Functions of Computer Hardware

The computer is indeed works like the human brain. Both receive, store, and process data. These
functions can be divided into four main subdivisions:

Storage
This refers to the ability of computers to store and retain data in memory. Computer memory is measured
in bytes. A byte is a series of 1s and 0s usually grouped as a sequence of eight bits. Every time you press
a key in your keyboard, a single byte is used. There are numerous types of computer memory. They can
be long-term (read-only memory) or short-term (random-access memory) but basically, they are classified
as either volatile or non-volatile.
Volatile memory refers to computer memory that requires electric power to store data temporarily. When
there is no electric current, data stored in volatile memory will be erased. Random-access memory. RAM
is used to speed up computer games, and the like. It is also used to process photos, sounds, and movies.

Multitasking can place a great strain no RAM. Multitasking refers to the

ability of computers to do multiple tasks such as running more than one program at the same time.
For instance, you can type a school paper while you surf the Web, or do your weekly budget while
listening to music in MP3 format.

Non-volatile memory is a type of memory that retains data even if electric power is cut. Following are
some examples of non-volatile memory:
Hard Disk. The hand disk contains the computer’s operating system, files associated with other programs
in the computer, and your own personal files such as documents, images, movies, and music. The storage
capacity of retail hard drives can go up to 2 TB (or 2,048 gigabytes).
Optical Disk. This is a portable storage medium that is read and written using laser technology capacity.
A CD (compact disc) can store up to 650 MB of data. A DVD (digital video disc) can store 4-8 GB of
data. Blu-Ray discs can store 25 to 50 GB of data.
USB Flash Drive. This chip that can be erased and reprogrammed to hold data. There are also some flash
drives that use Secure Digital (SD) cards for storage and connect to the PC using the USB port. Some
variants of Linux operating system can use USB flash drives to boot and run. The usual capacities of
Flash drives are 4,8,16,32 and 64 gigabytes.
Tape Drive. This uses magnetic tape for digital recording. This kind of storage is used mainly for data
backups and archives. Some tape drives can store up to 500GB of data.
Process
Computers not only remember information, but also process data. Data processing is defined as the
conversion of data from one format to another. Data, in this sense, refers to a collection of numbers and
characters which the computer understands.
The microprocessor is the brain of the computer. It controls the flow of data, which is why the
microprocessors is also called the central processing unit (CPU). About the size of a postage stamp, the
microprocessor is the most important part of the computer.

A computer is usually assessed by the number of instructions it can process per

second. The more instructions it can process per second, the greater performance of the
computer.

More powerful processors became mecessary because of the increasing loads of data being stored into the
computer and the extra burden of processing them all at the same time. Still, computer engineers are
continuously devising ways to make processing faster. One such method, known as parallel processing,
harnessing the power of multiple processors in one computing entity to perform a single task. Another
scheme, called distributed processing, is used to bind multiple computing entities so that they become a
single centralized unit focused on a common task or goal.
Intel, Advanced, Micro Devices (AMD), VIA Technologies, and Transmeta are some of the companies
that manufacture microprocessors for PCs.

Input
Aside from processing, computer hardware can take commands and be fed with information. To do the
latter, we need input devices. Input devices can be built into the computer, like the keyboard in a laptop,
or it can be connected to the computer by a cable. The most common input devices are: keyboard, mice
(or “mouses”), trackballs, touch pads, joysticks, graphics tablets, light pens, cyber gloves, and touch
screens. Game controllers, scanners, bar code readers, video and digital cameras, and microphones are
other example. We use these to interact with the computer.
Output
If we can feed instructions to computers, there are also ways for computers to communicate to the outside
world, beginning with you. Computers do this through output devices. The most common output device is
the monitor or screen. Speakers and printers are also examples of output devices. They tell us what the
computers is doing with the instructions we supplied to it.
Proper Hardware Design
Just as architects design houses with cost-effectiveness, structural soundness, aesthetics, and functionality
in mind, so do hardware engineers when designing computers. Basic factors to consider include size,
weight, power consumption, system requirements, speed, storage, capacity, and cost. Engineers design
hardware based on how programmers think computers should work and by using existing technologies.
The huge success of the PC in the market can be attributed in part to its modularity. The PC is composed
of individual components that can be combined into many different configurations. This allows us to buy
or build the right PC to meet our unique needs. Modern operating systems can easily recognize the “plug
and play” hardware in the machine and have a default driver program to interact with it.

Parts of a PC

Monitor. Screen that displays what is going on in the computer.

Keyboard. Main input device for most computers. Used to input textual
information to the computer.

Mouse. Lets you feed instructions to the computer by simply pointing and
clicking in a graphical environment.

System Case. Box that houses the CPU. Normally, it has expansion slots, contains
spare drive bays, and allow space to work inside for attachments to the system unit.

Motherboard. Main circuit board in the computer. Practically all the other parts of
the computer have a direct or indirect connection to the motherboard. It must have
enough expansion slots for memory and circuit boards. Most importantly, its chipset
must support the kind of hardware you want with your system. A board should fit
snugly inside a case and not be too big or too small to be installed within the system
case.
Main Memory/RAM. Allows computers to store and retain information. Memory
boards are motherboard-dependent, which means you have to buy only those that
your motherboard accepts. As a general rule of thumb, the more memory your PC
has, the better.

Processor. Brain of the computer that handles the flow of all data. This is what
computer manufacturers usually advertise because speed is something that buyers can
relate to.

Hard Disk. Storage device that holds the operating system and other programs and
data files. It pays to buy those with manuals or jumper instructions already attached
to the product itself. A drive that spins at least 7,200 revolutions per minute (RPM)
is recommended.

Floppy Disk Drive. Perhaps the slowest form of long-term secondary storage for
the computer is the floppy disk with 1.44 MB disk drive. Because of its small
capacity, this has been phased out from many computers systems in favor of the
more durable CD and DVD writer, as well as flash drives.

CD-ROM/DVD-ROM Drive. Reads CDs or DVDs.

Video/Graphic Card. Some motherboards have onboard video chipsets which

should be enough for most users. However, if you want to do graphics-intensive
applications such as playing videogames, editing pictures and movies, it’s best to
get a video card so as not to tax the processor.
Sound Card. Converts data into sound to be sent to speakers or converts sounds to digital formats. Some
motherboards have sound cards already integrated into them.

Cable Connectors. Computers parts cannot come together by themselves. Most

require cable connectors in order to communicate with the motherboard and other
components of the computer. But some are already accompanied with the
motherboard or drives upon purchase. They have to be long enough to extend
between the CPU and the prescribed location of the device.

Other Peripherals. Optional devices that you connect to your computer, like printers and removable
storage devices.

Network Card/Modem. This card may either have a LAN (Local Area
Network) port or a Wifi antenna that can connect to a home network either
by LAN cable or WiFi. It is through this card that we are able to connect
directly to a phone line for dial-up Internet or to use the PC as a fax modem.
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Power Supply. Make sure that the power supply you set for your PC has
enough wattage to run all the equipment.