What is Computer Hardware?Looking For Local Computer shops? Click Here!
Hardware, the physical parts of your computer (inside and out) that you
see and use everyday. The monitor, keyboard, printer, scanner,
hard drive are all common pieces of hardware. Each part essential
for your computer to run properly. Unfortunately, hardware
becomes obsolete very quickly. Today's hardware also doesn't last
as long as it use to either. One of my first computers is still
running well for the kids to play their games, yet some hardware
in my newer computers has had to be replaced a couple of times
due to break downs and failures. On the up side, hardware is much
cheaper to purchase, for example printers for around $150,
scanners for around $100, and hard-drives for
hundreds of dollars cheaper than you used to. Hardware is like
every thing else, it all breaks down! It is not the end of the
world if something does break, just make sure you have your warranty
in a safe place and you will be back up and running with you new
hardware in no time.
Common PC Hardware and what it does!
Hard Drive (hard disk):-Stores all your software, letters, games, information
permanently on your computer. Example, Saving infomation to hard drive.
Floppy Drive/CD ROM:-
The means of installing software to your
computer.
Motherboard/Main board:-
The main part of your computer that
controls all the other hardware parts.
Central Processing Unit(CPU):-
The brains of your machine. Dictates
how fast you can do your tasks.
Modem (Modulator/Demodulator):-
Comes both internally and externally and is the means to
connect you to the World Wide Web and e-mail.
Printer:-
The hardware you use for making hard copies of your master
pieces.
Keyboard:-
A way of telling your computer what and how to do your
required tasks.
Ram:-
(Random Access Memory) Small pieces of hardware that
can be upgraded to help increase speed and performance. (commonly known as adding a stick of ram.) Usually comes
in 32meg, 64meg, 128meg, 256meg sizes.
Computer Case:-
This is the box that holds all your pieces of hardware. It contains a power supply
usually about 250 - 300 watts. You will need a larger case if you intend to add a cd burner (CDR/RW) or a DVD player etc.
Scanner:-
This is a great tool for copying pictures, photos or information. Scanners usually come in
flat bed form which means you can copy large photos by inserting them into the scanner. Make sure you get the appropriate software to make your
scanner work correctly.
Video card:-
This card is inserted into your computer to make the graphics more pleasurable to the eye.
It also helps with the overall speed of your machine. We recommend buying at least a 32meg video card
and this will improve your systems performance dramatically.
Network Card:-
A network card connects two or more computers together. This enables both computers to share printers, internet access, files
and games. A network is fairly easy to setup. You will need a network card, hub and some cables. They sell
network kits for reasonable price at most computer shops.
CD Burner CD-R (reader) CD-RW (Read/Write) :-
A great piece of hardware for backing up your data (information). Due to large amounts
information being stored, the good old floppy disk is just not large enough. For example, my video card drivers are 14meg in size so I
would need a lot of floppy disk to back it up.
Mouse:-
A seldom thought of but very important piece of hardware. Mice come in
two forms Roller Ball and Optical. Roller Ball mice are relatively cheap but require a lot of maintenance.
Where as the optical ones work by a laser and require minimal maintenance.
What is the Right Hardware for you?
With all the different brands and hardware specifications it is
sometimes difficult to pick the right piece of hardware for your
needs. Some hardware components
will not run with others and can cause headaches. It is always
good to know the brand of the components in your current system
so when the need arises to upgrade, you purchase a compatible
component. For example many people would like their machine to
run faster so they ask for more memory (ram), to be added to their
machine. They purchase ram and are sometimes upset to find that
it will not fit in their computer. Always best to take your machine
to a qualified technician before purchasing the hardware upgrade
to make sure you are not wasting money.
When choosing hardware components you will see a range
from the very cheap to the very dear. Try to purchase a component
in the mid range price bracket as we have seen some very nasty
cheaper hardware and also, have seen some very over priced components
that are just not worth the extra. Bare in mind however if you want the
best quality part it is going to cost extra.
Hardware, the physical parts of your computer (inside and out) that you
see and use everyday. The monitor, keyboard, printer, scanner,
hard drive are all common pieces of hardware. Each part essential
for your computer to run properly. Unfortunately, hardware
becomes obsolete very quickly. Today's hardware also doesn't last
as long as it use to either. One of my first computers is still
running well for the kids to play their games, yet some hardware
in my newer computers has had to be replaced a couple of times
due to break downs and failures. On the up side, hardware is much
cheaper to purchase, for example printers for around $150,
scanners for around $100, and hard-drives for
hundreds of dollars cheaper than you used to. Hardware is like
every thing else, it all breaks down! It is not the end of the
world if something does break, just make sure you have your warranty
in a safe place and you will be back up and running with you new
hardware in no time.
