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Computer hardware is the physical part of a computer,(not to be confused with software which is not physical) including the digital circuitry, as distinguished from the computer software that executes within the hardware. The hardware of a computer is infrequently changed, in comparison with software and data,
which are "soft" in the sense that they are readily created, modified or erased on the computer. Firmware is a special type of software that rarely, if ever, needs to be changed and so is stored on hardware devices such as read-only memory (ROM) where it is not readily changed (and is therefore "firm" rather than just "soft").
Most computer hardware is not seen by normal users. It is in embedded systems in automobiles, microwave ovens, electrocardiograph machines, compact disc players, and other devices. Personal computers, the computer hardware familiar to most people, form only a small minority of computers (about 0.2% of all new computers
produced in 2003).
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Personal computer hardware
A typical Personal computer consists of a case or chassis in desktop or tower shape and the following parts:
Internals of typical personal computer
Typical Motherboard found in a computer
- Motherboard or system board with slots for expansion cards and holding parts
- Central processing unit (CPU)
- Random Access Memory (RAM) - for program execution and short term data storage, so the computer
does not have to take the time to access the hard drive to find the file(s) it requires. More RAM will normally contribute
to a faster PC. RAM is almost always removable as it sits in slots in the motherboard, attached with small clips. The RAM
slots are normally located next to the CPU socket.
- Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) or Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) in some newer computers
- Buses
- Power supply - a case that holds a transformer, voltage control, and (usually) a cooling
fan
- Storage controllers of IDE, SATA, SCSI or other type, that control hard disk, floppy disk, CD-ROM and other drives; the controllers sit directly on the motherboard (on-board)
or on expansion cards
- Video display controller that produces the output for the computer display. This will either be built into the motherboard or attached in its own separate
slot (PCI, PCI-E or AGP), requiring a Graphics Card.
- Computer bus controllers (parallel, serial, USB, FireWire) to connect the computer to external peripheral devices such as printers or scanners
- Some type of a removable media writer:
- Internal storage - keeps data inside the computer for later use.
- Sound card - translates signals from the system board into analog voltage levels, and
has terminals to plug in speakers.
- Networking - to connect the computer to the Internet and/or other computers
- Modem - for dial-up connections
- Network card - for DSL/Cable internet, and/or connecting to other computers.
- Other peripherals
In addition, hardware can include external components of a computer system.
The following are either standard or very common.
- Input or Input devices
- Output or Output devices
- Image, Video output devices
- Printer Peripheral device that produces a hard copy. (Inkjet, Laser)
- Monitor Device that takes signals and displays them. (CRT, LCD)
- Audio output devices
- Speakers A device that converts analog audio signals into the equivalent air vibrations
in order to make audible sound.
- Headset A device similar in functionality to computer speakers used mainly to not
disturb others nearby.
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