Introduction to Hardware/Software/Data

Hardware vs. Software vs. Data

Hardware everything you can touch: the computer,  monitor,  keyboard,  printer,  etc. Software ("Program" or "Application"): Instructions to the computer that make it able to do something useful, such as "word processing" or "email."  Usually comes on a CD-ROM. Data The information that you put onto your computer (usually by using a program): a letter, list of your expenses, etc.

Software Overview

The most popular types of programs for office use are:

Word Processing program replaces a typewriter, erasers and "white-out" (for example, to write a letter) Spreadsheet program replaces a calculator and ledger sheets (for example, to calculate payroll taxes) Database program replaces index cards and reports (for example, to list of all your customers)

The following programs are also commonly used:

Scheduling
Project management
Telecommunications
Email
Graphics
Accounting

Also, the computer couldn't operate without an operating system.

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