Types of Hardware

A computer hardware devices are categorized as follows:

• Processor
• Memory
• Input and Output(I/O)devices
• Storage devices

PROCESSOR: The procedure that transforms raw data into useful information is called processing.The processor is also called the central processing unit(CPU).It manage all devices and performs the actual processing of data.

The CPU consists of one or more chips attached to the computers main circuit board(the motherboard).

MEMORY:              

• Memory also consists of chips attached to the motherboard.
• Memory holds data and program instructions as the CPU works with them.This memory is called Random Access Memory(RAM).
• The CPU can find any piece of data in RAM,when it needs it for processing.
• RAM is volatile,meaning it holds data only when the power is on.When the power is off, RAMs contents are lost.

Input and Output devices: 

• Input devices accept data and instructions from the user or from another computer system.The keyboard and mouse are examples of input devices.
• Output devices return processed data back to the user or to another computer system.The printer and monitor are examples.
• Communications devices(such as modems and network interface cards) perform both input ant output,allowing computers to share information.           

 Storage devices:

• Storage devices hold data not currently being used by the CPU.Data is commonly stored on a magnetic or optical disk.Each type uses a special medium for storing data on its surface.
• A disk drive is a device that reads data from and writes data to a disk.Most new computers feature a floppy disk drive,a hard disk drive and an optical disk drive.
• The most common optical storage devices are CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives.