Introduction to computer and networking hardware and components

A computer system consists of two major components, namely, hardware and software.

All physical components that form computer systems are known as computer hardware. Software is broken down into two categories: system software (operating systems) and application software (i.e. Microsoft Office, Google Chrome Browser, Anti-Virus).

All physical components that form a computer system (whether we are discussing a workstation, networking equipment, smartphone, or a component in the cloud) consists of hardware. Components such as central processing units, motherboards, hard disk drives for storage, random-access memory or RAM, power supplies, and cooling fans are hardware that reside in workstations, laptops, routers, switches, load balancers, and printers. You will understand these components more deeply as you progress on your Capella journey. For this discussion, envision yourself as an IT trainer who has been assigned a summer intern and who will provide an explanation of hardware in general. Categorize or segment the explanation with a discussion of personal computer hardware or smartphones, then networking hardware, and conclude with components in the cloud.

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