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Basic Components of Computer Hardware

Computer hardware encompasses the physical components of a computer system, including the CPU, motherboard, RAM, storage devices, and various input/output devices. The four main types of hardware are input devices, processing devices, output devices, and memory/storage devices. Understanding these components is essential for effective computer operation and troubleshooting.

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4 views

Basic Components of Computer Hardware

Computer hardware encompasses the physical components of a computer system, including the CPU, motherboard, RAM, storage devices, and various input/output devices. The four main types of hardware are input devices, processing devices, output devices, and memory/storage devices. Understanding these components is essential for effective computer operation and troubleshooting.

Uploaded by

simiyusamuel044
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Basic Components of Computer Hardware:

Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a computer. It refers to the computer system,
especially those that form part of the central processing unit. As a teacher you need to know the basic
components of computer hardware and how to work with each part. These components include: the
Central Processing Unit, Motherboard, Memory (RAM & ROM), Storage Devices (HDD & SSD), Graphical Processing
Unit (GPU), Power Supply Unit (PSU), Input Devices (Keyboard, Mouse, Microphones, touchscreen), Output Devices
(Monitors, printers, speakers), and Networking Hardware (routers, switches)

Examples of Computer Hardware


 Computer case (or computer tower)
 Motherboard.
 Central processing unit (CPU)
 Graphics processing unit (GPU)
 Power supply unit (PSU)
 Internal disk drive.
 Optical disk drive.
 Memory or RAM (think USB sticks)

What are the four main types of computer hardware?


There are four main computer hardware components:
 input devices,
 processing devices,
 output devices and
 memory (storage) devices.
These hardware components make up the computer system.

1. Central processing unit (CPU)

The CPU controls the computer processes and communicates with the other components of a personal
computer. A CPU will not function properly unless it receives a signal from the power supply.

2. Motherboard

The motherboard provides the structure for all other components and connects them, while also
providing a way to distribute power, deliver information and connect to devices such as a printer or
mouse. It controls how data transfers and what type of monitor or screen device to use, for example. It
houses the CPU, memory and secondary storage devices such as hard drives.

3. Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is where data lives temporarily while it's being actively used by programs, such as when a user
launches a computer application. A technician may know how to identify the type of RAM in a computer,
how to replace it if it's defective and how to diagnose problems with copying data from one location in
memory to another.

4. Video graphics array port

A video graphics array (VGA) port is a video input that is primarily used on PC monitors. Troubleshooting
a VGA port could include verifying there isn't a loose connection, faulty cable or a broken monitor.

5. Power supply

A power supply provides electricity to all components of a computer system. Typically, it's a power cord
connected from the back of a PC tower into an electricity socket.

6. Cooling fan

Cooling fans are a computer's system to decrease overheating. Many computers have more than one
cooling fan to help users who run their computer heavily, such as video streaming or gaming.

7. Hard drive

Hard drives are data storage devices used to store files, programs or other information on a computer
system. They use magnetically coated discs called hard disks that store digital representations of
information. If a hard drive fails, a computer technician may suspect a corrupt hard drive. They may use
data recovery software to repair the computer or may replace the hard drive.

8. Monitor

A computer monitor is an electronic device that displays what's what programs are running on your
computer so a user can see. Some computer technicians may wear anti-static gloves when handling
computer monitors to avoid static electricity.

9. Printer

This is a machine that produces copies of text or images on paper using ink. Popular printers include
laser or inkjet and computer technicians may be skilled in troubleshooting issues across multiple brands
and varieties.

10. Scanner

A scanner is a device that digitally copies an image or and makes it available as a file for access on a
computer. If a scanner malfunctions, a computer technician may remove the cover and carefully check if
it has any damage. If there are no visible issues, then they may check the power connection cable.
Similar to a printer, there is computer software that connects the scanner to the computer.

11. Computer mouse

A computer mouse can have a wire or is wireless and is an input device used to control a cursor on the
computer monitor. A wired computer mouse has a cord that connects to a USB port on a computer
while a wireless mouse has no physical connection with a computer system. Instead, a wireless mouse
communicates using an adapter that is usually plugged into an available USB port and runs off its own
batteries using Bluetooth technology.

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