Hardware, in the computer world, refers to the physical components that make up a computer system. In information technology, the hardware is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunications, and other devices. The term arose as a way to distinguish the “box” and the electronic circuitry and components of a computer from the program you put in it to make it do things. The program came to be known as the software.
Following hardware and hardware tools are required to run a business:
List of Computer Hardware: Here are some common individual computer hardware components that you’ll often find inside a modem computer. In a desktop computer, these parts are found inside the case.
- Motherboard,
- Central Processing Unit (CPU),
- Random Access Memory (RAM),
- Power Supply,
- Video Card,
- Hard Drive (HDD),
- Solid-State Drive (SSD),
- Optical Drive (e.g. BD/DVD/CD drive),
- Card Reader (SD/SDHC, CF, etc.)
Here is some common hardware that you might find connected to the outside of a computer.
Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Battery Backup (UPS), Printer, Speakers etc.
Here is some less common computer hardware, either because these pieces are now usually integrated into other devices or because they’ve been replaced with newer technology:
- Sound Card
- Interface Card (NIC)
- ExpatiSion Card (Firewire, USB, Thunderbolt, etc.)
- Hard Drive Controller Card
- Analog Modem
- Scanner
- Floppy Disk Drive
- Joystick
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Tape Drive
- Zip Drive etc.
The following hardware is referred to as network hardware and various pieces are often part of a home or business network:
- Digital Modem (e.g. Cable Modem, DSL Modem, etc.)
- Router
- Network Switch
- Access Point
- Repeater
- Bridge
- Print Server
- Firewall.
Network hardware isn’t as clearly defined as some other types of computer hardware. For example, many home routers will often act as a combination router, switch, and firewall. In addition to all the items listed above, there’s more computer hardware that we like to call auxiliary hardware, of which a computer might have none, or several, of some kinds;
Fan (CPU, GPU, Case, etc.), Heat Sink, Data Cable, Power Cable, CMOS Battery, Daughterboard etc.
