Classification Of Hardware | Types of computers hardware's

 Classification Of Hardware 🖥️

Computer hardware is the physical tangible part of a computer.

They comprise the main part of a computer both internal and external or peripherals.

The main characteristic of hardware is it can be seen, felt, and even touch, unlike computer software.

The computer hardware is categorized into input, processing, storage, output, and communication devices. Each category is used for different functions.

Input devices are used to enter data into the computer, then the processing component takes over to process it into information.

During processing, it is stored in the main memory and secondary storage for future reference.

To display the data being processed or results output devices are used, and it can be shared with help of communication components.

Functions of computer hardware devices

A computer is made up of many physical hardware components that are meant to achieve different functionality within the system.

It should be noted that all hardware work together in a harmonized way to achieve the main function of a computer which is data processing.

Below we discuss the general function of hardware according to their classification.

Keying and entering data into the computer. 

This is done by the input devices such as keyboard, and document scanner among other devices.

Processing hardware is used to process data after it has been entered.

The hardware involved in data processing includes a computer central processing unit and main memory for temporal storage.

Hardware such as hard disks and flash memories are used for storing data for future use.

After data has been processed it is presented to the user as a hard or soft copy.

Computer monitors are used for soft copies while printers are used to produce hard copies of data.

Computer hardware is used to communicate data from one device to another by use of communication devices such as MODEM, and network cards.

The computer power supply ensures all components get electric power to run.

Fans, heat sink, and cooling system are used to cool down other components to the required temperatures.

Categories of computer hardware

1. Input hardware: Includes devices that are used to input data and commands into a computer, such as keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, touchpad, joystick, etc.

2. Processing devices: Include the devices that process the data and perform calculations, such as the Central Processing Unit (CPU), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Digital Signal Processor (DSP), etc.

3. Storage devices: Include devices that store data, such as Random Access Memory (RAM), hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), and other storage media like flash drives, CD, DVD etc.

4. Output devices: Include devices that output the processed data, such as monitor, printer, speaker, projector, etc.

5. Communication devices: Include devices that facilitate communication between different computers or networks, such as Ethernet card, Wi-Fi card, modem, etc.

Input hardware

Input hardware refers to the devices that are used to input data and commands into a computer. These devices allow the user to interact with the computer and provide instructions for it to execute. Some examples of input hardware include:

• Keyboard: A keyboard is an input device that allows users to type in data and commands. It consists of buttons or keys that are used to input letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Mouse: A mouse is an input device that is used to move a cursor on the screen and select items. It consists of a small ball or optical sensor that detects movement and a button that is used to make selections.
• Scanner: A scanner is an input device that is used to capture digital images of documents, photos, and other objects. It uses a light source and a sensor to capture the image, which is then converted into digital data that can be stored and processed by the computer.
• Microphone: A microphone is an input device that is used to capture audio data. It converts sound waves into electrical signals that can be processed by the computer.
• Touchpad: A touchpad is an input device that is used to move a cursor on the screen and make selections. It consists of a small surface that detects finger movement and translates it into cursor movement.
• Joystick: A joystick is an input device that is used to control the movement of an object on the screen, such as in gaming or simulation applications. It consists of a stick or button that can be moved in different directions to control the movement of the object.

• Digital camera, web-cam, barcode reader, game controller, digital pen, etc are also examples of Input hardware.

Processing devices

Processing devices are the devices that process the data and perform calculations in a computer system. They are responsible for executing instructions and controlling the operations of the computer. Some examples of processing devices include:

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU, also known as the "brain" of the computer, is responsible for executing instructions and controlling the operations of the computer. It is a microprocessor that performs arithmetic, logic, and control operations.
• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): A GPU is a specialized processor designed to handle the complex calculations needed for rendering images, videos, and other graphical elements. It is used to accelerate the performance of video games, 3D rendering, and other tasks that require a lot of graphical processing.
• Digital Signal Processor (DSP): A DSP is a specialized processor that is designed to handle the processing of digital signals, such as audio and video. It is used to perform tasks such as filtering, compression, and decoding of digital signals.
• Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA): An FPGA is a type of processor that can be configured by the user to perform a specific set of tasks. They are commonly used in applications such as telecommunications and networking, where the specific requirements of the system may change frequently.
• Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC): An ASIC is a type of processor that is designed to perform a specific set of tasks. They are built using a specific set of instructions and are used in applications such as cryptography, image processing and machine learning.

All these devices work together to perform the instructions given by the software and deliver the output to the user, and the performance of the computer is determined by the performance of these devices.

Storage devices

Storage devices in a computer system are hardware components that are used to store and retrieve data. There are different types of storage devices, each with its own characteristics and uses. Some examples of storage devices include:

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD): A traditional storage device that uses magnetic disks to store data. It is usually the primary storage device in most computers and laptops and can store large amounts of data.
• Solid-State Drive (SSD): A newer type of storage device that uses flash memory to store data. SSDs are faster and more reliable than HDDs and are commonly used in high-performance systems.
• Random Access Memory (RAM): A type of storage device that stores data temporarily while the computer is running. RAM allows the computer to quickly access the data it needs to perform tasks, but the data is lost when the computer is turned off.
• USB flash drive: A portable storage device that uses flash memory to store data. It can be easily connected to a computer via USB port and can be used to transfer data between computers.
• CD/DVD: Optical storage device that stores data on a spinning disk. They were mostly used for backup and archival storage, but now replaced by USB drive and cloud storage
• Cloud storage: A storage service that allows users to store and access data over the internet. Cloud storage is usually provided by third-party companies, such as Google Drive and iCloud, and allows users to access their data from anywhere with an internet connection.
• External hard drive: A portable storage device that is used to store large amount of data, it can be connected to the computer via USB or FireWire cable.

Output devices

Output devices in a computer system are devices that display or present the processed data in a human-readable form. They include:

• Monitor: A monitor displays the graphical output generated by a computer on a screen. There are various types of monitors such as CRT, LCD, LED, and OLED.
• Printer: A printer produces a hard copy of a document or image on paper or other printable media. There are several types of printers such as inkjet, laser, thermal, and dot-matrix printers.
• Speaker: A speaker produces sound output generated by a computer, such as music or audio from videos.
• Projector: A projector projects the image generated by a computer onto a larger screen or surface, such as a wall or screen.
• Headphones: a device that produces sound output directly into the user's ears.
• plotters: A plotter is a type of printer that produces large-scale prints, such as maps, blueprints, and architectural plans.
• Braille displays: a device that converts the text into braille output, it is used by blind people
• Smartboard: an interactive whiteboard that connects to a computer and allows the user to write and draw on it using a special pen or finger.

All of these output devices are designed to present the processed data in a human-readable form, allowing the user to easily understand and use the information.

Communication devices

Communication devices in computer systems are hardware components that enable the transfer of data between computers, networks, and other devices. They can be used to connect to the internet, share data between computers, or connect to other devices such as printers or servers. There are several types of communication devices, including:

• Network Interface Card (NIC): A NIC is a hardware component that connects a computer to a network. It is typically installed on the motherboard and allows the computer to communicate with other devices on the network.
• Modem: A modem is a device that enables a computer to communicate with other computers over a telephone line or cable. It converts digital signals from a computer into analog signals that can be transmitted over a telephone line, and then converts the received analog signals back into digital signals for the computer to use.
• Router: A router is a device that connects multiple networks together. It is used to forward packets of data between different networks, such as a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN).
• Switch: A switch is a device that connects multiple computers or devices together on a network. It allows data to be sent between connected devices and controls the flow of data on the network.
• Hub: A hub is a simple networking device that connects multiple computers or devices together on a network. It allows data to be sent between connected devices, but does not control the flow of data on the network.
• Wireless Network Interface Card (WNIC): A WNIC is a hardware component that connects a computer to a wireless network, such as Wi-Fi. It allows the computer to communicate with other devices on the wireless network without the need for physical cables.

Examples of these communication devices include Ethernet cards, Wi-Fi cards, and modems. These devices are used to connect a computer to a network or the internet and to share data between computers. They are essential components of modern computer systems and are used in a wide variety of applications.

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