Computer Hardware Cheat Sheet
1 Nov 2026
Quick answer
A quick revision cheat sheet on computer hardware for SSC, Banking, Railway and state exams. It covers what hardware is, input and output devices, the parts of the CPU, memory and storage, the motherboard, and hardware versus software, so you can revise this computer-awareness topic quickly before the exam.
Computer Hardware Cheat Sheet
Quick Revision
Hardware is the set of physical parts of a computer — the pieces you can touch. Software is the programs that run on it.
Ready to practise? Take the Computer Hardware quiz
1. Input and Output Devices
Input → keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, webcam
Output → monitor, printer, speakerInput devices send data in; output devices give results out.
2. The CPU
The Central Processing Unit is the "brain". It has:
| Part | Role |
|---|---|
| ALU | Arithmetic Logic Unit — does calculations and comparisons |
| CU | Control Unit — directs the flow of data |
| Registers | Tiny, very fast temporary stores |
3. Memory and Storage
RAM → main memory, fast, volatile (lost when power off)
ROM → fixed start-up memory, non-volatile
Storage → HDD, SSD, pen drive, DVD (keeps data permanently)4. The Motherboard
The motherboard is the main circuit board. The CPU, RAM, and expansion cards plug into it, and ports connect external devices.
5. Exam Quick Tips
- Hardware is physical; software is the programs — do not mix them.
- The CPU = ALU + Control Unit + Registers.
- RAM is volatile (temporary); storage (HDD/SSD) keeps data when the power is off.
Keep revising with the rest of the Basic Computer section:
How this was made: Drafted with AI assistance; spot-checked by the editor on 1 November 2026.