What Is The Different Between Basic Computer Element And Hardware?

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asked 6 months ago

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Hi,

There are 4 basic computer elements are
1)  ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) - This is the mathematical functions in the computer. Generally, a computer is just a processor for calculation with multiple conditions set by the programers. The main power is the speed it offers as compare to human. In term of intelligience, it all depends of the programmers (human).

2)  CPU (Central Processing Unit) -  This the heart of the whole computer. This the vital part that determine how powerful the that computer is. It was generally an 8-bits CPU to 16-Bits in the 70s and 80s. 32-bits became common in the 90s and by the begining of this century, 64-bits is a norm in most computer. 128-bits was found in some computers too, even game machines.

3)  Memory - This is another vital part of the computer as the the processing works depends on this to store (whether is tempoary or permanent).  During the calculation phase in the ALU, alot od data are read and store in the RAM. If the RAM is not enough, thatt complex calculation will not be possible even the ALU can.

4)  Input/Output Devices - These are basically divided into two groups, namely the Input and Output. Input devices are keyboard, mouse, digitizers, webcam, etc. Anything that feed the computer with infomation/data is known as input. Output devices are printer, monitor, display units, etc. This part provide information/data from the computer.

The above are the basic blocks of a computer. As for computer hardware, it means the components used in the computer. There are a long list on this and I would name a few for easy understanding.

1)  Motherboard - This is the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) where most of the electronics components are placed on.  The CPU, the memory chips, the communications between different electronics components, etc

2)  Harddisk - A permanent storage devices. It consists of magnet disc with a "head" (transducer) to read and write data. It comes with different capacity from as low as 60GB to 1.5TB commonly found in the domestic market.

3)  Monitor - It can be a CRT type display unit or a LCD display unit. The main function is to display the data and infomation to the users.

4)  Keyboard - a common hardware used to key in information and data into the computer.

Of course the Hardware is a long list apart from the above.  Hardware means the physical items used or found in a computer.

Therefore "element" and "hardware" means a different things, hope that the above could effectively explain the difference of these two.

Roy