Purpose, functions and types of hardware including input, output, storage, processor and peripheral devices; definitions and examples; interaction between hardware components. Group 2

What is hardware Hardware (H/W), in the context of technology, refers to the physical elements that make up a computer or electronic system and everything else involved that is physically tangible. This includes the monitor, hard drive, memory and the CPU. Hardware works hand-in-hand with firmware and software to make a computer function.

What is an input device In computing an input device is a piece of computer hardware equipment used to provide data and control signals to an information processing system such as a computer or information appliances. Examples are mouse keyboard etc.

What is an output device An output device is any device used to send data from a computer to another device or user. Most computer data output that is meant for humans is in the form of audio or video. Thus, most output devices used by humans are in these categories. Examples include monitors, projectors, speakers, headphones and printers.

Differences between input and output devices Input and output devices are computer hardware components. An input device is a component used to feed information to a computer, whereas an output device gives processed information back to the user.

Sequence from input to output In computing, input devices are used before output devices. A user uses the keyboard and mouse to type in and navigate to a video on the Internet. The processor processes the information and plays the video back as moving images on screen and accompanying audio on the speakers

What is a hard ware storage device A storage device is any computing hardware that is used for storing, porting and extracting data files and objects. It can hold and store information both temporarily and permanently, and can be internal or external to a computer, server or any similar computing device.

Types of storage devices There are two types of storage devices used with computers: a primary storage device, such as RAM, and a secondary storage device, like a hard drive. Secondary storage can be removable, internal, or external storage.

Examples of computer storage Magnetic storage devices Today, magnetic storage is one of the most common types of storage used with computers and is the technology that many computer hard drives use. Floppy diskette Hard drive Magnetic strip SuperDisk Tape cassette Zip diskette

Optical storage devices Another common storage is optical storage, which uses lasers and lights as its method of reading and writing data. Blu-ray disc CD-ROM disc CD-R and CD-RW disc DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW disc

Flash memory devices Flash memory has started to replace magnetic media as it becomes cheaper as it is the more efficient and reliable solution. USB flash drive, jump drive, or thumb drive Memory card Memory stick SSD

Online and cloud Storing data online and in cloud storage is becoming popular as people need to access their data from more than one device. Cloud storage Network media

What is a processor Processor. A processor, or "microprocessor," is a small chip that resides in computers and other electronic devices. Its basic job is to receive input and provide the appropriate output. ... The centralprocessor of a computer is also known as the CPU, or "central processing unit."

Computer Processor Types A few years ago, choosing a processor was pretty straightforward. AMD and Intel each produced two series of processors, a mainstream line and a budget line. Each company used only one processor socket, and there was a limited range of processor speeds available. If you wanted an Intel processor, you might have a dozen mainstream models and a half-dozen budget models to choose among. The same was true of AMD.

Examples of computer processors Budget processors AMD Sempron Intel Celeron Mainstream processors AMD Athlon 64 Intel Pentium 4 Dual-core processors AMD Athlon 64 X2 Intel Pentium D AMD and Intel processor summaries

How does a processor process data? The control unit of the CPU contains circuitry that uses electrical signals to direct the entire computer system to carry out, or execute, stored program instructions. Like an orchestra leader, the control unit does not execute program instructions; rather, it directs other parts of the system to do so.

What is a peripheral device A peripheral device is generally defined as any auxiliary device such as a computer mouse or keyboard that connects to and works with the computer in some way. Other examples of peripherals are image scanners, tape drives, microphones, loudspeakers, webcams, and digital cameras.

Types of Peripheral Devices There are many different peripheral devices, but they fall into three general categories: Input devices, such as a mouse and a keyboard Output devices, such as a monitor and a printer Storage devices, such as a hard drive or flash drive Some devices fall into more than one category. Consider a CD-ROM

Some devices fall into more than one category Some devices fall into more than one category. Consider a CD-ROM drive; you can use it to read data or music (input), and you can use it to write data to a CD (output). Peripheral devices can be external or internal. For example, a printer is an external device that you connect using a cable, while an optical disc drive is typically located inside the computer case. Internal peripheral devices are also referred to as integrated peripherals. When most people refer to peripherals, they typically mean external ones.