Computer Hardware – Understanding Computer Components
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It is easy to get confused when you are researching computers. Plenty of newcomers get frustrated and it seems like the salesman at the local gigantic box electronic store is speaking a foreign language. Plenty of terms and words apply to the computer industry that does not apply to any other aspect of living. What is application? What is hardware? What is the CPU? ROM? RAM? Let’s take a moment to look at some examples of computer hardware.
• The Monitor – what you view the results on, like a tv.
• The CPU – central processing unit is where all the complicated math and computing happen.
• CD or DVD ROM – This is the drive that “reads” cd’s or dvd’s. ROM’s are NOT burners the “read only.”
• CD or DVD RW – This is the drives that “burn” or “make” cd’s and dvd’s. Typically they can read and write to a cd or dvd.
• Memory – This is as it reads; the more memory your computer has, the better it will function.
• Printer – This allows you to print documents (your resume,) pics, and plenty of times printers have over five function. Plenty of printers can double up as scanners, fax machines and copiers.
• Wireless or Hardwired Routers – These are the devices that permit you to connect to other computers in your “network.” They can work singly or in conjunction with “modems” which are the devices that permit you to connect to the web.
Computer hardware is that, the “hard” surfaces you can touch. Hardware is what the computer is made of. Application is the programs jogging on the hardware that tell your computer what to do when you use the computer to balance your checkbook, look at email or surf the web. Examples of computer hardware include:
Although the list above is extensive, it does not include all the examples of computer hardware you might run in to. Lot’s of devices are considered hardware (remember, you can touch hardware.) The list of devices not mentioned include cd’s and dvd’s, flash drives, floppy drives and disks, the mouse and keyboard, and the hard drives that store the operating systems and application on.
Computers have different configurations of hardware. Some offer more memory, storage, or optional drives. The type of computer you purchase will depend on what you do with it. There’s different configurations available for virtually every application and desire. Whether you are going to play games, email and surf the net, or plot the distances between the planets and stars, there is a computer set up and ready for you to purchase. Each will be configured a tiny differently based on what demands your applications will place on the hardware.
Hopefully you now have a better understanding of the different examples of computer hardware and can make an informed decision when making your next computer purchase.
