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Computer Hardware

The document provides an overview of computer hardware, categorizing it into internal components like CPU and RAM, and external devices such as monitors and keyboards. It details various types of hardware, including input, output, storage, processing, and communication devices, along with examples of each. Additionally, it briefly contrasts hardware with software, explaining the different types of computer software that operate these hardware components.

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Subash Wijewardena
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4 views

Computer Hardware

The document provides an overview of computer hardware, categorizing it into internal components like CPU and RAM, and external devices such as monitors and keyboards. It details various types of hardware, including input, output, storage, processing, and communication devices, along with examples of each. Additionally, it briefly contrasts hardware with software, explaining the different types of computer software that operate these hardware components.

Uploaded by

Subash Wijewardena
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer Hardware

and

Hardware Devices
Internal vs External Hardware
Internal: CPU, RAM, Motherboard

External: Monitor, Mouse, Keyboard


What is Computer
Hardware ?
Computer hardware refers to the physical components
of a computer system .

These are the tangible parts you can see and touch that
make up the physical structure of a computer.
COMPUTER PERIPHERAL
DEVICES
What are peripheral
devices?
A computer peripheral is a device that is
connected to a computer but is not part of
the core computer architecture.
Categories of Hardware

• Input Devices
• Output Devices
• Storage Devices
• Processing Devices
• Communication Devices
Input Devices
Input devices are hardware components used
to enter data or control signals into a computer
system.
Standard Input Devices:
Keyboard
Used to input text,numbers, and commands.

Mouse
Used to point, click, and interact with the computer
interface.
Specialized Input Devices:
Joystick
Used in gaming or for directional control.

Graphics Tablet
Used by designers to draw by hand

Barcode Scanner
Reads barcodes to input data quickly
Specialized Input Devices

Touchscreen
Allows the user to interact directly screen.

Scanner
Converts physical documents into digital format.

Microphone
Captures audio for recording.
Specialized Input Devices

Webcam
Captures video, often used for video calls

•.
Biometric Devices
Such as fingerprint or retina scanners

Sensor Devices
Motion sensors or temperature sensors
Output Devices
Output devices are hardware components
that convey information from a computer to
the user or another device.
Common Output Devices:
Monitor (VDU - Visual Display Unit)

Displays text, images, and videos.

Printer
Produces hard copies of digital documents
Speakers
Output sound, music, or voice from the computer.

Headphones
Provide private audio output.

Projector
Projects visual output onto a large surface.
Plotter
Used for printing large-scale images or designs

3D Printer
Creates physical 3D objects from digital designs.
Storage Devices
Storage devices are hardware used to store data,
either temporarily or permanently
Types of Storage Devices
Primary Storage (Main Memory)
RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary memory that holds data and
instructions currently in use.

Volatile (data lost when power is off).

ROM (Read-Only Memory):


Permanent memory used to store firmware.

Non-volatile.
Secondary Storage
Used for long-term storage.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)


• Magnetic storage
• High capacity, relatively slower than SSD
• Common in desktops and laptops

Solid-State Drive (SSD)


• Flash memory (no moving parts)
• Faster than HDD, more durable
• Often used in modern laptops and gaming PCs
Optical Discs
• Examples: CD, DVD, Blu-ray
• Data read by laser
• Portable but limited storage capacity

Flash Storage Devices


• USB flash drives, memory cards (SD cards)
• Portable and durable
• Limited lifespan (in write cycles)
Processing Devices
Processing devices are the components of a computer
system responsible for carrying out instructions and
performing tasks by processing data
Main Processing Devices
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Known as the main processor of the computer
• Performs calculations and executes instructions

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)


• Specializes in processing images, videos
• Common in gaming, video editing
Other Processing Devices
Microcontrollers
Small processors used in embedded systems
(e.g., washing machines, microwaves)

Network Processors
Handle data communication tasks in routers and switches
Communication Devices
• Communication devices are hardware components that
enable a computer or device to send and receive data
over networks
Common Communication
Devices
Router
Connects multiple devices to a network

Network Interface Card (NIC)


Allows a computer to connect to a network Switch
Types of Communication
Wired Communication:

Uses cables (e.g., Ethernet)

Wireless Communication:
Uses radio waves (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
Computer software
Computer software
Computer software refers to a set of instructions, data, or
programs used to operate computers and perform specific
tasks. Unlike hardware, which is the physical components of
a computer, software is intangible and consists of the code
that tells the hardware what to do.
Types of Computer Software:
System Software
Helps run the computer hardware and system.

Examples:
• Operating Systems (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Utility Programs (e.g., antivirus, disk cleanup tools)
• Device Drivers
Application Software
Designed to perform specific tasks for users.

Examples:
• Word Processors (e.g., Microsoft Word)
• Web Browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox)
• Games, Media Players, Spreadsheets

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