Information and translations of computer hardware in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Hardware definition the tech terms computer dictionary. Examples of hardware in a computer are the keyboard, the monitor, the mouse and the central processing unit. It enables you to write text, store it electronically, display it on a screen, modify it by entering commands and characters from the keyboard, and print it. Software is a program, such as an operating system or a web browser, that is able to instruct a computer s hardware to perform a specific.
Every computer is composed of two basic components. A word processor is software or a device that allows users to create, edit, and print documents. Hardware skills allow you to physically operate a computer. Examples of an application include a word processor, a spreadsheet. The pcs main printed circuit board which is located inside the system unit. Computing programs for directing a computer or processing. Screenshot shows browser and wordprocessing application on left with file. Word processing definition of word processing by merriam.
Computer software has to be loaded into the computer s storage such as the hard drive or memory. All software utilizes at least one hardware device to operate. Presentation program is a program to show the information in the form of. Understanding software and hardware flashcards quizlet. Of all computer applications, word processing is the most common. Word processing article about word processing by the. Software is defined as the virtual programs that run on your computer. Hardware vs software difference and comparison diffen. Word processing, database and spreadsheet as applications of productivity software throughout the course of a persons life, he or she will probably use a computer, which maybe for school, work, or personal reasons.
For example, an application software such as a word processing software cannot work unless an operating system runs it, and the os cannot be developed unless a programming software was used in the first place. Software is a set of instructions that the computer follows. Not hardware runs the computer, whereas software performs tasks. The word software was first used in the late 1960s to emphasize on its difference from computer hardware, which can be physically observed by the user. In need of a good, portable word processing device. I am wanting to know if my hp computer came with a word. Computer hardware definition of computer hardware by. Software is a generic term for organized collections of computer data and instructions, often broken into two major categories. For example, in the diagram below, the cpu is the processing device.
Computer hardware synonyms, antonyms, and related words and phrases cambridge english thesaurus. A brief history of word processing through 1986 by brian. This is also sometime called the machinery or the equipment of the computer. Word processors have a variety of uses and applications within the business environment, at home and in educational contexts. For example, a video game, which is software, uses the computer processor, memory, hard drive, and video card to run. Computing programs for directing a computer or processing electronic data distinguished from hardware. Before compact discs cds or development of the internet age, software was used on various computer data storage media tools like. With most computers, hardware can be replaced or upgraded to improve the performance or functionality of a computer. External hardware devices include monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, and scanners. Computer hardware definition of computer hardware by the. The ports on the motherboard will also help you define what other hardware will. History of word processors history of computer, computer. Aug 16, 2019 word processing programs or software is a type of advanced typing program that allows a user to record information and then letting the user perform a variety of other things with it.
Word processor definition is a device or program used to perform word processing. Although a computer can function only when both hardware and software are working. Word processing software is defined as a computer program that lets you type words or text which shows up in a virtual document on your computer screen which can, in turn, be printed or sent electronically. Computer hardware smart thesaurus cloud with synonyms. What is word processing and what are some examples. Hardware is a physical device, something that one is able to touch and see. Computer hardware definition of computer hardware by the free. Most modern companies that have a need for producing business letters or other types of text documents will have access to word processing software and a printer. Gives little on the evolution of specific software systems. Mar 31, 2020 different types of software also exist in direct mutual relations. Although a computer can function only when both hardware and software are working together, the speed of a system will largely rely on the hardware used. Computer software dictionary definition computer software.
The motherboard houses the processor cpu, memory ram, buses along which bits of data travel and other components eg graphic cards, sound cards, pci cards used for peripherals like scanners to plug into. Word processing software is used to manipulate text and apply a basic design to your pages. Hardware runs the computer, whereas software performs tasks. Word processing software is used to manipulate a text document, such as a resume or a report. Computer hardware financial definition of computer hardware.
A word processor wp is a device or computer program that provides for input, editing, formatting and output of text, often with some additional features early word processors were standalone devices dedicated to the function, but current word processors are word processor programs running on general purpose computers. A processing device is any device in a computer that handles the intermediate stage of processing the incoming data. Word processing software uses the computer processor, memory, and hard drive to create and save documents. Hardware is sotermed because it is hard or rigid with respect to changes, whereas software is. You typically enter text by typing, and the software provides tools for copying, deleting and various. Internal hardware devices include motherboards, hard drives, and ram.
Computer hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer and related devices. Examples of hardware in a computer are the keyboard, the monitor, the mouse and. A word processor is a type of software application used for composing, editing, formatting and printing documents. Software definition, the programs used to direct the operation of a computer, as well as documentation giving instructions on how to use them. Start studying understanding software and hardware. Then, the student could print it, save it to a disk, display it on the screen, or send it over email. For example, a student could create a book report in a word processor application.
Includes a brief history of word processing in the introduction, comparable to the one in the munday book, although shorter and generally less exact in the information given. It also processes paragraphs, pages, and entire papers. Download and install the best free apps for word processing software on windows, mac, ios, and android from cnet, your trusted source for the top software picks. A word processor wp is a device or computer program that provides for input, editing, formatting and output of text, often with some additional features early word processors were standalone devices dedicated to the function, but current word processors are word processor programs running on general purpose computers the functions of a word processor program fall somewhere between those. The programs, programming languages, and data that direct the operations of a computer system. Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a computer, such as the case, central processing unit cpu, monitor, keyboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, speakers and motherboard by contrast, software is the set of instructions that can be stored and run by hardware.
For example, microsoft word, probably the most widely used wordprocessing. The use of specialized document manipulation software running on a computer or terminal that allows a user to create, edit, store and print out text based documents. For example, the computer monitor used to view this text, or the mouse used to navigate a website are considered computer hardware. This involves passing instructions from the application software, through the system software, to the hardware which ultimately receives the instruction as machine code. Teaching mis with small business cases businesses, for instance, spent three times as much on software as they did for computer hardware in the 1990s. When a computer receives data from an input device e. Word processing software uses the computer processor, memory, and hard drive to. These concepts include computer hardware, software, databases, artificial intelligence, ecommerce, strategic applications, systems analysis and ethics. In information technology, hardware is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunications, and other devices. Some examples of word processing programs include microsoft word, wordperfect. Many wordprocessing applications are designed for use as part of a suite or. It enables you to write text, store it electronically, display it on a screen, modify it by entering commands and characters from the keyboard, and print it of all computer applications, word processing is the most common. Word processing definition, writing, editing, and production of documents, as letters, reports, and books, through the use of a computer program or a complete computer system designed to facilitate rapid and efficient manipulation of text.
Examples include packages that help to manage construction projects, keep track of. Computer hardware is virtually useless without computer software. Computer hardware includes the physical, tangible parts or components of a computer, such as the case, central processing unit cpu, monitor, keyboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, speakers and motherboard. Having evolved and expanded over the years, word processing programs now support things like creating, editing, proofreading, formatting and printing information. The main difference between computer hardware and software is that hardware is a physical component of a computer, whereas software is a program that relies on the hardware to function.
Hardware skills can be as simple as knowing how to turn devices on and off. Software is a general term for the various kinds of program s used to operate computer s and related devices. Word processing definition is the production of typewritten documents such as business letters with automated and usually computerized typing and textediting equipment. Word processing software dictionary definition word. Word processing, database and spreadsheet as applications of productivity software 656 words 3 pages. A brief history of word processing through 1986 by. Hardware refers to the physical elements of a computer.
Computer hardware is the collection of all the parts you can physically touch. They might also involve more complex tasks like connecting machines to networks, changing parts or fixing broken devices. Computer basicshardwareprocessing and internal memory. Once the software has loaded, the computer is able to execute the software. By contrast, software is instructions that can be stored and run by hardware. A word processor more formally a document preparation system is a computer application used for the production including composition, editing, formatting, and possibly printing of any sort of printable material a word processor may also refer to a standalone computer unit similar to a typewriter, but often including technological advancements such as a screen, advanced formatting and. Today, most word processors are delivered either as a cloud service or as software that users. Forum discussions with the words software in the title. The term arose as a way to distinguish the box and the electronic circuitry and components of a computer from the program you put in it to make it do things. Word processor definition of word processor by merriam. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Word processing definition of word processing by the. What are the differences between hardware and software.
The definition of computer software means the programs, routines and symbolic languages that are on your computer to control the functioning of its hardware and its direct operation. Software is the programs and routines for a computer or the program material for an electronic device which make it run. The term hardware describes the physical aspects of computers and related devices. Word processing programs and internet browsers are examples of software. They might also involve more complex tasks like connecting machines to.
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