computer hardware - solano community collegebcs.solano.edu/workarea/mfracisc/cis 066 word...
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COMPUTER HARDWARE
A computer consists of two broad categories of components: hardware and software. Computer
hardware includes all of the physical components that make up the system unit plus other devices
connected to it. These connected devices are referred to as peripheral devices because they are
outside, or peripheral to, the computer. Examples include a monitor, keyboard, mouse, hard disk
drive, camera, and printer. Some peripheral devices, such as the monitor and hard disk drive, are
essential components of a personal computer system. Categories of hardware devices include the
system unit, input devices, output devices, storage devices, and communication devices.
System Unit
The system unit is a relatively small plastic or metal cabinet that houses the electronic components,
which process data into information. Inside the cabinet, the main circuit board, called the
motherboard, provides for the installation and connection of other electronic components. Once
installed on the motherboard, the components can communicate with each other, thereby allowing
the processing of data into information. The motherboard has two components, the central
processing unit (CPU), also called the microprocessor (or simply processor), and the internal
memory. The processor consists of one or more electronic chips that read, interpret, and execute
instructions that operate the computer and perform specific computing tasks. When a program is
executed, the processor temporarily stores the program’s instructions and the data needed for the
instructions into the computer’s memory. Memory, also called primary storage, consists of small
electronic chips that provide temporary storage for instructions and data during processing.
Input Devices
An input device is a hardware device that allows users to enter program instructions, data, and
commands into a computer. The program or application being used determines the type of input
device needed. Common input devices are the keyboard, mouse, and microphone.
Output Devices
An output device is a device that makes information available to the user. Popular output devices
include display screens (monitors), printers, television screens, and speakers. Some output devices,
such as a printer, produce output in hard copy (tangible) form, such as on paper or plastic. Other
output devices, such as a monitor, produce output in soft copy (intangible) form that can be viewed
but not physically handled.