What is Hardware?

This is a part of the computer system containing the components of computers that we can see by our 'naked eyes' and touch them physically. The main hardware components include, the Computer Monitor, Mouse, Keyboard, Printers, scanners, etc.

Some of these devices are designed to work as Input Devices, while others work as Output Devices. Input devices are the computer devices that are used for entering data or information on the computer. The most common Input Devices include Keyboard, Microphone, Scanners, Mice (Plural for Mouse) Digital Cameras and Joysticks.

Output Devices are the computer devices that show us what we have created or stored on the computer. The primary computer Output Device is the Monitor, the TV-like screen that shows texts, graphics, videos and other types of data created and or stored on the computer. Other Output Devices are Speakers/Earphones and Printers.

System Unit

This is the box-like part of the computer system, made of metal or plastic materials, built purposely for carrying the main internal electronic components of the computer that are used for processing data. These components include, Ports , System Clock, Motherboard, Microprocessor, Expansion Slots and Cards , Memory Chips, Buses.

The CPU

The CPU is the hardware within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. CPU is the short form for Central Processing Unit. The computer needs CPU device in order to work. This means that without the Central Processing Unit the computer is nothing. That’s why this device is similarized as the Heart or Brain of the computer System.

Motherboard

Motherboard or System board is the main circuit of the system containing many chips or small pieces of semiconducting material. Other things we can see inside the computer chassis are power supply, ROM & RAM and Hard Disk Drives.