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1 Computer—Hardware
Components
Chapter Profile
Hardware
New Trends in Hardware
A computer system is made of two types of components: hardware and software. Both of these
components are equally important for the functioning of a computer system. Without software,
the hardware is useless and vice-versa.
Software is a set of instructions that makes a computer perform a task. Software is another
term for a computer program. Software can be classified into two broad categories: system
software and application software. We have already learnt about different types of software in
the previous classes. In this chapter, we will learn more about hardware.
HARDWARE
All physical components of a computer system are called hardware. These are parts that we can
see or touch. Hardware components are classified into two types: internal and external. Let us
learn about these in detail.
Internal Hardware Components
All hardware components located inside the CPU box/Cabinet are known as internal hardware
components. Examples are CPU, Motherboard, Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS), Disk
Drives, Modem, Ports, etc. Let us learn about some of them in detail.
CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is a processor and sometimes
called a microprocessor. It is the computer’s brain as it performs all the
calculations and runs programs, managing operations and executing
the basic instructions that control the computer.
CPU
CPU Box
Computer—Hardware Components 7

