Storage device: The storage unit also known as computer memory is a part of the computer system which is employed to store the information and instructions to be processed. A storage device is an integral part of the computer hardware which stores information/data to process the result of any computational work. Without a storage device, a computer would not be able to run or even boot up. Or in other words, we can say that a storage device is hardware that is used for storing, porting, or extracting data files. It can also store information/data both temporarily and permanently. 

Types of memory

1. Primary Memory: It is also known as internal memory and main memory. This is a section of the CPU that holds program instructions, input data, and intermediate results. It is generally smaller in size. RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory) are examples of primary storage.

2. Secondary Memory: Secondary storage is a memory that is stored external to the computer.  It is mainly used for the permanent and long-term storage of programs and data. Hard Disks, CDs, DVDs, Pen/Flash drives, SSD, etc, are examples of secondary storage.

Network device: Network devices, also known as networking hardware, are physical devices that allow hardware on a computer network to communicate and interact with one another. Network devices, also known as networking hardware, are physical devices that allow hardware on a computer network to communicate and interact with one another. It  is a hardware device capable of transmitting an analog or digital signal over the telephone, other communication wire, or wirelessly. A computer can work fine without a communication device. However, for a computer to communicate with other computers, they need a communication device.

Examples of network devices

1. Modem: A modem (modulator-demodulator) converts digital signals into analog signals of different frequencies and transmits them to a modem at the receiving location. The receiving modem performs the reverse transformation and provides a digital output to a device connected to a modem, usually a computer.

2. NIC – NIC or network interface card is a network adapter that is used to connect the computer to the network. It is installed in the computer to establish a LAN.  It has a unique id that is written on the chip, and it has a connector to connect the cable to it. The cable acts as an interface between the computer and the router or modem.

3. Repeater – A repeater operates at the physical layer. Its job is to regenerate the signal over the same network before the signal becomes too weak or corrupted to extend the length to which the signal can be transmitted over the same network. An important point to be noted about repeaters is that they not only amplify the signal but also regenerate it.

4. Hub –  A hub is a basically multi-port repeater. A hub connects multiple wires coming from different branches, for example, the connector in star topology which connects different stations. Hubs cannot filter data, so data packets are sent to all connected devices.

5. Bridge – A bridge operates at the data link layer. A bridge is a repeater, with add on the functionality of filtering content by reading the MAC addresses of the source and destination. It is also used for interconnecting two LANs working on the same protocol. It has a single input and single output port, thus making it a 2 port device.

6. Switch – A switch is a multiport bridge with a buffer and a design that can boost its efficiency(a large number of ports imply less traffic) and performance. A switch is a data link layer device. The switch can perform error checking before forwarding data, which makes it very efficient as it does not forward packets that have errors and forward good packets selectively to the correct port only.

7. Routers – A router is a device like a switch that routes data packets based on their IP addresses. The router is mainly a Network Layer device. Routers normally connect LANs and WANs and have a dynamically updating routing table based on which they make decisions on routing the data packets. The router divides the broadcast domains of hosts connected through it.

Software

Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks. Software is a generic term used to refer to applications, scripts and programs that run on a device. It can be thought of as the variable part of a computer, while hardware is the invariable part. It comprises the entire set of programs, procedures, and routines associated with the operation of a computer system.

The two main categories of software are;

• System and 

• Application software.

System Software:

System software is a program designed to run a computer's hardware and applications and manage its resources, such as its memory, processors, and devices. It also provides a platform for running application software, and system software is typically bundled with a computer's operating system.

Types of system software

1. Operating System: Operating systems are the most important type of system software. An operating system is a software that controls how your hardware works, which means it manages the computer's memory, processes, and all of its software and hardware. 

2. Device Drivers: Device drivers are tiny programs that enable a computer to communicate with its hardware devices, such as printers, scanners, and keyboards. Without device drivers, the hardware you connect to your computer will not be working properly. For example, without device drivers, your printer will not work properly. Device manufacturers provide most device drivers, but Microsoft also provides some generic ones.

3. Firmware: Firmware is a type of software that is embedded in a hardware device. It controls the device and performs its essential functions. Firmware is usually stored in read-only memory (ROM), which means it cannot be modified or deleted. However, some devices have firmware that can be updated. Firmware updates can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website or installed from a CD or USB drive.

4. BIOS and UEFI: BIOS (basic input/output system) is a firmware code that is executed when a computer is powered on. It performs a power-on self-test (POST) and initializes the computer before loading the operating system. The BIOS is stored in a ROM (read-only memory) chip on the motherboard.

5. Programming Language Translator: Programming languages are like human languages in that they are used to communicate instructions to a computer. However, unlike human languages, programming languages are designed to be read and understood by computers, not humans. That is where programming language translators come in.

6. Utilities: Utilities are programs that help maintain and optimize a computer's performance. 

Examples of utility programs include file managers, virus scanners, and disk defragmenters.  Utility programs are usually bundled with the operating system or can be downloaded from the internet. 

Application software:

Application software is a type of computer program that performs a specific personal, educational, and business function. Each application is designed to assist end-users in accomplishing a variety of tasks, which may be related to productivity, creativity, or communication.

Application packages

application package (software package) A collection of programs or modules that is directed at some generic application and can be tailored (perhaps with some additions) to the needs of a specific instance of that application. Common application packages includes

• Word Processing. 

• Spreadsheet.

• Presentation Software.

• Graphics

• Web Browser

• Multimedia

• Entertainment

• Educational . e.t.c

Note that we are going to focus of only the packages relevant to our area of study i.e 

Packages in bold.