What Is Computer Hardware?

Date First Published: 15th November 2023

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Computer Hardware

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty Level: 1/10

Learn about what computer hardware is in this article.

Computer hardware refers to the physical parts that make up a computer. This includes the internal components and the external devices that connect to it. Computer hardware works in combination with computer software to tell the physical components what to do and when to run the instructions.

Internal Hardware Components

Internal hardware components consist of everything inside the computer case, required for the computer to run. These include:

• Motherboard - The large circuit board in a computer that all peripherals and necessary components connect to. Inside a computer case, the biggest part that can be found is the motherboard.
• CPU - A component of a computer that handles and processes the instructions that it receives from hardware and software.
• RAM - A form of volatile memory used to temporarily store data the processor is currently using so that it can be quickly reached.
• Hard drive - A non-volatile storage device used to store data on a computer. Everything on a computer, including the operating system, documents, images, videos, and software programs is stored on the hard drive.
• Solid state drive (SSD) - A newer generation non-volatile storage device that uses flash memory rather than magnetic platters to store data.
• Optical drive - These are usually located in an on-drive bay and allow the computer to read and interact with nonmagnetic external media, such as DVDs.
• Power supply - A hardware component used to provide electric power to a computer.
• Network interface card (NIC) - A circuit board or chip that allows the computer to connect to a network. It usually supports a connection to an Ethernet cable.

External Hardware Components

External hardware components are externally connected to the computer by one of its ports or plugs. Examples of external hardware components are:

• Keyboard - A basic input device made up of a panel of plastic keys that allows users to input letters, numbers, symbols, and perform other functions by pressing individual keys.
• Mouse - A basic and widely used handheld input device used to control the pointer on the screen in order to directly interact with a graphical user interface (GUI).
• Microphone - An input device that picks up sound waves in the air and converts them into electrical signals.
• Touchpad - An input device in the form of a small panel. It contains touch-sensitive areas designed to be controlled by the fingers and usually two visible buttons, used to move the cursor and select objects.
• Monitor - A basic output device that receives and interprets signals from the graphics card of the computer and displays it in the form of graphic images, videos, and text, providing real-time feedback as users work or play.
• Printer - An output device that receives electronic data from a computer and prints documents on paper as a hard copy.
• Speakers - Output devices used by computers to generate sound that can be heard by the listener. They are most commonly used to listen to music and take part in VoIP conversations.
• External storage devices - These store data in the same way as internal storage devices, but are designed to be portable and easily connected and disconnected from one computer to another. Examples of external storage devices are external hard drives, USB flash drives, and SD cards.

Difference Between Hardware and Software

The main difference between hardware and software is that hardware is the physical components of the computer that make up a computer, whilst software is the intangible part of the computer which includes the programs and applications that run on a computer for it to be used. Without hardware, software cannot run.

Can A Computer Work Without Hardware?

In order to function properly and use software, computers require a motherboard, CPU, RAM, hard drive, power supply, and video card. If one of these components fails or is missing, the computer will not be able to start or will encounter errors. However, some hardware, like a printer, is not required for the computer to function, but is used to add extra functionality.

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