Hardware and software
Hardware and software are two terms you've probably heard of at some point or another. The odds are high that you use both on a daily basis, whether it's with your smartphone or personal computer. Hardware is any element of a computer that's physical . This includes things like monitors , …
Understanding Operating Systems
What is an operating system? An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer's memory and processes , as well as all of its software and hardware . It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer'…
Mobile Devices
What is a mobile device? A mobile device is a general term for any type of handheld computer . These devices are designed to be extremely portable, and they can often fit in your hand. Some mobile devices—like tablets , e-readers , and smartphones —are powerful enough to do many of the same things you c…
Laptop Computers
What is a laptop computer? A laptop is a personal computer that can be easily moved and used in a variety of locations. Most laptops are designed to have all of the functionality of a desktop computer, which means they can generally run the same software and open the same types of files . However, la…
Inside a Computer
Inside a computer Have you ever looked inside a computer case , or seen pictures of the inside of one? The small parts may look complicated, but the inside of a computer case isn't really all that mysterious. This lesson will help you master some of the basic terminology and understand a bit more…
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 …
Basic Parts of a Computer
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. Computer case The computer case is the metal and plastic box that contains the main components of the computer, including the motherboard, cen…
What is a 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 , a…