In normal computer terms, all physical computer equipment is considered "Hardware" and all computer programs are known as "Software."

Therefore we can say that Hardware is the physical electrical and electronic parts of your computer.

This includes physical equipment such as electronic, magnetic, and mechanical devices (monitor, keyboard, printer, micro chip boards, etc.).

Where the confusion usually comes in is when people are loading software on their computer. A lot of people consider Floppy Disks and their contents as hardware because the programs they are loading are stored on the disk.

This of course, is not true. Floppy disks are hardware components. The programs or files stored on the disk are considered as software.

As we said before, a Personal Computer (PC) is a computer in a small cabinet or case (above illustration), that is sized to fit on a desk.  It can be in different cabinet configurations such as a mini-tower, tower, laptop, desktop, etc.

Figure one below shows some of the basic parts found on an average computer system.

The Control device - The control device or Central processing Unit (CPU) is internal to the computer and not directly accessed by the user.

The Memory device- The memory device otherwise know as RAM chips is also internal to the computer and is not directly accessed by the user.

Input devices - Input devices are the parts of the computer that directly react with the outside world. Input devices are used to put data into the computer. They are basically the same as the senses (eyes, Nose, ears, etc.) you use to feed information into your brain.

Output devices -Output devices also directly react with the outside world. Output devices are used to get data from the computer. The chart below shows a breakdown of some of the more common hardware devices found in the average computer.

General System Design - All external components are tied together by groups of interconnecting cables. Internal components are tied together by groups of interconnecting wires called the computer Bus. The BUS provides a way for information to flow between the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and all other components inside of the computer.

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External Devices The following links deal with external devices common to personal computers. This also includes the external case of the system unit.

The External Case	The Keyboard
Modems.	The Video Monitor
The Mouse.	Printers.

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Laptop Computers
The configuration of a LAPTOP PC (below) is designed to be lightweight and portable. Its devices are streamlined versions of those devices in a desktop. Each manufacturer differs in where they locate the devices on the laptop, but most are convenient for the user.

Some laptops contain a CD-ROM drive located below the keyboard. Some LAPTOPs have been developed than are "hardened", and can take a drop of approximately 8 feet without errors. Caution: don't try with yours!

Additional PC components found on laptops may include:

• Audio System.
• Network Interface Cards
• Special Video interfaces.
• Joysticks
• PCMCIA Card Drive/Slot

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Modern PCs on the market today are normally shipped with the following hardware configurations. Keep in mind that these basic components and will not satisfy all users.

Basic Components

• A Monitor - Usually 15 to 17 inch

• A Keyboard - Usually the standard 101 keyboard

• A Printer - Printers are usually purchased separately but some manufacturers include them in special deals.

• A CD-ROM Drive - usually 40x or higher

• A Mouse

• A Floppy Drive - Usually 1 3-1/2 inch drive

For those Power Users that simple have to have the latest assessorial or enhancements:

• MODEM A must for Internet Access.

• Sound Card to play all your cool Music CDs and install the latest programs.

• Video Camera - these are great for the World Wide Web

• Zip or Jaz Drive A little extra storage capacity

• Scanner - If you work with graphic these are a must.