A CPU cannot process or execute assembly instructions, so an encoder is required that can convert assembly language to machine language.Īn assembler translates an assembly language program into machine language. Instructions for the computer are also stored as ones and zeros that the computer must decode and execute.Īssembly language is a human-readable instruction mode that translates binary opcode into assembly instruction.
Remember: software comprises the set of programs, procedures, and routines associated needed to operate a computer.Ī computer can only process binary: a stream of ones and zeros. Now let’s discuss the different software components that we need to have a functioning computer. Instruction and program data are stored in the same memory. The Von Neumann architecture is based on theĬoncept of a stored-program computer. This computer architecture design, created by John von Neumann in 1945, is still used in most computers produced today.
The arithmetic and logic unit (ALU): processes the data. The control unit (CU): controls data flow from and into the main memory. It takes data from the main memory, processes it, and returns the modified data into the main memory. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is a physical object that processes information on a computer. Remember: hardware includes the physical parts of a computer that the software instructs. Now that we understand the difference between hardware and software, let’s learn about the hardware components of a computer system. Software will not wear down, but it is vulnerable to bugs / becoming outdatedĮnjoying the article? Scroll down to sign up for our free, bi-monthly newsletter. Hardware begins functioning when software is loaded. Monitor, printer, scanners, label makers, routers and hard driveĪdobe, Google Chrome, Microsoft Excel, Spotify Physical devices that store and run softwareĬollection of coded instructions that all us to interact with a computer Note: Most computers require at least a hard drive, display, keyboard, memory, motherboard, processor, power supply, and video card to function. The software “tells” the hardware which tasks to perform, and hardware makes it possible to actually perform them. Hardware and software interact with each other. For example, your display monitor, printer, mouse, and hard drive are all hardware components. Hardware is anything physically connected to a computer. Those programs are then installed onto a hard drive. Software is what developers actually code. When you think of computer science, software is probably what comes to mind. Software is an ordered sequence of instructions that change the state of a computer’s hardware.There are three general types of software: Software describes a collection of programs and procedures that perform tasks on a computer.