Computer hardware can be divided into four categories:(1)input hardware,
(2)storage hardware,(3)processing hardware,and(4)output hardware.
1.Input Hardware
The purpose of input hardware is to collect data and covert it into a
form suitable for computer processing. The most common input device is
a keyboard. It looks very much like a typewriter keyboard. Its keys are
arranged in the typical typewriter layout. There are also a number of
additional keys. They can be used to enter special computer-related codes.
Although it isn't the only type of input device available, the computer
keyboard is the one which is most generally used by the business community.
2.Storage Hardware
The purpose of storage hardware is to provide a means of storing computer
instructions and data in a form that is relatively permanent, that is, the
data is not lost when the serves the same basic function as do office
filing systems except that it stores data as electromagnetic signals or
laser-etched spots, commonly on disk or tape, rather than on paper.
3.Processing Hardware
The purpose of processing hardware is to retrieve, interpret, and direct
the execution of software instructions which are provided to the computer.
The most common components of processing hardware are the central processing
unit and main memory.
The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer. It reads and
interprets software instructions and coordinates the processing activites
that must take place. The design of the CPU affects the processing power and
the speed of the computer, as well as the amount of main memory it can use
effectively. With a well-designed CPU in your computer, you can perform highly
sophisticated tasks in a very short time.
Main memory (also called internal memory, primary storage, or just memory)
can be thought of as an electronic desktop. The more desk surface you have
in front of you, the more you can place on it. Similarly, if your computer has
a lot of memory, you can place more software instructions in it. The amount of
memory available determines whether you can run simple or sophisticated
software; a computer with a large memory is more capable of holding the
thousands of instructions that are contained in the more sophisticated software
programs. A large memory also allows you to work with and manipulaite great amounts
of data and information at one time . Quite simply, the more main memory
you have in your computer, the more you can accomplish.
4.Output Hardware
The purpose of output hardware is to provide the user with the means to view information
produced by the computer system. Information is output in either hardcopy or softcopy form.
Hardcopy output can be held in your hand-examples are paper with text (words or numbers)
or graphics printed on it. Softcopy output is displayed on a monitor, a television-like
screen on which you can read text and graphics.