Computer Hardware
Hardware Components of a Computer
In the realm of modern business, computers are essential to success. In this paper, I will describe the different hardware (or physical) components of a computer. According to our text “These components include input devices, output devices, communications devices, primary and secondary storage devices, and the central processing unit (CPU).” (Stair, Reynolds, 2003).
An input device is any device that transfers information from the outside world to the computer. These can include keyboards, mice, scanners, cameras, microphones and the like. An ATM is a good example of an input device. It’s the way in which we transfer information and instructions to the computer. Without them, a computer would be useless, as it would not receive any instructions from the outside world.
According to the text, “Computer systems provide output to decision makers at all levels of an organization to solve a business problem or capitalize on a competitive opportunity. In addition, output from one computer system can be used as input into another computer system within the same information system.” (Stair, Reynolds, 2003). The two most common output devices that we think of are, of course, monitors and printers, which allow the user immediate access to and use of the information. Other output devices may be music devices (such as an Ipod or other Mp3 player) or direct digital input into another computer system or electronic device.
Communications devices are essential as well to the modern computer, as communication, both within an organization and with the outside world is a major reason computers are so prevalent today. Modems; both dial-up and broadband are good examples. They enable the computer to communicate with other computers and with people outside their immediate environment.
Primary and secondary storage consists mainly of memory and permanent storage. Primary storage (or memory) comes in 2 basics forms: RAM (Random
In the realm of modern business, computers are essential to success. In this paper, I will describe the different hardware (or physical) components of a computer. According to our text “These components include input devices, output devices, communications devices, primary and secondary storage devices, and the central processing unit (CPU).” (Stair, Reynolds, 2003).
An input device is any device that transfers information from the outside world to the computer. These can include keyboards, mice, scanners, cameras, microphones and the like. An ATM is a good example of an input device. It’s the way in which we transfer information and instructions to the computer. Without them, a computer would be useless, as it would not receive any instructions from the outside world.
According to the text, “Computer systems provide output to decision makers at all levels of an organization to solve a business problem or capitalize on a competitive opportunity. In addition, output from one computer system can be used as input into another computer system within the same information system.” (Stair, Reynolds, 2003). The two most common output devices that we think of are, of course, monitors and printers, which allow the user immediate access to and use of the information. Other output devices may be music devices (such as an Ipod or other Mp3 player) or direct digital input into another computer system or electronic device.
Communications devices are essential as well to the modern computer, as communication, both within an organization and with the outside world is a major reason computers are so prevalent today. Modems; both dial-up and broadband are good examples. They enable the computer to communicate with other computers and with people outside their immediate environment.
Primary and secondary storage consists mainly of memory and permanent storage. Primary storage (or memory) comes in 2 basics forms: RAM (Random
References: Stair, R., Reynolds, G. (2003) Fundamentals of Information Systems (2e). Boston, MA: Course Technology, page 49 Stair, R., Reynolds, G. (2003) Fundamentals of Information Systems (2e). Boston, MA: Course Technology, page 61-62