3one Basic Components of A Computer System
3one Basic Components of A Computer System
Here are some common individual computer hardware components that you'll often find inside a modern
computer. These parts are almost always found inside the computer's case, so you won't see them unless
you open the computer:
• Motherboard
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Power Supply
• Video Card
• Hard Drive (HDD)
• Solid-State Drive (SSD)
• Optical Drive (e.g., BD/DVD/CD drive)
• Card Reader (SD/SDHC, CF, etc.)
Here is some common hardware that you might find connected to the outside of a computer, although
many tablets, laptops, and netbooks integrate some of these items into their housings:
• Monitor
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Battery Backup (UPS)
• Flash Drive
• Printer
• Speakers
• External Hard Drive
• Pen Tablet
Here are some less common individual computer hardware devices, either because these pieces are now
usually integrated into other devices or because they've been replaced with newer technology:
• Sound Card
• Network Interface Card (NIC)
• Expansion Card (Firewire, USB, etc.)
• Hard Drive Controller Card
• Analog Modem
• Scanner
• Projector
• Floppy Disk Drive
• Joystick
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Tape Drive
• Zip Drive
The following hardware is referred to as network hardware, and various pieces are often part of a home
or business network:
Network hardware isn't as clearly defined as some other types of computer hardware. For example, many
home routers will often act as a combination router, switch, and firewall.
In addition to all the items listed above, there's more computer hardware called auxiliary hardware, of
which a computer might have none, or several, of some kinds:
Some of the devices listed above are called peripheral devices. A peripheral device is a piece of hardware
(whether internal or external) that isn't actually involved in the computer's main function. Examples
include a monitor, video card, disc drive, and mouse.
• Software –
The most important firmware in computers today is installed by the manufacturer on the motherboard and
can be accessed through the old BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or the new UEFI (Unified Extended
Firmware Interface) platforms.
It is the configuration interface which loads first when the computer is powered up and is going through
POST (Power On Self Test).