Unit 2: Computer hardware

Overview
Hardware represents the physical and tangible components of a computer, i.e. the components
that can be seen and touched.

Learning objectives
At the end of this unit, students should be able to:
 Define computer hardware
 Recognise the five (5) classification of computer hardware
 Define computer memory
 Categorise computer memory
 Outline the characterises of computer memory
 State different sizes of computer memory
 Identify different types of computer ports and state their functions

The Five Categories of Computer Hardware

 Input devices: For raw data input.
 Processing devices: To process raw data instructions into information.
 Output devices: To disseminate data and information.
 Storage devices: For data and information retention.
 Communication devices: any type of hardware capable of transmitting data, instructions,
and information between a sending device and a receiving device.

Keyboard
Keyboard is the main input device of a computer. It contains three types of keys-- alphanumeric
keys, special keys, and function keys. Alphanumeric keys are used to type all alphabets,
numbers, and special symbols like $, %, @, A etc. Special keys such as <Shift>, <Ctrl>, <Alt>,
<Home>, <Scroll Lock> etc. are used for special functions. Function keys such as <Fl>, <F2>,
<F3> etc. are used to give special commands depending upon the software used e.g.F5 reloads a
page of an internet browser.

Central processing unit and its subunits

 Control Unit (CU)
 Arithmetic logic Unit ()
 Main Memory unit (MMU)

Computer memory and characteristics

 Cache memory
 Primary memory (RAM and ROM)
 Secondary memory
  Tertiary memory (Cloud storage)

Computer ports
 Definition of a computer port
 Sixteen (16) Types of Computer Ports and Their Functions