Everything You Need to Know About Computer Hardware

 COMPUTER HARDWARE

computer hardware

A computer is any electronic device that can receive data as input, process data and give out result as information (outputs). It processes the received data in accordance to a set of instructions given to it by the computer user and produces the desired result. It is divided into two types as discuss below: Hardware and Software

In this article, we only discuss computer hardware.

Computer Hardware and Software

Computer hardware is any physical part of computers that we can see and touch. For example, Monitor CPU, Mouse, Joystick, etc. While software is an intangible resource of the computer system that controls the operations of the hardware e.g. operating system

In this article I focus on the computer hardware. Computer hardware is divided into four components as listed: Input Devices, Output Device, Storage Devices and Internal Devices.

1.      Input Devices

Input devices are devices which the user interacts with the computer. Or, in which the user enters the data or information into the computer. This information or data is accepted by the input devices and change into a computer acceptable format and of which is further sent to the computer system for data processing. Now let’s discuss some input devices as enumerated below:

a.      Mouse: A mouse is a type of pointing device which is moved over to control the cursor on the screen and it has functional keys like left, middle, and right buttons. Using the functional keys, on by the click of which an object is chosen or to open a file by clicking of a mouse. It also comprises of a sensor inside which informs its speed to the computer and in accordance to which the cursor is moved on the screen.

b.      Keyboard: It is the most common and major input device for computers. The data is entered by typing on the keyboard. It comprises of 104 keys in all. It comprises numeric keys, alphabet keys, and function keys also. Before, it used to be connected to the computer through cable, now that the technology has increased, so you can connect a keyboard by making use of Bluetooth.

c.       Scanner: As the name implies, it scans images, documents, etc., and change them into a digital form and which can be further edited and used. It operates next like a Xerox machine.

d.      Track Ball: It is a device that looks like an upside-down mouse. It does not consume enough space for a movement like a mouse. As the trackball remains in one place and the computer user moves the ball in different directions, it affects the movement of the screen directly.

e.      Light Pen: It is a light-sensitive device and it is touched to the cathode ray tube (CRT) screen where it can notice, raster on the screen as it passes by and, with the assistance of this user can draw anything like figures, lines or any objects.

f.       Microphone: It is a type of voice input device which can be connected to a computer system to record sounds. It changes voice or human voice into electrical signals. This electrical signal is processed by the computer and the word is understood.

g.      Optical Characters Reader: It is operated to detect alphanumeric characters that are printed or written on paper using a low-frequency light source. This light is absorbed by the dark areas and given back by the light areas, now this reflected light is brought by the photocells. It is much like a scanner.

h.      Bar Code Reader: It is operated to read bar codes and convert them into electric pulse and which will further be processed by the computer. However, the bar code is data that is encoded into white and black lines

2. Output Devices

These are the devices that are used to display the result (output) of any task given to the computer in human-understandable form. Below are the many kinds of output devices, which are:

a.      Monitor: Monitor is the major output device. It is also called visual display unit and it looks much like a television screen. The Monitor displays the inputted information from the computer. It is used to display images, text, video etc.

b.      Printer: A printer is an output device that transports data from the computer in a printed format by using text or images on paper. There are three different types of printers e.g. Laser Printer, Dot-matrix printers, and Inkjet printers.

c.       Plotter: It is much like a printer but they are large in size. A plotter is used to produce large drawings, architectural blueprints, etc. on paper and these produces high-quality images and drawings and large in size.

d.      Speakers: It is a very common output device and it produces sound as an output. It is mostly used to play music or anything having sound.

3. Storage Devices

These are devices use to store information and are also called secondary storage devices. Below are the different types of secondary storage devices.

CD(Compact disc): A compact disc (CD) is a type of optical disc that is used to store digital data. It was developed in the 1980s as a storage medium for audio and other types of digital data. CDs are made of a polycarbonate plastic called polycarbonate and are coated with a thin layer of reflective material, typically aluminum. They are read using a laser beam, which reflects off the surface of the disc and is detected by a photodiode. CDs are typically 120 mm in diameter and 1.2 mm thick, and can store up to 700 MB of data. There are basically 3 types of CDs, which are:

CD-ROM (CD – Read Only Memory): A CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) is a type of optical disc that is similar to a compact disc (CD), but is designed to store and read digital data rather than audio. Unlike a CD, which can be written to and erased, a CD-ROM is "read-only" and cannot be modified once it is created. This makes it useful for distributing software, games, and other types of digital content that do not need to be modified. CD-ROMs are typically 120 mm in diameter and 1.2 mm thick, and can store up to 700 MB of data. They are read using a laser beam, which reflects off the surface of the disc and is detected by a photodiode.

CD-R (CD-Recordable): A CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable) is a type of disc that can be used to store and record data. Unlike a CD-ROM, which is a pre-recorded disc that can only be read, a CD-R can be written to multiple times using a CD burner. Once the data has been written to a CD-R, it cannot be erased or rewritten. CD-Rs are commonly used for storing and sharing music, videos, and other types of data.

CD-RW (CD-Rewritable): A CD-RW (Compact Disc-ReWritable) is a type of disc that can be used to store and record data like a CD-R, but with the added ability to be erased and rewritten multiple times. This makes CD-RWs a more versatile option than CD-Rs for recording and storing data, as they can be used over and over again. CD-RWs are commonly used for storing and sharing music, videos, and other types of data.

d.      DVD (Digital Video/Versatile Disc): A DVD is a type of optical disc that is used to store digital data, typically video and audio. DVDs are similar to CDs, but they have a higher storage capacity and can hold larger amounts of data. They are commonly used for storing and playing back movies, music, and other types of digital media. There are also some types in DVD, which are :

1.      DVD-ROM: A DVD-ROM is a type of DVD that is used for storing and reading data. It stands for "Digital Versatile Disc - Read Only Memory." Unlike a DVD-R or DVD-RW disc, which can be written to and erased multiple times, a DVD-ROM cannot be recorded on. It can only be read by a DVD player or computer with a DVD-ROM drive. This makes it ideal for storing data that does not need to be changed, such as software or video games.

2.      DVD-R / DVD+R: DVD-R and DVD+R are two different types of DVD recordable formats. Both formats allow users to record data on a DVD, but they have some differences in terms of compatibility with DVD players and recorders.

3.      DVD-RW / DVD+RW: DVD-RW and DVD+RW are two types of rewritable DVD formats. Both formats allow users to record and erase data multiple times on a DVD, making them a good option for recording and storing data that may need to be updated or changed.

4.      DVD-RAM: I DVD-RAM (DVD-Random Access Memory) is a type of DVD format that is based on the writable DVD-RAM disc, which can be recorded and rewritten multiple times. It is typically used for data storage and backup, as well as for recording and playback of video and audio. Unlike other DVD formats, DVD-RAM discs do not require a finalization process after recording, which means they can be written to and accessed at any time. However, DVD-RAM discs are not compatible with all DVD players and may require special equipment to read and write to them.

5.      Hard Disk: A hard disk is a storage device used in computers to store data. It typically consists of one or more spinning disks (also called platters) coated with a magnetic material, on which data is written and stored using a magnetic head. The disk spins rapidly, allowing the head to access different parts of the disk to read and write data. Hard disks are able to store large amounts of data and are relatively cheap, making them a popular choice for storing data in computers. A hard disk can be classified further into 3 types, which are:

Internal Hard Disk: An internal hard disk is a type of hard disk that is installed inside a computer. It is typically installed in one of the computer's drive bays and connected to the motherboard using a data cable. Internal hard disks are typically used as the main storage for the operating system and other programs and files, although some computers may also have external hard drives for additional storage. Internal hard disks are generally larger and faster than external hard drives, but they are also more difficult to install and remove.

Internal Cartridges: Internal cartridges are cartridges that are used in certain types of firearms, such as rifles and handguns. These cartridges are designed to be loaded into the firearm's chamber, where the firing mechanism can ignite the primer and propellant to shoot the bullet. Internal cartridges typically consist of a bullet, a casing, a primer, and a propellant. The casing is made of metal and holds all the other components of the cartridge in place. The primer is a small explosive charge that ignites the propellant when the firing mechanism strikes it. The propellant is a substance that burns rapidly to create the pressure needed to push the bullet out of the barrel of the firearm.

Hard Disk Packs A hard disk pack is a type of hard disk drive (HDD) that uses multiple disks, or platters, stacked on top of each other to increase the storage capacity of the drive. The disks are typically arranged in a parallel configuration, with each disk attached to a common spindle. The disks are coated with a magnetic material, and data is stored on the disks by magnetizing small areas of the surface in a pattern that represents the data. The disks are typically accessed by a read/write head that moves across the surface of the disks to read and write data.

3.      Internal components

Some important hardware devices known as the internal components are discussed below: 

a.      CPU (Central Processing Unit): A CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the central component of a computer that performs the majority of the processing and computation. The CPU is responsible for executing instructions that are stored in memory and for carrying out the basic operations of the computer, such as performing arithmetic calculations, managing the flow of data, and controlling the input/output devices. It is the "brain" of the computer, and without it, the other components of the computer would not be able to function. The CPU is typically made up of several components, including the control unit, the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and the memory cache.

b.      Motherboard: A motherboard is a piece of computer hardware that connects the different components of a computer, such as the processor, memory, and storage. It is also known as the mainboard or logic board. The motherboard provides the connections and pathways through which the other components of the computer communicate with each other and with the external world. It also provides the power supply to the other components of the computer. In general, the motherboard is a very important component of a computer, and it is the "heart" of the system. It includes RAM slots, controllers, system chipset, etc. 

c.       RAM (Random Access Memory): RAM, or random access memory, is a type of computer memory that is used to store data that is being actively used by the computer. It is called "random access" because the computer can access any part of the memory directly, rather than having to access it in a fixed order. RAM is an important component of a computer because it allows the computer to access and use data quickly, which is essential for smooth and efficient operation. There are two types of RAM:-

1.      SRAM (Static RAM): SRAM (static random-access memory) is a type of semiconductor memory that is widely used in computer systems. It is a type of volatile memory, which means it requires a constant power supply to maintain its data. Unlike dynamic RAM (DRAM), which must be periodically refreshed to retain its data, SRAM retains its data as long as power is supplied. SRAM is typically used for high-speed caching in CPU (central processing unit) systems, as it has a faster access time than DRAM. It is also used in other devices, such as digital cameras and portable music players, where low power consumption is important. For e.g. cache memory.

2.      DRAM (Dynamic RAM): DRAM (dynamic random-access memory) is a type of semiconductor memory that is widely used in computer systems. Unlike SRAM (static random-access memory), which stores data in a static state, DRAM stores data in a dynamic state, which requires periodic refreshment to retain its contents. This refresh operation consumes power, which makes DRAM less power-efficient than SRAM. However, DRAM has a higher storage density than SRAM, which makes it a more cost-effective solution for main memory in most computer systems. DRAM is typically used for main memory in computers, where it provides the high-capacity, low-cost storage needed for programs and data. For e.g. Main memory