This document provides an introduction to hardware and software components of information communication technology (ICT). It defines hardware as the physical components that make up computers, including examples like processors, storage devices, and input/output components. It also defines software as the collection of programs and data that provide computers with instructions. The document discusses common hardware components like desktop computers and mobile phones, identifying their input, output, processing, and storage functions. It also lists examples of widely-used software programs.

1. Information Communication Technology
Hardware and Software
Stonemasonry Department 2012

2. Introduction
Welcome to the SQA Core Skills Unit: Information
Communication Technology. In this unit you will learn about
the following topics:
•Types of ICT
•Legislation and Regulations
•Word Processing
•Spreadsheets
•Using the Internet

3. What do you use ICT for?
The use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in
modern society is widespread. Can you think of ways you use
ICT in your every day life?
Did you know: The ICT devices you use are supported by
hardware and software.

4. Hardware
‘Personal computer hardware are
the component devices that are the
building blocks of personal
computers. These are typically
installed into a computer case, or
attached to it by a cable’
Wikipedia 2012

5. Types of Hardware
Now that you can describe what hardware is can you think of
any examples of hardware you may use in everyday life?
Images owned by Apple, Logitech, Monster, Sony and Hewlett Packard

6. Types of Hardware
Single function hardware can be categorised as either an
input, output, processing or storage device.
Processor
Output
Input
Storage
Graphic adapted from Wikipedia
Did you know: Some hardware will have multiple functions
e.g a mobile phone has input (mic), output (screen), a
processor (to make it work) and storage (to store music)

7. Desktop Computers
Desktop Computers are constructed using various types of
hardware. Can you identify whether each component below
is input, output, processing, storage or multifunction?
Output
Processor
and Storage
Input
Input
Image from Computerusati.org

8. Types of hardware
How many types of single function hardware can you think
of? Place each type of hardware into its appropriate category
in the table below.
Input Output Processor Storage

9. Types of hardware
Can you think of any multifunction hardware devices?
Images owned by Apple, Hewlett Packard and Turtle Beach

10. Software
‘Computer software or just
software, is a collection of
computer programs and related
data that provides the instructions
for telling a computer what to do
and how to do it.’
Wikipedia 2012

11. Types of Software
Now that you can describe what software does can you think
of any examples of software you use in everyday life?
Images owned by Facebook, Google, Microsoft, EA and Apple

12. Developed by The Stonemasonry Department
City of Glasgow College
2012