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)
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
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
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
ADSL – Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
AGP – Accelerated Graphics Port
ALI – Acer Labs, Incorporated
ALU – Arithmetic Logic Unit
AMD – Advanced Micro Devices
APC – American Power Conversion
ASCII – American Standard Code for Information Interchange
ASIC – Application Specific Integrated Circuit
ASPI – Advanced SCSI Programming Interface
AT – Advanced Technology
ATI – ATI Technologies Inc.
ATX – Advanced Technology Extended
BFG – BFG Technologies
BIOS – Basic Input Output System
BNC – Barrel Nut Connector
CAS – Column Address Signal
CD – Compact Disk
CDR – Compact Disk Recorder
CDRW – Compact Disk Re-Writer
CD-ROM – Compact Disk – Read Only Memory
CFM – Cubic Feet per Minute (ft�/min)
CMOS – Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
CPU – Central Processing Unit
CTX – CTX Technology Corporation (Commited to Excellence)
DDR – Double Data Rate
DDR-SDRAM – Double Data Rate – Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
DFI – DFI Inc. (Design for Innovation)
DIMM – Dual Inline Memory Module
DRAM – Dynamic Random Access Memory
DPI – Dots Per Inch
DSL – See ASDL
DVD – Digital Versatile Disc
DVD-RAM – Digital Versatile Disk – Random Access Memory
ECC – Error Correction Code
ECS – Elitegroup Computer Systems
EDO – Extended Data Out
EEPROM – Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
EPROM – Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
EVGA – EVGA Corporation
FC-PGA – Flip Chip Pin Grid Array
FDC – Floppy Disk Controller
FDD – Floppy Disk Drive
FPS – Frame Per Second
FPU – Floating Point Unit
FSAA – Full Screen Anti-Aliasing
FS – For Sale
FSB – Front Side Bus
GB – Gigabytes
GBps – Gigabytes per second or Gigabits per second
GDI – Graphical Device Interface
GHz – GigaHertz
HDD – Hard Disk Drive
HIS – Hightech Information System Limited
HP – Hewlett-Packard Development Company
HSF – Heatsink-Fan
IBM – International Business Machines Corporation
IC – Integrated Circuit
IDE – Integrated Drive Electronics
IFS- Item for Sale
IRQ – Interrupt Request
ISA – Industry Standard Architecture
ISO – International Standards Organization
JBL – JBL (Jame B. Lansing) Speakers
JVC – JVC Company of America
Kbps – Kilobits Per Second
KBps – KiloBytes per second
LG – LG Electronics
LAN – Local Are Network
LCD – Liquid Crystal Display
LDT – Lightning Data Transport
LED – Light Emitting Diode
MAC – Media Access Control
MB – MotherBoard or Megabyte
MBps – Megabytes Per Second
Mbps – Megabits Per Second or Megabits Per Second
MHz – MegaHertz
MIPS – Million Instructions Per Second
MMX – Multi-Media Extensions
MSI – Micro Star International
NAS – Network Attached Storage
NAT – Network Address Translation
NEC – NEC Corporation
NIC – Network Interface Card
OC – Overclock (Over Clock)
OCZ – OCZ Technology
OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer
PC – Personal Computer
PCB – Printed Circuit Board
PCI – Peripheral Component Interconnect
PDA – Personal Digital Assistant
PCMCIA – Peripheral Component Microchannel Interconnect Architecture
PGA – Professional Graphics Array
PLD – Programmable Logic Device
PM – Private Message / Private Messaging
PnP – Plug ‘n Play
PNY – PNY Technology
POST – Power On Self Test
PPPoA – Point-to-Point Protocol over ATM
PPPoE – Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet
PQI – PQI Corporation
PSU – Power Supply Unit
RAID – Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks
RAM – Random Access Memory
RAMDAC – Random Access Memory Digital Analog Convertor
RDRAM – Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory
ROM – Read Only Memory
RPM – Revolutions Per Minute
SASID – Self-scanned Amorphous Silicon Integrated Display
SCA – SCSI Configured Automatically
SCSI – Small Computer System Interface
SDRAM – Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
SECC – Single Edge Contact Connector
SODIMM – Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module
SPARC – Scalable Processor ArChitecture
SOHO – Small Office Home Office
SRAM – Static Random Access Memory
SSE – Streaming SIMD Extensions
SVGA – Super Video Graphics Array
S/PDIF – Sony/Philips Digital Interface
TB – Terabytes
TBps – Terabytes per second
Tbps – Terabits per second
TDK – TDK Electronics
TEC – Thermoelectric Cooler
TPC – TipidPC
TWAIN – Technology Without An Important Name
UART – Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter
USB – Universal Serial Bus
UTP – Unshieled Twisted Pair
VCD – Video CD
VPN – Virtual Private Network
WAN – Wide Area Network
WTB – Want to Buy
WYSIWYG – What You See Is What You Get
XGA – Extended Graphics Array
XFX – XFX Graphics, a Division of Pine
XMS – Extended Memory Specification
XT – Extended Technology
Part 2 QnA
a) Store data
b) Perform calculations
c) Display graphics
d) Provide power
Answer: b) Perform calculations
a) Monitor
b) Printer
c) Keyboard
d) Speaker
Answer: c) Keyboard
a) Read Access Memory
b) Random Access Memory
c) Read After Memory
d) Rapid Access Memory
Answer: b) Random Access Memory
a) Mouse
b) Printer
c) Keyboard
d) Microphone
Answer: b) Printer
a) Process data
b) Store data
c) Display output
d) Input data
Answer: b) Store data
a) Software programs
b) Physical components
c) Data files
d) User interface
Answer: b) Physical components
a) Printer
b) Keyboard
c) Mouse
d) Scanner
Answer: c) Mouse
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
a) Printer
b) Monitor
c) CPU
d) Keyboard
Answer: c) CPU
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
a) CPU
b) RAM
c) Hard drive
d) Monitor
Answer: c) Hard drive
a) Store data
b) Process data
c) Display graphics
d) Input data
Answer: c) Display graphics
a) Monitor
b) Camera
c) Printer
d) Speaker
Answer: b) Camera
a) Perform logical and arithmetic calculations
b) Store data
c) Control input/output devices
d) Display output
Answer: a) Perform logical and arithmetic calculations
a) RAM
b) Cache memory
c) ROM
d) Hard drive
Answer: d) Hard drive
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
a) Hard drive
b) Flash drive
c) CD
d) RAM
Answer: c) CD
a) Print documents
b) Store data
c) Connect external devices
d) Display graphics
Answer: c) Connect external devices
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
a) Provide power
b) Cool down the CPU
c) Store data
d) Display graphics
Answer: b) Cool down the CPU
a) Speaker
b) Printer
c) Keyboard
d) Monitor
Answer: a) Speaker
a) Output device
b) Input device
c) Storage device
d) Communication device
Answer: b) Input device
a) Read-Only Memory
b) Random-Only Memory
c) Read-Optional Memory
d) Rapid-Only Memory
Answer: a) Read-Only Memory
a) Store data
b) Provide power
c) Cool the system
d) Display graphics
Answer: c) Cool the system
a) Printer
b) Monitor
c) Mouse
d) USB flash drive
Answer: d) USB flash drive
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
a) Keyboard
b) Monitor
c) Speaker
d) Printer
Answer: b) Monitor
a) Output device
b) Input device
c) Storage device
d) Processing device
Answer: b) Input device
a) CPU
b) RAM
c) Ports
d) Power supply
Answer: c) Ports
a) Perform calculations
b) Manage hardware and software resources
c) Store data
d) Display graphics
Answer: b) Manage hardware and software resources
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
a) Secure Storage Device
b) Solid-State Drive
c) Storage Solution Device
d) Standard Storage Disk
Answer: b) Solid-State Drive
a) Sound card
b) Graphics card
c) CPU
d) Motherboard
Answer: a) Sound card
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
a) USB cable
b) Ethernet cable
c) HDMI cable
d) VGA cable
Answer: b) Ethernet cable
a) Speed of the processor
b) Amount of storage
c) Amount of memory
d) Data transfer rate
Answer: b) Amount of storage
a) RAM
b) Hard drive
c) Motherboard
d) Graphics card
Answer: c) Motherboard
a) Display images on the screen
b) Allow internet connectivity
c) Store data permanently
d) Input text data
Answer: b) Allow internet connectivity
a) ROM
b) Hard drive
c) RAM
d) SSD
Answer: c) RAM
a) Display output
b) Input data
c) Print hard copies of digital data
d) Process data
Answer: c) Print hard copies of digital data
a) Storing data
b) Cooling down the CPU
c) Increasing processor speed
d) Displaying graphics
Answer: b) Cooling down the CPU
a) RAM
b) CPU
c) Hard drive
d) Keyboard
Answer: c) Hard drive
a) USB port
b) Ethernet port
c) HDMI port
d) VGA port
Answer: a) USB port
a) Store data
b) Keep the CPU cool
c) Increase internet speed
d) Display graphics
Answer: b) Keep the CPU cool
a) RAM
b) Monitor
c) CPU
d) Hard drive
Answer: c) CPU
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
a) RAM
b) ROM
c) USB
d) Cache
Answer: c) USB
a) Light Controlled Display
b) Light Crystal Display
c) Liquid Crystal Display
d) Low-Cost Display
Answer: c) Liquid Crystal Display
a) Input device
b) Output device
c) Storage device
d) Processing device
Answer: c) Storage device
a) Manage system hardware resources
b) Store files
c) Provide graphical user interfaces
d) Connect to the internet
Answer: a) Manage system hardware resources