Computer hardware
Computer hardware is the collection of physical elements that constitutes a computer system. Computer hardware refers to the physical parts or components of a computer such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, hard drive disk (HDD), system unit (graphic cards, sound cards, memory, motherboard and chips), etc. all of which are physical objects that can be touched.In contrast, software is instructions that can be stored and run by hardware.(Orange infotech)
There are a number of different types of computer system in use today.
Hardware of a modern personal computer
Inside a custom-built computer: power supply at the bottom has its own cooling fan.
The personal computer, also known as the PC, is one of the most common types of computer due to its versatility and relatively low price. Laptops are generally very similar, although may use lower-power or reduced size components.
Components directly attached to or part of the motherboard include:
Fixed media
Data is stored by a computer using a variety of media. Hard disk drives are found in virtually all older computers, due to their high capacity and low cost, but solid-state drives are faster and more power efficient, although currently more expensive than hard drives, so are often found in more expensive computers. Some systems may use a disk array controller for greater performance or reliability.
Removable media
To transfer data between computers, a USB flash drive or Optical disc may be used. Their usefulness depends on being readable by other systems; the majority of machines have an optical disk drive, and virtually all have a USB port.
Input
Input devices allow the user to enter information into the system, or control its operation. Most personal computers have a mouse and keyboard, but laptop systems typically use a touchpad instead of a mouse. Other input devices include webcams, microphones, joysticks, and image scanners.
Output device
Output devices display information in a human readable form. Such devices could include printers, speakers, monitors or a Braille embosser.(Orange infotech)
Computer hardware is the collection of physical elements that constitutes a computer system. Computer hardware refers to the physical parts or components of a computer such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, hard drive disk (HDD), system unit (graphic cards, sound cards, memory, motherboard and chips), etc. all of which are physical objects that can be touched.In contrast, software is instructions that can be stored and run by hardware.(Orange infotech)
There are a number of different types of computer system in use today.
Personal computer
1. Monitor 2. Motherboard 3. CPU 4. RAM 5. Expansion cards 6. Power supply 7. Optical disc drive 8. Hard disk drive 9. Keyboard 10. Mouse
Case
Main article: Computer case
The computer case is a plastic or metal enclosure that houses most of the components. Those found on desktop computers
are usually small enough to fit under a desk, but many newer computers
use more compact designs. Laptops are computers with a clamshell form
factor, that fold up into a device that includes an integrated screen.Power supply
Main article: Power supply unit (computer)
A power supply unit (PSU) converts alternating current (AC) electric
power to low-voltage DC power for the internal components of the
computer. Laptops are capable of running from a built-in battery,
normally for a period of hours.[5]Motherboard
Main article: Motherboard
The motherboard is the main component inside the case. It is a large
rectangular board with integrated circuitry that connects the other
parts of the computer including the CPU, the RAM, the disk drives(CD, DVD, hard disk, or any others) as well as any peripherals connected via the ports or the expansion slots.Components directly attached to or part of the motherboard include:
- The CPU (Central Processing Unit) performs most of the calculations which enable a computer to function, and is sometimes referred to as the "brain" of the computer. It is usually cooled by a heat sink and fan. Most newer CPUs include an on-die Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).
- The Chipset, which includes the north bridge, mediates communication between the CPU and the other components of the system, including main memory.
- The Random-Access Memory (RAM) stores the code and data that are being actively accessed by the CPU.
- The Read-Only Memory (ROM) stores the BIOS that runs when the computer is powered on or otherwise begins execution, a process known as Bootstrapping, or "booting" or "booting up". The BIOS (Basic Input Output System) includes boot firmware and power management firmware. Newer motherboards use Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) instead of BIOS.
- Buses connect the CPU to various internal components and to expansion cards for graphics and sound.
Expansion cards
Main article: Expansion card
The [expansion card] in computing is a printed circuit board that can
be inserted into an expansion slot of a computer motherboard or
backplane to add functionality to a computer system via the expansion
bus.Storage devices
Main article: Computer data storage
Computer data storage, often called storage or memory, refers to
computer components and recording media that retain digital data. Data
storage is a core function and fundamental component of computers.Fixed media
Data is stored by a computer using a variety of media. Hard disk drives are found in virtually all older computers, due to their high capacity and low cost, but solid-state drives are faster and more power efficient, although currently more expensive than hard drives, so are often found in more expensive computers. Some systems may use a disk array controller for greater performance or reliability.
Removable media
To transfer data between computers, a USB flash drive or Optical disc may be used. Their usefulness depends on being readable by other systems; the majority of machines have an optical disk drive, and virtually all have a USB port.
Input and output peripherals
Main article: Peripheral
Input and output
devices are typically housed externally to the main computer chassis.
The following are either standard or very common to many computer
systems.Input
Input devices allow the user to enter information into the system, or control its operation. Most personal computers have a mouse and keyboard, but laptop systems typically use a touchpad instead of a mouse. Other input devices include webcams, microphones, joysticks, and image scanners.
Output device
Output devices display information in a human readable form. Such devices could include printers, speakers, monitors or a Braille embosser.(Orange infotech)
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