Computer hardware includes the physical parts or components of a computer, such as the central processing unit, monitor, keyboard, computer data storage, graphic card, sound card, speakers and motherboard.[1] By contrast, software is instructions that can be stored and run by hardware. Hardware is so-termed because it is “hard” or rigid with respect to changes or modifications; whereas software is “soft” because it can be easily updated or changed. Intermediate between software and hardware is “firmware”, which is software that is strongly coupled to the particular hardware of a computer system and thus the most difficult to change but also among the most stable with respect to consistency of interface. The progression from levels of “hardness” to “softness” in computer systems parallels a progression of layers of abstraction in computing.
Hardware is typically directed by the software to execute any command or instruction. A combination of hardware and software forms a usable computing system, although other systems exist with only hardware components.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_hardware
What are the devices of a computer?
The physical, touchable, electronic and mechanical parts of a computer are
called the hardware which is composed of different devices attached to the
computer.
The following list represents a basic set of devices found in most Personal
Computers.
1. System Unit– The main part of a microcomputer, sometimes called the chassis. It
includes the following parts: Motherboard, Microprocessor, Memory Chips, Buses,
Ports, Expansion Slots and Cards.
https://pt.slideshare.net/muhamadyussof/system-unit-16948566/3
2. Motherboard / Mainboard / System Board– The main circuit board of a
computer. It contains all the circuits and components that run the computer.
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3. CPU (Central Processing Unit) – The processor is the main “brain” or “heart” of a
computer system. It performs all of the instructions and calculations that are needed
and manages the flow of information through a computer.
4. Primary storage– (internal storage, main memory or memory) is the computer’s
working storage space that holds data, instructions for processing and processed
data (information) waiting to be sent to secondary storage. Physically, primary
storage is a collection of RAM chips.
Two Types of Memory
a. ROM – (Read Only Memory) ROM is non-volatile, meaning it holds data even
when the power is ON or OFF.
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b. RAM – (Random Access Memory) RAM is volatile, meaning it holds data only
when the power is on. When the power is off, RAM’s contents are lost.
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5. Expansion Bus – A bus is a data pathway between several hardware components inside or outside a computer. It does not only connect the parts of the CPU to
each other, but also links the CPU with other important hardware.
https://trokenology.com/expansion-buses/
6. Adapters- Printed-circuit boards (also called interface cards) that enable the computer to use a peripheral device for which it does not have the necessary connections or circuit boards. They are often used to permit upgrading to a new different hardware.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adapter_(computing)
7. Power Supply Unit (PSU) – Installed in the back corner of the PC case, next to the motherboard. It converts 120vac (standard house power) into DC voltages that are
used by other components in the PC.
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8. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) – Also known as hard drive, is a magnetic storage device that is installed inside the computer. The hard drive is used as permanent storage for data. In a Windows computer, the hard drive is usually configured as the C: drive and contains the operating system and applications.
9. Optical Drive– An optical drive is a storage device that uses lasers to read data on the optical media. There are three types of optical drives: Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and Blu-ray Disc (BD).
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10. Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) – Designed to optically access data stored on a DVD. A laser moves back and forth near the disk surface and accesses data at a very fast rate.
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What are the input and output devices of a computer?
The devices attached to a personal computer can be classified into two- the
input and output devices. Input Device is composed of a device that accepts data
and instructions from the user or from another computer system. While, output
B. Input Devices – Accepts data and instructions from the user or from another
computer system.
https://www.examplesof.net/2017/08/10-examples-of-input-devices-of-computer.html#.W78ZPml97IU
Two (2) Types of Input Devices
1. Keyboard Entry – Data is inputted to the computer through a keyboard.
Keyboard – The first input device developed for the PC. Data is transferred to the
PC over a short cable with a circular 6-pin Mini-din connector that plugs into the
back of the motherboard.
2. Direct Entry – A form of input that does not require data to be keyed by someone
sitting at a keyboard. Direct-entry devices create machine-readable data on paper, or
magnetic media, or feed it directly into the computer’s CPU.
Three Categories of Direct Entry Devices
1. Pointing Devices – An input device used to move the pointer (cursor) on screen.
Mouse – The most common ‘pointing device’ used in PCs. Every mouse has two
buttons and most have one or two scroll wheels.
http://aumedu.blogspot.com/2016/08/what-is-mouse-pointing-device-and-its.html
Touch screen– A display screen that is sensitive to the touch of a finger or stylus.
Used in myriad applications, including ATM machines, retail point-of-sale terminals,
car navigation and industrial controls. The touch screen became wildly popular for
smart phones and tablets.
https://lifehacker.com/5978694/why-would-i-want-a-touch-screen-pc
Light Pen – A light-sensitive stylus wired to a video terminal used to draw pictures or
select menu options. The user brings the pen to the desired point on screen and
presses the pen button to make contact.
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Digitizer Tablet – A graphics drawing tablet used for sketching new images or
tracing old ones. Also called a “graphics tablet,” the user contacts the surface of the
device with a wired or wireless pen or puck.
Often mistakenly called a mouse, the puck is
officially the “tablet cursor.”
2. Scanning Devices– A device that can read text or illustrations printed on paper and
translates the information into a form the computer can use.
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3. Voice- Input Devices – Audio input devices also known as speech or voice
recognition systems that allow a user to send audio signals to a computer for
processing, recording, or carrying out commands. Audio input devices such as
microphones allow users to speak to the computer in order to record a voice message
or navigate software.
https://www.amazon.com/Recognition-USB-Cancelling-Microphone-Software/dp/B013PXXVUE
C. Output Devices – Any piece of computer hardware that displays results after the
computer has processed the input data that has been entered.
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1. Computer Display Monitor– It displays information in visual form, using text and
graphics. The portion of the monitor that displays the information is called the
screen or video display terminal.
https://www.amazon.com/Dell-E2316HR-1920×1080-Extended-Warranty/dp/B075NQKTWT
Types of Monitor
a. CRT Monitors – Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) were the only type of displays for use
with desktop PCs. They are relatively big (14″ to 16″ deep) and heavy (over 15 lbs).
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b. LCD Monitors – Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology has been used in laptops
for some time. It has recently been made commercially available as monitors for
desktop PCs.
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c. LED Monitors (Light Emitting Diode) – A display and lighting technology used in
almost every electrical and electronic product on the market, from a tiny on/off light
to digital readouts, flashlights, traffic lights and perimeter lighting.
https://www.amazon.in/HP-24ES-23-8-inch-Monitor-Black/dp/B01H1Q8TQC
2. LCD Projectors– utilize two sheets of polarizing material with a liquid crystal solution between them. An electric current passed through the liquid causes the crystals to align so that light cannot pass through them. Each crystal, therefore, is like a shutter, either allowing light to pass through or blocking the light.
https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/lcd-projector-16232844212.html
3. Smart Board – A type of display screen that has a touch sensitive transparent panel
covering the screen, which is similar to a touch screen.
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4. Printer – A device that prints text or illustrations on paper.
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Types of printer
Ink-Jet or Bubble-Jet Printer – bprays ink at a sheet
of paper. Ink-jet printers produce high-quality text and
graphics.
Laser Printer – Uses the same technology as copy machines. Laser printers produce very high quality text and graphics.
LCD and LED Printer– Similar to a laser printer, but uses
liquid crystals or light-emitting diodes rather than a laser to
produce an image on the drum.
https://www.staples.com/dell-c1760nw-color-laser-printer/product_24331192
Line Printer – Contains a chain of characters or pins that
print an entire line at one time. Line printers are very fast,
but produce low-quality print.
https://www.barcodediscount.com/catalog/printronix/p7000.htm
Thermal Printer– An inexpensive printer that works by pushing heated pins against
heat-sensitive paper. Thermal printers are widely used in calculators and fax
machines.
https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/thermal-printer-6468709591.html
5. Speakers – Used to play sound. They may be built into the system unit or connected
with cables. Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects from your
computer.
https://www.digitaltrends.com/wireless-speaker-dock-reviews/audioengine-a5-plus-review/
D. Ports – External connecting sockets on the outside of the computer. This is a
pathway into and out of the computer. A port lets users plug in outside peripherals, such
as monitors, scanners and printers.
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E. Cables and Wires– A cable is most often two or more wires running side by side and
bonded, twisted or braided together to form a single assembly, but can also refer to a
heavy strong rope.
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PARTS OF CPU
MEMORY
Although memory is technically any form of electronic storage, it is used most often to identify fast, temporary forms of storage. If your computer’s CPU had to constantly access the hard drive to retrieve every piece of data it needs, it would operate very slowly. When the information is kept in memory, the CPU can access it much more quickly. Most forms of memory are intended to store data temporarily.
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Read-only memory (ROM) chips are located in the motherboard. ROM chips contain
instructions that can be directly accessed by the CPU. Basic instructions for booting the
computer and loading the operating system are stored in ROM. ROM chips retain their
contents even when the computer is powered down. The contents cannot be erased or
changed by normal means.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random-access_memory
Random access memory (RAM) is the temporary storage for data and programs that are being accessed by the CPU. RAM is volatile memory, which means that the contents are erased when the computer is powered off. The more RAM in a computer, the more capacity the computer has to hold and process large programs and files, as well as enhance system performance.
STORAGE DRIVES
Storage drives read or write information on magnetic or optical storage media. The drive can be used to store data permanently or to retrieve information from a media disk. Storage drives can be installed inside the computer case, such as a hard drive. For portability, some storage drives can connect to the computer using a USB port, a FireWire port, or an SCSI port. These portable storage drives are sometimes referred to as removable drives and can be used on multiple computers. Here are some common types of storage drives: Floppy drive, Hard drive, Optical drive and Flash drive.
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https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-a-floppy-drive-2618151
Floppy Drive
A floppy drive, or floppy disk drive, is a storage device that uses removable 3.5-inch floppy disks. These magnetic floppy disks can store 720 KB or 1.44 MB of data. In a computer, the floppy drive is usually configured as the A: drive. The floppy drive
can be used to boot the computer if it contains a bootable floppy disk. A 5.25-inch floppy
drive is older technology and is seldom used.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_disk_drive
Hard Drive
A hard drive, or hard disk drive, is a magnetic storage device that is installed inside the computer. The hard drive is used as permanent storage for data. In a Windows computer, the hard drive is usually configured as the C: drive and contains the operating system and applications. The hard drive is often configured as the first drive in the boot sequence. The storage capacity of a hard drive is measured in billions of bytes, or gigabytes (GB). The speed of a hard drive is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_disc_drive
Optical Drive
An optical drive is a storage device that uses lasers to read data on the optical media. There are three types of optical drives: Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and Blu-ray Disc (BDCD, DVD, and BD media can be pre-recorded (read-only), recordable (write once), or rewritable (read and write multiple times).
Types of Drive Interfaces
Hard drives and optical drives are manufactured with different interfaces that are used to connect the drive to the computer. To install a storage drive in a computer, the connection interface on the drive must be the same as the controller on the motherboard. Here are some common drive interfaces:
IDE – Integrated Drive Electronics, also called Advanced Technology Attachment
(ATA) is an early drive controller interface that connects computers and hard disk
drives. An IDE interface uses a 40-pin connector.
SATA – Serial ATA refers to the serial version of the ATA drive controller interface. A
SATA interface uses a 7-pin data connector.
SCSI – Small Computer System Interface is a drive controller interface that can
connect up to 15 drives. SCSI can connect both internal and external drives. An
SCSI interface uses a 50-pin, 68-pin, or 80-pin connector.
CREDITS:
http://www.depedbataan.com/resources/9/k_to_12_pc_hardware_servicing_learning_module.pdf
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