Examples of Computer Hardware – Understanding Computer Components

January 24th, 2010

By Wendy Pan Platinum Quality Author

It is easy to get confused when you are researching computers. Many newcomers get frustrated and it seems like the salesman at the local big box electronic store is speaking a foreign language. Many terms and words apply to the computer industry that does not apply to any other aspect of living. What is software? What is hardware? What is the CPU? ROM? RAM? Let’s take a moment to look at some examples of computer hardware.

Computer hardware is just that, the “hard” surfaces you can touch. Hardware is what the computer is made of. Software is the programs running on the hardware that tell your computer what to do when you use the computer to balance your checkbook, look at email or surf the internet. Examples of computer hardware include:

• The Monitor – what you view the results on, like a television.
• The CPU – central processing unit is where all the complicated math and computing happen.
• CD or DVD ROM – This is the drive that “reads” cd’s or dvd’s. ROM’s are NOT burners the “read only.”
• CD or DVD RW – This is the drives that “burn” or “make” cd’s and dvd’s. Typically they can read and write to a cd or dvd.
• Memory – This is just as it reads; the more memory your computer has, the better it will function.
• Printer – This allows you to print documents (your resume,) pictures, and many times printers have more than one function. Many printers can double up as scanners, fax machines and copiers.
• Wireless or Hardwired Routers – These are the devices that allow you to connect to other computers in your “network.” They can work singly or in conjunction with “modems” which are the devices that allow you to connect to the internet.

Although the list above is quite extensive, it does not include all the examples of computer hardware you might run into. Lot’s of devices are considered hardware (remember, you can touch hardware.) The list of devices not mentioned include cd’s and dvd’s, flash drives, floppy drives and disks, the mouse and keyboard, and the hard drives that store the operating systems and software on.

Computers have different configurations of hardware. Some offer more memory, storage, or optional drives. The type of computer you purchase will depend on what you do with it. There are different configurations available for virtually every application and desire. Whether you are going to play games, just email and surf the net, or plot the distances between the planets and stars, there is a computer set up and ready for you to purchase. Each will be configured a little differently based upon what demands your applications will place upon the hardware.

Hopefully you now have a better understanding of the different examples of computer hardware and can make an informed decision when making your next computer purchase.

Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

To learn more about examples of computer hardware [http://electronicshardwareblog.info/examples-of-computer-hardware-understanding-computer-components], please visit Electronics Hardware Blog [http://electronicshardwareblog.info] for current articles and discussions.

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Computer Hardware Comparisons

January 24th, 2010

By Candis Reade Platinum Quality Author

Hardware is the electronic, electrical, and magnetic components that carry out the functions of computer. Motherboard, processor, hard disk, random access memory (RAM), network cards, video card, sound card, and internal modem are examples of such components. It also includes peripheral devices such as mouse, keyboard, monitor, modem, printer, and scanner. Hardware components with specified capacity are essential for the effective functioning of running software applications. There are several companies, most of which are leading electronics brands in the world, involved in the production of various components. To help users to select the kind of product they need, computer hardware comparisons are provided in computer magazines and technological websites.

The most important computer hardware component is microprocessor. It is an IC designed and produced specifically for doing various computing functions. There has been an intense competition in the field of the microprocessor field. The two main players in this field are Intel and AMD. There were other companies like Cyrix and a number of Chinese manufacturing companies. The competition so far has been good for the customers for getting good quality products. The two companies are engaging in an exciting competition for outdoing each other. When AMD makes a processor with a special feature, Intel will soon come with a processor with some other feature that is more attractive than the AMDs feature and vice versa. The cycle continues and the quality and speed of the processor increase.

Another major component among computer hardware is motherboard. Basically, it is a custom designed electrical and electronic circuit. It is on this board that the other internal components are slotted in. It has specific slots for specific components such as processor, hard disk, RAM, network card, graphics and video card, sound card, and internal modem. Intel also manufactures its own motherboards. It is said that for Intel processors, Intel motherboards work best. Another major company in the field is Mercury.

Another field where a number of computer hardware comparison reviews are available is in the field of computer memory. Broadly speaking, computer has two kinds of memory: magnetically controlled permanent memory and electrically controlled temporary memory. Hard disk is the permanent memory. The major brands of computer hard disk are LG and Seagate. RAM is the non-permanent memory, which is used for the functional memory while running the computer.

Computer hardware comparisons of various peripherals are also available on magazines. In the field of computer monitors, LG, Acer, and Phillips are the major companies. Most of these companies have mouse and keyboards too. Microsoft and Logitech are the other major manufacturers of mouse and keyboard. In the segment of printers, HP, Epson, and Canon are the major players. Samsung, LG, and Creative are the major companies that manufacture CD and DVD drives and writers.

Candis Reade is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about Computer Hardware Comparisons [http://electronicshardwareonline.info/computer-hardware-comparisons], please visit Electronics Hardware [http://electronicshardwareonline.info] for current articles and discussions.

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Sure-Fire Tips on Earning With Wholesale Computer Hardware

January 24th, 2010

By Manuel Domingo Platinum Quality Author

Buying and selling computer parts can be very rewarding especially if you have the knowledge and resources. Whether setting up an offline business or selling online through sites such as eBay, buying wholesale computer hardware will not only you save a lot of money, but you’ll also have huge profits.
Let’s look at some facts on the computer industry:

1. From time to time, computers need to have updated hardware specifications, as computer parts can easily get outdated.

2. New hardware releases have outrageously high prices.

3. Some computer hardware brands cost higher than others, even with the same specs.

Based on the facts mentioned above, you can tell that buying wholesale computer hardware is just one method of thriving in the computer hardware selling venture. You’ll also need to do a bit of research on various parts that are popular to the consumers, like graphics cards, processors, memory, and motherboards. As mentioned above, remember that computer parts are easily outdated, yet buying new releases are impractical due to the cost. So basically, the smartest thing to do is to opt for relatively new parts, then research for alternate models with lower prices but with the same specs, and finally get a reliable wholesale computer hardware supplier.

If you have a knack or technical know-how in computer hardware, then this venture will be easier for you to get used to. While experience or interest in handling computers is a good asset, even those who want to try out this computer business venture can do so, provided that they are aware of the trends in the computer hardware industry. Given that more and more people are getting technologically active, the demand for computer hardware is growing bigger and bigger. So take action now and get involved with one of the most prolific business ventures of today, and beyond.

When it comes to wholesale directories, Salehoo simply cannot be beat. They give you access to over five thousand pre-screened wholesale suppliers with decent profit margins!

You can purchase Salehoo on sale now.

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5 Desktop Computer Hardware Myths Exposed

January 24th, 2010

By Peter Stewart Platinum Quality Author

The big boys in the computer industry want you to continue thinking the way you are. The major desktop computer manufacturers thrive on consumers lack of knowledge and old ideas about desktop computers and computer hardware to drive sales of new desktop computers.

It works in their favor to keep these myths alive, because their business depends on it. So what are they?

Myth 1: You need top of the line computer hardware

Maybe some years ago this might have been true with older computer hardware, but times have changed. When computers were much slower than they are now, the latest version of any computer hardware increased speeds noticeably and allowed new possibilities from your desktop computer.

Those increases from computer hardware no longer yield such a huge increase in performance. With the basic uses of the desktop computer set and been in place for a while now, speed increases no longer result in real world benefits for most desktop computer users.

What was great computer hardware last year is still good enough now.

Myth 2: Computer hardware is the domain of Geeks

When personal computing was coming into its own, you really did need to be a Geek to know what was happening. For those old enough to remember, imagine life without Windows and hacking away at the command line, as used to be the case. Some still do, but I wouldn’t want to do that again.

Desktop computers are such commonplace that the basics of computer hardware can be understood and researched with the minimum of hassle. The ball is on the consumers side of the court. You no longer need to be a geek, just a little knowledge that is now readily available.

Myth 3: A faster desktop computer will speed up the Internet

Possibly. If you are running 5-year-old computer hardware this might be the case. But the real reason for the increase in speed is usually not the computer.

Internet speed is related to your connection speed. If you have a dial up connection, it’s going to be quite slow. When you upgrade your desktop computer and they throw in a cable internet, or DSL package the improved speed is from the faster connection, not the computer. Both cable and DSL can offer more than 10 times the speed of a dial-up connection. The computer has little to do with it.

Myth 4: To speed your computer up, upgrade!

New computer hardware is a very obvious way to speed things up. Even I have gone for new parts purely for this reason.

But it’s definitely not the only way.

Various factors play into overall speed. On a purely physical level, upgrading memory is still a fantastic way to get things to move along a little faster. But apart from this the main things that slows things down on the programs and other stuff you have on the computer.

Over time, as more programs are put on and taken off and changed, things get left behind, and things get forgotten. When your computer starts, many things get loaded into memory and each one of those takes that little bit more of the computers resources. When you switch to a new program and don’t remove the old one, the older one will still use resources.

Myth 5: Big brands are the best

Big brands essentially piece together a computer. They pick and choose the pieces to make a computer package. They also choose some software, give a warranty and then sell it to you.

Dell computer company has become well known for its customer service. This is the best part about Dell computers. The downside is there are limited choices. They pick what goes into the computer, which are often quite expensive parts. They are motivated by the suppliers to put more recent parts into their computers, keeping the prices at the same level and maintaining the “to get more, pay more,” mentality.

You don’t have the power of these big guys, but you have something more. Choice.

Your pick of parts for your desktop computer will allow you to put together something completely tailored to your needs. Put the money where you need it most, into the computer hardware that makes the biggest difference to you, and in the end getting a desktop computer you will fall in love with, rather than despise.

Get the most honest and useful reviews to make the right choice at our Desktop Computer Hardware Reviews site or get practical computer buying tips at our Computer Buying Guide site

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Computer Hardware Course – The Advantages of Taking It

January 24th, 2010

By Louis Zhang Platinum Quality Author

Computer hardware courses are an excellent way to learn how to manage the inevitable computer failures that you will encounter as you find yourself depending on your computer more and more everyday. While you do have the option of taking your computer to the service center it can cost you a lot of time and money. Your computer hardware course is invaluable for helping you understand the hardware requirements for your computer that will be enable you to jump to the rescue instead of trudging along to the repair shop.

It does not take an engineer or a technician to be successful in learning about computer hardware. If you are interested in engineering or technician positions however, a background in computer hardware can make you a far more valuable person in your field and can enhance your employability tremendously.

To troubleshoot your computer you can do very well with a simple computer hardware course. You can become your own specialist and forgo spending the money on an IT specialist.

The time invested in a computer hardware study program will pay off quickly when things go wrong. But, this is not the only reason taking a computer hardware course would be a good plan.

Not only will you be able to fix your computer, but you will have the knowledge to build a computer from scratch. The cost of computer parts is often far less expensive than buying a pre-made package. You will also be able to customize your computer so that it is perfectly designed for your needs.

By avoiding the cost of labor from the computer store you will have a far less expensive computer that is perfect for you. You will also no longer need to worry about taking your computer in for repairs as you will know just how to fix what goes wrong.

Computer knowledge is in high demand no matter what career you are involved in. With the information you learn in a computer hardware course you will be able to take on an IT position. Such positions are in high demand as a limited number of people have the knowledge to take on an IT role.

The time needed to take a computer hardware course is well worth the investment. Learning about software and programming can only make you even better with your computer goals. If you are limited in time, not to worry. Many courses are available online or on CD for you to do at home.

Take some time to discover exactly what will be covered in your course. The computer technology field is huge, so you will need to focus. You will never be able to learn everything about computer hardware in a single course. It takes a lifetime of study to learn, and with technology constantly changing you will need to continually work on keeping your knowledge up to date. A computer hardware course will bring you a chance to get ahead of the game and keep up with your own computer.

Louis Zhang, computerhardwarecourseit dot com

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