Computer Hardware

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For a lay person, computer hardware can be defined as the physical component of the computer or the part that can be touched and seen.

It is different from the software, which is all the programs without any physical form or shape that run on the computer hardware that perform various functions.

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Computer Systems Hardware

The common components of computer hardware include:

Monitor: The monitor is the screen which displays the programs, games or anything else that the computer is doing at any given time.

CPU: Often referred to as the "brain" of the computer, it is responsible for all the complex calculations and functions of the computer. CPU is short for central processing unit.

RAM: Short for random access memory, the RAM is responsible for all current applications or processes and the operating system.

Keyboard: This allows the user to type various commands, create documents and control the computer functions. Similar to a typewriter, it is an input device that has keys corresponding to various alphabets and characters.

Mouse: This is a kind of pointer that helps the user navigate the operating system in place of keys.

Power supply: This includes the power cord, switch and cooling fan, without which the computer cannot function. It ensures that power is supplied at the correct voltage to the computer hardware.

CD-ROM drive: This is a device that is helpful in reading data from a compact disc, or CD, for short.

Computer Software and Hardware

Apart from these, there can be host of other computer hardware devices like gaming devices, audio input devices, extra storage or media devices as well. These all are responsible for various functions that we perform on the computer. Software, on the other hand, is not visible to the naked eye, though its presence can be detected as soon as one switches on the pc hardware. Both hardware and software are equally important in order to run the computer successfully.

When either of the two develops a fault, then the computer cannot work adequately. However, repairing the hardware components requires a very different set of skills than the computer software. In case you need help to repair your hardware for any reason, it is a good idea to approach professionals that deal exclusively with hardware.

ome hardware consists of branded machines where all the parts belong to a single company; more often than not, computer hardware is assembled from various manufacturers where different components are sourced from the best in that class. Given the relative ease of putting these together, this arrangement usually works out much cheaper and is equally good.