Computer Fundamentals
What is HARDWARE?
Answer:
Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer that causes processing
of data.
2) Specify the different types of hardware we can find in a
computer and provide a description for each of them.
Answer:
1) Internal Hardware : These are often called “components.” They are found within the case.
Examples are:
Central processing unit (CPU): is responsible for processing all information from programs
run by your computer.
RAM (computer memory): The RAM is found in the memory slots of the motherboard. It
serves as the computer's "working memory" for the information created by programs
Network and modem units:
Motherboard: It houses the CPU and operates as a hub that all other hardware runs
through. It allocates power to the other components, co-ordinates them, and enables
communication between them.
Internal hard drives like HDDs and SSDs.: SSDs are an alternative to traditional hard disk
drives. They use less power and more reliable. The hard disk drives are the main data
storage device of a computer. They are non-volatile and maintain the stored data when
powered off. Majority of files are stored here.
2) External hardware: These are found outside the case.
Examples of external hardware are:
Monitor: It displays the video and graphics information that the computer generated via the
video card.
Printer: They generate hard copies of electronic data stored on the computer, in the form of
text or images on paper. It can generate it in black and white or colored.
Scanner: They convert images on the document into digital information that can be stored
on a computer through optical character recognition (OCR).
Mouse: It is an hardware used to select objects on a computer screen. It has two buttons.
The left and the right click used for selecting and accessing objects.
Keyboard: Users use the keyboard to interact with the computer, by inputing text and
commands using the keys.
