Computer Hardware
What is computer hardware?
Computer hardware is a collective term used to
describe any of the physical components of an
analog or digital computer .The
term hardware distinguishes the tangible
aspects of a computing device from software,
which consists of written, machine-readable
instructions or programs that tell physical
components what to do and when to execute the
instructions.
Hardware and software are complementary. A
computing device can function efficiently and produce
useful output only when both hardware and software
work together appropriately.
Computer hardware can be categorized as being either
internal or external components.Generally, internal
hardware components are those necessary for the
proper functioning of the computer, while external
hardware components are attached to the computer to
add or enhance functionality.
What are internal computer hardware
components?
Internal components collectively process or store the
instructions delivered by the program or operating
system (OS). These include the following:
•Motherboard.This is a printed circuit board that holds
the central processing unit (CPU) and other essential
internal hardware and functions as the central hub that
all other hardware components run through.
•CPU. The CPU is the brain of the computer that
processes and executes digital instructions from
various programs; its clock speed determines the
computer's performance and efficiency in processing
data.
•RAM.RAM -- or dynamic RAM -- is temporary
memory storage that makes information immediately
accessible to programs; RAM is volatile memory, so
stored data is cleared when the computer powers off.
•Hard drive.Hard disk drives are physical storage
devices that store both permanent and temporary data
in different formats, including programs, OSes, device
files, photos, etc.
•Solid-state drive (SSD). SSDs are solid-state
storage devices based on NAND flash memory
technology; SSDs are non-volatile, so they can safely
store data even when the computer is powered down.
•Optical drive.Optical drives typically reside in an on-
device drive bay; they enable the computer to read and
interact with nonmagnetic external media, such as
compact disc read-only memory or digital video discs.
•Heat sink. This is a passive piece of hardware that
draws heat away from components to regulate/reduce
their temperature to help ensure they continue to function
properly. Typically, a heat sink is installed directly atop
the CPU, which produces the most heat among internal
components.
What are external hardware components?
External hardware components, also called peripheral
components, are those items that are often externally
connected to the computer to control either input or output
functions. These hardware devices are designed to either
provide instructions to the software (input) or render results
from its execution (output).
Common input hardware components include the following:
•Mouse.A mouse is a hand-held pointing device that moves
a cursor around a computer screen and enables interaction
with objects on the screen. It may be wired or wireless.
•Keyboard. A keyboard is an input device featuring a
standard QWERTY keyset enables users to input text,
numbers or special characters.
•Microphone.A microphone is a device that translates
sound waves into electrical signals and supports computer-
based audio communications.
•Camera. A camera captures visual images and streams
them to the computer or through a computer to a network
device.
•Touchpad.A touchpad is an input device, external or built
into a laptop, used to control the pointer on a display
screen. It is typically an alternative to an external mouse.
Examples of output hardware components include the
following:
•Monitor. A monitor is an output device similar to a TV
screen that displays information, documents or images
generated by the computing device.
•Printer.Printers render electronic data from a computer into
printed material.
•Speaker. A speaker is an external audio output device that
connects to a computer to generate a sound output.
•Headphones, earphones, earbuds. Similar to speakers,
these devices provide audio output that's audible only to a
single listener.
What is the difference between hardware and
software?
•Hardware: Think of computer hardware as the parts of
your computer that you can see and touch. These are the
tangible components that are likely fitted together inside
your computer case and installed with a screwdriver.
•Software: Computer software, on the other hand, is not
something you can touch, but is defined as the programs
you install on your computer, providing a set of
instructions that tell your PC how to work.
Examples of hardware and software
Computer Computer hardware
software components
components
•Windows 10 •Motherboard
•macOS •Central processing unit (CPU)
•Microsoft Office •Random access memory (RAM)
•Adobe Acrobat Reader •Storage drive (HDD or SSD)
•Security software •Graphics processing unit (GPU)
•Keyboard, mouse, & monitor
