What Is Computer Hardware?

What Is Computer Hardware?

Computer hardware consists of the tangible, physical parts that make up a computer system. This includes components like the central processing unit, random access memory, monitors, keyboards, mice and speakers. Hardware also includes the external devices, such as a USB drive or a webcam, that allow you to take pictures or videos and transmit them over the Internet. Hardware is the opposite of software, which consists of instructions and programs that tell hardware what to do.

The most common type of hardware is the computer's central processing unit, which handles computations, analyzes data and controls operations. The processor's speed determines the computer's overall performance. The CPU is connected to the memory modules and the hard drive through a primary circuit board called the motherboard. Other types of hardware include the graphics card and sound card, both of which process graphical data and audio information respectively. The motherboard connects the other hardware elements to each other, as well as to external devices through ports.

A computer's hardware can be upgraded by adding new, more advanced components. This can be done to improve performance, increase capacity or add functionality. For example, a user may upgrade the video card to improve the quality of images and video playback. A user can also install more random access memory to increase the amount of temporary data that the computer can store. Another form of hardware upgrade is to replace the floppy disk drive with a hard-drive to store more data.

The hardware of a computer can help to protect its internal and external data. For example, the trusted platform module (TPM) provides a secure place for encryption keys. Hardware firewalls can also filter incoming and outgoing network traffic to prevent hackers from accessing sensitive information. Other security hardware includes biometric authentication devices, such as fingerprint scanners.

There are many different types of computer hardware, some more important than others. For example, a powerful CPU and graphics card are crucial for gaming. Likewise, adequate storage and RAM are important for working with large files.

External hardware devices, such as a mouse or keyboard, are essential for computing as well. Other types of external hardware are the printer, scanner and digital camera. These hardware devices collect data that is used by a computer for various functions, such as word processing or spreadsheets. This data can also be stored for backup and recovery purposes, such as a digital photo frame or a home automation system.

Hardware can play a critical role in networking and communications. For example, routers and switches facilitate Internet connectivity, while modems connect computers to a local network. Hardware components can also be utilized in wireless communication technologies, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Hardware monitoring tools can alert administrators of potential problems, such as low storage space or high CPU usage. Some of these tools can also automate preliminary troubleshooting and maintenance tasks, such as rebooting a device or refreshing its data store. Some examples of hardware monitoring software include OpManager, HWiNFO and Lansweeper.