Butuan Doctors’ College
J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City
              Definition and Principles of Computers
                            Submitted By:
                    Steven Rey A. Canete- Presenter
                    Princess Shayne Bangot- Reporter
                    Cherry Amor Ecoben- Researcher
                             Submitted to:
                         Mr. John Mark F. Veno
                              March 2025
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER HARDWARE
       Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that enable it to
function. These components work together to process, store, and display data. The primary
categories of computer hardware include input devices, output devices, processing units,
storage devices, and communication hardware.
COMPUTER HARDWARE AND ITS COMPONENTS
1. Input Devices Input devices allow users to enter data and commands into the computer.
Common input devices include:
      Keyboard: Used for typing text and commands.
      Mouse: A pointing device for navigation and selection.
      Microphone: Captures audio input.
      Webcam: Captures video input.
2. Output Devices Output devices display or produce results from the computer’s processing.
Examples include:
      Monitor: Displays visual output.
      Printer: Produces physical copies of documents.
      Speakers: Output audio signals.
      Projector: Displays enlarged images or videos
       on a surface.
3. Central Processing Unit (CPU) The CPU is the brain of the computer, executing
instructions and performing calculations. It consists of:
      Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Handles mathematical operations.
      Control Unit (CU): Directs data flow within the system.
      Cache Memory: Provides quick access to frequently used data.
4. Storage Devices Storage devices retain data and software programs. Types of storage
include:
      HDD: Uses spinning disks for data storage.
      SSD: Faster and more reliable than HDDs.
      RAM: Temporary storage for active processes.
      ROM: Stores essential startup instructions.
      Flash Drives & Memory Cards: Portable storage solutions.
5. Communication Hardware These components enable data transfer between computers
and networks. Examples include:
      Network Interface Card (NIC): Facilitates wired or
       wireless networking.
      Router: Directs data packets between networks.
      Modem: Converts digital signals for internet access.
       In conclusion, computer hardware plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient and effective
computing. Understanding the different hardware components and their functions helps users make
informed decisions when selecting and maintaining computer systems. With advancements in
technology, hardware continues to evolve, improving computing performance and capabilities.