“Computer Hardware”

Hardware - The physical, touchable, electronic and mechanical parts of “Computer Hardware”
a computer are called the hardware which is composed of different Hardware - The physical, touchable, electronic and mechanical parts of
devices attached to the computer. a computer are called the hardware which is composed of different
1. System Unit- The main part of a microcomputer, sometimes devices attached to the computer.
called the chassis. It includes the following parts: Motherboard, 1. System Unit- The main part of a microcomputer, sometimes
Microprocessor, Memory Chips, Buses, Ports, Expansion Slots called the chassis. It includes the following parts: Motherboard,
and Cards. Microprocessor, Memory Chips, Buses, Ports, Expansion Slots
2. Motherboard / Mainboard / System Board-The main circuit and Cards.
board of a computer. 2. Motherboard / Mainboard / System Board-The main circuit
3. CPU (Central Processing Unit) - The processor is the main board of a computer.
“brain” or “heart” of a computer system. 3. CPU (Central Processing Unit) - The processor is the main
4. Primary storage- (internal storage, main memory or memory) is “brain” or “heart” of a computer system.
the computer's working storage space that holds data, 4. Primary storage- (internal storage, main memory or memory) is
instructions for processing and processed data (information) the computer's working storage space that holds data,
waiting to be sent to secondary storage. Physically, primary instructions for processing and processed data (information)
storage is a collection of RAM chips. waiting to be sent to secondary storage. Physically, primary
Two (2) Types of Memory storage is a collection of RAM chips.
a. ROM – (Read Only Memory) ROM is non-volatile, meaning Two (2) Types of Memory
it holds data even when the power is ON or OFF. a. ROM – (Read Only Memory) ROM is non-volatile, meaning
b. RAM – (Random Access Memory) RAM is volatile, meaning it holds data even when the power is ON or OFF.
it holds data only when the power is on. When the power is off, b. RAM – (Random Access Memory) RAM is volatile, meaning
RAM's contents are lost. it holds data only when the power is on. When the power is off,
5. Expansion Bus - A bus is a data pathway between several hardware RAM's contents are lost.
components inside or outside a computer. 5. Expansion Bus - A bus is a data pathway between several hardware
6. Adapters- Printed-circuit boards (also called interface cards) that components inside or outside a computer.
enable the computer to use a peripheral device for which it does not 6. Adapters- Printed-circuit boards (also called interface cards) that
have the necessary connections or circuit boards. enable the computer to use a peripheral device for which it does not
7. Power Supply Unit (PSU) - Installed in the back corner of the PC have the necessary connections or circuit boards.
case, next to the motherboard. 7. Power Supply Unit (PSU) - Installed in the back corner of the PC
8. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - Also known as hard drive, is a magnetic case, next to the motherboard.
storage device that is installed inside the computer. 8. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - Also known as hard drive, is a magnetic
9. Optical Drive- An optical drive is a storage device that uses lasers to storage device that is installed inside the computer.
read data on the optical media. 9. Optical Drive- An optical drive is a storage device that uses lasers to
10. Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) - Designed to optically access data read data on the optical media.
stored on a DVD. 10. Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) - Designed to optically access data
stored on a DVD.
“INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES”
Input Device is composed of a device that accepts data and instructions “INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES”
from the user or from another computer system. Input Device is composed of a device that accepts data and instructions
Output device is any piece of computer hardware that displays results from the user or from another computer system.
after the computer has processed the input data that has been entered. Output device is any piece of computer hardware that displays results
Two (2) Types of Input Devices after the computer has processed the input data that has been entered.
1. Keyboard Entry – Data is inputted to the computer through a Two (2) Types of Input Devices
keyboard. 1. Keyboard Entry – Data is inputted to the computer through a
Keyboard - The first input device developed for the PC. keyboard.
2. Direct Entry – A form of input that does not require data to be Keyboard - The first input device developed for the PC.
keyed by someone sitting at a keyboard. 2. Direct Entry – A form of input that does not require data to be
keyed by someone sitting at a keyboard.
Three Categories of Direct Entry Devices
1. Pointing Devices - An input device used to move the pointer Three Categories of Direct Entry Devices
(cursor) on screen. 1. Pointing Devices - An input device used to move the pointer
Mouse - The most common 'pointing device' used in PCs. (cursor) on screen.
Touch screen- A display screen that is sensitive to the touch of Mouse - The most common 'pointing device' used in PCs.
a finger or stylus. Touch screen- A display screen that is sensitive to the touch of
Light Pen - A light-sensitive stylus wired to a video terminal a finger or stylus.
used to draw pictures or select menu options. Light Pen - A light-sensitive stylus wired to a video terminal
Digitizer Tablet - A graphics drawing tablet used for sketching used to draw pictures or select menu options.
new images or tracing old ones. Also called a "graphics tablet, Digitizer Tablet - A graphics drawing tablet used for sketching
2. Scanning Devices- A device that can read text or illustrations new images or tracing old ones. Also called a "graphics tablet,
printed on paper and translates the information into a form the 2. Scanning Devices- A device that can read text or illustrations
computer can use. printed on paper and translates the information into a form the
3. Voice- Input Devices - Audio input devices also known as computer can use.
speech or voice recognition systems that allow a user to send 3. Voice- Input Devices - Audio input devices also known as
audio signals to a computer for processing, recording, or speech or voice recognition systems that allow a user to send
carrying out commands. audio signals to a computer for processing, recording, or
carrying out commands.