Course
History of Computing
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Hardware ComponentsHardware devices may be broken down into several types: Input DevicesInput devices are those devices that provide a way to get data into a computer system. Examples include: Output DevicesOutput devices are those devices that provide a way to get data out of a computer system. Examples include: System UnitThe system unit is the "heart" of a computer. It contains the motherboard. The motherboard is the main circuit board of the computer into which devices and components are connected. A labeled image of a motherboard may be seen at http://www.build-your-own-computer.net/motherboard-diagram.html.The most important components on the motherboard are: Storage DevicesStorage devices are devices that record and retrieve data to and from a storage medium. These include: Communications DevicesCommunications devices enable computers to communicate and exchange data between themselves. All of these devices receive their functionality through the use of software applications or programs. For more information on hardware devices, see the course readings from
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