Hardware overview

1. Fundamentals of Hardware

• What is hardware?
  The physical components of a computer system—everything you can touch.
• Categories:
  • Input devices (keyboard, mouse, microphone)
  • Output devices (monitor, printer, speakers)
  • Storage devices (hard drive, SSD, USB stick)
  • Processing components (CPU, GPU, RAM)
  • Networking hardware (routers, switches, network cards)

2. Core Components

• CPU (Central Processing Unit): The “brain” that executes instructions.
• RAM (Random Access Memory): Short-term memory for active tasks.
• Storage (HDD/SSD): Long-term memory for files and programs.
• Motherboard: The central board that connects all components.
• Power Supply (PSU): Converts electricity into usable energy for components.
• GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Specialized processor for graphics and parallel tasks.

3. Peripheral Devices

• Input: Keyboard, mouse, scanner, camera.
• Output: Monitor, projector, printer.
• Hybrid: Touchscreens (both input and output).

4. Networking Hardware

• Router: Directs traffic between networks.
• Switch: Connects devices within a local network.
• Network Card (NIC): Enables a computer to connect to a network.

5. Practical Skills

• Identifying components: Learn to recognize the parts inside a PC.
• Basic assembly: How to safely install RAM, storage, or a GPU.
• Troubleshooting:
  • No power → check power supply and cables.
  • No display → check GPU/monitor connection.
  • Slow performance → check RAM/storage.

6. Hands-on Exercises

• Disassemble and reassemble a desktop PC (or watch a teardown video).
• Compare HDD vs SSD speed with a simple file transfer test.
• Map your own device: list CPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals.

7. Closing Thought

Hardware is the canvas—software is the paint.
Understanding hardware means knowing
both the limits and the possibilities of the system.