Computer Hardware

The computer hardware encompasses the actual machine parts of a computer. The computer hardware is the working mechanism for implementing the various software systems in your computer. This consists of the keyboard, the monitor and the system unit as a whole. Both software and hardware are equally important for the smooth functioning and working of your computer. In fact, each is incomplete in the absence of the other and is hence dysfunctional. The computer hardware components of an ordinary computer are the motherboard, the central processing unit, the disk drives of floppy disk and the hard disk, the storage controllers of these drives, the graphics controllers, the accessory devices and the power-supplying unit. Just as a mother is the central focal point of any household, similarly the main central unit of the computer is the motherboard. It contains within itself the central processing unit and the other memory components. The motherboard houses the microprocessor, which is the main memory centre. Different cable lines and wires connect this board to the other computer hardware parts like the printers, display units, etc. The microprocessor or in other words the central processing unit takes in the instructions through the input units, decodes them into machine language and then executes the job with the help of many others and gives you back the result through the output units. RAM is Random Access Memory and stores the frequently

used data, which are easily accessible and at the same time, you can make necessary changes or modifications to it. These also store data for long periods. The disks consist of the hard disk and the floppy disks. These are the computer parts for the storage of data. The hard disk is inbuilt in the computer while the floppy disks are mobile units. The CD-ROM means Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. This requires the computer hardware unit of the CD-ROM drive to view the digital information saved on it. The graphics controller helps you to view the graphics as proper images. All these units need adequate supply of power from the power-supplying units for you to view the best presentation.