Computer Hardware

We often use laptops, computers, smartphones, or any type of computing device in our daily lives. Computing devices have become a compulsion and with time their importance will only increase. Every computing device has two elements in them. Software and Hardware. Software is an element that helps computers perform certain programs. The software cannot be touched or felt, it can only be seen. Hardware on the other hand can be touched, felt, and seen. It is tangible. So, what is computer hardware?

What is computer hardware?

Computer hardware definition is the products present in the computer that helps the system to perform various actions. The hardware is encompassed within a circuit board that operates on a laptop, computer, or any other computing device. It also includes the CPU (Central Processing Unit), webcams, fans, ventilation, graphics card, power supply, and many more. 

The design of the hardware can vary from device to device because all of their sizes are not the same. However, even if the sizes may differ, the components that are found within are not different. It is the same important component found in all the devices. The software makes a computer useful but without hardware, it cannot function at all. Software is a virtual program that runs within a computing device but without hardware inside which software can be present the whole system becomes incomplete.

A computer is fully functional only when both software and hardware are present. The speed of the working of the machine depends on the hardware. When one computer is built by replacing or assembling new parts without the proper knowledge of hardware it can result in an incomplete device.

What are the different hardware present in a computer?

In a fully functional computer, there is much hardware. Below is a list of hardware present inside a computer. The list explains the different types of computer hardware.

Motherboard- the motherboard is a device that is considered to be the most important part of a computer. The motherboard contains the CPU and all the other hardware that are present inside a CPU. The motherboard is very important because it functions as the brain of the computer. It provides power where it’s needed and it helps in communicating and coordinating all the components which are present inside a computer. 

CPU- CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. The CPU helps in processing all the data that the programs running inside a computer provide.

RAM- RAM stands for random access memory. This hardware is found inside a motherboard where the memory slots are present. The RAM is used to store all the temporary information presented by a program so that it can be easily accessible when needed. The RAM is very useful because it helps us to work in different tabs. We can edit a video in one tab and then quickly switch to another tab where we can see images or play games.

Hard Drive- Unlike RAM, a hard drive is a part of a computer where all the permanent memory is stored.  The data which are present in a hard drive can be anything, starting from applications installed on a computer to family photos of movies.

GPU- The GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit. The Graphics Processing Unit is responsible for rendering graphics inside a computer program. Every computer can present graphics and it is possible due to the GPU. Therefore, every computer will have at least one GPU.

PSU- The PSU stands for power supply unit. The PSU not only provides power to the computer but it converts an external source of power into a power that helps the other elements present inside a computer to work.

Conclusion

A computer is incomplete without its hardware. More advanced computers will contain more advanced hardware. Thus, there is a constant modification of hardware taking place in the computer industry. More advanced hardware will make a faster computer with the incredible ability to access the past programs even after a considerable length of time. It will also provide better graphics. In the future, more complex and highly developed hardware are going to be used in computers.