Hardware

Hardware is the foundation and outside walls of any computer, with software being the internal walls, furnishings and decoration. Hardware determines the scale and basic structure of the machine, while the software makes the system function.

The hardware of any computer can be purchased and installed specifically to optimise the system for a particular purpose. A writer may want a lightweight screen with low glare that will take up very little space on the desk in the corner of the living room, while a shop may need a large screen, visible from any angle on which to display their goods or advertisements to customers browsing in the store. A regular gamer will require a high quality graphics card with a fast processor and large range of colours to ensure the best gaming experience. A computer used for a small business will need a high capacity hard drive to store information, as well as a large amount of Random Access Memory to enable the machine to efficiently perform many tasks concurrently.

Hardware includes the keyboard and pointing device that enables the user to interact with and use the machine. For the regular computer user it is essential to have a keyboard that is comfortable to use and will not cause discomfort to the hands and wrists when used for a prolonged period. Keyboards are also available for different countries with varying configurations of letters and extra symbols specific to the country’s language. The most common pointing device is a mouse. This is an important piece of hardware as it enables the user to access virtually all of the PC’s functions. A mouse must be comfortable and instinctive to use, as well as fast and accurate when moving around the display.