Hardware - the building block of your computer

by Manjinder Dhaliwal

Before explaining the importance of hardware components of a computer, there is need to clarify the meaning of hardware that what hardware actually means.

Basically, a computer system is made up of two major components: hardware and software. The computer hardware is totally different from software. Hardware means physical components and the software means anything that makes computer working possible and is not hardware. The computer software is stored on its hardware components like ROM.

Hardware means devices or components that are capable of understanding and accumulating computer data. In other words we can say that all the electronic, automatic, magnetic and other electrical parts that makes-up a computer system. Both hardware and software should have equal importance. No computer system could work without it.

A computer consists of following hardware components: Central processing unit (CPU), monitor, CD-ROM Drive, mouse, trackball, CD Writer, joystick, DVD-ROM Drive, DVD-RAM Drive, floppy disk, zip drive, sound cards, hard disk, modem, network cards, gaming devices, gamepad, networking, webcamera, headsets, microphones, printer, audio input devices, audio output devices, speakers and many others.

You should clean your computer components or peripherals regularly. Provide timely service to your computer system. Dont spray any liquid on any computer component; always use a vacuum cleaner to clean dirt and dust on outside parts. Never use vacuum pump to clean components inside your computer system. Dont adjust any knob or cord in hurry.

You should keep update information about newest developments of the computer market. If you are buying a Pentium IV 2.8 GHZ computer today but you also have information about AMDs new release, which could be launched after 15 days, its better to wait for 15 days.

Always purchase custom built computer because such computers can be easily upgraded in future but its not possible to improve branded computer, which use proprietary technology.

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