CPU
Motherboard
Ram
Graphics controller
Hard drive
Optical Drive
A computer system is a collection of components that together help process, organize, store and retrieve data. Every computer system is composed of hardware and software.
Drivers are programs designed to enable your computer's operating system communicate with your computer's hardware. Since there are many computer electronics manufacturers and all of them have their own manufacturing processes, the way they communicate differs. This means that each manufacturer has to write (in some programming language) a set of instructions that your operating system will the use to effectively use the installed hardware. Drivers are necessary for nearly every piece of hardware, i.e. motherboards, graphics cards, network cards, input and output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, printers, drawing tablets etc.
Not necessarily. The Windows operating system will work on any computer that meets the minimum system requirements. There are articles on Wikipedia that will tell you what the hardware requirements for each version are.
Each element of a computer system—hardware, software, and data—plays a crucial role in its overall functionality. Hardware provides the physical components needed to process and store information, while software consists of the programs and applications that instruct the hardware on how to perform tasks. Data serves as the information that is processed and analyzed by the software, enabling meaningful output. These elements work together synergistically; hardware executes software commands to manipulate data, and software relies on hardware for performance, creating a cohesive system that enables efficient computing.
input output storage processing communication
An opera system, often referred to as an operating system (OS), is software that manages computer hardware and software resources while providing services for computer programs. It acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, enabling users to execute applications and perform various tasks. Popular examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux, each offering unique features and functionalities to facilitate user interaction with the system.
computer hardware
A Network interface card, NIC, or Network card is an electronic device that connects a computer to a computer network, usually a LAN. It is considered a piece of computer hardware. Today, most computers are equipped with network cards.
The three components are interconnected in the sense that they work together to create a functioning system. The hardware provides the physical components for computing, the software provides the instructions for the hardware to execute tasks, and data is the information that is processed by the hardware and software. Together, they form the foundation of a computer system.
Section 9 - Hardware Basics typically covers fundamental concepts related to computer hardware components, including the central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage devices (HDDs and SSDs), and input/output devices. It explains how these components interact to perform tasks and the importance of each in overall system performance. Additionally, it may touch on hardware specifications and compatibility considerations for building or upgrading a computer system. Understanding these basics is essential for troubleshooting and optimizing hardware configurations.
Hardware and software mapping is a process that allows a processor to identify and track the location of each additional piece of hardware or software. Such as when installing a new driver or installing a new game or application. These allow the proccessor to identify where the new hardware or software is located so when the computer needs to access those files or uses the hardware, it knows where to go to in order for it to work as it is expected.
Each computer is built differently. A microphone is a piece of hardware, so it is not part of Windows itself. However, Windows should have the software to support most microphones.