Computer Hardware

What is Computer Hardware?

Hardware is the computer’s peripheral devices which are used to assemble the system. Hardware devices majorly include computer input-output devices, memory, and CPU. Generally, Hardware is the internal and external components of a computer that allow you to accomplish major functions such as input, output, storage, communication, and processing.

Some most common examples of computer hardware are −

• Input / Output devices like Keyboard, mouse, & monitor
• The central processing unit (CPU)
• Motherboard
• Random access memory (RAM)
• Storage drive (HDD or SSD)
• Graphics processing unit (GPU)

Computer hardware is an umbrella term for computer peripherals. Hardware refers to tangible devices of the system that can physically see, touch and understand its structure. These are the essential components for a computer to work on. Computer hardware is attached to the system internally or externally, depending on whether the physical component is located within or outside of the system. Generally, internal hardware is essential for the computer to function, whereas external hardware improves its use or functionality. Internal computer hardware can be a video card, memory, or the central processing unit (CPU), whereas exterior computer hardware can include a keyboard or mouse.

Types of Computer Hardware

There are two types of computer hardware −

• Internal hardware
• External hardware

Internal Hardware

Internal hardware is the computer peripherals which are connected inside the computer. These include motherboards, hard drives, and DDR (RAM). The following images are the core examples of computer hardware.

External Hardware

External hardware is the computer peripherals which are connected to the computer system externally. External hardware includes monitors, keyboards, printers, and scanners.

Functions of Computer Hardware

Generally, functions of computer hardware depend on hardware units like input, output, and processing and storage units. Hardware functions in a computer system include a wide range of operations that allow the machine to complete its tasks efficiently. These functions are often separated into different categories, each handled by a unique set of hardware components.

Below are some of the key functions of the computer hardware’s −

• Input hardware facilitates users to input the data into the system A keyboard is used to type text, a Mouse to select an option by clicking on it, a scanner to scan images or pages etc.
• Output hardware produces the output into human understandable forms like a Monitor is used to display the output on the screen, a Printer to print output in the form of hard copy, speakers used to produce audio sound and projectors are used to project visual output on larger surfaces.
• Processing hardware like processors executes programs or instructions and performs calculations or does computations.
• Storage hardware like memory devices stores data to retain for future use. RAM for temporary storage and HDD to store data permanently.
• Communication hardware devices enable users to data exchange between multiple devices over the computer network. These include Network Interface Card (NIC), Modem, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Adapters.
• Control hardware manages and directs the operations of different components attached to the system. It includes a Motherboard, Power Supply Unit (PSU) and BIOS/UEFI.