Hardware Components

Hardware Components

Computer hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer and related devices. Internal hardware devices include motherboards, hard drives, and RAM External hardware devices include monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, and scanners. The internal hardware parts of a computer are often referred to as components, while external hardware devices are usually called peripherals.

 

 Motherboard 

 The motherboard is the main circuit board of your computer and is also known as the mainboard or logic board. If you ever open your computer, the biggest piece of silicon you see is the motherboard. Attached to the motherboard, you'll find the CPU, ROM, memory RAM expansion slots, PCI slots, and USB ports. It also includes controllers for devices like the hard drive, DVD drive, keyboard, and mouse. Basically, the motherboard is what makes everything in your computer work together.

 

 Soundboard

 An audio system is usually included in a PC to provide digital-sound capability. It includes a hardware sound card (sound board), speakers, and a software program that runs the system

 

 Hard Drive
Also known as the hard disk or hard disk drive. It's a large storage area with capacity for storing gigabytes of data. Usually known as the C-drive on a PC.

DVD-RW drive

Acronym for "digital versatile disc, read/write". A DVD-RW drive allows you to both read and write data to a DVD multiple times. It stores about 17 gigabytes of data (or a full-length movie).

CPU (central processing unit)
The main part of the computer that manages, stores, and uses data. Processor speed is typically measured in gigahertz

 

 Dual-Core Processor
A dual-core processor is essentially two processors in one, greatly improving processing power. Dual-core processors are common in new Apple and PC systems.






Network Card
A hardware component that provides communications between a PC and a network connection, typically to a local area network (LAN) or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
 



USB flash drive, USB port
This storage drive is also referred to as a thumb drive. It is a small, finger-sized, portable device for data storage. To access, store, or change data on a USB flash drive, it must be connected to a computer's USB port or a USB hub. A USB port is the point on a computer where a USB drive can be connected or plugged in.




 

Zip drive
A storage drive that allows 100, 250, and 750 megabytes of data to be stored on an inexpensive, portable disk about the size of a floppy disk.