Computer hardware – an overview

Computer hardware and software

Computers are part of our everyday life – they have infiltrated our work places and homes. In fact, computers have transformed how we communicate, shop, work and entertain ourselves. You may use a computer every day, but do you know the difference between your computer hardware and software for instance?

Computer hardware – digital circuitry

Computer hardware is the actual physical computer which is made up of digital circuitry. The hardware is usually fixed, unless you need to upgrade your memory to run certain software. Software can be added according to what you want your computer to perform. An easy way to think of the difference between computer hardware and software is to imagine a television set as the hardware and the TV programmes as the software. The software can vary – just as TV stations such as Free-view, Digital and Sky – but you will need the right computer hardware to run the software, just as you need the right kind of TV for digital.

Cars to microwaves

Computer hardware is embedded in systems and is the machinery that makes everything from cars to microwaves and CD players work, but most people think of personal computers when they think of computer hardware, even though pc’s form a small part of computer production – about 0.2%.

So what exactly does typical pc hardware consist of?

Computer hardware is made up of a case in a desktop or computer tower. It features a system board or central processing unit with a computer fan to keep it cool. If fans fail, this is the usual reason why a computer overheats and burns out. Other features in your computer hardware include:

• RAM (Random Access Memory) which helps you run programmes and store short term data. The more RAM you have in your computer hardware, the faster your PC will be.
• Controllers that sit on the system board include those that control the hard disk, floppy disc, CD-ROM or any other drives.
• A Graphics card for the computer display.
• Controllers to connect your computer to external devices such as a printer.

Computer hardware also includes external machinery such as the keyboard, modem, mouse, joystick, webcam and speakers etc.

Computer hardware transformed

Computer hardware has transformed thanks to massive developments in technology – Computer hardware evolved with microcomputer architecture. Steve Wozniak, who co-founded Apple, is credited with developing the first mass-market home computer in the 1970s. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laptop