THE STRUCTURE OF COMPUTERS 5 HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE Answer these questions. a. What s the difference between hardware and software? b. What external memory supports have you used? c. Have you ever seen a floppy disk? to carry out: svolgere motherboard: scheda madre payroll: buste paga to run: gestire spreasheet: foglio di calcolo Computer systems consist of both hardware and software. Hardware refers to the physical components that make up a computer, while software is the programs, instructions and data that make it possible for a computer to operate and carry out a task. Hardware consists of both external and internal parts. The external parts, also called peripherals, perform the basic functions of input, i.e. providing data to the computer, and output, i.e. the outcome produced by the computer after the processing of the input. External hardware may also include storage devices such as external hard disks or memory sticks. Internal hardware, also called components, on the other hand, refers to parts built into or inside the computer case or tower. These parts are: the central processing unit (CPU), memory chips, the motherboard, video and sound cards, and the internal hard disk drive. Hardware is therefore responsible for performing four basic functions: input, processing, output and storage. The basic relationship of the different hardware components in a simple computer system, also called Von Neumann architecture, can be represented in this way: input CPU output memory Von Neumann s architecture It is a theoretical design for a general purpose stored program computer that serves as the basis for almost all modern computers. It was created in 1945 by John von Neumann, who based his work on the studies of Alan Turing. 66 Software is the term used to refer to computer programs and is more abstract in nature. System software is used to run and maintain the computer, while application software is used to carry out specific tasks. System software includes: the operating system (i.e. Windows or Mac) drivers (e.g. printer drivers to connect a printer to the computer) utility software (e.g. file manager to save or delete files). Application software, or application programs, is used to carry out tasks on a computer. The most common types of application software are: word processing presentation software modelling software (spreadsheets) data-handling software (databases) desktop publishing and video editing software web browsers application software or apps (also on smartphones, for everyday tasks such as social networking, listening to music, messaging, etc.). Some software, such as word processors, spreadsheets and desktop publishers is called general purpose software because it can be used to carry out different tasks with the same application. Other software is called special purpose software because it is used to perform one specific task as in the case of a flight simulator or payroll software. Software makes hardware useable by giving it the instructions that it needs in order to operate. Module 2 FLOWCHARTING