The main hardware components of a computer

A computer has five main components. They are the central processor, secondary storage, input devices, output devices, and communication devices. The central processor, which consists of the CPU and primary storage, is also referred to as the microprocessor. It processes data, converts into information, and manages the overall functioning of the computer. Secondary storage is nonvolatile memory that resides outside the CPU. Input and output devices are essential to move data in and out the computer, and the communication devices, which facilitate communication with other computers.