The document outlines the basic components of a computer, focusing on hardware such as the CPU, storage devices, and input-output mechanisms, alongside essential software classifications. It highlights the significance of CPU specifications, including the number of cores and clock speed, which affect performance in varying tasks. Additionally, it delves into the types of software meant for different applications, including productivity, multimedia, communication, and educational tools.

1. ComputerSystem
Hardware-CPU, Storage device and media, VDU, Input-
output devices, Data communication equipment; Software-
system.
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2. Basic Components of Computer
Input
Central Processing Unit
(CPU)
Memory Unit
Control Unit
Arithmetic Logic Unit
Output
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3. Hardware
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CPU (Central Processing Unit): The computer's
brain executes instructions and performs
calculations.
The global CPU market is expected to reach
USD 82.3 billion by 2027, highlighting the
continuous demand for processing power.

4. Types of Hardware
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Input Hardware: For users to input data into the computer system. Examples: Keyboard,
mouse, Scanner
Output Hardware: To translate and display the result of the data processing =. Example:
Monitor Screen, Printer etc
Processing and Memory Hardware: Where data and information are processed and
manipulated to perform the task at hand. It is also the workspace of the computer, where it
temporarily stores data. Examples: Central Processing Unit (CPU), Read Only Memory (RAM)
Secondary Storage Hardware: Where the computer system stores data permanently.
Example: Harddisk, Pendrive etc

5. CPU Specifications
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Two key CPU specifications significantly impact performance:
A CPU core is like an independent processing unit within the CPU.
Having more cores allows the CPU to handle multiple tasks simultaneously,
improving multitasking performance and speeding up processes that can be
broken down into smaller tasks.
For tasks that primarily rely on a single thread, like single-player gaming or
basic web browsing, the number of cores isn't as crucial as clock speed.

6. CPU Specifications
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Two key CPU specifications significantly impact performance:
Clock speed is measured in GHz (gigahertz) and indicates how many cycles
the CPU can complete per second.
A higher clock speed generally translates to faster processing of individual
instructions.
Clock speed is crucial for single-threaded tasks and significantly impacts
overall responsiveness.

7. Where Clock and Cores are useful
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For tasks that benefit from parallel processing, like multitasking, video
editing, and multi-threaded applications, prioritize more cores.
For tasks that primarily rely on single-threaded performance, like gaming and
basic applications, prioritize higher clock speed.

8. Additional Factor
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Cache size: Larger cache sizes can improve performance by storing
frequently accessed data closer to the processor, reducing access time.
Memory (RAM): Sufficient RAM is crucial for smooth performance, as it
allows the CPU to store and access data that is actively being used.

9. Central processing unit
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Often referred to as the "brain" of the computer, the CPU is
responsible for processing instructions and performing calculations.
It consists of two main parts:
Control Unit Arithmetic Logic Unit
(ALU)
Fetches instructions from memory,
decodes them, and directs other
components to execute them. Performs arithmetic operations (addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division) and
logical operations (comparison, decision
making).

10. Storage Devices and Media
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These components store data and programs, both temporarily and
permanently. Examples include
Primary Memory (RAM) Secondary Storage
Volatile memory that holds data
currently being used by the CPU.
It's fast but temporary, losing data
when the computer is turned off
Non-volatile memory that retains data even
when the power is off. Examples include hard
disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs),
and optical media (CDs, DVDs).

11. VDU (Visual Display Unit)
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Also known as a monitor, it displays visual information processed by the
computer.
Input-Output Devices
These devices allow users to
interact with the computer and
provide data or instructions.
Examples include:
Keyboard
Mouse
Scanner
Printer

12. Data Communication Equipment
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These devices enable communication between computers and other devices
over networks. Examples include:
Network Interface Card
(NIC)
Connects a computer to a network.
Modem
Modulates and demodulates
signals for data transmission over
telephone lines.

13. Software
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Software refers to the set of instructions that tell the hardware what to do. It's
intangible and cannot be physically touched. There are two main categories of
software:
System Software
Manages the hardware
components and provides a
platform for running other
software. Examples include
Operating System (OS)
Controls the overall functionality
of the computer, manages
resources, and provides an
interface for users to interact with
the system. Examples include
Windows, macOS, Linux.
Device Drivers
Communicate between the
operating system and specific
hardware devices.

14. Application Software
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Performs specific tasks for users, such as word processing, web browsing, gaming, etc. Examples
include Microsoft Word, Google Chrome, and various games.
Productivity Software:
Word processing: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, OpenOffice Writer (for creating and
editing text documents)
Spreadsheet: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc (for data analysis and
calculations)
Presentation: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, LibreOffice Impress (for creating and
presenting visual information)
Email: Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, Thunderbird (for sending and receiving electronic
messages)
Personal Information Management (PIM): Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, Apple
Calendar (for managing schedules, contacts, and tasks)

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Multimedia and Entertainment:
Web browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari (for accessing websites and
navigating the internet)
Music players: Spotify, Apple Music, VLC Media Player (for playing audio files)
Video players: VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player (for playing
video files)
Photo editing: Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Apple Photos (for editing and manipulating
images)
Games: Minecraft, League of Legends, Candy Crush Saga (for entertainment and leisure)

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Communication and Collaboration:
Web browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari (for accessing websites and
navigating the internet)
Music players: Spotify, Apple Music, VLC Media Player (for playing audio files)
Video players: VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player (for playing
video files)
Photo editing: Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Apple Photos (for editing and manipulating
images)
Games: Minecraft, League of Legends, Candy Crush Saga (for entertainment and leisure)

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Education and Learning:
Learning management systems: Blackboard, Moodle, Canvas (for online learning and
course delivery)
Educational software: Duolingo, Lumosity, Khan Academy (for interactive learning and
skill development)
E-books and reading apps: Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo (for reading digital books and
documents)