Scribd
Upload
31 views

Computer Hardware and Software

The document discusses the basic components of a computer system including hardware, software, operating systems and describes some common computer components like the keyboard, monitor and CPU. It provides details on starting a computer and using the keyboard including special function keys.

Uploaded by

Anytime Fitness
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
31 views

Computer Hardware and Software

The document discusses the basic components of a computer system including hardware, software, operating systems and describes some common computer components like the keyboard, monitor and CPU. It provides details on starting a computer and using the keyboard including special function keys.

Uploaded by

Anytime Fitness
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

Computer Hardware and Software

A computer system consists of two main parts—

Hardware- The physical parts that we can see and touch are called hardware. It is the
machinery of a computer. These are the keyboard, monitor, CPU, etc.

Software: The part which cannot be seen but it makes hardware to work. Example:
Windows, MS office etc.

Operating System (OS). This is the software that starts working as soon as we switch on a
computer. It displays the desktop on the monitor. Some of the most commonly used operating
systems for laptops and desktop are Ubuntu, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS.
Starting a Computer
To start a computer, press the Power button on the CPU. This will start the operating system
and display the desktop on the monitor.
Using the Keyboard
A keyboard is an input device used to type text, numbers and commands into the computer.
Function Keys
Keys labeled from F1 to F12 are function keys. You use them to perform specific functions.
(a) Control keys: Keys, such as Control (CTRL), SHIFT, SPACEBAR, ALT, CAPS LOCK and
TAB, are special control keys
(b) Enter key: The label on this key can be either ENTER or RETURN, depending on the brand
of computer that you are using. You use the ENTER or the RETURN key to move the cursor to
the beginning of a new line.

(c) Punctuation keys: Punctuation keys include keys for punctuation marks, such as colon (:),
semicolon (;), question mark (?), single quotation marks (‘ ’), and double quotation marks (“ ”).
(d)

(d) Navigation keys: Keys, such as the arrow keys, HOME, END, PAGE UP, and PAGE
DOWN are navigation keys.

(e) Command keys: Keys, such as INSERT (INS), DELETE (DEL), and BACKSPACE are
command
keys. When the INSERT key is turned ON, it helps you overwrite characters to the right of the
cursor
(f) Windows key: Pressing this key opens the Start menu

You might also like