What Is Computer Hardware?

What Is Computer Hardware?

Computer hardware consists of all the physical pieces that make up a computer system. While computers can be found in a variety of objects, when people think of computer hardware they usually imagine a desktop computer with a monitor, keyboard and mouse. A computer can also have various other peripherals, such as printers, scanners and digital cameras, which are considered part of the computer hardware. The four basic categories of computer hardware are input devices, processing devices, storage devices and output devices.

The most important component of computer hardware is the motherboard, which acts as a central hub that all other internal hardware components connect to. Its main function is to process information from the input devices and then pass it to the other hardware elements for use or storage.

Besides the motherboard, other essential computer hardware components include a central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM) and persistent storage. The CPU is the brain of a computer; it fetches and decodes digital instructions from application software and the operating system, effectively translating commands into actions. RAM provides temporary storage for the data that applications and the OS are currently working with, which speeds up how quickly the computer can respond to inputs from the user. Persistent storage, such as hard disk drives or solid state drives, maintains data when the computer is shut down and enables programs to quickly resume where they left off in the event of a power outage.

A sound processing card is another example of a specific piece of computer hardware with a specific purpose. This piece of hardware processes audio files based on a trigger, such as when the machine boots up or when a game is finished; it is also used to play system sounds. Other examples of computer output devices include speakers and the Ipods and other music players millions of people use to extract their audio from their computers.

All of this computer hardware is necessary for the operation of a computing device, but it is important to distinguish between hardware and software. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they have very distinct meanings. Hardware refers to all the physical parts that comprise a computer system, including the peripherals, while software is all of the information stored in and run by those parts. Generally speaking, computer software is not affected by hardware, but it can be affected by viruses.

In contrast, most hardware is susceptible to damage from dust, overheating and other environmental factors. It is also subject to human error, such as accidentally deleting files or installing the wrong drivers. Fortunately, most computer hardware can be replaced or upgraded without replacing the entire device. For example, a laptop can be fitted with an external hard drive to increase its storage capacity or an add-on graphics card to enhance its display quality. In many cases, adding new hardware is as simple as plugging it into an expansion slot on the motherboard and following the directions included with the device or provided on a disc bundled with the product or available online.