California State University NorthridgeEED 602

Prepared by Jacqueline Avakian

Hardware

Software

Refers to objects that you can actually touch, like disks, disk drives, monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners, and chips.

Software is untouchable. Software exists as ideas, concepts, and symbols, but it has no substance.

• Input• Memory• Processor• Output

Information put into the computer. A device that feeds data into a computer, such as a keyboard or mouse, is called an input device.

Internal storage areas in the computer. Moreover, the term memory is usually used as a shorthand for physical memory, which refers to the actual chips capable of holding data.

Abbreviation of central processing unit. Sometimes referred to simply as the processor or central processor, the CPU is where most calculations take place.

Anything that comes out of a computer. Output devices include display screens, speakers, and printers.

• Utility• Application• Simulation• Games

A program that performs a very specific task, usually related to managing system resources. Operating systems contain a number of utilities for managing disk drives, printers, and other devices.

Applications software includes database programs, word processors, and spreadsheets. Figuratively speaking, applications software sits on top of systems software because it is unable to run without the operating system and system utilities.

The process of imitating a real phenomenon. Advanced computer programs can simulate weather conditions, chemical reactions, even biological processes such as dissecting a frog.

• Software allowing the user to play games using a computer. For example:Z-Ball, Best Friends, etc.