What is computer hardware and what is its function?

If you are starting out in the world of informática, es importante que sepas What is computer hardware and what is its function?Computers are still present in our lives, today more than ever: we use them to study, work, have fun and perform countless other tasks. Their use and operation depends on the physical elements that compose them, elements known as hardware.

But what is computer hardware exactly? What tipos de hardware exist and what elements compose it? What are the principales funciones What does computer hardware do? Below you will find a complete guide with everything you need to know about hardware and its importance in the digital universe.

What is computer hardware?

En palabras simples, The hardware of a computer is all the physical elements that compose it and make its operation possibleThese elements can be electrical, electronic, mechanical and electromechanical components. Their main characteristic is that they are tangible (they can be seen and touched), and they are designed to work as a whole.

In the case of home computers, hardware includes items such as the monitor, keyboard and mouse, webcam, motherboard, storage unit or RAM. All of these components can be seen and touched, and they perform a specific job to make the computer work properly.

The main function of a computer's hardware is serve as a physical support and vehicle to run the installed software. Software is a concept closely related to hardware, and refers to all the virtual programs that run on the computer. Therefore, hardware enables the user to interact with the software and allows him to use it for many and diverse tasks.

Another thing to know about hardware is that it largely determines the speed and ability of a computer to perform tasks. That is, A computer's hardware sets the physical limits for harnessing the potential of the software.For example, hardware with specific features (graphics card, storage drive, and other components) is needed to run certain programs or operating systems. (Windows, macOS, Linux). This makes it sometimes necessary to upgrade PC hardware so that you can perform new tasks without any problems.

Types of hardware: Different classifications

It should be noted that the hardware design of a computer may vary depending on whether it is a desktop or a laptop. However, in both cases we can find the same elements: screen, keyboard, mouse, motherboard, storage unit, RAM, webcam, etc. Now, the entire set of hardware components can be classified according to:

• Su importancia: Basic or essential hardware, and complementary or dispensable hardware.
• Its location or arrangement: Internal hardware (inside the tower or CPU case) and external hardware (mouse, keyboard, display, speakers, etc.).
• Su función: Processing, storage, input and output hardware.

Classification of hardware according to its importance

The first classification of a computer's hardware can be made based on its importance. In this sense, we can differentiate two types of components: basic and complementary.

Hardware básico

Basic hardware is that which It is absolutely essential for the computer to function. correctly. Without these components, it would be impossible to perform even the most common tasks for the most basic computer. In fact, we could say that without one or more of these components, there would be no computer at all. These elements are:

• Processor (CPU): It is the brain of the computer, essential for executing any task.
• Motherboard: It is like the backbone that connects and communicates all the components.
• RAM: It is short-term memory, essential for running programs and temporarily storing data.
• Almacenamiento primario: Hard drive or SSD, a unit that stores data permanently.
• Fuente de alimentación: The one in charge of supplying energy to all the components.

Hardware complementario

On the other hand, there is complementary hardware, which is not essential for the computer to work. Rather, its purpose is to improve computer performance and functionality. Also ffacilitates user interaction with the team and allows you to do more tasks in a better way. Some examples are:

• Periféricos de entrada y salida: mouse, keyboard, webcam, monitor, printer, etc.
• Graphic card: Improves visual quality, especially for games and graphic design.
• Sound card: Improves sound quality.
• Unidad óptica: Reads and writes CDs and DVDs (increasingly less common).
• Fans and cooling systems: They are responsible for keeping the computer components at an adequate temperature.

According to your location

Visually speaking, we can classify a computer's hardware according to its location or layout. clearly visible components we can call them external, while those who are out of sight They are called internal. Let's look at some examples of both groups.

Hardware interno

The internal hardware includes basic and complementary elements, que pueden ser:

• Procesador.
• Placa base.
• Memoria RAM.
• Internal storage units.
• Graphics and sound card.
• Ventiladores.
• Fuente de alimentación.

Hardware externo

On the external hardware of a computer We find most of the complementary components, such as:

• Teclado y ratón
• Cámara web
• Scanner and printer
• Monitor
• Altavoces.
• Joystick
• External hard drives
• Pendrive

Classification of computer hardware according to its function

Finally, a third classification of computer hardware is established according to its function within the system. Each component performs a specific task in order to process, store or treat the information.

Hardware de procesamiento

Processing hardware includes all the components that are responsible for execute the instructions and calculations that the user specifies. These elements manage the use of memory and storage, and coordinate the operation of all other hardware components. These include the processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the motherboard.

Hardware de almacenamiento

Storage hardware works closely with processing hardware, and is responsible for storing data and information. Among other functions, stores files, runs programs, and enables the operating system to functionHard drives, solid state drives, and RAM are some examples of this type of hardware.

Input and output hardware

Finally, we have the input and output hardware, also known as I/O peripherals. These components They facilitate communication between the user and the computer, and allow the computer to communicate with other devicesInput hardware captures information from the outside and feeds it into the computer: keyboards, mouse, microphone, scanner, webcam. Output hardware takes the information processed by the computer and presents it to the user or sends it to other devices (monitor, printers, speakers, etc.).