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Computer Hardware



Computer Hardware

A computer is like a human brain. It receives data and instructions form an user stores them into primary or secoundry storageand processes the data according to the instructions given to it. It receives data from input devices, stores them in memory and displays them through an output device. The physical devices that make up a computer are referred to as hardware.

Computer hardware can be broadly' classified into two categry:
1. Centran Processing Unit (CPU)
2. Peripheral Devices


1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

CPU is the brain of a computer. It has an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) to perform arithmetical and logical operations. It has a control unit to co-ordinate the. aclivities of the CPU and main memory for primary storage.

2. Peripheral Devices

The input/output and storage devices surround the central processing unit (CPU). Hence, they are called the peripheral devices. They are usually the electromechanical devices connected to the CPU that exchange data and programs with the CPU. The users interact with the CPU through these devices. Thus, they act as interface between users and the CPU. The interaction is difficult because of the language barrier. The CPU uses machine language, which is difficult for most users. The input- output (1/0) devices help in taking the translated version of the input to the machine's memory and similarly, to render the processed symbols into the language of the user.
These peripherals can be further divided into input devices, output devices and secondary storage devices.

Computer Hardware- Software System