Computer Hardware Components

The hardware components of a personal computer(PC) are:

• Input devices:get data into the computer. E.g. keyboard, mouse, scanners, Digital Camera, Microphone.
• System unit:is housed in the case.
• Output devices:display the data in soft or hard copy. E.g. monitor, speaker, printer.
• Cables and Connectors:Connect the different components of a computer system together. There are two types of connectors:
  1. Male:has one or more exposed pins.
  2. Female:has one or more receptacles (holes).

The Systtem Uniitt

It is housed in the case. It has the following essential components:

CPU (Central Processing Unit): is the brain of the computer.

Memory: stores data and instructions for fast access. There are two types of memory:

• ROM (Read Only Memory): stores instructions permanently.
• RAM (Random Access Memory): stores data & programs during operation of the computer. It is only temporary and is lost when power is off.

Motherboard: is the main printed circuit board of the computer.

Storage devices: save the data. The capacity (size) is measured in Bytes. One byte is 8 bits (Binary Digits). One character in a computer contains 8 bits (one byte). E.g. Magnetic: Hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic tapes and Optical: CD-ROM, DVD, digital cameras.