1 Understanding
What is computer hardware?
Hardware refers to the external and internal devices and equipment that enable you to perform major functions such as input, output, storage, communication, processing, and more. There are two types of computer hardware: external and internal. External hardware devices include monitors, keyboards, printers, and scanners, whereas internal hardware devices include motherboards, hard drives, and RAM. 

Computer hardware is a collective term used to describe any of the physical components of an analog or digital computer. The term hardware distinguishes the tangible aspects of a computing device from software, which consists of written, machine-readable instructions or programs that tell physical components what to do and when to execute the instructions.

Hardware and software are complementary. A computing device can function efficiently and produce useful output only when both hardware and software work together appropriately.

Computer hardware can be categorized as being either internal or external components. Generally, internal hardware components are those necessary for the proper functioning of the computer, while external hardware components are attached to the computer to add or enhance functionality.

2 Parts and function of computer

What are internal computer hardware components?

Internal components collectively process or store the instructions delivered by the program or operating system (OS). These include the following:

• Motherboard. This is a printed circuit board that holds the central processing unit (CPU) and other essential internal hardware and functions as the central hub that all other hardware components run through.

• CPU. The CPU is the brain of the computer that processes and executes digital instructions from various programs; its clock speed determines the computer's performance and efficiency in processing data.

• RAM. RAM -- or dynamic RAM -- is temporary memory storage that makes information immediately accessible to programs; RAM is volatile memory, so stored data is cleared when the computer powers off.

• Hard drive. Hard disk drives are physical storage devices that store both permanent and temporary data in different formats, including programs, OSes, device files, photos, etc.

• Solid-state drive (SSD). SSDs are solid-state storage devices based on NAND flash memory technology; SSDs are non-volatile, so they can safely store data even when the computer is powered down.

• Optical drive. Optical drives typically reside in an on-device drive bay; they enable the computer to read and interact with nonmagnetic external media, such as compact disc read-only memory or digital video discs.

• Heat sink. This is a passive piece of hardware that draws heat away from components to regulate/reduce their temperature to help ensure they continue to function properly. Typically, a heat sink is installed directly atop the CPU, which produces the most heat among internal components.

• Graphics processing unit. This chip-based device processes graphical data and often functions as an extension to the main CPU.

• Network interface card (NIC). A NIC is a circuit board or chip that enables the computer to connect to a network; also known as a network adapter or local area network adapter, it typically supports connection to an Ethernet network.

Other computing components, such as USB ports, power supplies, transistors and chips, are also types of internal hardware.

What are external hardware components?

External hardware components, also called peripheral components, are those items that are often externally connected to the computer to control either input or output functions. These hardware devices are designed to either provide instructions to the software (input) or render results from its execution (output).

Common input hardware components include the following:

• Mouse. A mouse is a hand-held pointing device that moves a cursor around a computer screen and enables interaction with objects on the screen. It may be wired or wireless.

• Keyboard. A keyboard is an input device featuring a standard QWERTY keyset that enables users to input text, numbers or special characters.

• Microphone. A microphone is a device that translates sound waves into electrical signals and supports computer-based audio communications.

• Camera. A camera captures visual images and streams them to the computer or through a computer to a network device.

• Touchpad. A touchpad is an input device, external or built into a laptop, used to control the pointer on a display screen. It is typically an alternative to an external mouse.

• USB flash drive. A USB flash drive is an external, removable storage device that uses flash memory and interfaces with a computer through a USB port.

• Memory card. A memory card is a type of portable external storage media, such as a CompactFlash card, used to store media or data files.

Other input hardware components include joysticks, styluses and scanners.

Examples of output hardware components include the following:

• Monitor. A monitor is an output device similar to a TV screen that displays information, documents or images generated by the computing device.

• Printer. Printers render electronic data from a computer into printed material.

• Speaker. A speaker is an external audio output device that connects to a computer to generate a sound output.

• Headphones, earphones, earbuds. Similar to speakers, these devices provide audio output that's audible only to a single listener.

• Motherboard

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Random Access Memory (RAM)

• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

• Power Supply Unit (PSU)

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

• Solid State Drive (SSD)

• Optical Drive (CD/DVD/Blu-ray)

• Cooling Fan

• Heat Sink

• Keyboard

• Mouse

• Monitor

• Case (Chassis)

• Ethernet Card

• Sound Card

• Network Interface Card (NIC)

All Computer Parts Names in English with Pictures

• Motherboard
  The main circuit board serves as the system’s basis, connecting and facilitating communication amongst all computer components.
  
  

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  The brain of the computer executes programs, makes computations, and carries out commands.
  
  

• Random Access Memory (RAM)
  temporary memory that speeds up computer operation by storing data for open programs and processes.
  
  

• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
  A specialized processor that manages and enhances the display of images, videos, and graphics.
  
  

• Power Supply Unit (PSU)
  Converts electricity from the outlet into usable power for the computer’s internal components.
  
  

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
  A storage device that holds the computer’s operating system, applications, and personal files using spinning disks.
  
  

• Solid State Drive (SSD)
  A faster, more reliable storage device with no moving parts, which stores data and runs programs quicker than an HDD.
  
  

• Optical Drive (CD/DVD/Blu-ray)
  A device that reads and writes data to optical discs such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray, used for media or file storage.
  
  

• Cooling Fan
  A fan that moves air to cool down the computer’s internal parts prevents overheating and damage.
  
  

• Heat Sink
  A metal component is attached to heat-generating parts like the CPU, dispersing heat to keep the system cool.
  
  

• Keyboard
  A physical input device is used to type letters, numbers, and commands into the computer.
  
  

• Mouse
  A handheld device that allows users to control the cursor and interact with on-screen elements.
  
  

• Monitor
  The screen displays visual output from the computer, such as images, videos, and programs.
  
  

• Case (Chassis)
  The outer shell of the computer houses and protects all internal components while providing airflow.
  
  

• Ethernet Card
  A network card that connects the computer to wired internet or local networks through an Ethernet cable.
  
  

• Sound Card
  A card that processes audio data, allowing the computer to output sound through speakers or headphones.
  
  

• Network Interface Card (NIC)
  A card that enables the computer to connect to a network, either via a wired connection or wirelessly.
  
  

Computer Parts Names in English

Basic Computer Parts Names in English

• USB Ports

• BIOS/UEFI Chip

• Expansion Slots

• Power Cable

• Display Cable (HDMI, VGA, DVI)

• Speakers

• CMOS Battery

• PCI Express Slots (PCIe)

• M.2 SSD

• External Drives

• Memory Card Reader

• Bluetooth Adapter

• Audio Jack

• Power Button

• LED Indicators

Parts of Computer Names and Pictures in English 

• USB Ports
  Standard ports on a computer are used to connect various external devices like keyboards, mice, or storage drives.
  
  

• BIOS/UEFI Chip
  A small chip that starts the computer, manages hardware settings and loads the operating system.
  
  

• Expansion Slots
  a card that processes audio data so that speakers or headphones can be used to emit sound from the computer.
  
  

• Power Cable
  a wire that powers the computer’s power supply unit from an external socket.
  
  

• Display Cable (HDMI, VGA, DVI)
  To send the video signal for display from the computer to the monitor, cables are utilized.
  
  

• Speakers
  Audio output devices: these generate sounds from the computer, such as warnings, music, and videos.
  
  

• CMOS Battery
  A small battery on the motherboard keeps the computer’s date, time, and system settings when powered off.
  
  

• PCI Express Slots (PCIe)
  High-speed slots on the motherboard for adding expansion cards like a graphics card or network card.
  
  

• M.2 SSD
  A high-speed storage device that installs directly onto the motherboard, providing faster data access than traditional drives.
  
  

• External Drives
  Portable storage devices that connect to the computer externally, offer additional space for files and backups.
  
  

• Memory Card Reader
  A device that reads data from memory cards, commonly used in cameras, phones, and other devices.
  
  

• Bluetooth Adapter
  a device that lets Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as keyboards and headphones, to connect wirelessly to computers.
  
  

• Audio Jack
  A port via which audio devices, like speakers, headphones, or microphones, can be connected to the computer.
  
  

• Power Button
  A physical button is used to turn the computer on or off.
  
  

• LED Indicators
  Small lights on the computer that show the status of power, charging, or other system activities.
  
  

Computer Parts Names in English

1. ADSL – Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line

2. AGP – Accelerated Graphics Port

3. ALI – Acer Labs, Incorporated

4. ALU – Arithmetic Logic Unit

5. AMD – Advanced Micro Devices

6. APC – American Power Conversion

7. ASCII – American Standard Code for Information Interchange

8. ASIC – Application Specific Integrated Circuit

9. ASPI – Advanced SCSI Programming Interface

10. AT – Advanced Technology

11. ATI – ATI Technologies Inc.

12. ATX – Advanced Technology Extended

13. BFG – BFG Technologies

14. BIOS – Basic Input Output System

15. BNC – Barrel Nut Connector

16. CAS – Column Address Signal

17. CD – Compact Disk

18. CDR – Compact Disk Recorder

19. CDRW – Compact Disk Re-Writer

20. CD-ROM – Compact Disk – Read Only Memory

21. CFM – Cubic Feet per Minute (ft�/min)

22. CMOS – Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor

23. CPU – Central Processing Unit

24. CTX – CTX Technology Corporation (Commited to Excellence)

25. DDR – Double Data Rate

26. DDR-SDRAM – Double Data Rate – Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory

27. DFI – DFI Inc. (Design for Innovation)

28. DIMM – Dual Inline Memory Module

29. DRAM – Dynamic Random Access Memory

30. DPI – Dots Per Inch

31. DSL – See ASDL

32. DVD – Digital Versatile Disc

33. DVD-RAM – Digital Versatile Disk – Random Access Memory

34. ECC – Error Correction Code

35. ECS – Elitegroup Computer Systems

36. EDO – Extended Data Out

37. EEPROM – Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory

38. EPROM – Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory

39. EVGA – EVGA Corporation

40. FC-PGA – Flip Chip Pin Grid Array

41. FDC – Floppy Disk Controller

42. FDD – Floppy Disk Drive

43. FPS – Frame Per Second

44. FPU – Floating Point Unit

45. FSAA – Full Screen Anti-Aliasing

46. FS – For Sale

47. FSB – Front Side Bus

48. GB – Gigabytes

49. GBps – Gigabytes per second or Gigabits per second

50. GDI – Graphical Device Interface

51. GHz – GigaHertz

52. HDD – Hard Disk Drive

53. HIS – Hightech Information System Limited

54. HP – Hewlett-Packard Development Company

55. HSF – Heatsink-Fan

56. IBM – International Business Machines Corporation

57. IC – Integrated Circuit

58. IDE – Integrated Drive Electronics

59. IFS- Item for Sale

60. IRQ – Interrupt Request

61. ISA – Industry Standard Architecture

62. ISO – International Standards Organization

63. JBL – JBL (Jame B. Lansing) Speakers

64. JVC – JVC Company of America

65. Kbps – Kilobits Per Second

66. KBps – KiloBytes per second

67. LG – LG Electronics

68. LAN – Local Are Network

69. LCD – Liquid Crystal Display

70. LDT – Lightning Data Transport

71. LED – Light Emitting Diode

72. MAC – Media Access Control

73. MB – MotherBoard or Megabyte

74. MBps – Megabytes Per Second

75. Mbps – Megabits Per Second or Megabits Per Second

76. MHz – MegaHertz

77. MIPS – Million Instructions Per Second

78. MMX – Multi-Media Extensions

79. MSI – Micro Star International

80. NAS – Network Attached Storage

81. NAT – Network Address Translation

82. NEC – NEC Corporation

83. NIC – Network Interface Card

84. OC – Overclock (Over Clock)

85. OCZ – OCZ Technology

86. OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer

87. PC – Personal Computer

88. PCB – Printed Circuit Board

89. PCI – Peripheral Component Interconnect

90. PDA – Personal Digital Assistant

91. PCMCIA – Peripheral Component Microchannel Interconnect Architecture

92. PGA – Professional Graphics Array

93. PLD – Programmable Logic Device

94. PM – Private Message / Private Messaging

95. PnP – Plug ‘n Play

96. PNY – PNY Technology

97. POST – Power On Self Test

98. PPPoA – Point-to-Point Protocol over ATM

99. PPPoE – Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet

100. PQI – PQI Corporation

101. PSU – Power Supply Unit

102. RAID – Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks

103. RAM – Random Access Memory

104. RAMDAC – Random Access Memory Digital Analog Convertor

105. RDRAM – Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory

106. ROM – Read Only Memory

107. RPM – Revolutions Per Minute

108. SASID – Self-scanned Amorphous Silicon Integrated Display

109. SCA – SCSI Configured Automatically

110. SCSI – Small Computer System Interface

111. SDRAM – Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory

112. SECC – Single Edge Contact Connector

113. SODIMM – Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module

114. SPARC – Scalable Processor ArChitecture

115. SOHO – Small Office Home Office

116. SRAM – Static Random Access Memory

117. SSE – Streaming SIMD Extensions

118. SVGA – Super Video Graphics Array

119. S/PDIF – Sony/Philips Digital Interface

120. TB – Terabytes

121. TBps – Terabytes per second

122. Tbps – Terabits per second

123. TDK – TDK Electronics

124. TEC – Thermoelectric Cooler

125. TPC – TipidPC

126. TWAIN – Technology Without An Important Name

127. UART – Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter

128. USB – Universal Serial Bus

129. UTP – Unshieled Twisted Pair

130. VCD – Video CD

131. VPN – Virtual Private Network

132. WAN – Wide Area Network

133. WTB – Want to Buy

134. WYSIWYG – What You See Is What You Get

135. XGA – Extended Graphics Array

136. XFX – XFX Graphics, a Division of Pine

137. XMS – Extended Memory Specification

138. XT – Extended Technology

1. What is the function of the CPU in a computer?

a) Store data
b) Perform calculations
c) Display graphics
d) Provide power
Answer: b) Perform calculations

2. Which device is used to input data into a computer?

a) Monitor
b) Printer
c) Keyboard
d) Speaker
Answer: c) Keyboard

3. What does RAM stand for?

a) Read Access Memory
b) Random Access Memory
c) Read After Memory
d) Rapid Access Memory
Answer: b) Random Access Memory

4. Which of the following is an output device?

a) Mouse
b) Printer
c) Keyboard
d) Microphone
Answer: b) Printer

5. What is the function of the hard drive in a computer?

a) Process data
b) Store data
c) Display output
d) Input data
Answer: b) Store data

6. What does the term “hardware” refer to in a computer?

a) Software programs
b) Physical components
c) Data files
d) User interface
Answer: b) Physical components

7. Which device is used to point to objects on a computer screen?

a) Printer
b) Keyboard
c) Mouse
d) Scanner
Answer: c) Mouse

8. What is the purpose of the motherboard in a computer?

a) To store data
b) To provide power to the computer
c) To connect all internal components
d) To display graphics
Answer: c) To connect all internal components

9. Which of these is not considered a peripheral device?

a) Printer
b) Monitor
c) CPU
d) Keyboard
Answer: c) CPU

10. What does the power supply unit (PSU) in a computer do?

a) Stores data
b) Provides power to the computer
c) Displays output
d) Sends signals to the monitor
Answer: b) Provides power to the computer

11. Which part of the computer is responsible for storing the operating system?

a) CPU
b) RAM
c) Hard drive
d) Monitor
Answer: c) Hard drive

12. What is the main function of the graphics card in a computer?

a) Store data
b) Process data
c) Display graphics
d) Input data
Answer: c) Display graphics

13. Which of these devices is used to capture images and videos?

a) Monitor
b) Camera
c) Printer
d) Speaker
Answer: b) Camera

14. What is the primary function of the CPU's ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)?

a) Perform logical and arithmetic calculations
b) Store data
c) Control input/output devices
d) Display output
Answer: a) Perform logical and arithmetic calculations

15. What type of memory is used for long-term data storage?

a) RAM
b) Cache memory
c) ROM
d) Hard drive
Answer: d) Hard drive

16. What does the term "booting" refer to in a computer?

a) Starting up the computer
b) Installing a new program
c) Shutting down the computer
d) Rebooting the software
Answer: a) Starting up the computer

17. Which of the following is a type of optical storage device?

a) Hard drive
b) Flash drive
c) CD
d) RAM
Answer: c) CD

18. What does a USB port on a computer allow you to do?

a) Print documents
b) Store data
c) Connect external devices
d) Display graphics
Answer: c) Connect external devices

19. What does the term "bit" refer to in a computer?

a) A type of memory
b) A unit of data
c) A component of the CPU
d) A type of software
Answer: b) A unit of data

20. What is the function of a heat sink in a computer?

a) Provide power
b) Cool down the CPU
c) Store data
d) Display graphics
Answer: b) Cool down the CPU

21. Which device allows you to hear sound from a computer?

a) Speaker
b) Printer
c) Keyboard
d) Monitor
Answer: a) Speaker

22. What type of device is a scanner?

a) Output device
b) Input device
c) Storage device
d) Communication device
Answer: b) Input device

23. What does "ROM" stand for in computer hardware?

a) Read-Only Memory
b) Random-Only Memory
c) Read-Optional Memory
d) Rapid-Only Memory
Answer: a) Read-Only Memory

24. What is the primary function of the fan in a computer?

a) Store data
b) Provide power
c) Cool the system
d) Display graphics
Answer: c) Cool the system

25. Which of the following is a storage device?

a) Printer
b) Monitor
c) Mouse
d) USB flash drive
Answer: d) USB flash drive

26. What is the purpose of the BIOS in a computer?

a) To control input and output devices
b) To boot the computer
c) To store data permanently
d) To process data
Answer: b) To boot the computer

27. Which device is used to display images on a computer screen?

a) Keyboard
b) Monitor
c) Speaker
d) Printer
Answer: b) Monitor

28. What type of device is the keyboard?

a) Output device
b) Input device
c) Storage device
d) Processing device
Answer: b) Input device

29. Which part of the computer allows communication with external devices like printers and monitors?

a) CPU
b) RAM
c) Ports
d) Power supply
Answer: c) Ports

30. What is the function of the operating system?

a) Perform calculations
b) Manage hardware and software resources
c) Store data
d) Display graphics
Answer: b) Manage hardware and software resources

31. What is the role of the motherboard in a computer?

a) Provides a platform for the CPU
b) Stores data permanently
c) Manages power supply
d) Displays graphics
Answer: a) Provides a platform for the CPU

32. What does SSD stand for in storage devices?

a) Secure Storage Device
b) Solid-State Drive
c) Storage Solution Device
d) Standard Storage Disk
Answer: b) Solid-State Drive

33. Which device is responsible for providing sound to the computer?

a) Sound card
b) Graphics card
c) CPU
d) Motherboard
Answer: a) Sound card

34. What is the function of a power supply unit (PSU)?

a) Power external devices
b) Distribute electrical power to the computer’s components
c) Cool down the CPU
d) Store data
Answer: b) Distribute electrical power to the computer’s components

35. Which of the following is used to connect a computer to a local area network (LAN)?

a) USB cable
b) Ethernet cable
c) HDMI cable
d) VGA cable
Answer: b) Ethernet cable

36. What does the term “gigabyte” (GB) measure?

a) Speed of the processor
b) Amount of storage
c) Amount of memory
d) Data transfer rate
Answer: b) Amount of storage

37. Which of the following is the main circuit board in a computer?

a) RAM
b) Hard drive
c) Motherboard
d) Graphics card
Answer: c) Motherboard

38. What is the function of a modem?

a) Display images on the screen
b) Allow internet connectivity
c) Store data permanently
d) Input text data
Answer: b) Allow internet connectivity

39. Which type of memory is volatile?

a) ROM
b) Hard drive
c) RAM
d) SSD
Answer: c) RAM

40. What is the primary function of a printer?

a) Display output
b) Input data
c) Print hard copies of digital data
d) Process data
Answer: c) Print hard copies of digital data

41. What is a CPU cooler used for?

a) Storing data
b) Cooling down the CPU
c) Increasing processor speed
d) Displaying graphics
Answer: b) Cooling down the CPU

42. Which of these is an example of secondary storage?

a) RAM
b) CPU
c) Hard drive
d) Keyboard
Answer: c) Hard drive

43. Which port is commonly used for connecting a printer?

a) USB port
b) Ethernet port
c) HDMI port
d) VGA port
Answer: a) USB port

44. What is the purpose of the fan in a computer case?

a) Store data
b) Keep the CPU cool
c) Increase internet speed
d) Display graphics
Answer: b) Keep the CPU cool

45. Which part of the computer performs the processing of data?

a) RAM
b) Monitor
c) CPU
d) Hard drive
Answer: c) CPU

46. What is the function of cache memory in a computer?

a) Store long-term data
b) Provide temporary fast access to frequently used data
c) Display graphics
d) Process data
Answer: b) Provide temporary fast access to frequently used data

47. Which of the following is not a type of memory?

a) RAM
b) ROM
c) USB
d) Cache
Answer: c) USB

48. What does "LCD" stand for?

a) Light Controlled Display
b) Light Crystal Display
c) Liquid Crystal Display
d) Low-Cost Display
Answer: c) Liquid Crystal Display

49. Which type of device is a DVD drive?

a) Input device
b) Output device
c) Storage device
d) Processing device
Answer: c) Storage device

50. What is the function of the operating system’s kernel?

a) Manage system hardware resources
b) Store files
c) Provide graphical user interfaces
d) Connect to the internet
Answer: a) Manage system hardware resources