What Is Computer Hardware?

What Is Computer Hardware?

There are two main types of computer hardware: internal components and external devices that provide input or output. A computer system can only function properly if the correct hardware is present. Hardware is tangible, meaning it can be physically touched and manipulated. It typically consists of a case, central processing unit, random access memory, monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage and graphics card. It can also include a motherboard, sound card and speakers.

Hardware is distinct from software, which consists of instructions and codes that tell the hardware what to do. It's important to understand the difference between these two items because they are used by businesses in different ways. A business that focuses on hardware may sell fasteners and tools, while a company that specializes in software might offer computer programs.

The term "hardware" was first used to describe the parts of a machine that made it work, such as the mechanical components in the Antikythera mechanism built between 200 and 60 B.C. Today, the word most often refers to electronic devices like personal computers or cell phones that use microchips to process information.

Most of the computer's hardware is inside its case, which protects it from physical damage. However, some external hardware is available, such as a monitor and mouse that allow users to interact with the computer. Most of the other hardware, which is called peripherals, is attached to the computer with a wire or wireless connection. These are the devices that take in or give out information, such as a mouse, keyboard and microphone.

An example of computer hardware is the motherboard, which is the central hub that all other internal hardware components connect to. The motherboard contains the central processing unit, or CPU, which is the brain of a computer that processes digital instructions. It translates commands and code into action, which is why the more RAM -- or random access memory -- in a computer, the faster it runs.

Another piece of internal hardware is the central processing unit, or CPU, which has its own heat sink and fan to keep it cool as it processes a lot of information at once. The more cores a CPU has, the faster it can run.

The graphic processing unit, or GPU, handles graphical information, which frees up the CPU to handle other tasks more quickly and efficiently. The GPU is especially useful for rendering complex images and videos, which require a large number of calculations.

To make a hardware device work with the rest of the computer, it must have a way to communicate with other hardware and software. The most common method of communication is through drivers, which are instructions included in the operating system that tell a hardware device how to operate. Many hardware devices also have their own firmware, which enables them to communicate with other hardware and software without the need for drivers.