Computer Hardware Parts Explained

In this hub, computer parts explained, we are going to have a look at some of the parts that make up a computer.

Computers are very useful electronic devices that we use in modern world.

Perhaps you have heard the term P.C and you don't know what it really stands for, now this is the time to know. The name PC is an acronym for Personal computer. The term PC refers to Personal Computer, the kind of a computer designed to be used by one person at a time. The first personal computer was invented by IBM back in 1981.

MAIN PARTS OF A COMPUTER

The computer is made up of two main parts, hardware and software. The hardware is the physical parts that that make u our computer. The parts that we can see and touch for example Monitor, keyboard, Mouse, Processor e.t.c.

Software/programs:- These are written instructions that tell your computer what to do. In other words these written instructions tell the Microprocessor how to function or operate. (I will discuss computer software later).

The physical components that make up a computer are called hardware parts and can be classified according to their functionality. Some of the components are used for (entering data) input, processing, storage and others for output purposes. Therefore you can define a computer as an electronic device that can accept data, process the data, store, and produce an output.

The diagram, above illustrates how a computer executes a command. The input device receives the instructions that are then passed to the processor, which does the processing to determine what the command is supposed to do; and communicates the results of the Processing through the output devices or stores them for future use.

Whenever you are to use your desktop PC, you will encounter the following basic hardware parts.

Input Devices

Input devices are used to enter raw data into a computer. They offer an interface (link) between the user and the computer.

They include:

Keyboard

Various keys on the keyboard let you enter information into a computer. Computer keyboards are similar to electric-typewriter keyboards but contain additional keys. The keys on computer keyboards are often classified as follows:

1. alphanumeric keys:- letters and numbers
2. punctuation keys:- comma, period, semicolon e.t.c.
3. special keys:- function keys, control keys, arrow keys, Caps Lock key e.t.c.

The standard layout of letters, numbers, and punctuation is known as a QWERTY keyboard because the first six keys on the top row of letters spell QWERTY.

Mouse

A mouse is a hand-held device that helps you select and move items on your screen. A mouse can come in various shapes, colors and sizes.

Scanner

A scanner is a device that reads graphics and text and feeds them into a computer.

Joystick

A joystick helps you control the movement of people and objects in many games. Joysticks are used for arcade-type computer games because they let you move quickly and accurately in any direction.

Other input devices include: Touch screens, Digital Cameras, bar code readers, and Microphones for voice input among others.

Processing device

The processor or the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the main chip in a computer it performs arithmetic & logical operations. The processor manipulates raw data and manages how the information flows through a computer system. It communicates with input, output and storage devices to perform tasks. It also controls the operation of other components in the system.

Storage devices (Hard disk)

The hard disk holds information permanently until it is needed, after one day, one year or for any period of time. The information could be filing names and addresses in a database, pictures etc. There is no point of processing or storing information unless it can be accessed again in the future.

The hard disk drive is contained within the system unit though nowadays, external hard disk drives are readily available. They make their connection to the computer using the USB interface. The removable hard disk drives are very good for storing our data backups.

Output devices

Out put devices give us an output of what has been processed - information in, information out. This could be the printing of mailing labels from the database or displaying the picture on a web page. They include: -

Monitor

A monitor displays text and images after being processed in soft copy.

Printer

A printer produces a paper copy (hard copy) of the information displayed on the screen.

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