How do we define computer hardware?
'What is computer hardware' is quite a common question, even today there are a lot of people whom do not know the definition of computer hardware.
Don't worry, you will be able to define computer hardware like a pro by the time you get to the bottom of this page.
Believe it or not, there are there still loads of people from all walks of life whom don't know the definition of computer hardware. Hard to believe in this day and age of virtually a PC in every home and office.
The main reason being they've never had to, or needed to know about computer hardware terminology before. It's nothing to be ashamed of, you were one of these people at one point. But you chose to find out and now you're informed and knowledgeable.
So, for those whom now want to, or need to, know how to define what is computer hardware. Maybe for your personal awareness, or a change of job. The reason is not important but the fact you want to is good as knowledge is never wasted.
Read on as we will now find out exactly what is computer hardware, how to define computer hardware, within this computer hardware definitions page. Even if you think you know nothing about it, you'll know more soon.
- BTW -
Some computer hardware definitions sometimes will also refer to FIRMWARE seemingly in place of hardware. Firmware refers to a computer program that's uploaded into (embedded) a hardware device. Like all programs, it can be updated and supplied on flash ROMs or as a image file (binary not picture) for uploading into existing hardware.
Firmware is not hardware and not software but classed somewhere in the middle between hardware and software. Akin to software, it's a computer program that's executed by a microprocessor or micro controller. But it's very closely linked its relevant hardware device, the program has no purpose outside of it.
Think of FIRMWARE as a dedicated program for a single item of hardware that can be updated. Without it the hardware is useless.
- BTW -
To define computer hardware we will use a simple comparison to get your thinking going in the right direction.
A book does provide a very useful analogy to define not only what is computer hardware, but also computer software too. You should be thinking of the cover, the pages and the ink as the hardware.
At the same time the words, sentences, paragraphs, and the storyline, ie the information held within the book would represent the software.
A computer without software is very much like having a book full of blank pages, you need the software to make the computer useful. Just the same as you need the words and story to make a book meaningful.
A big step in the definition of what is computer hardware, is actually in the name hardware. Hardware refers to any part of the computer which is manufactured. It can refer to individual components or a group of components.
Hardware refers to any and all parts on, connected to, or about the computer that you can actually physically touch. Parts like the computer case, the mouse, the monitor (display screen), the keyboard and speakers are all a good definition of computer hardware.
The list is not only limited to these, but also things like the printer and scanner. Which may have no physical wired connection to the computer itself. (Therefore being wireless and connected by a radio data link).
Hardware is any physical part of the computer, in contrast to software which is untouchable. Software exist as an electronic file or zero's and ones in memory. Which is a manifestation of ideas, concepts, operational methodology and logic, it has no substance.
But the disk or flash drive it is recorded on is hardware,
you can hold it in your hand. (And you have to plug it in!)
Software is important but not always essential for some hardware to operate. Hardware which is in need of, but without any operational software, will be about as much use as a door stop.
Having said that, some hardware does not rely on having software to operate though, it is then usual to define computer hardware like this as electronic hardware.
As this name would suggest, this hardware would operate by electronics alone, it may well need some software to interpret its output. To allow the computer to make use of the information it's giving out that is.
Lets elaborate a bit to make that clearer.
An example of electronic hardware, a mouse!
You plug it in and it works, the computer won't be affected by the mouse until it has a piece of software installed to tell the computer where to look for what the mouse is saying.
The piece of software is to allow the computer to use the mouse output and not the other way round. The piece of software is called a driver, but it is not necessary for the mouse to operate.
The mouse will operate as soon as it's plugged in and gets power. Its the computer that need the driver to hear instructions from the mouse and then translate these into movements of the cursor on the screen.
As a general rule of thumb for what is computer hardware, if you have to physically plug it in, it's hardware. If you have to install it, it's software.
A lot of hardware has some related software, sometimes this inbuilt software has to be changed to make the hardware work better, this is called an update or upgrade.
When looking at what is computer hardware, it's important to realize the hardware is the dumb bit. Plug in hardware and it will generally do what it's being told to do.
Even if that means it is doing nothing!
It's when you install the related software it comes to life as this then allows the computer to know what the hardware is doing. It also allows the computer to instruct the hardware to do much more than it could before by just being powered up.
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