Computer Hardware for Beginners

Hardware is the umbrella term for everything physical that makes your computer work. Software refers to the programs loaded onto your hard drive ? and your hard drive is a piece of hardware. Without each other, your computer would be lifeless. Hardware without software is pile of plastic and copper, and software without hardware is just a disc inside a cardboard box.?

Here are the main pieces of hardware required to make your computer run:

Hard Drive

The hard drive remembers everything, even when the computer is shut down. Your data is written onto a series of magnetic platters. When the computer is running, these platters spin and are read by a sensor. The faster these platters spin (measured in RPM or "revolutions per minute"), the quicker your computer will be. The larger the hard drive space (measured in gigs), the more data (files and programs) you can store.

Motherboard

The motherboard is the nervous system to which every other piece of hardware is attached. It is responsible for moving information between the hardware attached to it and the speeds at which it does this can vary between models. The type of motherboard you buy determines and restricts what kinds of other hardware and how many USB ports you can have. If you are going to use your computer for gaming or anything involving 3D rendering, you will want to invest in the most modern motherboard.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is the hub of computer that does the math and controls all of the other components. Everything you do with your software is run through the CPU, which performs millions of calculations and commands per second to control your computer. You may have heard the term "dual core processor", which refers to a CPU chip that is essentially two processors in one, and allows your computer to split the work between the two of them without overheating.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory is essentially a notepad where your computer jots down things it needs to remember. The information stored in RAM is disposed when it's no longer required, and never stored once the computer is shut down. It is accessed quicker than the hard drive and the more memory you have, the faster your computer will run. Most home users don't need more than 1gig of RAM, while high-performance programs can require up to 4gig's worth!

Video and Sound Cards

The video card is responsible for taking information and translating it so that your monitor will know how to display it. The soundcard does exactly the same thing for your speakers. The higher quality (and generally more expensive) these are, the better ? and faster ? they will translate the information, resulting in a better picture and a clearer sound.

Cooling System

All of these pieces must be cooled with a series of fans ? if your computer overheats, it will simply stop working. This is especially true of the CPU, which is the most likely component to overheat.? If you put your ear against your computer, you will hear your fans and hard drives spinning.