Computer Hardware

Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Computer Hardware shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Computer Hardware offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Computer Hardware at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Computer Hardware? Wrong! If the Computer Hardware is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Computer Hardware then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Computer Hardware? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Computer Hardware and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Computer Hardware wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Computer Hardware then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Computer Hardware site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Computer Hardware, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Computer Hardware, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

Computer hardware is the physical part of a computer, including the digital circuitry, as distinguished from the computer software that executes within the hardware. The hardware of a computer is infrequently changed, in comparison with software and data, which are "soft" in the sense that they are readily created, modified or erased on the computer. Firmware is a special type of software that rarely, if ever, needs to be changed and so is stored on hardware devices such as read-only memory (ROM) where it is not readily changed (and is, therefore, "firm" rather than just "soft").

Most computer hardware is not seen by normal users. It is in embedded systems in automobiles, microwave ovens, electrocardiograph machines, compact disc players, and other devices. Personal computers, the computer hardware familiar to most people, form only a small minority of computers (about 0.2% of all new computers produced in 2003). See Microprocessor#Market statistics.

Typical PC hardware A typical Personal computer consists of a Computer case or chassis in a tower shape (desktop) and the following parts:

Motherboard The motherboard is the "heart" of the computer, through which all other components interface.

Central processing unit (CPU) - Performs most of the calculations which enable a computer to function.

Computer fan - Used to lower the temperature of the computer; a fan is almost always attached to the CPU, and the computer case will generally have several fans to maintain a constant airflow.

Random Access Memory (RAM) - Fast-access memory that is cleared when the computer is powered-down. RAM attaches directly to the motherboard, and is used to store programs that are currently running.
Firmware is loaded from the Read only memory ROM run from the Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) or in newer systems Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) compliant
Internal Computer bus - Connections to various internal components.

Peripheral Component Interconnect
PCI Express
Universal Serial Bus
HyperTransport
Common System Interface (expected in 2008)
Accelerated Graphics Port (being phased out)
VESA Local Bus (outdated)
Industry Standard Architecture (outdated)
Extended Industry Standard Architecture (outdated)
Micro Channel Architecture (outdated)

External Bus Controllers - used to connect to external peripherals, such as printers and input devices. These ports may also be based upon expansion cards, attached to the internal buses.

parallel port
serial port
USB
firewire

Computer power supply A case that holds a transformer, voltage control, and (usually) a cooling fan, and supplies power to the rest of the computer.

Storage controllers Controllers for hard disk, CD-ROM and other drives like internal Zip and Jaz conventionally for a PC are Integrated Drive Electronics/ATA; the controllers sit directly on the motherboard (on-board) or on expansion cards, such as a Disk array controller. IDE is usually integrated, unlike SCSI which is found in most servers. The floppy drive interface is a legacy MFM interface which is now slowly disappearing. All these interfaces are gradually being phased out to be replaced by SATA and Serial Attached SCSI.

Graphics card Produces the output for the computer display. This will either be built into the motherboard or attached in its own separate slot (PCI, PCI-E or AGP), in the form of a Graphics Card.

Removable Computer storage writer

CD - the most common type of removable media, inexpensive but has a short life-span.

CD-ROM
CD recorder

DVD-ROM
DVD
DVD-RAM

Blu-ray Disc

BD-ROM
BD-RE

Floppy disk (outdated)
Zip drive (outdated)
USB flash drive - AKA a Pen Drive, a portable form of storage.
Tape drive - mainly for backup and long-term storage.

Internal storage Hardware that keeps data inside the computer for later use and remains persistent even when the computer has no power.

Hard disk - for medium-term storage of data.
Solid state drive - a device emulating a hard disk, but containing no moving parts.
Disk array controller - a device to manage several hard disks, to achieve performance or reliability improvement.

Sound card Enables the computer to output sound to audio devices, as well as accept input from a microphone. Most modern computers have sound cards built-in to the motherboard, though it is common for a user to install a separate sound card as an upgrade.

Computer networks Connects the computer to the Internet and/or other computers.

Modem - for dial-up connections
Network card - for DSL/Cable internet, and/or connecting to other computers.

Other peripherals In addition, hardware can include external components of a computer system. The following are either standard or very common.

Includes various Input device and Output device devices, usually external to the computer system

Input

Character (computing) input devices

Computer keyboard

Pointing devices

Computer and Video Games devices

Image, Video input devices

Image scanner
Webcam

Sound reproduction input devices

Microphone

Output

Image, Video output devices

Computer printer Peripheral device that produces a hard copy of a document.
Computer display Device that displays a video signal, similar to a television, to provide the user with information and an interface with which to interact.

Sound reproduction output devices

Computer speaker A device that converts analog audio signals into the equivalent air vibrations in order to make audible sound.
Headphones A device similar in functionality to computer speakers used mainly to not disturb others nearby.