Hardware

Hardware is visible physical components of a computer system. Computer hardware can be divided into four categories:

1) Input hardwarecollects data and converts them into a form suitable for computer processing. The most common input device is a keyboard. It looks very much like a typewriter. The mouse is a handheld device connected to the computer by a small cable. As the mouse is rolled across the desktop, the cursor moved across the screen. When the cursor reaches the desired location, the user usually pushes a button on the mouse once or twice to give a command to the computer. The light pen, optic-electronic scanner, microphone and digital camera can be also used to input data into the computer.

2) Processing hardwaredirects the execution of software instructions in the computer. The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer. It reads and interprets software instructions and coordinates the processing. Memory is the component of the computer in which information is stored. These are two types of computer memory: RAM and ROM. RAM (random access memory) is the memory, used for creating, loading and running programs. ROM (read only memory) is computer memory used to hold programmed instructions to the system. The more memory you have in your computer, the more operations you can perform.

3)The purpose of storage hardwareis to store computer instructions and data and retrieve when needed for processing. Data is stored as electromagnetic signals. The most common ways of storing data are Hard disk, floppy disk and CD-Rom.

Hard disk is a rigid disk coated with magnetic material, for storing programs and relatively large amounts of data. Floppy disk (diskette) – a thin, usually flexible plastic disk coated with magnetic material, for storing temporary computer data and programs. These are two formats for floppy disks: 5.25’ and 3.5’. 3.5’ disks are formatted 1.4 megabytes and are widely used.

CD-ROM (compact disk read only memory) is a compact disk on which a large amount of digitized data can be stored. CD-ROMs are very popular now because of the growing speed which CDROM drives can provide nowadays.

4)Output hardware allows the user to view information produced by the computer system. Information is in either hardcopy or softcopy form. Hardcopy output can be held in your hand, such as paper with text or graphics printed on it. Softcopy output is displayed on a monitor. Monitor is display screen for viewing computer data, television programs, etc. Printer produces a paper copy of data of graphics. Speakers allow you to hear sound output.

Modem is an example of communication hardware – an electronic device that makes possible the transmission of data to or from computer via telephone or other communication lines.

A large metal box protecting the delicate electronics inside is a case. The case and its contents (power supply, system board, etc.) are called the system unit.

Hardware comes in many configurations, depending on what you are going to do on your computer.

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