Computer Hardware

From USB connectors to motherboards, the HowStuffWorks Computer Hardware Channel will help you find explanations, reviews, videos and prices for the parts you need.

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According to Moore's Law, computer processors double in complexity every two years. Is this really a law, and who is Gordon Moore, anyway?

By Jonathan Strickland

Portable computers are so popular that they now come in a variety of sizes. Is there any real difference in notebooks, netbooks and UMPCs? What are manufacturers going to come up with next?

By Jonathan Strickland

Like clockwork, microprocessor manufacturers develop new and better chips to power our computers. What makes Intel's Nehalem chip so different?

By Jonathan Strickland

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Advances in technology have allowed microprocessor manufacturers to double the number of transistors on a CPU chip every two years. How long can they keep this up?

By Jonathan Strickland

It may sound silly, but there really are different types of computers. There are super, wearable and, of course, personal computers. And that's just three to start.

By Nathan Chandler

The different types of computer memory can be confusing. Take a look at these pictures of RAM, ROM, flash memory and more to learn about what the various types of memory are up to in your computer.

Computers have come a long way in the past few decades -- from filling up a room to slim and sleek designs that can nearly fit in your pocket. Take a look at some of the old and new models and learn about all the different features and types of these amazing machines.

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Ever wonder why your computer works the way it does? We did, too. So we took one apart to see what all of it does. So what's inside a computer?

By Jonathan Strickland

Are you curious about what's inside your computer? Browse through these computer hardware pictures and take a tour of your PC, from RAM to hard drives and everything in between.

Whether you are shopping for a new laptop or just curious about the latest technologies on the market, take a look at our image gallery.

When information travels through a network, it follows certain guidelines to ensure compatibility. Find out about OSI and the protocol stacks that prepare your data for transfer.

By Jeff Tyson

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Fabric PCs weigh less than a pound (0.45 kilograms) and have a display so flexible that it can be rolled and folded. Will this concept become a reality?

By Isaac Perry Clements

Large corporations need many computer servers, which take up space and use a lot of electricity to run and to keep cool. What if you could put multiple servers on a single machine?

By Jonathan Strickland

After years of hard work and loyalty, some computers must finally retire. But since they can't take a pension and move to Florida, where do old computers end up?

By Jessika Toothman

Utility computing lets you pay as you go for your company's computing needs. Would you be willing to let someone else take care of your hardware and software?

By Jonathan Strickland

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People are switching to parallel processing to share big computing jobs between several smaller, less-expensive chips. But how does parallel computing work?

By Jonathan Strickland

Grid computing lets you use a whole network of computers to solve problems. But how do you ensure access to information without creating gridlock?

By Jonathan Strickland

Are you interested in M2M communications for automatic transmission and measurement of data? Learn more about M2M communications in this article.

By Tim Crosby

Instead of installing a supercomputer in your home, what if you bought many regular computers? That's the idea behind shared computing. But how does it work?

By Jonathan Strickland

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Hybrid networks contain both wired Ethernet and wireless wifi client devices. Learn all about hybrid networks in this article.

By Dave Roos

In cloud computing, programs and files are stored on a centralized computer or network. It's rumored that Google and Apple are teaming up to bring a cloud computer to the masses.

By Chris Pollette

An intranet is a private network, maintained and used by an organization. Learn more about how intranets work in this article.

By Dave Roos

Desktop sharing is a helpful technique that simplifies sharing business ideas. Find out how desktop sharing can change the way that your company works.

By Dave Roos

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A nonprofit organization is developing a $100 laptop for children in developing countries. Well, OK -- a $188 laptop. What is this computer like?

By Jacob Silverman

Storage space and performance can be increased with virtual computing. Learn how computer users are using virtual computing when they need it.

By Patti McKenna