Introduction to Hardware

What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic machine that can store, retrieve, and process data.

What are the Input and Output Devices ?

Input devices
Allow users to send information to the computer, such as instructions or
data. Examples include:
 Keyboard
 Mouse
 Trackpad
 Graphics tablet
 Webcam
 Microphone
 Scanner

Output devices
Allow the computer to send information to the user, such as results or
data. Examples include:
 Monitor
 Speaker
 Printer
 Projector
 Plotter

I/O devices
Can perform both input and output functions. Examples include:
 Touchscreen
 Interactive white board
 Games controller
 Haptic glove

What is Hardware and Software ?

Hardware and software are the two main components of a computer system
Hardware
The physical parts of a computer, such as the central processing unit (CPU),
monitor, keyboard, mouse, and hard disk. Hardware is tangible and can be touched.
Software
The programs that run on a computer, such as the operating system (OS),
applications, and utilities. Software is intangible and consists of a set of
instructions that tell the hardware what to do.

Types of Hardware
There are two types of computer hardware
1. External
2. Internal.
External hardware devices include monitors, keyboards, printers, and scanners.
Internal hardware devices include motherboards, hard drives, and RAM.

LIST OF PC HARDWARE COMPONENTS AND PERIPHERALS

Input Devices
1. Keyboard
2. Mouse
3. Trackball
4. Touchpad
5. Joystick
6. Gamepad/Controller
7. Graphics Tablet
8. Stylus
9. Scanner
10. Barcode Reader
11. Digital Camera
12. Webcam
13. Microphone
14. Touch Screen
15. Biometric Devices (Fingerprint Scanner, Retina Scanner)

Output Devices
1. Monitor
2. Printer (Inkjet, Laser, Dot Matrix)
3. Projector
4. Speakers
5. Headphones
6. VR Headset
7. Plotter
Storage Devices
1. External Hard Drive
2. USB Flash Drive
3. Memory Card (SD Card, MicroSD Card)
4. Optical Disc Drive (CD/DVD/Blu-ray)
5. Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Connectivity and Expansion

1. USB Hub
2. Thunderbolt Dock
3. KVM Switch (Keyboard, Video, Mouse Switch)
4. Port Replicator

Network Devices
1. Modem
2. Router
3. Network Switch
4. Network Interface Card (NIC)
5. Wireless Adapter
6. Bluetooth Adapter

Multifunctional Devices
1. All-in-One Printer (Print, Scan, Copy, Fax)
2. Docking Station

Specialized Input/Output Devices

1. Card Reader
2. External Graphics Processing Unit (eGPU)
3. External Sound Card
4. External RAID Enclosure

Miscellaneous
1. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
2. Surge Protector
3. External Cooling Solutions (Laptop Cooling Pad)
4. Webcam Cover
5. Cable Management Solutions (Cable Clips, Sleeves)
Legacy Devices
1. Floppy Disk Drive
2. Serial and Parallel Ports
3. PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse

Monitor

1. Cathode Ray tube(CRT)

2. Liquid crystal display(LCD)
3. Light Emitting display(LED)
4. Plasma display(Plasma)

Based on Color Representation

1. Monochrome
2. Grey scale
3. Coloured

Keyboard

1. Mechanical Keyboard: Use individual mechanical switches for each

key(Gaming, typing enthusiasts, Professional use).

2. Membrane Keyboard: Use pressure pads with Electrical contact under a

rubber dome(General use, Budget friendly environments).

3. Scissor-Switch Keyboard: utilize a scissor-like mechanism to stabilize the

key(Laptops and portable Keyboard).

4. Capacitive Keyboard: Detect key presses using capacitive circuits(High

Reliability Applications, specialized devices).

5. Opto-mechanical Keyboard: use light to detect key presses. (Application:

Gaming, fast response environment).

Based on Layout
1. QWERTY Keyboards: Standard keyboard layout.( General use, worldwide
standard).
 2. AZERTY Keyboards: Common in French-speaking countries.(French-
speaking regions)
3. DVORAK Keyboards: Designed for increased typing efficiency(Typing
enthusiasts, ergonomic needs).
4. COLEMAK Keyboards: Alternative layout for typing efficiency.( Typing
enthusiasts, ergonomic needs).
5. JCUKEN Keyboards: Commonly used for the Cyrillic alphabet.( Russian-
speaking regions).

Based on Connectivity

1. Wired Keyboards: Connect via USB or PS/2 cable.

2. Wireless Keyboards: Connect via Bluetooth or RF (radio frequency).

External Components and Accessories

1. External Storage
2. Docking Stations
3. UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
4. Surge Protectors
5. Anti-Static Equipment
6. Custom Sleeved Cables
7. Cable Management Solutions

Networking and Connectivity

1. Modem: A modem is a device that connects a computer, tablet, smartphone,
or other device to the internet. It's a modulator-demodulator that converts
digital data into analog signals that can be transmitted over a cable network
or telephone line.
2. Router: A router is a device that forwards data packets between computer
networks, including the internet
 3. Wi-fi Adapter: A Wi-Fi adapter allows your wired device to pick up Wi-Fi
signals. So if you have a desktop computer, you can connect it to a network
wirelessly. A Wi-Fi adapter can also serve as a hardware upgrade to your
laptop, strengthening its wireless reception or updating it to the latest Wi-Fi
generation.

CORE COMPONENTS

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

2. Motherboard
3. Memory
4. Storage Devices
5. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
6. Graphical Processing Unit (GPU)
7. Cooling Systems
8. Case (Chassis)

Types of computers
1. Super Computers: The most powerful and fastest computers, capable of
performing trillions of calculations per second.
 Scientific simulations, weather forecasting, nuclear research, large-
scale data analysis.
 Examples: IBM Summit, Fugaku.

2. Mainframe Computers: Large, powerful computers designed to handle and

process large amounts of data. Often used in industries where large-scale
transactions and data management are required.

 Banking systems, airline reservations, census data processing.

 Examples: IBM Z series, Unisys ClearPath.

3. Minicomputers (Mid-range Computers): Smaller than mainframes but still

capable of supporting multiple users and processes simultaneously. Commonly
used in businesses for specific tasks.
 Manufacturing process control, scientific research, business
operations.
 Examples: DEC PDP, IBM AS/400
4. Workstations: High-performance personal computers designed for technical or
scientific applications.
 3D rendering, video editing, computer-aided design (CAD),
simulations.
 Examples: Dell Precision, HP Z Workstations.

5. Personal Computers (PCs): General-purpose computers designed for

individual use.
Types of PCs:
 Desktop Computers: Stationary computers designed for use at a
desk.
 Laptop Computers: Portable computers with built-in screens and
keyboards.
 Tablet PCs: Handheld touchscreen devices that may include
detachable keyboards.
 Netbooks: Small, lightweight, and less powerful laptops primarily
for web-based tasks.
 Ultrabook’s: Thin and light laptops with high performance and long
battery life.
Personal tasks, office work, gaming, web browsing.
Examples: Dell XPS, MacBook Pro, HP Pavilion.
6. Servers: Computers that provide services, resources, or data to other computers
(clients) over a network.
 Hosting websites, managing databases, file storage, application
hosting.
 Examples: Dell PowerEdge, HP ProLiant

7. Embedded Computers: Computers embedded within other devices to perform
specific tasks. They are usually part of a larger system.
 Consumer electronics (smart TVs, washing machines), medical
devices, automotive systems.
 Examples: Microcontrollers in cars, Raspberry Pi.

8. Microcontrollers: Small, low-power computers embedded in devices to

control specific functions.
 Controlling appliances, robots, sensors, etc.
 Examples: Arduino, ARM-based controllers.
9. Mobile Devices: Handheld, portable devices with computing capabilities.
Types:

Smartphones: Multi-functional devices that combine communication,

computing, and media functionalities.

Tablets: Larger versions of smartphones with touchscreen interfaces.

 Communication, apps, web browsing, media consumption

 Examples: iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, iPad.