🔹 1. What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic machine that can process, store, and display data. It uses a combination of hardware and software to perform tasks.
🔹 2. Hardware: The Physical Part
Hardware is the physical, touchable part of the computer. You can see and touch hardware — like your keyboard, screen, and mouse.
🧩 Main Types of Hardware:
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| CPU (Central Processing Unit) | The “brain” of the computer. It processes all instructions. |
| RAM (Random Access Memory) | Temporary memory. Stores data while the computer is on. |
| Hard Drive (HDD) / SSD | Permanent storage for files, apps, and the operating system. |
| Motherboard | The main circuit board connecting all parts. |
| Power Supply | Provides electricity to the computer. |
| Monitor | Displays the visual output. |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Input devices used to type and control. |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | Handles images, videos, and games (used for visuals). |
| Cooling System | Keeps components from overheating. |
📌 Example: When you type on the keyboard (hardware), the signal goes to the CPU, which processes it, and then the result is shown on the screen.
🔹 3. Software: The Invisible Brain
Software is the set of instructions that tells the computer what to do. It cannot be touched — it's digital.
🧠Main Types of Software:
| Type | Examples | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System (OS) | Windows, macOS, Linux | Manages hardware and software resources |
| Application Software | Word, Excel, Chrome, Photoshop | Helps you do specific tasks |
| System Software | Drivers, BIOS | Helps the hardware work with the OS |
| Utility Software | Antivirus, Backup tools | Maintains and protects the computer |
📌 Example: Microsoft Word is a software. It lets you type documents using your keyboard (hardware), saves it to a folder on your hard drive (hardware), and displays it on the monitor.
🔹 4. How They Work Together (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Power On
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You press the power button.
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Power supply activates.
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BIOS (a small system software) checks hardware components.
Step 2: Booting the Operating System
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BIOS loads the Operating System (OS) from the hard drive.
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The OS manages all connected hardware.
Step 3: Running Applications
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You open an app (e.g., browser).
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The OS allocates CPU time and RAM to the app.
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The software sends commands to the hardware (like displaying on the screen or connecting to the internet).
Step 4: User Input & Output
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You type a website name (input via keyboard).
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Software sends request to the internet.
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Data comes back and is displayed on your screen (output via monitor).
🔹 5. Summary: Hardware vs. Software
| Hardware | Software |
|---|---|
| Physical (can touch) | Digital (cannot touch) |
| Examples: CPU, RAM, monitor | Examples: Windows, apps, games |
| Performs actions | Gives instructions |
| Needs software to work | Needs hardware to run |
🔹 6. Real-Life Analogy
🧠Computer as a Human Body:
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Hardware = Body parts (hands, eyes, brain)
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Software = Mind/thoughts/instructions
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Just like the body can’t move without the brain’s instructions, hardware can’t function without software.