Hardware
- Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system
- These components can be internal or external
Internal Components
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): the computer's "brain" that performs calculations, processes instructions, and controls other components
- Processor: a chip inside the CPU that carries out instructions from a program
- Motherboard: the main circuit board that connects all internal components
Internal Memory
- Random Access Memory (RAM): temporary storage for running programs and data; it is volatile, meaning data is lost when the computer is turned off
- Read-Only Memory (ROM): permanent storage for essential data, like the computer's BIOS; it is non-volatile, meaning data is retained even when the computer is turned off
Hardware Components
- Graphics card: processes images and videos for display on a monitor
- Sound card: processes audio for output through speakers or headphones
- Network Interface Card (NIC): enables connection to a network, such as the internet
- Camera: captures images or video for input into the computer
- Internal/external storage devices: stores data permanently, such as hard drives or USB flash drives
- Input devices: allow users to enter data, like keyboards and mice
- Output devices: display or produce results, like monitors and printers
Worked example
A computer contains internal hardware. Write down the most appropriate item of internal hardware to match the descriptions.
a. This handles all the system instructions
[1]
Processor / CPU [1]
b. A printed circuit board that contains the main components of the computer
[1]
Motherboard [1]
c. This generates output for the speaker
[1]
Sound card [1]
d. A type of memory where data is lost when the computer is switched off
[1]
RAM / Random Access Memory [1]
