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 WHAT IS HARDWARE?

Webster's dictionary gives us the following definition of the hardware - the device composing a computer system.

Computer hardware can be divided into four categories:

1) input hardware

2) processing hardware

3) storage hardware

4) output hardware.

Input hardware

Input hardware collects data and converts them into a form suitable for computer processing. The most common input device is a keyboard. It looks very much like a typewriter. The mouse is a hand-held device connected to the computer by a small cable. As the mouse is rolled across the desktop, the cursor moves across the screen. When the cursor reaches the desired location, the user usually pushes a button on the mouse once or twice to give a command to the computer.

Another type of input hardware is optic-electronic scanner. Microphone and video camera can be also used to input data into the computer.

Processing hardware

Processing hardware direct the execution of software instructions in the computer. The most common components of processing hardware are the central processing unit and main memory.

The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer. It reads and interprets software instructions and coordinates the processing.

Storage hardware

The purpose of storage hardware is to store computer instructions and data and retrieve when needed for processing. Storage hardware stores data as electromagnetic signals. The most common ways of storing data are Hard disc, floppy disc and CD-ROM.

Hard disk is a rigid disk coated with magnetic material, for storing programs and relatively large amounts of data.

Floppy disk (diskette) - a thin, usually flexible plastic disk coated with magnetic material, for storing temporary computer data and programs. There are two formats for floppy disks: 5.25' and 3.5'.

3.5' disks are formatted 1.4 megabytes and widely used.

CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory) is a compact disc on which a large amount of digitized data can be stored. CD-ROMs are very popular now because of the growing speed which CD-ROM drives can provide nowadays.

The purpose of output hardware is to provide the user with the means to view information produced by the computer system. Information is in either hardcopy or softcopy from. Hardcopy output can be held in your hard, such as paper with text (word or numbers) or graphics printed on it. Softcopy is displayed on a monitor.

Monitor is a display screen for viewing computer data, television programs, etc. Printer is a computer output device that produces a paper copy of data or graphics.

Modem is an example of communication hardware - an electric device that makes possible the transmission of data to or from computer via telephone or other communication lines.

Hardware comes in many configurations, depending on what you are going to do on your computer.

General understanding (Общее понимание текста):

1. What is the Webster's dictionary definition of the hardware? – Webster's dictionary gives us the following definition of the hardware - the device composing a computer system.

2. What groups of hardware exist? – Computer hardware can be divided into four groups: input hardware, processing hardware, storage hardware and output hardware.

3. What is input hardware? What are the examples of input hardware? Input hardware collects data and converts them into a form suitable for computer processing. The most common input devices are a keyboard, a mouse and a scanner.

4. What is the mouse designed for? – The mouse gives commands to the computer.

5. What is processing hardware? What are the basic types of memory used in a PC? – Processing hardware direct the execution of software instructions in the computer. The basic types of memory used in a PC are RAM and ROM.

6. What is storage hardware? What is CD-ROM used for? Can a user record his or her data on a CD? What kind of storage hardware can contain more information: CD-ROM, RAM or ROM? – The purpose of storage hardware is to store computer instructions and data and retrieve when needed for processing. CD-ROM is a compact disc on which a large amount of digitized data can be stored. Yes, a user can record his or her data on a CD. RAM can contain more information.

7. What is modem used for? Can a PC user communicate with other people without a modem? – Modem is an example of communication hardware - an electric device that makes possible the transmission of data to or from computer via telephone or other communication lines. Yes, a PC user can communicate with other people without a modem.