HARDWARE OF

THE COMPUTER
SYSTEM
 INTRODUCTION
TO TYPES OF
COMPUTER HARDWARE
• A computer system needs hardware and software
components to function properly.
• Several hardware components are attached to the computer
system as per the requirements.
• Computer hardware consists of mechanical and electronic
elements.
• The hardware of the computer system includes a monitor,
CPU, keyboard, mouse, printer, sound system, RAM, hard disk,
and many more. Hardware is used for taking input data from
the user, storing it, displaying the output, and executing the
commands given by an individual.
Different Types Of
Computer Hardware
There are mainly two types of computer
hardware: Internal and external hardware
components.
Internal Hardware Components
• Internal hardware components are devices built-in into the
motherboard or added as an expansion card or device to the
computer.
• The most important internal hardware components are RAM, Hard
disk, SSD, Monitor, and CPU.
• The motherboard connects all the other components, and it is the
backbone of the computer system.
1. Motherboard
• The motherboard is a central printed circuit board (PCB) that
connects various components directly or indirectly.
• It is the backbone of the computer system.
• It enables electrical and logical channels for communication and data
transfer between the CPU, RAM, storage devices, expansion cards,
and other computer hardware components.
• There are different types of motherboards, such as Advanced
technology (AT) motherboards, Standard ATX motherboards, Micro
ATX motherboards, Extended ATX motherboards, BTX motherboards,
Mini ITX motherboards, etc.
2. RAM
• RAM (Random Access Memory) is computer hardware that stores and processes
information.
• The processing speed of RAM is much faster than a hard disk.
• RAM is a volatile device, meaning all stored information gets deleted when a
computer system shuts down.
• The data is easily stored and fetched from RAM.
• The data fetching process is very fast in RAM compared to hard disk.
• There are two types of RAM: DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and
SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).
• The use of SRAM is in the cache memory of the CPU.
• In comparison, DRAM is used mostly in modern computers.
3. Hard Disk
• The hard disk is another internal computer hardware used to store data.
• It can be preinstalled in the CPU or used as an external device.
• The hard disk is the non-volatile component, which means the data is stored
permanently in the hard disk and does not wipe out when the system is shut
down.
• The internal hard disk has a collection of stacked disks with electromagnetic
surfaces that stores huge chunks of data and can be accessed easily.
• The hard disk can store trillions of bytes of data in its system.
• Every hard disk has a certain processing speed ranging from 4200-15000 rpm.
• The higher the rpm, the more the processing speed of a hard disk.
• Supercomputers usually use a hard disk with high processing speed.
4. SSD
• A solid-state drive (SSD) is a computer data storage device based on
semiconductors.
• This non-volatile storage device depends on flash-based memory,
NAND, and NOR to store and retrieve data electronically.
• SSDs perform the same function as traditional hard disk drives (HDD)
in computers.
• SSDs are a popular choice for laptops, desktops, servers, and other
devices because they offer faster read/write speeds, lower power
consumption, and higher durability than HDDs. Different types of
SSDs are “SATA”, “PCle”, “NVMe”, and “M.2”.
5. CPU
• CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the core hardware of the computer system,
which interprets and executes most of the commands using other computer
parts.
• The CPU is also a core part of laptops, tablets, and notebooks.
• The CPU, also known as the computer’s brain, executes every operation of
the computer system.
• It comprises a computer chip with billions of small transistors installed on the
CPU.
• These transistors perform all the calculations of the computer system.
• The other hardware components, including the monitor, keyboard, mouse,
printer, and sound system, are connected to the CPU.
External Hardware Components
• External hardware components are devices added outside of the
computer case.
• These hardware components provide input and output to the
computer so users can communicate with the system.
• The most common external hardware components include a mouse,
keyboard, printer, speaker, and camera.
1. Monitor
• The monitor is another computing device directly connected to the CPU that
displays the output, videos, and other graphics.
• The video shown by the monitor uses the video card.
• The monitor screen is comparable to the screen of a TV. But the difference lies
in the resolution and graphics.
• The monitor displays high-quality resolution compared to the TV screen.
• It is connected via a cable and mounted in a video card installed in the
computer system’s motherboard.
• The monitor is pre-built in the system for laptops and tablets, and no separate
hardware is required for these devices.
• There are two types of computer monitors which are CRT and LCD. The CRT is
an old model of computer. The LCDs are used in a modern computers as they
are thinner, lighter, and easier to use than CRT monitors.
2. Mouse
• A mouse is a hand operator input device to point out something on
the screen.
• The mouse can be wired or wireless.
• A wired mouse is connected directly to the CPU.
• The mouse has a laser/scroll ball to scroll up or down on the screen.
• The cursor on the screen will move directly under the
command/movement of the mouse.
3. Keyboard
• The keyboard is another computer hardware used to give input text
and commands to the computer.
• It can be wired or wireless.
• The keyboard contains numbers, alphabets, special characters (#,*,&,
%), and other buttons to give input to the computer.
• This device takes input/information from the user and processes the
commands.
4. Printer
• A Printer is a computer hardware output device that produces hard
copies of contents, digital documents, or images on paper or other
media.
• It takes electronic data from a computer system and transforms it
into a printed image or text.
• Printers are of various types depending upon their features, including
inkjet, laser, dot matrix, and 3D printers.
5. Speaker
• A speaker is an essential external audio output computer device.
• It produces audio output for listening to music, watching videos,
playing games, and conducting video conferences.
• The computer sends audio signals to speakers, which are then
converted into sound waves that the users can hear.
• Speakers are connected to the computer’s audio output port, usually
a USB port.
• They come in various sizes, shapes, and designs, with features such as
wireless connectivity, voice control, and built-in microphones.
 OUTPUT DEVICES
• Computer output devices receive information from the computer and
carry data that has been processed by the computer to the user.
• Output devices provide data in myriad different forms, some of which
include audio, visual, and hard copy media.
• The devices are usually used for display, projection, or for physical
reproduction.
• Monitors and printers are two of the most commonly-known output
devices used with a computer.
• Computer output devices are all peripheral hardware and are
connected to a computer by cables, or by wireless networking.
Reasons for Having an Output
Device
• A computer can still function without an output device.
• However, without an output device, there’s no way to determine
what the computer is doing.
• There is no indicator of errors, nor of the need for additional input.
• For example, if you detach your monitor from your computer, the
computer will still function, but it’s not going to be very helpful.
Examples of Output Devices
• Monitor – This is the most common computer output device.
• It creates a visual display by the use of which users can view
processed data.
• Monitors come in various sizes and resolutions
Common Types of Monitors
• Cathode Ray Tube – this uses phosphorescent dots to generate the
pixels that constitute displayed images.
• Flat Panel Screen – this makes use of liquid crystals or plasma to
produce output.
• Light is passed through the liquid crystals in order to generate pixels.
• All monitors depend on a video card, which is positioned either on the
computer motherboard or in a special expansion slot.
• The video card sorts out the computer data into image details that
the monitors can then show.
Printer – this device generates a hard copy version of processed
data, like documents and photographs.

The computer transmits the image data to the printer, which then
physically recreates the image, typically on paper.

• Types of Printers
• Ink Jet – this kind of printer sprays tiny dots of ink onto a surface to
form an image.
• Laser – this type utilises toner drums that roll through magnetized
pigment, and then transfers the pigment onto a surface.
• Dot Matrix – dot matrix printers utilise a print head to set images on a
surface, using an ink ribbon.
• These printers were commonly used between 1980 and
• Speakers – speakers are attached to computers to facilitate the
output of sound; sound cards are required in the computer for
speakers to function.
• The different kinds of speakers range from simple, two-speaker
output devices right the way up to surround-sound multi-channel
units.
• Headset – this is a combination of speakers and a microphone.
• It is mostly used by gamers and is also a great tool for communicating
with family and friends over the internet using some VOIP program or
other.
• Projector – this is a display device that projects a computer-created
image onto another surface: usually some sort of whiteboard or wall.
• The computer transmits the image data to its video card, which then
sends the video image to the projector.
• It is most often used for presentations, or for viewing videos.
• Plotter – this generates a hard copy of a digitally depicted design.
• The design is sent to the plotter through a graphics card, and the
design is formed by using a pen.
• It is generally used with engineering applications and essentially
draws a given image using a series of straight lines.
Input/Output Devices
• Input/Output devices don’t only produce output, but can also be used
as storage and input devices.
• The computer transmits data to the drive, where it is saved and can
be later accessed.
• Examples of I/O devices are CD drives, DVD drives, USB drives, hard
disk drives (HDDs), and floppy disk drives.
• CDs and DVDs are two kinds of optical disc that save data in a digital
format.
• Data is written onto the disc using a laser writer that embeds the data
directly into the disc’s coating.
• A floppy disk is a magnetic storage device.
• A layer of a magnetised material is placed within a proactive plastic
casing.
• The computer then embeds the data into the magnetized material, by
using a writing head.
What are output devices?
• Hardware devices that allow data to be output from a computer

• Some hold data temporarily e.g. a monitor

• Some produce permanent output in the form of a hardcopy e.g. a

printer
CRT Monitors
• Advantages

• Produce higher quality images than TFT monitors

• Angle of viewing is better than a TFT monitor

• They work with light pens in CAD and CAM applications (Computer
Aided Design/Manufacturing)
Disadvantages
• Tend to be heavy, weight hazard if not supported properly

• Run very hot, can cause fires if left unattended – especially if they are
old

• Consume more power than TFT monitors

• They can flicker, this leads to headaches and eyesight problems with
prolonged use
TFT Monitors
• Advantages

• Lightweight, so no weight hazards like CRT monitors

• Less glare produced than in CRT monitors; also emit less radiation

• Consume much less power and generate less heat than CRT monitors
Disadvantages
• Angle of viewing is critical, image appears unclear if viewed slightly
from the side

• The definition is sometimes not as good as CRT monitors

• They cannot yet be used with light pens, so cannot be used in CAD
Laser Printers
• Advantages

• Printing is fast for high volumes, slightly faster than inkjet if only a few pages
are to be printed

• Can handle very large print jobs

• Quality is consistently high

• Toner cartridges last for a long time; laser printers can be a cost effective
option if colour outputs are not required
Disadvantages
• Expensive to buy

• Only really fast if several copies are being made

• Colour laser printers tend to be expensive to run since four cartridges

are needed as well as diffuser kits, etc.

• Produce ozone and volatile organic compounds because of their

printing method and type of toner/ink used
Inkjet Printers
• Advantages

• High quality output

• Cheaper to buy than laser printers

• Very lightweight and take up little space (small footprint)

• Do not produce ozone and volatile organic compounds, unlike laser

printers
Disadvantages
• Output is slow if several copies needed – there is little buffer capacity
to store the pages

• The ink cartridges run out too quickly to be used for large print jobs
Printing can smudge if the user is not careful

• Can be expensive to run if they are used a lot – original ink cartridges
are expensive
3D Inkjet Printers

• A new type of printer that produces solid 3D models using modified

inkjet technology called tomography

• Very thin layers of fine powder (plaster, resin, starch) are bonded
together as a 3D model is slowly built up

• Items produced are known as prototypes

Advantages
• Save a lot of money, other methods of making prototypes are very
time consuming and expensive

• The powders used can often be ground up and reused

• Physical scale models are produced with working parts, which gives a
better idea of how the end product will look
Disadvantages
• Expensive to buy

• Slow at producing their output

• End product is sometimes a little rough, often further work needs to

be done
Dot Matrix Printers

. A type of impact printer

• A print head made up of a matrix of pins presses against an inked

ribbon
Advantages

• Can be used in environments which would be a problem for laser and inkjet
printers – dusty, dirty or moist atmospheres

• Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced

• Very cheap to run and maintain

• Easy to use if continuous stationary is required e.g. long print jobs such as
wage slips
Disadvantages
• Very noisy – not good in an office environment

• Cost more than an inkjet printer to buy

• Very slow
Printing is of poor quality
Graph Plotters
.Used to produce large drawings e.g. blueprints of
buildings; are often used with CAD applications
• Advantages
• Can produce huge printouts
• Print quality is extremely high
• Disadvantages
• Slow in operations
• Expensive to buy and maintain
Speakers
• Advantages

• Usually long lasting and durable (if operated within their intended
power levels)

• Often provided with the computer/laptop although these may not be

the best quality
Disadvantages
• Can take up a lot of desk space, compared to headphones

• Can distract people around you, everyone can hear what you are
playing

• May not be able to hear the full sound spectrum, this requires
multiple speakers
Multimedia Projectors

.Used for training presentations ( allows the whole audience to see the
images from a computer)

• Also used for advertising presentations (shown at exhibitions,

shopping malls etc.)

• Home cinema systems (projecting the images from a DVD or

television) use multimedia projectors
Advantages
• Enables many people to see a presentation rather than all of them
crowded around a small computer screen

• Avoids the need for several networked computers e.g. when looking
at a video clip on the internet, everybody can see the video on the
large screen rather than logging on to a number of computers
Disadvantages
• Images can sometimes be fuzzy

• Expensive to buy

• Setting up projectors can be a little difficult

Control Devices: a type of output device
Used to control processes when combined with
sensor input devices
• Actuators:

• Transducers that are used to take signals from a computer and

convert them into some form of motion e.g. operating motors,
pumps, switches and valves

• Digital signals are sent from the computer to an actuator

Motors:
Turned on or off by the actuator
• Buzzers:
Switched on or off by the actuator
• Lights:
The actuator is connected to the switch that turns the lights on or off
• Heaters:
Actuators are connected to switches which turn the heater on or off
DO THIS HOME WORK AND
SUBMIT THE BOOKS ON
MONDAY FOR MARKING.
• 1. Write at least 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages of the following
input devices.
• A) mouse
• B) keyboard
• C) scanner
• D) joystick
• E) camera
• 2. What Are the Differences Between a Typewriter Keyboard and a
Computer Keyboard?
• Prepared by
• Mubbunu