Hardware Components of a Computer System

Tap to Read ➤ Stephen Rampur

This write-up focuses on the different hardware components of a computer system, which are generally used for a desktop computer.

Due to advancements in Information Technology (IT), there have been various technologies that are being used all over the world. And when it comes to technology, a combination of hardware and software is evident.

There are many different types of computer hardware and software that we use in our day-to-day lives, be it at a personal or professional level. Day by day, newer technology is being put to use. On that note, Here is a list of the hardware components of a computer system.

The types of devices mentioned further are individual components, which play a very important role in making the operation of the system possible. This is just a brief explanation of all parts.

Motherboard

This is the most important type part. It is a circuit board, wherein various parts of the system are set up. All input devices work when they are connected to the motherboard. RAM, CPU, and other crucial peripherals are installed on the motherboard.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

The RAM is a small chip that fits on the motherboard. It does the job of storing data on a temporary basis. RAM chips are generally available from 256 MB to 6 GB or more and are upgradeable. The more the RAM, faster the functionality.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is a small chip installed on the motherboard that does the job of running computer programs. It is more commonly referred to as the processor.

The speed of computer functioning also depends a lot on the processor's capacity. Without the CPU, you will not be able to play games, browse the web, or run any other applications.

Hard Drive

The hard drive is where all the program files are stored for retrieval or further operation. There are many storage capacities of hard drives which normally range from 80 GB to 1 TB or more. External hard drives are also available with a storage capacity of around 8 TB.

Power Supply Unit

This device provides the system with power to function. It is an electrical box fitted inside at the back of the cabinet, which connects to and powers the motherboard, disk drives. It has a fan for cooling purpose.

Keyboard

The keyboard contains a series of keys that contain all the alphabets, numbers, and special characters. It is used to type text and numerals on the console. In desktop computers, it is a separate device. In laptops, it is inbuilt. It is used for typing, software controlling, and gaming.

Mouse

The mouse is a device that is used for moving a pointer on the console. It contains two or three buttons for conveniently accessing any file, folder, or software.

Pen Drives

The floppy drive used to be an important device that would accept the floppy for data processing. Today, no one uses them. Instead, there are pen drives that are small but extremely useful peripherals.

Pen Drives are the ones, which have substantially reduced the use of data CDs to transfer files and media. DVD drives are parts, which can be used for viewing data from DVDs.

Monitor

It is an electronic display that helps us to view the various software and their functionalities on screen. It comes in the conventional CRT, LCD, and Plasma types. Nowadays, the LCD and Plasma are more in demand because of their efficiency and clarity.

Printer and Scanner

The printer and scanner are both mostly used in offices. Nowadays, both these two devices come in a single device for better space and energy consumption.

The printer is used to take print-outs of essential documents and images, while the scanner is used to scan documents and view them on screen with the help of image software. In other words, a printer is used to convert soft copies to hard copies, while a scanner is used to convert hard copies to soft copies.

These are just a few of the different types of hardware devices used in information technology. There are many others, such as audio and video graphic cards, router, modem, PCI cards, cabinet, etc. The types and specifications of these devices cannot be certain, as many useful advanced technologies are being introduced in them lately.