Applied Tech · Grade 1Basic Computer Hardware / Software
Applied Tech · Grade 1Basic Computer Hardware / Software
Unit opening01 / 12
Unit 01Inside the
Inside the
computer.
Discover how hardware and software cooperate—from the first press of the power button to every task on screen.
5 lessonsHardware → Software → Startup
UNIT 1CORE SYSTEM
CPURAMOSI/OApplied Tech · Grade 1Basic Computer Hardware / Software
Roadmap02 / 12
Learning journey
Five lessons. One working system.
By the end, you can identify components, compare devices, install an operating system, organize files, and explain startup.
01
ComponentsThe physical machine
02
SoftwareInstructions and apps
03
OS installFrom USB to drivers
04
FilesOrganize and locate
05
BIOS / UEFIThe startup sequence
Think like a technicianIdentifyExplainInstallTroubleshoot
Applied Tech · Grade 1Basic Computer Hardware / Software
Lesson 103 / 12
HardwareSoftware
Two halves of every computer.
Hardware is the equipment you can touch. Software is the set of instructions that tells it what to do.
FeatureHardwareSoftware
FormPhysical partsPrograms and data
ExamplesCPU, RAM, screenWindows, browser
NeedsSoftware to operateHardware to run
THE WORKING LOOP
InputData enters
ProcessCPU works
OutputResult appears
Applied Tech · Grade 1Basic Computer Hardware / Software
Lesson 104 / 12
Motherboard
The main circuit board.
It connects the processor, memory, storage, power, expansion cards, and external ports so they can communicate.
CPU socket
RAM slots
PCIe slots
Storage
Power
Compatibility checkCPU socket + chipset
Always match the processor to the motherboard.
ExpansionPCIe adds capability
Graphics, network, sound, and other cards.
ConnectionPorts move data
USB, display, audio, storage, and network.
Applied Tech · Grade 1Basic Computer Hardware / Software
Lesson 105 / 12
CPUFetch.
Fetch.
Decode.
Execute.
The CPU is the brain of the computer. Its control unit directs work; its ALU handles calculations and logic.
CPUmillions of cycles
01FetchGet instruction
02DecodeUnderstand it
03ExecutePerform it
L1Fastest · smallest
L2Fast · larger
L3Shared · largest
Applied Tech · Grade 1Basic Computer Hardware / Software
Lesson 106 / 12
Memory hierarchy
Fast now. Safe later.
Memory balances speed, capacity, and persistence. The closer data is to the CPU, the faster it can be accessed.
CacheFastest · smallest · closest
RAMWorking memory · volatile
SSDFast permanent storage
HDDLarge capacity · mechanical
FASTER / COSTLIERLARGER / LONG-TERM
Applied Tech · Grade 1Basic Computer Hardware / Software
Lesson 107 / 12
Cooling
Move heat away.
Thermal paste transfers heatHeat sink spreads heatFan moves warm air
Peripherals
Move information.
InputKeyboard · mouse · scanner
OutputMonitor · speaker · printer
HybridTouchscreen · storage
PortsUSB · HDMI · DisplayPort
Applied Tech · Grade 1Basic Computer Hardware / Software
Lesson 208 / 12
Software types
The manager and the tools.
System software controls the computer. Application software helps users complete specific tasks.
SYSTEM SOFTWAREOperating system · Drivers · Utilities
Manages hardware, files, memory, security, and every running application.
runs & supports
DocumentsWord processors
WebBrowsers
MediaEditors & players
CommunicationMail & meetings
HardwarePhysical foundation
Applied Tech · Grade 1Basic Computer Hardware / Software
Lesson 309 / 12
OS installation
From blank drive to working PC.
Check requirements first, prepare a bootable USB, choose the correct drive, then install essential drivers.
01Check
Requirements & backup
02Create
Bootable USB
03Boot
Open boot menu
04Install
Choose drive & options
05Configure
Drivers & updates
Before installation:Back up important files and confirm hardware compatibility.
Applied Tech · Grade 1Basic Computer Hardware / Software
Lesson 410 / 12
File structures
A place for every file.
Good names and a clear folder hierarchy make information faster to find, safer to manage, and easier to back up.
FILE PATH
C:\Users\Student\Documents\Project\report.docxLocal Disk (C:)
Users
Student
Documents
Project
report.docx
NTFSWindows · securityFAT32Compatible · 4 GB limitexFATFlash drives · large filesext4Linux · reliable
Applied Tech · Grade 1Basic Computer Hardware / Software
Lesson 511 / 12
Firmware
What happens before the OS?
Firmware checks the hardware, finds a bootable device, and hands control to the operating system.
Power onSystem receives power
POSTHardware self-test
Boot deviceFind system files
OS loadsDesktop becomes ready
BIOS + MBR
Legacy path
Older firmware and partitioning. Limited support for very large drives.
UEFI + GPT
Modern path
Faster startup, larger drives, graphical tools, and Secure Boot protection.
Applied Tech · Grade 1Basic Computer Hardware / Software
Final check12 / 12
Unit completeCan you explain
Can you explain
the whole system?
Use these prompts to check what you now understand.
01Name four internal components.
02How are RAM and storage different?
03Why does a CPU need cooling?
04System software or application?
05What makes a USB bootable?
06How does UEFI improve startup?
HardwareSoftwareOperating systemFilesStartup