OFFICE AUTOMATION
UNIT-I
1.Concept of Hardware and Software
Hardware
The term hardware refers to mechanical device that makes up computer. Computer hardware
consists of interconnected electronic devices that we can use to control computer’s operation,
input and output. Examples of hardware are CPU, keyboard, mouse, hard disk, etc.
Hardware Components
Computer hardware is a collection of several components working together. Some parts are
essential and others are added advantages. Computer hardware is made up of CPU and
peripherals as shown in image below.
,Software
A set of instructions that drives computer to do stipulated tasks is called a program. Software
instructions are programmed in a computer language, translated into machine language, and
executed by computer. Software can be categorized into two types −
System software
Application software
System Software
System software operates directly on hardware devices of computer. It provides a platform to
run an application. It provides and supports user functionality. Examples of system software
include operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Unix, etc.
Application Software
An application software is designed for benefit of users to perform one or more tasks.
Examples of application software include Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Oracle, etc.
,Differences between Software and Hardware
Sr.No. Software Hardware
It is a collection of programs to bring
It includes physical components of
1 computer hardware system into
computer system.
operation.
It includes numbers, alphabets, It consists of electronic components like
2 alphanumeric symbols, identifiers, ICs, diodes, registers, crystals, boards,
keywords, etc. insulators, etc.
Software products evolve by adding Hardware design is based on architectural
3 new features to existing programs to decisions to make it work over a range of
support hardware. environmental conditions and time.
It will vary as per computer and its
It is mostly constructed for all types of
4 built-in functions and programming
computer systems.
language.
It is designed and developed by
The hardware can understand only low-
5 experienced programmers in high-
level language or machine language.
level language.
The hardware works only on binary codes
It is represented in any high-level 1’s and 0’s.
6 language such as BASIC, COBOL, C,
C++, JAVA, etc.
, 2.Memory Unit
A memory unit is a small storage device that holds a memory for a computer
and can be accessed through the software.
Memory units are typically used to store the information of the programs.
The computer has two types of storage systems: volatile and non-volatile.
Importance of Memory Units
o Speed: Memory units make it possible to store and retrieve instructions and data quickly,
which reduces processing instances and boosts overall system performance. This is
crucial when handling huge amounts of data or operating complicated programs.
o Temporary storage: Memory units serve as temporary storage for data and programs
that are currently in use, allowing users to quickly move between programs and files
without waiting for data to be loaded from a storage device.
o Multitasking: Memory units allow computer systems and different digital devices to do
many tasks simultaneously because they can store and retrieve data for multiple
programs simultaneously.
o Reliability: Memory devices are extremely reliable because they're made to resist
normal wear and tear. They are a strong and reliable storage option because they are less
vulnerable to damage from outside forces like shock or vibration.
o Accessibility: Memory units are readily available and can be quickly updated or
changed. This makes increasing a system's memory capacity simple, enabling users to
manage more data and execute demanding programs.
o Energy efficiency: Memory units use less power than standard hard drives, resulting in
lower heat generation and reduced cooling requirements.
UNIT-I
1.Concept of Hardware and Software
Hardware
The term hardware refers to mechanical device that makes up computer. Computer hardware
consists of interconnected electronic devices that we can use to control computer’s operation,
input and output. Examples of hardware are CPU, keyboard, mouse, hard disk, etc.
Hardware Components
Computer hardware is a collection of several components working together. Some parts are
essential and others are added advantages. Computer hardware is made up of CPU and
peripherals as shown in image below.
,Software
A set of instructions that drives computer to do stipulated tasks is called a program. Software
instructions are programmed in a computer language, translated into machine language, and
executed by computer. Software can be categorized into two types −
System software
Application software
System Software
System software operates directly on hardware devices of computer. It provides a platform to
run an application. It provides and supports user functionality. Examples of system software
include operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Unix, etc.
Application Software
An application software is designed for benefit of users to perform one or more tasks.
Examples of application software include Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Oracle, etc.
,Differences between Software and Hardware
Sr.No. Software Hardware
It is a collection of programs to bring
It includes physical components of
1 computer hardware system into
computer system.
operation.
It includes numbers, alphabets, It consists of electronic components like
2 alphanumeric symbols, identifiers, ICs, diodes, registers, crystals, boards,
keywords, etc. insulators, etc.
Software products evolve by adding Hardware design is based on architectural
3 new features to existing programs to decisions to make it work over a range of
support hardware. environmental conditions and time.
It will vary as per computer and its
It is mostly constructed for all types of
4 built-in functions and programming
computer systems.
language.
It is designed and developed by
The hardware can understand only low-
5 experienced programmers in high-
level language or machine language.
level language.
The hardware works only on binary codes
It is represented in any high-level 1’s and 0’s.
6 language such as BASIC, COBOL, C,
C++, JAVA, etc.
, 2.Memory Unit
A memory unit is a small storage device that holds a memory for a computer
and can be accessed through the software.
Memory units are typically used to store the information of the programs.
The computer has two types of storage systems: volatile and non-volatile.
Importance of Memory Units
o Speed: Memory units make it possible to store and retrieve instructions and data quickly,
which reduces processing instances and boosts overall system performance. This is
crucial when handling huge amounts of data or operating complicated programs.
o Temporary storage: Memory units serve as temporary storage for data and programs
that are currently in use, allowing users to quickly move between programs and files
without waiting for data to be loaded from a storage device.
o Multitasking: Memory units allow computer systems and different digital devices to do
many tasks simultaneously because they can store and retrieve data for multiple
programs simultaneously.
o Reliability: Memory devices are extremely reliable because they're made to resist
normal wear and tear. They are a strong and reliable storage option because they are less
vulnerable to damage from outside forces like shock or vibration.
o Accessibility: Memory units are readily available and can be quickly updated or
changed. This makes increasing a system's memory capacity simple, enabling users to
manage more data and execute demanding programs.
o Energy efficiency: Memory units use less power than standard hard drives, resulting in
lower heat generation and reduced cooling requirements.
