Computer Hardware: Input, Output, and Storage

• Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system necessary to perform tasks.
• Hardware works with software to execute commands and operations.

Input Devices

• Input devices are used to enter data and commands into a computer.
• Keyboards are used for typing text and commands.
• Mice are used for pointing, clicking, and selecting items on a screen.
• Scanners convert physical documents into digital format.
• Microphones capture audio input.

Output Devices

• Output devices display, project, or produce the results of computer processing.
• Monitors display text, images, and videos.
• Printers produce a hard copy of digital documents.
• Speakers produce audio output.

Storage Devices

• Storage devices store data permanently or temporarily.
• Hard Drives (HDDs) store operating systems, software, and files.
• Solid State Drives (SSDs) offer faster storage with no moving parts.
• USB Flash Drives are portable storage devices for transferring files.
• CD/DVDs are optical discs used for media storage.

Processing Devices

• Processing devices execute instructions and process data.
• Central Processing Units (CPUs) are the brain of the computer, performing calculations and running programs.
• Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) render graphics and images for display.

Internal Hardware Components

• The Motherboard is the main circuit board that houses the CPU, RAM, and other critical components and facilitates communication between them.
• Central Processing Units (CPUs) perform all the instructions of computer programs, comprising the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and Control Unit (CU), and are measured in terms of clock speed (GHz).
• Random Access Memory (RAM) is temporary storage used for running programs and processes; it is faster than permanent storage, but data is lost when the computer shuts down.
• The Power Supply Unit (PSU) converts electricity from the wall outlet into usable power for the computer and supplies power to all components within the system.
• Cooling Systems prevent the CPU and other components from overheating, like fans, heat sinks and liquid cooling systems.

External Hardware Components

• Monitors display the visual output of the computer; types include LCD, LED, and OLED monitors.
• Keyboards and Mice are input devices used to interact with the computer system.
• Printers produce physical copies of documents or images; types include inkjet, laser, and 3D printers.
• External Storage Devices are portable drives used to transfer or back up data, like external hard drives and USB flash drives.

Peripheral Devices

• Peripheral devices are not integral to the computer’s primary function but enhance its capabilities.
• Input Peripherals: Joysticks, game controllers.
• Output Peripherals: Projectors, headphones.
• Storage Peripherals: External hard drives, network-attached storage (NAS).

Function of Computer Hardware

• Input allows users to input data into the computer system (e.g., keyboard, mouse).
• Processing involves the CPU processing data based on instructions (e.g., calculations, data manipulation).
• Storage: Data is stored temporarily (RAM) or permanently (HDD, SSD).
• Output displays or outputs processed data (e.g., monitor, printer).

Importance of Computer Hardware

• Performance determines the speed and efficiency of the computer.
• Capacity defines the amount of data that can be stored and processed.
• Compatibility ensures that hardware components work seamlessly together.
• Reliability provides a stable platform for running software applications and performing tasks.