Computers can be divided into two basic categories. There is computer hardware and computer software. As a basic rule, anything that is on or attached to your computer can be put into one of these two categories.

The basics of your computer hardware begins with your hard drive. Today, the majority of computers have a hard drive (also called the “C” drive), an “A” or floppy disk drive, and a CD drive that is sometimes assigned the letter “D.” There can be other components to your computer’s hardware, including a drive dedicated for backup, an additional CD drive, and even external hardware such as an external drive. Sometimes, if there have been problems with the “A” drive, a person may simply use an external “A” drive instead of going to the trouble of replacing the malfunctioning unit.

Problems with computer hardware can be as simple as a loose wire or cable or as complex as the “frying” of the motherboard. Many of the computer’s hardware components can be easily replaced. The majority of the components simply snap out of their place and a new component is snapped in, attached to the appropriate cable and the computer rebooted (as long as your basic programming is intact). Upgrading hardware can sometimes eliminate problems with older computers, including a lack of memory space.

Computer hardware can also refer to the monitor, keyboard, mouse, cords, speakers and any other peripheral hardware associate with the operation of the computer. You may also find that computer hardware is used to describe cooling fans, power supply backups and surge protectors.