Last updated on June 12th, 2024 at 11:41 am
Have you ever wondered about a computer system’s components? Exactly how does it work? All computer systems have two primary components: hardware and software. Both are important to the system’s functionality.
In this article, we will address:
- The components of a computer system;
- What is computer hardware;
- What is software; and
- The types of hardware components contained in a computer system.
So what exactly is computer hardware, what is software, and how do they differ? How do you differentiate between computer hardware and software?
Hardware vs. Software
What is computer hardware? Computer hardware refers to the physical components of the computer. These are the parts that you are able to see and touch. This includes the internal as well as external components.
On the other hand, software refers to the programs or applications that control how the computer works or make it possible for you to interact with it.
Hardware components of a computer system
The computer is made up of several pieces of hardware. However, over the years, these have been gathered into some major categories based on their uses. The major hardware categories of a computer system are:
Input devices
What are input devices, and what are they used for?
Input devices are a type of computer hardware that allows users to enter information into a computer system. Some examples of input devices are:
- Mouse;
- Keyboard;
- Trackball;
- Scanner; and
- Microphone.
Output devices
Output devices allow users to access information stored in a computer. Some examples of output devices are:
- Monitor;
- Printer;
- Speakers; and
- Projector.
If you are new to the field of information technology, you may be interested in our article on the scope of information technology.
Storage Devices
Storage devices are those parts of a computer system used to keep information. There are two types of storage devices: primary storage devices and secondary storage devices. Their uses are different, however.
Processing Devices
Processing devices are the parts of the computer that manage the flow of information and interpret and manipulate the data entered.
Input, output, and storage devices also fall under the category of computer hardware, which is known as peripheral devices.
Software components of the computer system
There are two types of software available on computer systems:
- System software and
- Application software.
There are two major components of a digital computer: hardware and software.
Some examples of computer hardware are mouse, monitor, keyboard, and system unit.
Computer hardware are the physical parts of the computer. We can both see and touch the hardware components of a computer system.
Before you go
We try our best to be as detailed and straightforward as possible. However, if you have questions or comments, be sure to contact us, and we will get back to you promptly.