Hardware

Hardware refers to all the physical components of a computer or other electronic device. Unlike software, which consists of programs and data, hardware is tangible and can be physically touched. Hardware and software work together to make a device function properly and produce useful output.

Hardware can be classified into two main types: internal and external. Internal hardware is essential for the operation of a device and includes components such as the motherboard, processor, memory, and storage. On the other hand, external hardware provides additional features and convenience, such as input/output devices like keyboards, mice, and monitors or accessories like printers and scanners.

Internal hardware components

Internal components are essential parts of a computer system responsible for proper functioning. Some examples of internal components are:

Motherboard

The motherboard is the central hub that combines all the computer components and facilitates communication. It is the backbone of a computer system, without which no component can function properly.

CPU

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the computer's brain that processes and executes digital instructions from various programs. 

RAM

RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of temporary memory storage that makes information immediately available to programs.

Hard drive

A hard drive is a physical storage device that stores permanent and temporary data in various formats.

SSD

An SSD (Solid State Drive) stores data using flash memory, which is much faster than the traditional hard drives they have replaced. 

GPU

A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is a specialised processor for handling complex graphics tasks. They can process a lot of data simultaneously, making them useful for machine learning, video editing, and gaming.

On the other hand, external components are not necessary for the computer's operation, but they facilitate the use of the device. Examples of external components in a phone include the screen, housing, battery, buttons, and other features that enhance the user experience.  

External hardware components

External hardware components are peripherals that are typically connected externally to a computer to manage input or output functions. These devices are designed to give commands to the software (input) or display the output of its execution (output). Examples of external hardware include:

• Mouse and keyboard (input)

• Monitor (output)

• Printer (output)

• Speakers (output)

• Microphone (input)

• Controller (input)

• USB stick (input)

Hardware and software

As previously stated, hardware refers to tangible components, while software is intangible and facilitates communication between users and hardware by providing commands to perform specific tasks. Computer software includes the following:

• Operating system

• Pre-installed programs

• User-installed applications

Hardware and software are highly dependent on each other, and if they fail to work together effectively, the computer's performance may be negatively affected.

Hardware virtualisation

Hardware virtualisation refers to the process of using software to create virtual versions of hardware components rather than relying on physical hardware components to perform specific computer functions.

In the context of cloud computing, hardware virtualisation is often used in conjunction with Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), which involves the delivery of virtual hardware via high-speed internet.

Cloud service providers (CSPs) like Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud host all the hardware components typically found in an on-premises data centre, such as servers, database storage, and networking equipment.