Personal computer hardware [Part 3]

Video card

It is also called graphics card and it function is processing the graphics output from the motherboard and send it to the display.

Keyboard

A keyboard is an arrangement of buttons that corresponds to a number, function or letter. It is the main input for typing text but it is also used for playing videogames on the computer.

Mouse

It is a small slideable devide which is used to click and drag items on the computer's display.

Personal computer hardware [Part 2]

Main memory

It is a fast storage that is directly accesible by the processor. The main memory is used to store the currently executing program and instantly needed data.

Hard disk

They storage data and programs even when there is no power but they require power to perform write and read usage.

Visual display unit

Also called computer monitor or just display, the visual display unit is a piece of electrical equipment which displays images from the computer.

Personal computer hardware [Part 1]

Computer hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer and related parts.

Computer case

It is the enclosure that contains the main parts of the computer. They are usually made of steel or alluminum.

Power supply unit

It converts main AC to low-voltage regulated DC power for the internal components of a computer.

Processor

Also called CPU, the processor is the part of the computer which executes software program instructions.

Motherboard

It is the main circuit board where major system components plug in directly onto or cable.

Types of portable computers

Laptop

A laptop is a very small computer whose components are built in a single unit. Its main feature is its portability because of its small size and its battery life.

Netbook

They are even smaller than laptop computers. Netbooks are very cheap because they use low cost hardware. They are suited for general computing and web based applications.

Tablet PC

It is very compact and small and it uses a touchscreen so it doesn't require any keyboard or mouse. Tablet PCs have been given operative systems that are used on mobile phones but adapted to them (like Android and iOS).

Types of stationary computers

Workstation

It is a personal computer designed for mathematics, science, finances... Only one person can be using it at the same time but the are often connected to local networks and they usually run multi user O.S.

Desktop computer

They normally have a regular use and as they usually don't fit on a desk, they are usually put under it. Casual users are the ones who use them the most.

Gaming computer

They are the same as desktop computers but they have better hardware such as a better processor, memory and video card. Gaming computers are used to play videogames but they are also used for video rendering, graphic design... because of their high specifications.

Single unit

Those computers are also known as all-in-one computers because they combine the monitor and the case of the computer in a single unit. Sometimes, the monitor uses a touchscreen as a method of user input but they are always optional.