HARDWARE: Definition, Examples, Kinds of Hardware & Functions

Hardware - A set of computers has several components that work in mutual support. These components are known as hardware or hardware. Each computer is designed with its own hardware specifications.

Therefore, the performance, speed and excellence of each computer is different. The higher the hardware specifications, the better the performance.

Understanding Hardware

If the software or software is not physical, then hardware or hardware has the opposite understanding. Because hardware is physical, so it can be seen, touched and known for its shape. The existence of hardware on a computer is certainly very vital. Each hardware has its own function.

That way, each hardware cannot stand alone. So in a set of computers must consist of several hardware devices, such as motherboards, hard disks, memory cards, CPUs and so on.

All these components support each other, so the computer can operate. Then all of the hardware components need software so the computer can be turned on and function.

Hardware Function

There are at least five types of hardware in a computer device. This type of hardware functions as a supporter of electricity, storage, output, process and input.

All types of hardware will later be connected in an integrated system. So it can be used for input, processing and output data.

Hardware performance is largely determined by the specifications. The higher the better the performance will be. For that, you can adjust the computer specs according to your needs in use.

If the computer is only used for typing, saving photos and watching videos do not have to use high specs. However, if a computer is used for graphic design needs, playing heavy video, it must use a computer with high specs.

Various Kinds of Hardware

As mentioned above, hardware consists of various types with their respective functions. Now, to make the function of each type clearer, here is the explanation.

• Hardware input. Its function is to input or enter data in computer memory. The keyboard is the main hardware for this function. Whereas peripheral devices or their supporters are mouse and scanner.
• Hardware for data processing. This hardware has a function in data processing or to execute commands if there is data entered. The main components of this hardware are the CPU (Central Processing Unit), sound card (sound card), VGA, and motherboard.
• Hardware output. This type of hardware has a function as a data viewer or outputs data that has been previously processed. Monitors and speakers are the main devices for this function. Supporting components such as printers, projectors, and so on.
• Hardware for storage. The function of this hardware is to store data from the user. There are two computer hardware for this function, namely RAM (for volatile storage), and hard disk (for internal non volatile storage media). There is also a Read Only Memory (ROM) as a storage media with non-volatile properties. So the data won't disappear when the power goes out. As the name implies it is only read only. ROM is generally used as a firmware or BIOS chip.
• Electrical hardware. In order for a computer to operate, it certainly requires a supply of electrical energy. The existence of this hardware serves to stabilize the voltage or electrical power that flows in computer equipment. Hardware such as Power Supply is useful for managing the electrical system for each of its hardware. Not only that, usually the computer is also connected to a voltage converter or voltage stabilizer. Its function is to stabilize the electrical power, before later it is managed by Power Supply. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) can also be added to computer devices. The goal is as hardware for power backup. So that when the power goes out, then the computer device can still live for some time. UPS installation is very important, so that the computer does not suddenly die when the power is cut off. That way, while preventing the risk of damage to hardware from the computer.

Examples of Hardware

Very many examples of hardware to support computer performance. So that your computer's performance is faster, more convenient when multitasking or opening several softwares at once, does not get hot easily, and so on.

Then it must be clever in choosing hardware specifications. Well, here are some examples of software commonly used in offices or in private.

Keyboard. 

This hardware is composed of many buttons, making it easier for you when operating a computer. Data input is strongly supported by the existence of this hardware. You can use the keyboard wired or wireless.

Mouse. 

This supporting hardware is used as input data, which can control the cursor, click and scroll functions. You can also use a mouse with cables and wireless ones.

Scanner. 

This hardware works like a photocopier. So it can scan data in the form of text on books, photos and so on. So that it can create softcopy or files from various media.

CPU (Central Processing Unit) or Processor. 

This hardware is the brain of the computer. So that the whole process that takes place on a set of computers is controlled by a processor. The more sophisticated the processor is certainly the better the performance of the computer.

Motherboard 

This hardware is a circuit board that connects all hardware on a computer device. To support its performance, the motherboard is equipped with a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) chip.

Graphic Video Array or VGA. 

The task of this hardware is to process data visualization in the form of graphics. The development of this hardware is very rapid, in order to support the graphic design, gaming and multimedia industries.

Sound Card. 

This sound card functions in data processing with sound format. This hardware is useful when the computer makes a sound or does sound recording.

Monitor. 

This output media is useful in displaying the results of the graphic data process that is supported by VGA.

Speaker. 

This device functions to make a sound, which is the result of the processing of the sound card.

A printer

This hardware is useful for printing results on a computer. Paper is usually the most commonly used media. There are currently products that combine all three functions in a printer. So this device can print, copy and scan.

Projector. 

Usually this device is used as a support for presentations, teaching and learning or watching films. All you have to do is connect to the computer, and shoot the projector light on the appropriate media.

RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). 

RAM is a data storage media when it is processed by a processor. While ROM is a storage media that is only read only.

Hard drive. 

This hardware is composed of discs as storage media for operating systems, software and computer user data.

Well, that's important information related to hardware on a computer. With a good understanding of the type and function, then you can choose a computer device as you wish. The price of a computer really depends on each hardware specification.

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