The term "computer hardware" refers to the physical components that make your computer run (as opposed to software, which is simply stored as program files on your computer's hard drive). Hardware comes in two major types: system unit hardware and computer peripherals.
System unit computer components include both external and internal hard drives, the motherboard, the central processing unit (CPU), RAM and the optical disc reader/burner (DVD or Blu-ray).
Computer peripherals are input or output devices that allow you to enter or retrieve data from your computer. Monitors, keyboards, speakers, mice, webcams, modems, printers and scanners are all examples of computer peripherals.
Must-Have Computer Hardware
When you get a new computer, hardware components you need to run the machine will already be installed. Without a processor, RAM chip and hard drive, your computer can't run and won't store data.
In terms of peripherals, you'll need, at minimum, a monitor, keyboard and mouse for your computer. Without these crucial computer peripherals, your system's usability will be significantly compromised.
Optional Computer Components
While you have a built-in internal hard drive, many users choose to add a supplemental external drive to boost the computer's storage capacity. However, most optional hardware products are peripheral computer components that add to the overall user experience but aren't needed, strictly speaking, to run your machine.
Popular optional peripherals include:
- scanners, which allow you to make digital versions of images and documents
- microphones, which allow for voice input
- speakers, to facilitate audio playback
- printers, to create hard copies of electronic documents and files
Top Brands
Some of the top computer hardware companies in the United States include Compaq, IBM, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Dell, NEC, Fujitsu, Sun Microsystems, Gateway, Apple and Acer. These companies make machines for a wide variety of uses, from basic word processing to high-speed gaming. In general, their components are of proven quality and inspire consumer confidence.
This is an incomplete list, however. There are hundreds of manufacturers and brands of hardware and discount computer hardware originating from countries all around the world, all of which are available to the end consumer via online retailers.