eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

  • Bookmark and Share

Computer Hardware

    Computer Hardware Editor's Picks

    • Definition of Computer Hardware

      Computer hardware has advanced drastically since the early days when computers took up entire rooms and required teams of people to run. Modern computer systems fit in a small case and can draw power from a standard wall jack. It is important to learn about the components of your computer so that you can diagnose problems or replace... more »

    • How to Build a Home Supercomputer

      An in-home supercomputer is something not everyone has, and for someone that has an interest in computer hardware, building a computer system that is this powerful can be very rewarding. Having a supercomputer in the home can be useful as well. These systems have much more storage capacity and processing power than a normal computer,... more »

    • About Data Recovery Training Courses

      Though the hard drive just crashed, the data might not be lost. Even though the Window's explorer can't find the file, most files remain on a computer until written over with new files. There are data recovery experts who can recover data lost through a variety of mishaps. With a data recovery training course, you can become one of... more »

    • About Computer Programming Careers

      Computer programming is a rapidly changing career field. Careers in computer programming require knowledge of computer languages and programs, as well as continuous education and skill advancement. more »

    • Computer Careers Explained

      The demand for computer specialists continues to grow quickly in the present age of knowledge and high technology. There are scores of positions that people with an interest and expertise in computers can fill. These include networking, programming, technical writing, software design and engineering, computer graphics, website and... more »

    Computer Hardware Quick Guides

    • Sound and Video Cards

      Sound and video cards are essential to high-quality audio and video on your computer. Most...

    • Build a PC for Beginners

      If you can't find the pre-built PC that matches your desires, try building your own. Putting...

    • Adobe Acrobat Reader 101

      You may think that you have no reason to learn the ins and outs of Adobe's Acrobat...

    • About Computer Cables

      Wireless peripherals and computer accessories may be on the rise, but the majority of...

    Computer Hardware Articles

    Wikipedia

    Personal computer hardware

    A personal computer is made up of multiple physical components of computer hardware, upon which can be installed an operating system and a multitude of software to perform the operators desired functions.

    Typical PC hardware

    Though a PC comes in many different form farhans, a typical personal computer consists of a case or chassis in a tower shape (desktop) and the following parts:

    *Motherboard*
    The motherboard is the main component inside the case. It is a large rectangular board with integrated circuitry that connects the rest of the parts of the computer including the CPU, the RAM, the disk drives (CD, DVD, hard disk, or any others) as well as any peripherals connected via the ports or the expansion slots.

    Components directly attached to the motherboard include:
    * The central processing unit (CPU) performs most of the calculations which enable a computer to function, and is sometimes referred to as the "brain" of the computer. It is usually cooled by a heat sink and fan.
    * The chip set mediates communication between the CPU and the other components of the system, including main memory.
    * RAM Stores all running processes (applications) and the current running OS. RAM Stands for Random Access Memory
    * The BIOS includes boot firmware and power management. The Basic Input Output System tasks are handled by operating system drivers.
    * Internal Buses connect the CPU to various internal components and to expansion cards for graphics and sound.
    ** Current
    *** The north bridge memory controller, for RAM and PCI Express
    **** PCI Express, for expansion cards such as graphics and physics processors, and high-end network interfaces
    *** PCI, for other expansion cards
    *** SATA, for disk drives
    ** Obsolete
    *** ATA (superseded by SATA)
    *** AGP (superseded by PCI Express)
    *** VLB VESA Local Bus (superseded by AGP)
    *** ISA (expansion card slot format obsolete in PCs, but still used in industrial compu read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal+computer+hardware

    Related Ads

    Computer Hardware People & Community

    Connect with people who share your interest by joining one of our Groups:

    Topic Contributors
    Get Free Internet Newsletters

    Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

    Demand Media