Hardware
Hardware is the name given to the physical components and devices that make up a computer system.
Inputs allow computers to receive data from the physical world.
Sensors allow the computer to take automatic readings like temperature.
Other input devices allow us as humans to enter instructions or data.
Outputs allow computers to give out information in a way that humans can experience it (using our senses) or allow the computer to change the physical environment.
Processors do the actual calculations inside the the computer.
- CPU - Central Processing Unit - The brain of the computer.
- GPU - Graphics Processing Unit - The Graphics Card
Storage
Storage
Storage devices hold data and instructions (programs) so that they can be sent to the processor when needed.
Used to hold data for immediately for processing
- RAM - Random Access Memory - Thinking Memory
- ROM - Read Only Memory - (Stores instructions that don't change e.g. Bootstrap, Firmware)
Used for long-term storage like saving files.
- HDD - Magnetic Hard Drive
- SSD - Solid State Drive
Off-Line Storage
Off-Line Storage
- Flash Drives - USB Memory Sticks
- Flash Drives - SD Memory Cards
- Optical Media - CD/DVD/Blue-Ray
Components
Components
- Central Processing Unit
- Graphic Processing Unit (Graphics Card)
- Sound Card
Storage
Storage
- RAM
- ROM
- Magnetic Hard Disk Drive
- Solid State Drive
- Flash Memory