Hardware, Software and Operating System Notes for SSC Exams
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
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PDF Notes: Hardware, Software and Operating System Notes for SSC Exams
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Every computer is made of hardware, the parts you can touch, and software, the programs that run on it. The operating system connects the two. These hardware, software and operating system notes for SSC explain the memory types, the kinds of software, the translators and the functions of an operating system with simple tables.
Hardware
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Input devices | Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone |
| Output devices | Monitor, printer, speaker |
| Processing unit | CPU (ALU, control unit and registers) |
| Storage devices | Hard disk, SSD, pen drive, CD, DVD |
Memory
| Memory | Type | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Registers | Primary | Fastest, inside the CPU |
| Cache | Primary | Very fast, between the CPU and RAM |
| RAM | Primary, volatile | Loses data when power is off; used for running programs |
| ROM | Primary, non-volatile | Keeps data without power; stores start-up instructions |
| Hard disk, SSD, pen drive | Secondary | Permanent storage with large capacity |
The order of speed is: registers, cache, RAM and secondary storage. Types of ROM are PROM, EPROM and EEPROM.
Software
| Type | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| System software | Runs and manages the computer | Operating system, device drivers, utility programs, translators |
| Application software | Helps the user do a task | MS Word, Excel, Tally, Chrome, VLC |
Language Translators
| Translator | Work |
|---|---|
| Compiler | Translates the whole program at once into machine language |
| Interpreter | Translates and runs the program line by line |
| Assembler | Translates assembly language into machine language |
Operating System
An operating system (OS) is the system software that manages the hardware and gives a platform for other programs.
| Function | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Process management | Decides which program runs and when |
| Memory management | Allots and frees memory |
| File management | Creates, stores and deletes files and folders |
| Device management | Controls input and output devices |
| Security | Protects data by passwords and permissions |
| Operating system | Maker or note |
|---|---|
| Windows | Microsoft |
| macOS | Apple |
| Linux | Created by Linus Torvalds (1991), open source |
| Android | Google, based on the Linux kernel |
| iOS | Apple, for iPhone |
Booting
- Booting is the process of starting the computer and loading the OS into RAM.
- Cold boot means starting the computer from the power-off state.
- Warm boot (restart) means restarting without switching off the power.
Quick Tips
- Remember RAM = volatile and ROM = non-volatile.
- Remember compiler = whole program and interpreter = line by line.
- Remember that the OS is system software.
- Learn the OS functions in a list of five.
Quick Revision Points
- RAM is volatile and ROM is non-volatile.
- Cache is faster than RAM.
- The OS is system software.
- A compiler translates the whole program, an interpreter works line by line.
- Linux was created by Linus Torvalds.
Practice Questions With Answers
- Which memory is volatile?
Answer: RAM - Which memory is non-volatile?
Answer: ROM - Which translator converts the whole program at once?
Answer: Compiler - Which translator works line by line?
Answer: Interpreter - Who created Linux?
Answer: Linus Torvalds - Is MS Word system software or application software?
Answer: Application software - Which is faster, cache or RAM?
Answer: Cache - Which software manages the hardware and runs other software?
Answer: Operating system - Android is based on which kernel?
Answer: Linux - Which part is called the brain of the computer?
Answer: CPU
How to Practise This Chapter
Revise the tables every week and then test yourself with our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Computer Awareness notes page, and also read the Computer Knowledge notes and General Awareness notes. Read the previous topic, Basic Computer Terms and Glossary, and the next topic, Internet, Email and Web Terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hardware?
Hardware means the physical parts of a computer that you can touch.
What is software?
Software means the programs and instructions that run on a computer.
What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
RAM is temporary memory that loses data when the power is off, and ROM is permanent memory that keeps data.
What is system software?
It is software that manages the computer, such as the operating system.
What is application software?
It is software that helps the user do a task, such as MS Word.
What is the difference between a compiler and an interpreter?
A compiler translates the whole program at once, and an interpreter translates it line by line.
What does an operating system do?
It manages the processes, memory, files, devices and security of the computer.
What is booting?
It is the process of starting the computer and loading the operating system.
Which is the fastest memory?
Registers are the fastest, followed by cache.
Is this topic asked in SSC exams?
Yes. Hardware, software and OS questions are asked in the computer section of SSC exams.
Who created the Linux operating system?
Linus Torvalds created Linux in 1991.
How many questions come from this topic in SSC exams?
Usually one or two questions, but the number changes from year to year.
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Basic Computer Terms and Glossary Notes for SSC Exams
Next chapter
Internet, Email and Web Terms Notes for SSC Exams
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
Rahul is a senior SSC exam strategist with 8+ years of experience helping aspirants crack CGL, CHSL and MTS exams. He writes in-depth notification breakdowns, exam pattern guides and preparation strategies.