What is a

Computer computer?

BASICS A computer is an electronic device that manipulates

information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve,
What is a Computer? and process data. You probably already know that you can
use a computer to type documents, send email, play
games, and browse the Web. You can also use it to edit or
create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.

Hardware
vs. software Software is any set of
instructions that tells the
Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical hardware what to do. It is
structure, such as the keyboard or mouse. It also includes all what guides the hardware
of the computer's internal parts, which you can see in the and tells it how to
image below accomplish each task. Some
examples of software
include web browsers,
games, and word
processors.

Everything you do on your computer will rely on both

hardware and software. For example, right now you
may be viewing this lesson in a web browser
(software) and using your mouse (hardware) to click
from page to page. As you learn about different types
of computers, ask yourself about the differences in
their hardware
 What are the different types of
Computer computers?

BASICS When most people hear the word computer, they think of a
personal computer such as a desktop or laptop. However,
computers come in many shapes and sizes, and they perform
many different functions in our daily lives. When you
withdraw cash from an ATM, scan groceries at the store, or
use a calculator, you're using a type of computer.

Laptop
computers
Desktop
computers The second type of
computer you may be
familiar with is a laptop
computer, or a laptop.
Laptops are battery- or AC-
powered personal
computers that are more
portable than desktop
computers, allowing you to
use them almost anywhere.
Because a laptop is smaller
than a desktop, it's more
difficult to access its
internal components. This
means you may not be able
to upgrade them as easily
Many people use desktop computers at work, home, as a desktop.
school, or the library. They can be small, medium, or large in
style, and they usually sit on a desk. Once you add a
monitor, mouse, and keyboard, you have what is typically
known as a desktop computer. Most desktop computers
are easy to upgrade and expand or add new parts. Another
benefit of desktop computers is their cost. If you compare a
desktop and laptop with the same features, you will most
likely find that the desktop is less expensive.
 Tablet computers

Computer Tablet computers—or tablets—are handheld computers that

are even more portable than laptops. Instead of a keyboard or

BASICS touchpad, tablets use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and

navigation. The iPad is an example of a tablet. Tablets can't
necessarily do anything a laptop or a desktop can do, so you
may still want a desktop or laptop to run programs or create
documents. But if you just want to be able to play games,
check email and social media, or stream music and videos, a
tablet may be a good computer replacement.

Servers
Other types of
computers A server is a computer that
serves up information to
other computers on a
network. Many businesses
have file servers employees
Today, there are many everyday devices that are can use to store and share
basically specialized computers, even though we don't files. A server can look like
always think of them as computers. Here are a few a regular desktop
common examples: computer, or it can be much
larger. Servers also play an
important role in making
Mobile phones: Many mobile phones can do a lot of things the Internet work: They are
computers can do, such as browsing the Internet and playing where webpages are
games. These phones are often called smartphones. stored. When you use your
browser to click a link, a
Game consoles: A game console is a specialized kind of web server delivers the
computer that is used for playing video games. Although page you requested.
they are not as fully featured as desktop computers, many
newer consoles, such as the Nintendo Wii, allow you to
perform nongaming tasks like browsing the Web.

TVs: Many TVs now include applications—or apps—that let

you access various types of online content. For example, you
can view your Facebook News Feed or watch streaming
movies on Netflix.
Computer
BASICS

PC: This type of computer began

with the original IBM PC that was
PCs and Macs introduced in 1981. Other
companies began creating similar
computers, which were called
Personal computers come in two main styles: PC and IBM PC Compatible (often
Mac. Both are fully functional, but they have a different shortened to PC). Today, this is
look and feel, and many people prefer one or the other. the most common type of
personal computer, and it
typically includes the Microsoft
Windows operating system.

Mac: The Macintosh computer

was introduced in 1984, and it
was the first widely sold personal
computer with a graphical user
interface, or GUI (pronounced
gooey). All Macs are made by one
company, Apple Inc., and they
almost always use the Mac OS X
operating system