Computer Hardware Components Explained (2024)

It’s important for any business that utilises technology and computers to understand the basics of the computer hardware components they are using. Without the adequate hardware, your software may not run efficiently – if at all. It’s important to stay informed about the equipment your business uses, as it can greatly impact your productivity. The rest can be left to your business IT support provider!

Firstly, what is IT hardware? Put simply, IT hardware refers to any physical or tangible elements of a computer. IT hardware helps to facilitate any computing operations as well as taking input and outputting or storing the computed results.

There are four main computer hardware components that this blog post will cover: input devices, processing devices, output devices and memory (storage) devices. Collectively, these hardware components make up the computer system.

Input Devices

Input devices comprise of any devices that users need in order to give instructions to a computer. Essentially input devices act as the medium for sending data to a computer so that users can interact with and control it. The most widely known examples are the keyboard and mouse. Input devices are also used to transfer data between computers.

Computer Hardware Components Explained (1)

Output Devices

Output devices are devices that allow computers to send data to other devices or to users. In general, the data that computers send to human users is in forms that we can understand. Most often, these forms include audio and video. The most widely known examples of output devices are monitors, speakers and printers. These devices produce video, audio and graphic output, respectively.

Computer Hardware Components Explained (2)

Processing Devices

Processing is the core function of any computer. When a computer receives data from an input device, this data must first go through an intermediate stage before it is sent to an output device. Processing is the intermediate stage where raw data is transformed into information so that it can be outputted meaningfully for the user. An example of a processing device is the central processing unit (CPU), which is a set of electronic circuitry that processes and executes instructions.

Computer Hardware Components Explained (3)

Memory (Storage) Devices

Memory devices are any devices that are capable of storing information temporarily or permanently. There are two types of memory; primary and secondary. Primary memory refers to RAM (random access memory), which is used to store instructions and data temporarily before and after they are processed. RAM is volatile, which simply means it only retains information when the computer is turned on and is cleared once the computer turns off.

Secondary memory refers to any external storage media. Secondary memory is non-volatile, which means that information can be stored long-term. The most common example of an external secondary memory device is the USB flash drive.

Computer Hardware Components Explained (4)

Computer Hardware Components Explained (2024)

FAQs

What are the 7 major hardware components of a computer system? ›

You can still see it here:
  • Motherboard. The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. ...
  • CPU/processor. ...
  • RAM (random access memory) ...
  • Hard drive. ...
  • Power supply unit. ...
  • Video card. ...
  • Network card. ...
  • Bluetooth card (or adapter)

What are the computer hardware components and their functions? ›

Key Takeaways Table
ComponentFunction
RAMStores data temporarily for quick access and multitasking.
Storage (HDD/SSD)Permanently stores data; SSDs are faster than HDDs.
PSUConverts and supplies power to the computer's components.
GPURenders graphics and images for display.
6 more rows
Nov 10, 2023

What are the 6 components that make up the hardware of a computer? ›

Modern-day computer systems usually contain, at a minimim, the following hardware components:
  • The System Unit. Motherboard (aka System Board) CPU (Central Processing Unit) Memory, such as RAM, ROM, Cache, and Flash. ...
  • Secondary Storage, such as hard disk drives, CD-ROMs, etc.
  • Input / Output Devices.
  • Communications Devices.

What are the 10 main parts of a computer? ›

There are several basic components of computer hardware including:
  • Central processing unit (CPU) The CPU controls the computer processes and communicates with the other components of a personal computer. ...
  • Motherboard. ...
  • Random Access Memory (RAM) ...
  • Video graphics array port. ...
  • Power supply. ...
  • Cooling fan. ...
  • Hard drive. ...
  • Monitor.
Apr 8, 2024

What are the 8 main hardware components of a computer? ›

Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a computer, such as the central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), motherboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, and computer case. It includes external devices such as a monitor, mouse, keyboard, and speakers.

What are the 4 essential computer hardware? ›

There are four main computer hardware components that this blog post will cover: input devices, processing devices, output devices and memory (storage) devices. Collectively, these hardware components make up the computer system.

What hardware makes a computer more powerful? ›

The processor, also known as the CPU, provides the instructions and processing power the computer needs to do its work. The more powerful and updated your processor, the faster your computer can complete its tasks. By getting a more powerful processor, you can help your computer think and work faster.

How to connect computer parts together? ›

How to Connect Computer Parts Together for First-Time Use?
  1. Step 1: Unpacking the Items and Placing Them Properly. ...
  2. Step 2: Connecting the Monitor Cable. ...
  3. Step 3: Connecting Some Peripherals (Keyboard and Mouse) ...
  4. Step 4: Connecting the Audio Devices. ...
  5. Step 5: Connecting the Power Supply Cables.

What are the three basic hardware components of every computer? ›

Internal hardware components are the crucial elements that constitute the core of a computer system. These components include the central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drives (HDD), and motherboard.

What are the 10 software components of a computer? ›

10 types of computer software examples
  • Application software. ...
  • System software. ...
  • Middleware. ...
  • Driver software. ...
  • Programming software. ...
  • Freeware. ...
  • Open source software. ...
  • Proprietary software or closed software.
Apr 8, 2024

What is the difference between RAM and ROM? ›

RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and ROM stands for Read Only Memory. RAM is memory that stores the data that you're currently working with, but it's volatile, meaning that as soon as it loses power, that data disappears. ROM refers to permanent memory. It's non-volatile, so when it loses power, the data remains.

What are the 7 elements of a computer program? ›

Essential Elements of a Program
  • Statements. A statement is an instruction that performs an action. ...
  • Functions. A function is a statement that returns a value. ...
  • Variables. A variable is a word defined in the program that stores a value. ...
  • Operators. An operator is an arithmetical symbol. ...
  • Objects. ...
  • Properties. ...
  • Methods. ...
  • Comments.

What is 7 hardware and software? ›

Hardware is any element of a computer that's physical. This includes things like monitors, keyboards, and also the insides of devices, like microchips and hard drives. Software is anything that tells hardware what to do and how to do it, including computer programs and apps on your phone.

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