Hardware Components of a Computer System

 Computer hardware is categorized into internal components (inside the system unit) and external components (peripherals connected to the computer).

INTERNAL COMPONENTS

1. CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)

• The brain of the computer that performs calculations and executes instructions.
• Major parts of the CPU:
  • Control Unit (CU) – Directs the flow of data and manages instructions.
  • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) – Performs mathematical and logical operations.
  • Registers – Small storage areas inside the CPU for quick data access.
• Example: Intel Core i7, AMD Ryzen 9

2. MEMORY (STORAGE & MEMORY COMPONENTS)

• Read-Only Memory (ROM)

• Non-volatile memory that contains the startup (boot) instructions for the computer.
• Data in ROM is permanent and cannot be changed by the user.
• Example: BIOS (Basic Input Output System)

• Random Access Memory (RAM)

• Temporary, volatile memory that stores data and programs currently in use.
• More RAM improves system performance.
• Example: DDR4 16GB RAM

• Storage Devices (Permanent Memory)

  • Hard Disk Drive (HDD) – Traditional magnetic storage for operating systems, software, and files.
  • Solid State Drive (SSD) – Faster storage using flash memory, commonly used in modern laptops.
  • Flash Drives (USB, SD Cards) – Portable storage devices.

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EXTERNAL COMPONENTS

1. INPUT DEVICES (Used to enter data into a computer)

• Keyboard – Used for typing commands and text. (Example: Mechanical Keyboard) 
  
  
  
• Mouse – Controls the pointer on the screen. (Example: Optical Mouse) 
• Touchpad – Built-in pointing device on laptops. 
  
  
  
  
  
• Scanner – Converts physical documents into digital format. 
  
  
  
• Microphone – Captures audio input. (Example: USB Microphone) 
  
  
  
• Webcam – Captures live video input. 
  
  
  
• Game Controllers (Joystick, Gamepad) – Used for gaming. 
  
  
  

2. OUTPUT DEVICES (Displays or produces results from the computer)

• Monitor (Screen/Display Unit)
• Displays visual output.
• Examples: LCD, LED, OLED screens

• Printer – Converts digital documents into hard copies.
• Examples: Laser Printer, Inkjet Printer

• Speakers – Output sound/audio from the computer.

• Projector – Displays images and videos on a larger screen.

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COMPARISON OF INTERNAL VS EXTERNAL COMPONENTS

Component Type	Function	Examples
Internal Components	Found inside the system unit and directly affect performance	CPU, RAM, ROM, Hard Drive
External Components	Connected to the computer for input, output, or storage	Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Printer

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ROLES OF HARDWARE COMPONENTS IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM

1. CPU – Processes instructions and executes commands.
2. RAM – Temporarily holds active programs and data.
3. ROM – Stores essential startup information (firmware).
4. Input Devices – Allow users to interact with the system by entering data.
5. Output Devices – Provide visual, audio, or printed results from the computer.
6. Storage Devices – Permanently save files, applications, and system data.

A well-balanced combination of internal and external components ensures smooth functionality and efficient performance of a computer system.

Internal Hardware Components

1. What is the function of the motherboard in a computer system?
2. Explain the difference between RAM and ROM.
3. Describe the role of the CPU in a computer system.
4. What is the purpose of the power supply unit (PSU) in a computer?
5. Explain the function of the cooling system (fans or liquid cooling) in a computer.
6. What is the role of cache memory in a CPU?
7. How do internal hardware differ from external hardware?

Internal Components

1. What is the primary role of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) in a computer system?
2. How does the Control Unit (CU) contribute to the functionality of the CPU?
3. What is the purpose of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in the CPU, and what types of operations does it perform?
4. What are registers in the CPU, and why are they important for data access?
5. Provide examples of processors used in modern computers and explain their role in system performance.
6. What is the difference between Read-Only Memory (ROM) and Random Access Memory (RAM) in terms of function and volatility?
7. Why is ROM considered non-volatile, and how does it affect the booting process of a computer?
8. What type of data is stored in ROM, and why can it not be changed by the user?
9. How does RAM impact system performance, and what happens when the system runs out of available RAM?
10. Explain the difference between a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and a Solid State Drive (SSD) in terms of speed and storage technology.
11. What are flash drives, and how are they different from other storage devices in terms of portability and use?

External Components

12. What is the function of input devices in a computer system, and can you provide examples?
13. How does a keyboard allow users to interact with a computer, and what are some types of keyboards available today?
14. Explain the function of a mouse and how it differs from a touchpad in terms of usage.
15. How does a scanner convert physical documents into digital format, and why is this useful?
16. What role does a microphone play in a computer system, and give an example of one commonly used?
17. What is the purpose of a webcam, and how is it used in communication or recording video?
18. How do game controllers such as joysticks and gamepads enhance the gaming experience on computers?
19. What is the purpose of output devices in a computer, and what are some common examples?
20. How does a monitor display visual output from a computer, and what are the differences between types of screens like LCD, LED, and OLED?
21. How does a printer convert digital documents into physical copies, and what are the differences between a laser printer and an inkjet printer?
22. What function do speakers serve in a computer system, and how do they enhance user experience?
23. How does a projector differ from a monitor in terms of its use in displaying computer content?

Comparison of Internal vs External Components

24. What are the key differences between internal and external components of a computer system?
25. How do internal components like the CPU, RAM, and ROM affect the performance of a computer?
26. What is the role of external components such as input devices, output devices, and storage in the overall functionality of a computer?

Roles of Hardware Components in a Computer System

27. What is the role of the CPU in processing instructions and executing commands within a computer system?
28. How does RAM contribute to the operation of a computer by holding active programs and data?
29. What is the purpose of ROM in a computer system, and why is it essential for startup processes?
30. How do input devices allow users to interact with the computer system, and what are the common types of input devices?
31. What is the function of output devices, and how do they present results from the computer?
32. How do storage devices ensure the permanent storage of files and system data in a computer?