A case that holds a transformer, voltage control, and (usually) a cooling fan, and supplies power to run the rest of the computer.
[edit] Storage controllers
Controllers for hard disk, CD-ROM and other drives like internal Zip and Jaz conventionally for a PC are IDE/ATA; the controllers sit directly on the motherboard (on-board) or on expansion cards, such as a Disk array controller. IDE is usually integrated, unlike SCSI which is found in most servers. The floppy drive interface is a legacy MFM interface which is now slowly disappearing. All these interfaces are gradually being phased out to be replaced by SATA and SAS.
[edit] Video display controller
Graphics card
Produces the output for the computer display. This will either be built into the motherboard or attached in its own separate slot (PCI, PCI-E or AGP), in the form of a Graphics Card.
Removable media devices
Computer storage
* CD - the most common type of removable media, inexpensive but has a short life-span.
o CD-ROM Drive - a device used for reading data from a CD.
o CD Writer - a device used for both reading and writing data to and from a CD.
* DVD - a popular type of removable media that is the same dimensions as a CD but stores up to 6 times as much information. It is the most common way of transferring digital video.
o DVD-ROM Drive - a device used for reading data from a DVD.
o DVD Writer - a device used for both reading and writing data to and from a DVD.
o DVD-RAM Drive - a device used for rapid writing and reading of data from a special type of DVD.
* Blu-ray - a high-density optical disc format for the storage of digital information, including high-definition video. Currently a rival of HD DVD.
o BD-ROM Drive - a device used for reading data from a Blu-ray disc.
o BD Writer - a device used for both reading and writing data to and from a Blu-ray disc.
* HD DVD - a high-density optical disc format and successor to the standard DVD. Currently a rival of Blu-ray
* Floppy disk - an outdated storage device consisting of a thin disk of a flexible magnetic storage medium.
* Zip drive - an outdated medium-capacity removable disk storage system, first introduced by Iomega in 1994.
* USB flash drive - a flash memory data storage device integrated with a USB interface, typically small, lightweight, removable and rewritable.
* Tape drive - a device that reads and writes data on a magnetic tape, usually used for long term storage.
Internal storage
Hardware that keeps data inside the computer for later use and remains persistent even when the computer has no power.
* Hard disk - for medium-term storage of data.
* Solid state drive - a device emulating a hard disk, but containing no moving parts.
* Disk array controller - a device to manage several hard disks, to achieve performance or reliability improvement.
Sound card
Sound card
Enables the computer to output sound to audio devices, as well as accept input from a microphone. Most modern computers have sound cards built-in to the motherboard, though it is common for a user to install a separate sound card as an upgrade.
Networking
Main article: Computer networks
Connects the computer to the Internet and/or other computers.
* Modem - for dial-up connections
* Network card - for DSL/Cable internet, and/or connecting to other computers.
* Direct Cable Connection - Use of a null modem, connecting two computers together using their serial ports or a Laplink Cable, connecting two computers together with their parallel ports.
Other peripherals
Peripheral
In addition, hardware can include external components of a computer system. The following are either standard or very common.
Wheel mouse
Wheel mouse
Includes various input and output devices, usually external to the computer system
Input
Main article: Input
* Text input devices
o Keyboard - a device, to input text and characters by depressing buttons (referred to as keys), similar to a typewriter. The most common English-language key layout is the QWERTY layout.
* Pointing devices
o Mouse - a pointing device that detects two dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface.
o Trackball - a pointing device consisting of an exposed portruding ball housed in a socket that detects rotation about two axes.
* Gaming devices
o Joystick - a general control device that consists of a handheld stick that pivots around one end, to detect angles in two or three dimensions.
o Gamepad - a general game controller held in the hand that relies on the digits (especially thumbs) to provide input.
o Game controller - a specific type of controller specialized for certain gaming purposes.
* Image, Video input devices
o Image scanner - a device that provides input by analyzing images, printed text, handwriting, or an object.
o Webcam - a low resolution video camera used to provide visual input that can be easily transferred over the internet.
* Audio input devices
o Microphone - an acoustic sensor that provides input by converting sound into an electrical signal
[edit] Output
Main article: Output
* Image, Video output devices
o Printer - a peripheral device that produces a hard (usually paper) copy of a document.
o Monitor - device that displays a video signal, similar to a television, to provide the user with information and an interface with which to interact.
* Audio output devices
o Speakers - a device that converts analog audio signals into the equivalent air vibrations in order to make audible sound.
o Headset - a device similar in functionality to computer speakers used mainly to not disturb others nearby.
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