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

Computer Hardware –Science is an Art

Computer hardware designers

If all designers of computer hardware were boffins or geeks, then the rest of us would find it difficult to work a computer. Computer whiz-kids may understand how the intricacies of computer hardware work, but ask your average Joe to explain how their computer does what it does and they’d be befuddled. Computer hardware and software can do amazing things - thankfully those boffins who design computer hardware don’t work alone. Major computer companies like Microsoft or Apple have teams of logical thinkers and technical whiz kids alongside creative and artistic thinkers, who help make computer hardware and software easy and accessible to use. Design and aesthetics is equally as important as the right computer hardware – science and art go hand in hand.

Computer hardware is sleek and sexy

Computer hardware and software now has to complement people’s lifestyles and fit in with their image. In the past, computer hardware was bulky and beige but now it’s sleek and sexy.

Trends and usability

Designers working in computer hardware teams are constantly working towards improving equipment for comfort, ease and style. Mouse design has evolved for comfort with new computer hardware - the wireless mouse for example can help reduce repetitive strain injuries. Computer hardware design teams research trends and usability of products for the greatest appeal and comfort of users. Using well-designed computer hardware can give users something to shout about, whereas badly designed hardware leaves them shouting at their computer. Industrial designers have created world-renowned computer hardware that enhances how we interact with our computers.

Successful computer hardware

Successful design of computer hardware combines form with function. And many of the computer and internet companies are renowned for their off the wall office environments to encourage employees to ‘think outside the box’. Computer hardware departments often feature designers who kick start the product development, once an idea has been sketched out, models are built and refined. From here, computer hardware departments undertake worldwide usability research and testing to help the designers decide on the models to transform from concept to reality.

Consumer is King

Consumer research is central, and computer hardware departments are always trying to find devices that enhance usability and performance. Technological innovation is also central to computer hardware design, such as wireless innovation. Wireless freedom has revolutionized where and how we use our computer hardware.

Developments in computer hardware and software drive future innovations, but it is the designers who drive the industry by asking the key ‘w’ questions – who will use it, where will they use it and why will they use it.

If you need the latest technology for your business like Phorest Salon Database follow the link.

Computer Hardware in Science Fiction

Computer hardware malfunction

Ever since the invention of computers, the machines have featured in some of the best books and films ever made. Computer hardware malfunctions are at the centre of epic and iconic moves such as 2001: A Space Odyssey. This dazzling visual film centres on the drama between man and machine in space – where computer hardware takes on a more sinister form in the future. The computer in the movie is much more than your typical computer hardware and software – known as HAL, it features Artificial Intelligence. When things go wrong with HAL, the astronauts are told to disconnect him. But when HAL starts to disobey orders and starts to murder the crew by opening the airlock into space, something has clearly gone haywire in his computer hardware.

Artificial intelligence

The computer hardware malfunctions because HAL feels guilt about keeping a mission secret and the guilt triggered errors in his hard-drive. When he was threatened with disconnection, HAL acted in a way to defend his existence.

The idea of artificial intelligence becoming a part of computer hardware clearly fascinates writers. Science fiction taps into latent fears about what could happen to humanity if computer hardware advanced so much that it could turn on the human race and result in its downfall.

Computer hardware in the future

Recent movies such as The Matrix series shows the idea of computer hardware becoming so advanced that it will threaten humanity. As a genre, science fiction films tap into present day fears, projecting them onto futuristic scenarios. Nick Bostrom, a Director at the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University, has even presented a paper on the idea that we could be living in a computer simulation. The Matrix posed philosophical questions on the nature of reality and how computer hardware could advance to the stage that it would colonize human beings. The premise of the movie is that human brains are kept in tanks by intelligent machines to produce power to run the machines. Many works of science fiction predict that computer hardware and computing power will take over human destiny in the future.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_computer_hardware

Computer Hardware Revolutionizing the Office

Advancing computer hardware

Computer hardware is advancing at such a rate that it seems there is constantly a new high tech gadget on the market. And these products are all designed to help how we work, so much so that technology is mutating how the conventional office and workplace operate.

Wireless technology

If you have the right computer hardware you can work wherever the mood takes you. Remote working is increasingly popular thanks to the advance of wireless broadband. Even for those who do work in an office environment, some business experts predict that in the not so distance future the workplace will become a desk-less meeting space.

The right computer hardware and systems

Author Charles Handy suggests that office blocks can have a depressing, battery-farm conformity that dulls the human spirit and inhibits creativity. Now, with the right computer hardware and systems, offices can break the mould. Handy predicts that rather than being tied down by computer hardware, employees will be freed by it. Wireless hubs mean employees don’t have to sit at a desk but can move around the office and have a more creative interplay with other staff and kit like A3 printers.

Affordable computer hardware and software

The wide availability and relative cost-effectiveness of computer hardware also means that many people can now set up their own office in their homes. Many believe that the life-work balance is improved by working from home, which makes staff more content, happier and thus more productive workers. And flexible and remote working is an attractive option for working parents. Buying the right computer hardware and working from home can offer them the flexibility to work around their children.

Advances in computer technology

Some business experts believe the benefits of advances in computer hardware and wireless technology include greater collaboration between colleagues – rather than individual desks that root staff to the spot. In the future, staff could share large tables equipped for people to move their computer hardware around to suit their working needs.

Computer hardware and software revolution

Computer hardware and software have already revolutionized the office – with many companies working on a ‘paper-free’ policy. Storing documents on computer hardware rather than on paper also means staff can access information both in and out of the office, thanks to wireless technology. Phone calls can also be made through Voice-over IP soft-phones on laptops. Using computers in this way means companies can cut down on other hardware such as telephone switches.

World-wide-web

Business analysts are also predicting the idea of using computer hardware to link up offices around the world – digital and ultrasound pens can share what is written down instantly. If you have the right computer hardware and software, digital pens can be used with a table top detector so, for example, designers in Britain can communicate with manufacturers in China.

Computer hardware – Innovations

Thanks to breakthroughs in computer hardware, flexible networking and mobile devices are the future.

Advances in computer hardware

Advances in computer hardware have changed the world. Ever since the first personal computer was made by Steve Wozniak and he launched Apple computers with Steve Jobs and Ronald Wayne. Like many pioneers in computer hardware, the company began in a garage and grew to become the giant it is today thanks to the innovative computer hardware design of Wozniak and the marketing skills of Jobs.

Times of change

The seventies were a time of change in many ways including fashion, music and computers. Now, advances in computer hardware mean desktops can be used by engineers to project video art at concerts or to help make your own DVD. Apples are generally associated with visual designers and have a more hip appeal thanks to the amazing designs of the computers as well as advances in computer hardware.

You don’t need to know computer hardware

Many computer products now are aimed at people who know nothing about technology and how computer hardware works – the software is so user friendly. And there are many products that are a result of advances in computer hardware, such as the iPod and iTunes as well as internet sites like YouTube and eBay that have changed how we listen to music, watch films and shop.

The future of computer hardware

So what does the future hold as advances in computer hardware continue?

Computer hardware innovation will affect all aspects of life, including education. It’s well known that there can be generation gaps when it comes to understanding computers, but the next generation of children will be using technology more and more. Small portable devices where students can access educational materials and publish papers for their peers are set to increase as the eagerly awaited educational digital assistant from Fujitsu Siemens is launched. Forget paper notebooks and think eBooks.

Check out just a sample of recent innovations in computer hardware and design:

• Belkin Corporation – USB 7-Port Plus Hub, adds USB ports without messy cables.
• Dell Inc. – The Dell XPS ™ 700 was created with the hardcore gamer in mind. This next generation computer hardware is designed in a way that’s been described as reminiscent of high-flow jet engines.
• Dell XPS ™ MC2010 is for multimedia enthusiasts - it is portable like a notebook but has full-size PC functionality.
• Hewlett-Packard HP xb30000 Notebook Expansion Base is for the small-office professional – it has a multimedia centre but eliminates cord clutter.
• Sony Electronics VAIO(R)VGC-LS1 allows you to watch TV on your PC.

Find out more http://www.techspot.com/