Computer hardware
Computer hardware is the physical part of a
computer, including the
digital circuitry, as distinguished from the
computer software that executes within the hardware. The hardware of a computer is infrequently changed, in comparison with software and data, which are "soft" in the sense that they are readily created, modified or erased on the computer. Firmware is a special type of software that rarely, if ever, needs to be changed and so is stored on hardware devices such as
read-only memory where it is not readily changed .
Most computer hardware is not seen by normal users.
Encyclopedia
Computer hardware is the physical part of a
computer, including the
digital circuitry, as distinguished from the
computer software that executes within the hardware. The hardware of a computer is infrequently changed, in comparison with software and data, which are "soft" in the sense that they are readily created, modified or erased on the computer. Firmware is a special type of software that rarely, if ever, needs to be changed and so is stored on hardware devices such as
read-only memory where it is not readily changed .
Most computer hardware is not seen by normal users. It is in
embedded systems in automobiles, microwave ovens,
electrocardiograph machines,
compact disc players, and other devices.
Personal computers, the computer hardware familiar to most people, form only a small minority of computers
Market statistics.
Personal computer hardware
A typical
personal computer consists of a
case or chassis in desktop or tower shape and the following parts:
- Motherboard or system board with slots for expansion cards and holding parts including:
...
in newer computers
Power supply - a case that holds a transformer, voltage control and fan Storage controllers of IDE, SATA, SCSI or other type, that control hard disk, floppy disk, CD-ROM and other drives; the controllers sit directly on the motherboard or on expansion cards Video display controller that produces the output for the computer display Computer bus controllers to connect the computer to external peripheral devices such as printers or scanners||}
In computing [i], a
scanner is a device that analyzes an image or an object and converts it to a ...
- Some type of a removable media writer:
- Internal storage - keeps data inside the computer for later use.
- Hard disk - for medium-term storage of data.
- Disk array controller
- Sound card - translates signals from the system board into analog voltage levels, and has terminals to plug in speakers.
- Networking - to connect the computer to the Internet and/or other computers
- Modem - for dial-up connections
- Network card - for DSL/Cable internet, and/or connecting to other computers.
- Other peripherals
In addition, hardware can include external components of a computer system. The following are either standard or very common.
||}
In computing [i], a
scanner is a device that analyzes an image or an object and converts it to a ...
Output or Output devices- Image, Video output devices
- Printer Peripheral device that produces a hard copy.
- Monitor Device that takes signals and displays them.
- Audio output devices
- Speakers A device that converts analog audio signals into the equivalent air vibrations in order to make audible sound.
- headset A device similar in functionality to that of a regular telephone handset but is worn on the head to keep the hands free.
See also
External links
