COMPUTER HARDWARE

prepared by IBRAHIM MCHUCHURI

A computer system consists of two major elements: hardware and software. Computer hardware is the collection of all the parts you can physically touch. hardware and software for a computer system to work together.

Some hardware components are easy to recognize, such as the computer case, keyboard, and monitor. However, there are many different types of hardware components.
Here are some common individual computer hardware components that you'll often find inside a modern computer. These parts are almost always found inside the computer's housing:
Motherboard
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Power Supply
Video Card
Hard Drive (HDD)
Solid-State Drive (SSD)
Optical Drive (e.g. BD/DVD/CD drive)
Card Reader (SD/SDHC, CF, etc.)

Here is some common hardware that you might find connected to the outside of a computer, although many tablets, laptops, and netbooks integrate some of these items into their housings:
Monitor, Keyboard,  Mouse,  Battery Backup (UPS), Flash Drive, Printer, Speaker,  External Hard Drive and Pen Tablet

Here are some less common individual computer hardware devices, either because these pieces are now usually integrated into other devices or because they've been replaced with newer technology: Sound Card, Network Interface Card (NIC), Expansion Card (Firewire, USB, etc.), Hard Drive Controller Card, Analog Modem,  Scanner, Projector, Floppy Disk Drive Joystick, Webcam, Microphone, Tape Drive, Zip Drive

The following hardware is referred to as network hardware, and various pieces are often part of a home or business network:
 Digital Modem (e.g. Cable Modem, DSL Modem, etc.)
 Router
 Network Switch
 Access Point
 Repeater
 Bridge
 Print Server
 Firewall

Network hardware isn't as clearly defined as some other types of computer hardware. For example, many home routers will often act as a combination router, switch, and firewall.
In addition to all the items listed above, there's more computer hardware that I like to call auxiliary hardware, of which a computer might have none, or several, of some kinds:
    Fan (CPU, GPU, Case, etc.)
    Heat Sink
    Data Cable
    Power Cable
    CMOS Battery
    Daughterboard

Some of the devices listed above are called peripheral devices. A peripheral device is a piece of hardware (whether internal or external) that isn't actually involved in the computer's main function. Examples include a monitor, video card, disc drive, and mouse.
Troubleshooting Faulty Computer Hardware, Computer hardware components individually heat up and cool down as they're used and then not used, meaning that eventually, every single one will fail also Some may even fail at the same time.
Fortunately, at least with desktop computers and some laptop and tablet computers, you can replace the non-working piece of hardware without having to replace or rebuild the computer from scratch.

RAM

RAM is accessed quickly by the computer's systems and software and stores data and applications along with programs. The graphic user interface, or GUI, is also stored in RAM. Once the computer is turned off, RAM is cleared and only starts up again when the system is rebooted.
As computing technology has evolved, RAM has been a key component in the evolution. As operating systems such as Windows or Macintosh OS become increasingly complex, they require more and more space for data storage - or RAM. Computer processors become faster and faster to respond to other technological innovations. The faster the processor, the more demands it makes on RAM.

RAM is part of the computer's CPU. Graphic cards may also have their own RAM. The other main type of computer memory is ROM, or read-only memory. ROM does not change and is located in the motherboard; it may also be found in graphic cards or other peripherals. ROM typically contains basic operating instructions for the computer and/or peripherals.
Memory (RAM) or random access memory, is the storage space for data used by the operating system and other programs while the computer is in use. RAM is volatile, meaning that it exists only while the computer is powered on and changes along with the system's immediate requirements.?
RAM is used for storing loaded programs and the data programs use. It stands for "random access memory" and constitutes the working memory of a computer

RAM is part of the computer's CPU. Graphic cards may also have their own RAM. The other main type of computer memory is ROM, or read-only memory. ROM does not change and is located in the motherboard; it may also be found in graphic cards or other peripherals. ROM typically contains basic operating instructions for the computer and/or peripherals.In Microsoft Windows, hardware resources are managed by Device Manager. It's possible that a "faulty" piece of computer hardware is really just in need of a device driver installation or update, or for the device to be enabled in Device Manager.
Hardware devices won't work at all if the device is disabled, or may not be running properly if the wrong driver is installed.
If you decide that some hardware needs replacing or upgrading, find the manufacturer's support website for warranty information (if it applies to you) or look for identical or upgraded parts that you can buy directly from them.

CPU

A CPU is the brain of a computer, according to About.com's Tim Fisher. Short for "central processing unit," the CPU interprets commands before executing them. The CPU is also called a processor or central processor.
A CPU uses complex algorithms and programming to interpret signals and code. Many computer processors feature multiple cores, which help them process information more efficiently and quickly. A CPU retrieves information from the code within programs. It reads it to understand what the code is for, and then it executes the instructions.
A CPU is a small, square, internal piece of a computer that sits on the motherboard in a specialized slot made to hold a certain style or model of central processor. Many CPUs are connected to the motherboard with clamps and pins that are easily damaged. Since a CPU is the main component that processes data, it gets very hot as it works and needs a heatsink and fan to prevent damage, according to Fisher. Alternatively, some computers use water cooling systems.

The two most popular CPU brands are AMD and Intel, and these processors are found in a variety of electronics, including phones, laptops, desktops and gaming consoles. Processor speeds are measured in megahertz and gigahertz.