COMPUTER

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to
store, retrieve, and process data. You may 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

Before we talk about different types of computers, let's talk about two things all computers have
in common: hardware and software.

 Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as the
keyboard or mouse. It also includes all of the computer's internal parts, which you can see
in the image below.

Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do and how to do it.
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. As you progress through this tutorial, you'll see
that different types of computers also often use different types of software.

What are the different types of computers?

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.

1) Desktop computers

Many people use desktop computers at work, home, and school. Desktop computers are
designed to be placed on a desk, and they're typically made up of a few different parts, including
the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

2) Laptop computers
The second type of computer you may be familiar with is a laptop computer, commonly called
a laptop. Laptops are battery-powered computers that are more portable than desktops, allowing
you to use them almost anywhere.

3) Tablet computers

Tablet computers—or tablets—are handheld computers that are even more portable than
laptops. Instead of a keyboard and mouse, tablets use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and
navigation. The iPad is an example of a tablet.

4) Servers

A server is a computer that serves up information to other computers on a network. For example,
whenever you use the Internet, you're looking at something that's stored on a server. Many
businesses also use local file servers to store and share files internally.

5) Other types of computers

Many of today's electronics are basically specialized computers, though we don't always think
of them that way. Here are a few common examples.

 Smartphones: Many cell phones can do a lot of things computers can do, including
browsing the Internet and playing games. They are often called smartphones.
 Wearables: Wearable technology is a general term for a group of devices—including
fitness trackers and smartwatches—that are designed to be worn throughout the day.
These devices are often called wearables for short.
 Game consoles: A game console is a specialized type of computer that is used for
playing video games on your TV.
 TVs: Many TVs now include applications—or apps—that let you access various types
of online content. For example, you can stream video from the Internet directly onto your
TV.

PCs and Macs

Personal computers come in two main styles: PC and Mac. Both are fully functional, but they
have a different look and feel, and many people prefer one or the other.

6) PCs
This type of computer began with the original IBM PC that was introduced in 1981. Other
companies began creating similar computers, which were called IBM PC Compatible (often
shortened to PC). Today, this is the most common type of personal computer, and it typically
includes the Microsoft Windows operating system.

7) Macs

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), and they almost always use the Mac OS X operating system.

Introduction to parts of a desktop

The basic parts of a desktop computer are the computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and
power cord. Each part plays an important role whenever you use a computer.

1) Computer case

The computer case is the metal and plastic box that contains the main components of the
computer, including the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), and power supply. The
front of the case usually has an On/Off button and one or more optical drives.

Computer cases come in different shapes and sizes. A desktop case lies flat on a desk, and the
monitor usually sits on top of it. A tower case is tall and sits next to the monitor or on the floor.
All-in-one computers come with the internal components built into the monitor, which
eliminates the need for a separate case.

2) Monitor

The monitor works with a video card, located inside the computer case, to display images and
text on the screen. Most monitors have control buttons that allow you to change your monitor's
display settings, and some monitors also have built-in speakers.

Newer monitors usually have LCD (liquid crystal display) or LED (light-emitting diode)
displays. These can be made very thin, and they are often called flat-panel displays. Older
monitors use CRT (cathode ray tube) displays. CRT monitors are much larger and heavier, and
they take up more desk space.
 3) Keyboard

The keyboard is one of the main ways to communicate with a computer. There are many
different types of keyboards, but most are very similar and allow you to accomplish the same
basic tasks.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn about the different parts of the keyboard.

4) Mouse
The mouse is another important tool for communicating with computers. Commonly known as a
pointing device, it lets you point to objects on the screen, click on them, and move them.

There are two main mouse types: optical and mechanical. The optical mouse uses an electronic
eye to detect movement and is easier to clean. The mechanical mouse uses a rolling ball to
detect movement and requires regular cleaning to work properly.

5) Mouse alternatives

There are other devices that can do the same thing as a mouse. Many people find them easier to
use, and they also require less desk space than a traditional mouse. The most common mouse
alternatives are below.

 Trackball: A trackball has a ball that can rotate freely. Instead of moving the device like
a mouse, you can roll the ball with your thumb to move the pointer.
 Touchpad: A touchpad—also called a trackpad—is a touch-sensitive pad that lets you
control the pointer by making a drawing motion with your finger. Touchpads are
common on laptop computers.

Introduction to Buttons and ports on a computer

Take a look at the front and back of your computer case and count the number of buttons, ports,
and slots you see. Now look at your monitor and count any you find there. You probably counted
at least 10, and maybe a lot more.

Each computer is different, so the buttons, ports, and sockets will vary from computer to
computer. However, there are certain ones you can expect to find on most desktop computers.
Learning how these ports are used will help whenever you need to connect something to your
computer, like a new printer, keyboard, or mouse.

Back of a computer case

The back of a computer case has connection ports that are made to fit specific devices. The
placement will vary from computer to computer, and many companies have their own special
connectors for specific devices. Some of the ports may be color coded to help you determine
which port is used with a particular device.

Peripherals you can use with your computer

The most basic computer setup usually includes the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and
mouse, but you can plug many different types of devices into the extra ports on your computer.
These devices are called peripherals. Let's take a look at some of the most common ones.

 Printers: A printer is used to print documents, photos, and anything else that appears
on your screen. There are many types of printers, including inkjet, laser, and photo
printers. There are even all-in-one printers, which can also scan and copy documents.

 Scanners: A scanner allows you to copy a physical image or document and save it to
your computer as a digital (computer-readable) image. Many scanners are included as
part of an all-in-one printer, although you can also buy a separate flatbed or handheld
scanner.
 Speakers/headphones: Speakers and headphones are output devices, which means they
send information from the computer to the user—in this case, they allow you to hear
sound and music. Depending on the model, they may connect to the audio port or the
USB port. Some monitors also have built-in speakers.

 Microphones: A microphone is a type of input device, or a device that receives

information from a user. You can connect a microphone to record sound or talk with
someone else over the Internet. Many laptop computers come with built-in microphones.
 Web cameras: A web camera—or webcam—is a type of input device that can record
videos and take pictures. It can also transmit video over the Internet in real time, which
allows for video chat or video conferencing with someone else. Many webcams also
include a microphone for this reason.
 Game controllers and joysticks: A game controller is used to control computer games.
There are many other types of controllers you can use, including joysticks, although you
can also use your mouse and keyboard to control most games.
 Digital cameras: A digital camera lets you capture pictures and videos in a digital
format. By connecting the camera to your computer's USB port, you can transfer the
images from the camera to the computer.
 Mobile phones, MP3 players, tablet computers, and other devices: Whenever you buy
an electronic device, such as a mobile phone or MP3 player, check to see if it comes with
a USB cable. If it does, this means you can most likely connect it to your computer.

Exercise:

Discuss the different parts inside the computer case/Cabinet

Describe the keyboard shortcuts used.