Hardware and Software Components The 21st century is indeed the century of the information age, and the information contained on web pages are recorded on hard disk drives from within computers: this information was duplicated from that physical device to other such devices multiple times before it made the trip to one's web browser and monitor. Information is indeed distinct from the devices which are engaged to store and transmit it. This paper will examine the nuances and needs of various hardware and software components: hardware components of any given computer system are the electronic and mechanical parts; the software components are the data and the programs installed. Within a computer system, the major and most fundamental components of a system are the processor, the main memory, the secondary memory, the input devices and the output devices. Most of these components are contained in a metal structure or apparatus and are connected to the main circuit board with other input devices connected as well.

Checking and Trouble-Shooting

One must verify that all hardware has been installed properly and checked properly according to all manuals. For example, some systems will require that "your console terminal requires a standard PC-to-PC file transfer cable (also known as a null modem cable; 9-pin female connectors at each end) to connect a PC, laptop, or similar device that includes terminal emulation software…you are using terminal emulation software, set the software to log the session. Otherwise, set up your system to record the installation procedure on either a hardcopy terminal or a printer attached to the console terminal" (hp.com). When it comes to software with personal computers, one often needs to be certain that all items are listed on the bill of materials within the distribution kit or the pre-packaged kit that was designed with one's set and particular system.

Various Types of Software

Software generally falls into two categories: system software and application software. System software is composed of programs which largely control the operations of a computer and all connected devices: the two main types of system software programs are the operating system and all connected utility programs (uwf.edu). System software generally contains the programs which harness the operations of a computer and all related devices: the main types of system software are the operating system (which controls all activities among hardware devices and guidelines for running software programs) and a utility program which is in charge of engaging in specific tasks, generally connected to running a computer, devices and programs (uwf.edu). One can interact with all software via user interface.

On the other hand, application software is composed of programs which engage in certain tasks for all users, such as popular application software including: word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation graphics software. Application software can be packaged software (copyrighted software that meets the needs of a variety of users), custom software (tailor-made software developed at a user's request), freeware (copyrighted software provided at no cost), public-domain software (software donated for public use with no copyright restrictions), or shareware (copyrighted software distributed free for a trial period)" (uwf.edu).

Contemporary Trends in Hardware

An overwhelming trend in hardware is that of the mobile digital platform which is founded in the popularity of a range of handheld devices, like cell phones, netbooks, and tablet computers. All of these aspects work together to create a new platform for all forms of hardware, and with it new expectations for users and for products. The latest era is indeed the wireless one, and the burden of wireless communications through cell networks is the standard, along with blazing fast software apps, nanotechnology, individual atoms and molecules for the development of computer chips and other devices which assist in less than standard technologies can allow fostering (furman.edu). One of the benefits of nanotechnology is that it helps in the process of minimizing the size of transistors down to the size of several atoms among other capabilities (furman.edu). The capabilities and the promise along with the sheer artistry involved in the construction of things like nanotubes demonstrate the possibilities for the future. "Nanotubes are tiny tubes about 10,000 times thinner than a human hair. They consist of rolled up sheets of carbon hexagons, have potential uses as minuscule wires or in ultra small electronic devices, and are very powerful conductors of electrical current" (furman.edu). The ability of the human race to create such devices that are able to conduct electricity over the smallest structures available with such intensive precision only speaks to the promise that the future will...

Cloud computing is a system which firms and individuals are able to gather and assemble computing resources and other such capabilities over the Internet. In this sense, cloud infrastructure acts as a service where customers are able to use processing, storage, networking and other such computing resources from cloud service providers to administer their information systems (furman.edu). One of the major benefits of the cloud platform as a service, is that it forces customers to use the infrastructure and programming tools offered by the service provider as a means of fostering their own applications; as a service clients harness the software hosted and offered by the vendor (furman.edu). In this manner, the advantages of the cloud system are truly numerous: there's no need for massive up-front capital investments within a system, additionally there's no need for lengthy implementations on computer systems within corporate ventures (furman.edu). Thus, the potential for simplicity is truly massive, particularly when one considers the wide availability of low-cost subscriptions, no costly licensing and maintenance costs, and the fact that there is no need for subscribers to purchase hardware -- or even be forced to maintain it (furman.edu). In that sense, the need for things like operating systems, database servers, applications servers or other such items that need to be installed are completely eliminated -- as are the common consultants and staff so often needed for such instances (furman.edu). Other advantages are the sheer accessibility of cloud computing: all users really need for access is a standard web-browser and software updates. This form of computing also offers a higher level of scalability which allows costs to vanish along with the complexity of managing several layers of hardware and software (furman.edu).
Thus, one simply cannot deny the sheer benefits that such trends in hardware offer. However, with the advances in hardware, come certain challenges and obstacles that people need to be aware of. For instance, the trends in connectivity cannot help but transform and adapt customer expectations: "The common hardware purchase model was always 'one and done'; customers bought their hardware and that was it. With today's influx of connected devices, consumers expect more than great hardware. Connected software now defines the hardware experience. Examples include wireless wearable devices that track a person's activities or connected home devices that encourage a greener lifestyle" (Wertz, 2013). Furthermore, there are serious implications and challenges for this type of merging of software and hardware for particular dominant companies in this merchandising arena: for instance, particular giants like Sony and Panasonic focus strongly on hardware (Wertz, 2013). This focus has enabled these companies to develop some truly amazing hardware, but with software experiences for the consumer that aren't always so impressive. Moreover, the speed of innovation is essential in that open hardware can bolster that speed -- causing not only an accelerated development of innovation but an increased talent pool as well with more hardware developers to the market (Wertz, 2013). "With access to a bigger talent pool, startups (and established companies too) can develop products more quickly and at a lower cost. The associated lower costs and faster time to market can be a game changer" (Mertz, 2013). These new developments are a game-changer indeed and can give companies advantages that they would have only dreamed about years ago.

Hardware developments aren't the only ones which are taking off. Agile methodology is another arena where developments have been significant and well-known among developer as useful in helping software applications evolve from scratch or rectify critical issues within applications (SS, 2013). More and more developers will no doubt become beholden and involved with forms of agile technology (SS, 2013). Another overwhelming trend will no doubt be the proliferation of mobile devices and technology with more people depending on various forms of technology in order for the development of tasks and for keeping in pace with the rapidly evolving world (SS, 2013).

Thus, this paper has closely examined the fundamentals of hardware and software components, along with certain basic considerations for their usage and adaptation. This paper has looked at common concerns and forms of troubleshooting for these elements along with the most current updates, trends and developments in both hardware and software components.