Did you know that the word “hardware” comes from the English language and means “hardware product”? The word simply refers to all physical devices that can be connected to a computer by cable or wirelessly. It is something that already exists as the foundation of the computer, as opposed to software. The processor is already installed or still accessible
, such as a web browser or games. A keyboard or USB flash drive, for example. Peripherals also have their own classification, where devices are distinguished by whether they are inputs or outputs. Input devices include:
- computer keyboards
- mice
- tablets
- joysticks
- webcams
Output devices, which may surprise some:
- Printers
- Monitors
- Speakers
- Data projectors
Without these components, a computer cannot function. The electrical components as well as the mouse and microphone make up the computer. The boundary between hardware and software is firmware. These are programs that are hardwired into hardware devices.
Other typical and mundane parts of hardware include the processor, memory, and display or screen. Auxiliary components such as mouse, keyboard, floppy disk, printer, CM-ROM drive, and speakers are mere extras. But what would we do without these nowadays?
Computers also have several outputs. These are for “hooking up” hardware and software, and can be used to connect a mouse or a hard drive.
Every computer must have its own graphics card, and many aspects of both video and gaming can be adjusted accordingly. Another component is the hard drive, which stores data even when shut down; RAM is another element that many computer game players pay particular attention to. It is a type of electronic memory that enhances the operation of the computer.
That concludes our discussion of hardware.