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 (known as tangible).

Monitor

The monitor works with a video card, located inside the computer case, to display
images and text on the screen. Newer monitors usually have LCD (liquid crystal display) or LED
(light-emitting diode) displays. These can be made very thin, and they are often called flat-panel
displays. Older monitors use CRT (cathode ray tube) displays. CRT monitors are much larger and
heavier, and they take up more desk space.

Computer case

The computer case is the metal and plastic box that contains the main components of
the computer. It houses the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), power supply, and
more.

Keyboard

The keyboard is similar to a typewriter it has all of the same keys, along with
additional keys for different uses. However, instead of typing onto paper, the text and
characters appear on the monitor and operate the computer.

Mouse

The mouse is an input device that functions as a pointing device. It is a small plastic case
that fits under your hand. It is a relatively new addition to the computer, earlier keyboards
served the purpose of mouse as well. The mouse has made it easy to feed instructions in the
computer.
A mouse usually has two buttons: A primary button (usually the left button) and a
secondary button. Many mice also have a wheel between the two buttons, which allows you to
scroll smoothly through screens of information.

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Printer

A printer transfers data from a computer onto paper. You don't need a printer to use
your computer, but having one allows you to print e mail, cards, invitations, announcements,
and other material. Many people also like being able to print their own photos at home.
The two main types of printers are inkjet printers and laser printers. Inkjet printers are
the most popular printers for the home. They can print in black and white or in full color and
can produce high-quality photographs when used with special paper. Laser printers are faster
and generally better able to handle heavy use.

USB Ports

USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports in simple terms, are the ports which we use for
connecting our MP3 players, digital cameras, flash drives, etc. to our computer. Today, most
computers come with a minimum of 4 USB ports although certain high end machines can have
up to 8 or even 10 USB ports

Speakers

Speakers are used to play sound. They can be built into the system unit or connected
with cables. Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects from your computer.

System Unit
The system unit is the core of a computer system. Usually it's a rectangular box
placed on or underneath your desk. Inside this box are many electronic components
that process information. The most important of these components is the central
processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor, which acts as the "brain" of your computer.
Another component is random access memory (RAM), which temporarily stores
information that the CPU uses while the computer is on. The information stored in RAM
is erased when the computer is turned off.
o Mother board
The motherboard, also called the logic board or mainboard is a squareshaped board with electrical circuits printed on it that houses all major
components such as the RAM chips, PCI slots, processor, batteries, sound cards,
video cards, USB ports and all other internal circuitry. Motherboards are
available in different hardware configurations and designs.

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o 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).

o The Chipset
which includes the north bridge, mediates communication between the
CPU and the other components of the system, including main memory.

o The Random-Access Memory (RAM)

Stores the code and data that are being actively accessed by the CPU.

o 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".

o The BIOS (Basic Input Output System)

includes boot firmware and power management firmware. Newer
motherboards use Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) instead of BIOS.
o Fans
Most computer cabinets make use of at least two fans a processor fan
and a cabinet fan. Their main purpose is to lower the internal temperature and
keep the processing components as cool as possible.
o Cables
Internal cables which are used to connect the hard drive, CD/DVD drive,
floppy drive, etc. are of two types a data cable and a power cable. Each one has
a different physical structure and a different function. If you are a newcomer to

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computers, you should always refer to the computer manual while going about
connecting the different cables.
o Buses
connect the CPU to various internal components and to expansion cards
for graphics and sound.

o The CMOS battery

is also attached to the motherboard. This battery is the same as a watch
battery or a battery for a remote to a car's central locking system. Most batteries
are CR2032, which powers the memory for date and time in the BIOS chip.

Power supply

A power supply unit (PSU) converts alternating current (AC) electric power to lowvoltage 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.

Storage devices

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.
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Input and output peripherals

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.
o Input devices
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.
o Output device
Output devices display information in a human readable form. Such devices
could include printers, speakers, monitors or a Braille embosser.

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