| Hardware | Software |
|---|---|
| Physical components of a computer | Programs and data that run on the hardware |
| Tangible and visible | Intangible and non-physical |
| Examples: CPU, memory, keyboard | Examples: Operating systems, applications |
| Provides the physical foundation | Provides instructions and functionality |
| Requires physical installation | Installed and run on hardware |
| Can be touched and seen | Cannot be physically touched or seen |
| Upgrades involve replacing parts | Upgrades involve installing new versions |
| Determines the computer's capability and performance | Executes tasks and enables functionality |
An operating system is a software that manages computer hardware and software resources.
It acts as an interface between users and the computer, providing a platform to run applications.
The OS manages resources like CPU, memory, storage, and input/output devices.
Its key roles include process management, resource allocation, file and device management, and providing a user-friendly interface.
The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the primary component of a computer responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations.
It acts as the brain of the computer, performing all the essential processing tasks.
The CPU fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and executes them to perform arithmetic, logical, and control operations.
It coordinates and manages the activities of other hardware components, including memory, storage, and input/output devices.
The CPU's speed, measured in gigahertz (GHz), determines how quickly it can process instructions and perform computations.
It plays a critical role in determining the overall performance and speed of a computer system.
| RAM (Random Access Memory) | ROM (Read-Only Memory) |
| Volatile memory that loses data when power is off | Non-volatile memory that retains data even when power is off |
| Used for temporary data storage during system operation | Contains permanent instructions or data |
| Read and write operations are possible | Read-only memory, data can only be read |
| Faster access speed compared to ROM | Slower access speed compared to RAM |
| Capacity can vary and is expandable | Fixed capacity, typically not expandable |
| Examples: DDR4, DDR3, DDR2 | Examples: PROM, EPROM, EEPROM |
A protocol is a set of rules and guidelines that govern the communication between devices or systems.
It defines the format, sequence, and behavior of data exchanged between entities in a network.
Protocols ensure reliable and standardized communication, enabling devices and systems from different manufacturers to interact effectively.
They specify how data is transmitted, received, and interpreted, addressing aspects such as data integrity, error handling, authentication, and flow control.
Common examples of protocols include HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol).
A firewall is a security measure that acts as a barrier between a trusted network and an untrusted network, typically the internet.
It monitors and controls network traffic based on predefined rules to protect against unauthorized access and malicious activities.
Firewalls examine data packets, determining whether to allow or block them based on factors like source, destination, and port numbers.
They prevent unauthorized access, protect against network threats, and enhance overall network security.
TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocol.
It is a reliable and connection-oriented protocol used for data transmission over networks.
TCP ensures the reliable delivery of data packets by using acknowledgment mechanisms and retransmission of lost packets.
It provides ordered delivery of packets, ensuring that data is received in the same order as sent.
TCP manages flow control, adjusting the rate of data transmission based on the receiver's ability to process data.
It is widely used for applications that require reliable and sequential data transfer, such as web browsing, file transfer, email, and remote access.
DNS stands for Domain Name System.
It is a decentralized hierarchical naming system that translates domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses (e.g., 192.0.2.1) that computers can understand.
DNS allows users to access websites and other resources on the internet using human-readable domain names instead of IP addresses.
When a user enters a domain name in a web browser, the browser sends a DNS query to a DNS server to resolve the corresponding IP address.
DNS servers use a process called name resolution to find the IP address associated with a domain name, and they return the IP address to the requesting client.
Computer memory is the storage space where data and instructions are stored for immediate or future access by the processor.
There are different types of computer memory, including RAM, ROM, cache memory, and secondary storage.
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the primary memory that stores data and instructions while the computer is running. It is volatile and faster than secondary storage.
ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile memory that contains permanent instructions or data. It retains its contents even when power is turned off.
Cache memory is a small, high-speed memory that stores frequently accessed data and instructions to improve system performance.
Secondary storage refers to long-term storage devices like hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs), which provide larger storage capacity but are slower than RAM.
Websites are created by developers who write code using different programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These languages work together to create a website with different elements like text, images, buttons, and links.
When you type a website's URL (Uniform Resource Locator) into your web browser, the browser sends a request to the website's server. The server responds by sending back the necessary files to the browser, which then assembles them into a visual representation of the website that you can see and interact with.
The HTML files contain the content and structure of the website, while CSS files control the presentation and layout, and JavaScript files enable interactivity and dynamic features.
The website may also use databases to store and retrieve data, such as user accounts, product listings, or blog posts. This data can be accessed and modified through forms or APIs.
Once the website has been assembled in the browser, the user can interact with it by clicking on links, filling out forms, or using other interface elements. The browser can also communicate with the website's server in real-time, enabling features such as chat or notifications.