2. Definition of Computer Hardware
and Functions
Computer hardware is a part of a computer system which is
a tangible and physically viewed device and a device that
runs instructions from software. Computer hardware is also
called hardware. Hardware plays an overall role in the
performance of a computer system. The following is how it
works, the types of computer hardware, and its functions.
3. How it Works Computer Hardware
(Hardware)
Hardware has fundamentally non-physical parts called
firmware. Firmware functions as a basic provider of
instructions that can be done by a hardware. Firmware is
stored in a special memory chip on a hardware that can be
ROM or EEPROM. The firmware is a small software
(software) which is usually written in a low programming
language to produce basic instructions that can be used by
the hardware in question quickly. This basic instruction can
be divided into 3 namely,
4. 1. Basic Input Instructions
Basic input instructions are instructions that can provide
information to other software ie operating systems with
driver intermediaries. This happens when a user interacts
with the hardware in question. For example typing with the
keyboard, shifting the mouse, and others.
5. 2. Basic Output Instructions
Basic output instructions are instructions called by other
software, namely the operating system with driver
intermediaries. This happens when there is a command to
use the hardware from the user. For example playing videos
with a monitor, printing documents with a printer, and
others.
6. 3. Basic Process Instructions
Basic process instructions are instructions that act as
mediators of the input or output process that is carried out
by a hardware (not both). The basic process instructions in
question are instructions that only occur in a hardware or
not in a computer system as a whole.
7. Process Hardware
Process hardware is a type of hardware that runs to perform
data or execute commands on the data entered. The main
process hardware of a computer system is the processor
(CPU), VGA, sound card (sound card), and motherboard.
8. Process
The processor is the main process hardware that is an
electronic circuit component that can execute
computational logic, arithmetic, control systems, and
specific input / output (I / O) based on instructions
instructed by the user. Almost all processes in a computer
system are carried out by the processor. The CPU is also
called the (Central Processing Unit) which means
processor.
9. Motherboard
The motherboard (mainboard) is hardware in the form of a
circuit board that connects each hardware device to a
computer system and is equipped with a BIOS chip. The
BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System.
10.
11. VGA (Video Graphic Area)
VGA is hardware that is used to process the visualization of
data in graphical form. The development of VGA is very
rapid, supporting the development of the gaming industry
and CAD.
12. Sound card
Sound card is hardware that is used to process data in the
form of sound, both issuing and recording sound.
13. Storage Hardware
Storage hardware is a type of hardware that functions to
store user data. There are 2 The main storage hardware of a
computer system is internal non-volatile storage (HDD /
SSD) and volatile storage (RAM).
14. ROM
ROM (Read Only Memory) is a storage medium that is
non-volatile (data is not lost when the electricity is turned
off) and is only readable. ROM is usually used for BIOS
chips or firmware.
15. Hard disk
Hard disk is a non-volatile storage media that is used to
store operating system data and user data in the form of a
digital disk.
16. Electrical Hardware
To work a computer system requires a stable power and
voltage intake. Computer systems use electricity supply for
electricity management for each other hardware. In
addition, users install the voltage to stabilize the electricity
entering the computer system before being regulated by
power supply.
17. Power supply
Power supply is computer hardware that functions to
convert voltage from AC to DC, so that management can be
carried out to related computer systems.
18. Stabilizer voltage
Stavelot (Stabilizer voltage) is a hardware device that
serves to stabilize the voltage. The use of stabilizers is
intended to prevent damage to electronic devices due to
significant traffic ups and downs.
19. UPS (Uninterruptible Power
Supply)
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is a hardware device
that provides electrical backups, as an alternative when
electricity is turned off. This helps the user to turn off the
computer as an action to prevent damage to the data during
a power failure.
20. SYSTEM COMPONENTS
CPU/PROCESSOR
The CPU refers to the microprocessor chip.
Sometimes the “Tower” is called the CPU.
It’s speed is measured in Megahertz (MHZ)
(Millions of cycles per second) or Gigahertz
(GHZ) Billions of cycles per second.
(A cycle is the time required for the CPU to
execute an instruction step).
21. SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Ram – Random Access Memory
Ram is the memory used by the computer to run
programs.
The amount of Ram available will determine how
fast a program will run and how many windows
can be open at one time.
Ram memory is considered Volatile because it
disappears when the power is turned off.
22. SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Hard Drive
The Hard Drive is the computers main, long term
storage.
It is referred to as non-volatile storage, because it
does not disappear when the power is turned off.
The size of the Hard Drive is measured in
Gigabytes. (Billions of Bytes).
23. RAM VERSUS HARD DRIVE
If we use the analogy
of a desk: Then the
work we are doing on
the desk top would be
using the RAM and
the work we store in
the file drawers would
be on the HARD
DRIVE.
32. SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Video Card
(Provides visual images to
the monitor. Also used in
computer games, to provide
additional memory for visual
effects).
60. APPLICATIONS
WordPerfect Adobe Acrobat
Lotus 1-2-3 Photoshop
QuickBooks Notepad
CorelDraw WinZip
HyperCam Media Player
Photo Paint StarCraft
ETC. ETC.ETC. ETC. Ad Infinitum
61. DATA
Letters written using a word processor like MS
WORD.
Spread sheets designed in EXCEL.
Presentations created in Power Point
Music on a CD.
Photos from your digital camera