsible for managing the computer's
resources, such as memory and processing power, and
includes the operating system, device drivers and
utilities. Application software, on the other hand, is
designed to perform specific tasks or functions for the
user and includes programs like word processors, photo
editors, and web browsers.
Conclusion
Hardware refers to the physical components of a
computer system, including the central processing unit
(CPU), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drive
(HDD), input and output devices such as keyboard,
mouse, and monitor, and other components.
Software refers to the programs, instructions, and data
that are used to operate and perform tasks on a
computer.
There are two main types of software, system software
and application software. System software manages the
computer's resources and includes the operating system,
device drivers, and utilities.
Application software is designed to perform specific
tasks or functions for the user and includes programs
like word processors, photo editors, and web browsers.

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Hardware &

Computer hardware components must be compatible with each other

In summary, computer hardware encompasses all of the physical

Processing The control unit is responsible for managing the flow

Software can be broadly classified into two categories:

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