1. HARDWARE

2. Components of Computer Hardware
Central Processing Unit
Input Devices
Output Devices
Primary Storage
Secondary Storage
Communication Devices.

3. INPUT DEVICES OUTPUT DEVICES
accept data and instructions and convert them to a form that the computer can understand
OUTPUT DEVICES
present data in a form people can understand

4. CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT
manipulates the data and controls the tasks done by the other components.
COMMUNICATION DEVICES
provide for the flow of data from external computer networks (e.g., Internet, intranets) to the CPU, and from the CPU to computer networks.

5. STORAGE DEVICES
The primary storage (internal storage) temporarily stores data and program instructions during processing. It also stores intermediate results of the processing.
The secondary storage (external) stores data and programs for future use.

6. Components of Computer Hardware

7. Hardware Generations

8. TYPES OF COMPUTERS based on Processing Capabilities
Supercomputers
Mainframes
Midrange computers (Minicomputers & Servers)
Microcomputers
Mobile Devices

9. SUPERCOMPUTERS computers with the most processing power
used for scientific and military work
especially valuable for large simulation models of real-world phenomena, where complex mathematical representations and calculations are required, or for image creation and processing.
e.g. modeling the weather for better weather prediction; testing weapons nondestructively; designing of aircraft; making sequences in motion pictures

10. MAINFRAMES
are not as powerful and generally not as expensive as supercomputers
used by large corporations, where data processing is centralized and large databases are maintained
also allows large and complex information to be shared throughout the organization.

11. MIDRANGE COMPUTERS
Minicomputers are smaller and less expensive than mainframe computers. Minicomputers are usually designed to accomplish specific tasks such as process control, scientific research, and engineering applications.
Servers typically support computer networks, enabling users to share files, software, peripheral devices, and other network resources.

12. MICROCOMPUTERS also called personal computers (PCs)
are the smallest and least expensive category of general-purpose computers.
Notebook computers are small, easily transportable, lightweight microcomputers that fit easily into a briefcase.

13. MOBILE DEVICES
Platforms for computing and communications include such mobile devices as personal digital assistants (PDAs) or handheld personal computers.
Another platform is mobile phone handsets with wireless and Internet access capabilities.
Usually, such devices would use a micro version of a desktop operating system, such as Pocket PC, Symbian, or Palm OS.