Definition of Hardware: Functions, Types, and Hardware Examples

Understanding of Hardware :

Definition of hardware is any device or component of a computer that can be seen by naked eye and can be touched directly. In other words, hardware is a component that has a real form.

Hardware or hardware functions to support all processes in computerization and work in accordance with orders that have been determined by the user or often called brainware. With hardware components, the output form of each process can be realized.

As we know, computers have several components that work together to process raw information into new information that is easily understood by humans. If one component cannot work, the process of processing information / data on the computer will not work properly.

Understanding of Hardware According to Experts :

1. Ali Zaki

According to Ali Zaki, the definition of hardware is a physical part of a computer, including digital circuits inside a computer device.

2. Joko Untoro

According to Joko Untoro, the definition of hardware is a physical device consisting of computers sponsored by all supporting instruments.

3. Raya Fahreza

According to Raya Fahreza, the definition of hardware is a part of a computer that functions according to software instructions.

4. Sunarto S. Kom

According to Sunarto, the meaning of hardware is a supporting device for EDPS (electronic data processing system) that can be touched and received.

5. Wijaya Ariyana and Deni Arifianto

According to Wijaya Ariyana and Deni Arifianto, understanding hardware is a computer component that can be understood physically and can be touched and seen or visible.

6. R. Wilman and Riyan

According to R. Wilman and Riyan, hardware resolution is an electronic device that is included in a cellphone that uses devices into an integral part.

7. Rainer

According to Rainer, hardware is a device in a physical computer such as a processor, monitor, keyboard, and printer. Hardware works to receive data / information, process and display raw information into useful new information.

8. James O'Brien

According to James O'Brien, understanding Hardware is all physical equipment used in information, including CPU, RAM, monitor, mouse, keyboard, printer, scanner, and others. Hardware is a communication media that connects multiple networks and data packet processing so that data transmission is more effective.

General Hardware Functions :

As given above, the definition of hardware is a component in a computer that can be seen in plain view and has certain functions. Each computer hardware has a different function. In general, there are four main functions of hardware, which are provided :

1. Receive Input

Special hardware has a special function to receive input by the user. Requests will be processed into new information.

2. Processing Data / Information

After receiving input or input, some hardware has a special function to process or receive input into new information.

3. Output response

After processing, certain hardware will output or be released to the user. Each output seen by the user will be accessed through special hardware.

4. Saving Data / Information

Output generated by a computer can be stored in a secondary storage device on a computer. Hardware to store data is not only installed on a computer, but there is also hardware installed outside.

Types of hardware based on their functions : 

To complete the definition of hardware above, here are three types of hardware or hardware based on their functions :

1. Published devices 

Input devices (input devices) are hardware or hardware that function to enter data or information into a computer. Data or information can form images, text, video, and audio.

Some examples of input devices include :

1. Keyboard
2. Mouse
3. Microphone
4. Web camera
5. And others

2. Processing Devices 

Process devices are computer devices that function to process or process various data and information entered into a computer. Process devices can also be referred to as the 'brain' of computers because they can process information entered into a computer.

Some examples of divice processes are :

1. CPU (Central Processing Unit)
2. VGA (Video Graph Adapter)
3. RAM (Random Access Memory)
4. Electric power source
5. And others

3. Output Devices 

The output device is a device in a computer that serves to store and produce data on a computer which is then ejected through another device connected to the computer.

For example information or data issued in the form of images, text, video, and audio. Some hardware for this device :

1. Computer Monitor
2. Projector
3. Printer
4. And others

4. Storage Devices

A storage device is hardware that can store information and data, both devices on the computer or outside the computer. One example of a storage unit is a hard drive that uses storage data on a computer.

Data storage can not only be done on a computer, but can also be done outside the computer with an external hard drive.

5. Enhancements (peripherals)

Peripherals are hardware devices that help computers to execute commands from users. Modem is one example of enhancements on computers that connect computer devices to internet networks.

Example of Computer Hardware : 

Below are some examples of hardware on a computer, including :

1. Examples of Hardware Input Devices

1. Keyboard; This device serves to help users enter symbols, numbers into a computer. The shape is like a board and there are various letters, numbers and symbols.
2. Mouse; A device that serves to move the cursor on a computer screen and provide a menu of choices available on the computer.
3. Scanner; hard copy becomes hard copy to soft copy. This hardware is very important for archiving documents that have been stamped and signed.

2. Device Process Hardware Example

1. CPU; this is a computer brain that regulates all work processes on a computer, starting from instructions, processing, to producing output.
2. VGA; is a hardware device that functions to process or process graphic data and the results of the process on a computer monitor screen.
3. RAM; Random Access Memory (RAM) is hardware on a computer that greatly determines the speed of computer access.

3. Examples of Hardware Output Devices

1. Monitor; Requesting approval from the hardware, then the agreement that comes first in our minds is the monitor component. Monitor is the primary component that every company must have to carry out various jobs related to data and documents.
2. Printer; As agreed in the sense of the previous hardware as an output component or an approved form of the order. Printer to buy all kinds of documents needed.
3. LCD projector; The LCD projector functions to help display images or videos from a computer to the LCD screen. By using an LCD projector, various presentations can be delivered more clearly.

4. Examples of Hardware Storage Devices

1. Hard drive; Works for storing data or information on computers with large capacity. In addition to the computer, the hard drive is currently also portable, or often called an external hard drive.
2. Flashdisk; Works as a tool to store data from a computer and has a USB connector to connect it to a computer or other media. Usually Flashdisks are used to move data from one computer to another.
3. Optical disc; data storage media that can be written / read by laser light. Data storage media. Optical discs such as Compact Disk (CD) and Digital Versatile Disk (DVD).

5. Example of Peripheral Hardware

1. Modem; this is hardware that functions as a communication tool that can convert digital signals into analog signals, or vice versa. Modems can allow computers to connect to the internet.

Well, give a brief explanation of the definition of hardware, functions, types, and examples of hardware. Most of these hardware components are easily found in various companies. May be useful.