Computer Hardware
You can buy computer supplies from The Retail Factory. Computer hardware is the physical structure of the computer excluding the peripherals and the software. It refers to the digital circuitry and storage devices held within the computer itself, usually enclosed within a computer case and then connected to the peripherals through wires and cables. The hardware is rarely changed unless it is upgraded or in need of repair.
Computer hardware is typically made up of the motherboard, CPU, computer fan, RAM, firmware, internal buses, external bus controllers or ports, power supply, storage and storage controllers, sound card and networking. Each device has its part to play in ensuring the computer runs and runs efficiently. It is the process between the input of data, such as typing on a keyboard and the output of data such as text appearing on the monitor.
The power supply consists of a case that usually holds a voltage, transformer and a cooling fan. It supplies power from the mains supply to the computer. The cooling fan is required to reduce the heat generated by the power and the processes which could potentially damage it if it gets too warm.
The motherboard is essentially the ‘heart’ of the computer. All of the other components in the computer communicate with the motherboard. It is also known as a mainboard, baseboard, system board or logic board. It provides all of the electrical and logical connections to the other components.
The CPU is the ‘brain’ of the computer and it performs most of the calculations required for the computer to function correctly. Attached to the CPU is a fan, which also assists in lowering the temperature of the computer.
The RAM or Random Access Memory is used to store all the programs that are currently being used by the computer. A larger RAM means more programs can be run simultaneously and is required particularly for larger programs that use more difficult processes and calculations. Older computers with a smaller RAM can only cope with one or two programs running at the same time and can’t handle large, complicated programs such as professional photo editors for example.
The internal buses connect internal components to each other. The external bus controllers connect external peripherals such as printers, keyboards or even gadgets such as a coaster that can keep tea warm. The USB port is the most commonly used external bus and stands for Universal Serial Bus and is the port for newer external storage devices such as flash drives.
Most computer hardware is not seen by normal users. It is in embedded systems such as PDA’s, printers, till roll printers, and DVD drives. Some of the most well known computer hardware manufacturers are Dell, Fujitsu, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Intel, and Unisys.
Computer Components
Computer components are all the parts of what makes up a computer, from the motherboard, to the power cable. Extra components can be added to improve the computer aesthetically or performance wise. The most common examples of computer components which can be changed, added or upgraded include backup devices, cases, CD/DVD drives, CPUs/processors, fans and coolers, graphics cards, hard drives, memory, motherboards, power supplies and sound cards.
Backup devices are used to store the entire contents of the computer system in an external hard drive. This is so that if anything unfortunate happens to the original computer system, important files and folders can be saved from the back up device and loss is minimized.
Computer cases is one computer component which is rarely changed or modified except by professional computer gamers and computer enthusiasts, particularly those who build their computers from scratch. Computer cases can be purchases in different colours, shapes and sizes. Some may even include artwork and fluorescent lights can even be added to aesthetically improve the computer tower.
CD/DVD drives are already included with most computer systems but in older computer systems or computer systems built from scratch, a CD/DVD Rewriter drive is commonly installed. The majority of newer computer systems come with a CD drive but DVD drives and writeable functionality is less common.
The most essential computer component is the power supply and other cables. Without these, the computer system wouldn’t be able to function. Computer systems are run by electricity and include power cables which are plugged into the mains. Computer systems use a lot electricity and generate a lot of heat, which can damage the computer internally. This is why computers are now fitted with fans and cooler systems which cool the internals of the computer hardware and allow it to function properly. People who use computers to perform more difficult operations or use programs that employ a lot of processing power may install extra coolers or larger, more powerful fans.
Graphics cards are used by the computer to process colours and graphics and most computer don’t usually process graphics at speed with millions of colours so they have simple graphic cards. However, people who play computer games which require colours to be processed at over sixty frames per second require a more powerful graphic card to be installed in their computer. Similarly, sound cards can be upgraded to more powerful and higher quality versions.
The memory is a commonly upgraded computer component by many computer users. The more memory a user has, the more files the user can store. Certain files are very large, such as movies or computer games and these can take up a vast majority of the computer memory. Computer users therefore commonly upgrade computer memory in order to store more files.
