The document outlines the fundamental concepts of computer science at the A level, focusing on hardware and software. It differentiates between external components, known as peripherals (like mouse and keyboard), and internal components (like hard disk and processor). Additionally, it explains the role of software in instructing hardware operations.

1. Computer Science
(A Level)
Hardware and
Software

2. The physical parts of the computer and
related devices (internal and external)
The programs and applications that run
on a computer.
(Definitions)

3. • External Components (also
known as Peripherals)
• These are usually known as
input and output devices
– Mouse
– Keyboard
– Printer
– Scanner
– Speaker
Hardware
• Internal Components (Processing
and Storage)
• These are usually housed within
the casing of the computer
– Hard Disk
– Processor
– Memory Chip
– Graphics card
– Circuitry

4. Software
The computer programs and
related data provide the
instructions for telling the
computer hardware what to
do and how to do it.
There are many different
types of software and
therefore it can be
classified.