Basic Computer Components

What is a Computer 

A computer is an electronic device that follows a set of instructions issued by a program. The computer carries out the following tasks:

Accept data (input)

Manipulate or change the data (process)

Produce a result from the process (output)

Store the data and result for future use (storage)

The basic components of a computer are HARDWARE and SOFTWARE. 

HARDWARE          

This is the name given to the physical part of a computer that can be seen and touch. There are 5 general categories:

1.      The Central Processing Unit (CPU) which is the brain of the computer and control how the rest of the computer works.

2.      Input devices which are used to enter data or instructions in to the computer, for example the mouse, keyboard, scanner are all input devices.

3.      Output devices get processed information out of the computer in a form human can understand. For example printer, monitor, or speakers

4.      Memory allows you to store data or instructions temporarily

5.      Storage device includes floppy drives, hard disk, CD-ROM drives DVD drives etc. some of these allows data to be saved on to them while others just read data.

Hardware can also be called peripheral devices this is because they are located outside of the CPU but are controlled by it. That is they can be added to a computer system. 

SOFTWARE

This is the name given to computer programs that tells the hardware how to work. Without the software the computer hardware would do nothing, as there would be no instructions. Software includes the following types of program. Software are things we can see but physically touch.

System software such as the Operating system

Application software such as Microsoft Word, Desktop publisher, MS access, Excel, Virtual DJ