May 1, 2024
Updated May 10, 2025
21 minute read
Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system. These are the parts you can see and touch, such as the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and the internal components like the central processing unit (CPU), motherboard, and hard drive. Hardware is the tangible foundation upon which software, the intangible set of instructions that tell a computer what to do, operates. Together, hardware and software form the backbone of any computing system, working in concert to process information, execute tasks, and enable us to interact with the digital world.
Working with hardware can be incredibly engaging. Imagine designing and building the next generation of supercomputers, developing the intricate circuitry that powers life-saving medical devices, or creating the robust systems that enable global communication networks. The field offers the excitement of tangible creation and the challenge of pushing technological boundaries. For those fascinated by how things work at a fundamental level and who enjoy the process of bringing complex systems to life, a path in hardware can be immensely rewarding.
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Find a path to becoming a Hardware. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Hardware.
Considered a definitive advanced textbook in computer architecture, this book takes a rigorous quantitative approach to evaluating and designing computer systems. It's a must-read for graduate students and researchers in the field and a valuable reference for experienced professionals.
Another cornerstone textbook in computer architecture, this book takes a quantitative approach and focuses on the relationship between hardware and software. The RISC-V edition is particularly relevant for contemporary hardware trends. It's commonly used in undergraduate and graduate courses and valuable reference for professionals.
This unique book takes readers on a journey to build a complete computer system, from logic gates to a simple operating system. It provides a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of hardware and software and is highly valuable for students and enthusiasts who want a hands-on approach to learning hardware fundamentals.
Offers a practical introduction to digital logic design and computer architecture, bridging the gap between the two. It's suitable for undergraduates in electrical engineering and computer engineering. It provides a solid foundation in the design principles of digital circuits and their role in computer systems.
Provides an overview of modern computer architectures, including those found in various devices like smartphones and servers. It's relevant for students and professionals wanting to understand the hardware behind contemporary computing. It delves into different instruction set architectures.
Offers a unique perspective on hardware through the eyes of a renowned hacker and maker. It explores the practicalities of hardware design, manufacturing, and security, providing insights into the real-world aspects of hardware development. It's particularly interesting for those looking beyond theoretical concepts.
This textbook covers the principles and practices of digital design, essential for understanding the foundation of computer hardware. It's suitable for undergraduate students in electrical and computer engineering and provides a systematic approach to designing digital circuits.
A classic text covering the fundamentals of digital electronics, including logic gates, boolean algebra, and digital circuits. It's essential background reading for anyone studying computer hardware at any level, providing the basic building blocks of digital systems. It's widely used in introductory electronics courses.
A practical introduction to Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), this book is ideal for makers and students interested in learning about these reconfigurable hardware devices. It provides hands-on projects to understand how FPGAs work and how to program them.
A project-based guide to using the Arduino platform, this book is excellent for beginners and intermediate users interested in learning about microcontrollers and building interactive hardware projects. It provides practical examples and code for interfacing with various hardware components.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/m2p7hi/hardwar
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