Definitions
Hardware: is a general term for the physical components that make up a computer system. For example: a motherboard, a keyboard or a graphics scanner.
Software: is a general term for programs that control the computer system internally. For example: Microsoft software, Windows software and minecraft.
Software: is a general term for programs that control the computer system internally. For example: Microsoft software, Windows software and minecraft.
For a computer system to be useful, it has to consist of both hardware and software.
Computer System Process
Central Processing Unit
The
CPU is the brain of the computer. It is the device that carries out software instructions. CPUs usually plug into a large socket on the main circuit board (the motherboard) of the computer. When operating, it heats up so there is normally a large fan attached to their top to keep them cool.Main Memory
The CPU needs to store data whilst carrying out the processing required. The data or instructions that are to be processed by the CPU must be placed in the main memory. Memory can be classed into two types- RAM and ROM.
RAM
RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory and is a temporary store of data. RAM holds the data that is currently being used by the user and is volatile. (When something is volatile, it is lost when the computer is turned off.) It can be read from or written to and the data in RAM can be changed. RAM is needed so that users are able to make changes to the data they are working on and to store the program or data they are currently using.
ROM
ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. It is the opposite of RAM as it is non-volatile, which means the information is not lost when the computer is turned off. ROM stores things such as: BIOS, programs in washing machines and program instructions for games. However, the data cannot be changed. ROM is used so that programs/coding/software can be stored permanently and not changed.