Hardware, Software, and Information Technology (IT)
Your desk probably contains a jumble of equipment commonly known as a computer. But what is all that things? What does a computer do? Unlike many other tools or appliances that have definite purposes, a computer can do any number of things:
- Write letters
- Browse the Internet
- Send e-mail messages to people around the world
- Play games
- Help you balance your budget
Two basic things make up a computer: hardware and software. You simply can’t have one without the other. All of parts of a computer that you can physically see or touch are called hardware. Hardware includes the computer’s monitor, case, keyboard, mouse, and printer. Computer programs that tell hardware how to operate are called software. You may have used software such as Microsoft Excel or Corel WordPerfect in the past.
You don’t have to know how to program a computer to use one. A computer programmer has already done the work for you by writing the program (software). All you have to do is tell the software what you are trying to do, and the software then directs the work of the hardware.
IT, short for Information Technology, is the broad subject related to computer and managing and processing information, especially within large organizations. Many large companies have departments full of computer technicians called IT department.
Parts of a Computer
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Component
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Description
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Case or System Unit
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Monitor
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Keyboard
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Mouse
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Speaker
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Printer
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2. Computer Overview
Computers are not really as complicated as they initially were. You just have to learn the basic functions of the various parts, and then you can separate them into three categories:
· Input
Any device that lets you talk to the computer (such as a mouse or keyboard).
· Processing / Storage
Main functions of a computer, which happen inside the computer case. Not surprisingly, the Central Processing Unit (CPU) does all the processing; the storage function is handled by any number of drives (hard, floppy, Zip, tape-backup, CD/DVD-ROM) or disks (compact discs or floppy diskettes).
· Output
Any device that lets the computer talk to you (such as a monitor or speakers).
If you are having trouble understanding this input/output stuff, think of your home television (TV) set. Televisions and computers are similar in several ways:
· The remove control is comparable to the mouse (or any other input device such as a mouse).
· The cable box (while not nearly as powerful as computer) is similar to a computer in that it can process information (such as deciphering which channel you want to watch) and, if programmable, store information (such as when to show the film using a built-in timer).
· The TV displays the channel much like a monitor displays information.
Understanding Hardware
Hardware is any physical part of a computer that you can see or touch. A computer’s monitor, CD-ROM or DVD drive, mouse, keyboard, and printer are all different types of hardware.
1. Central Processing Unit
2. Memory
3. RAM and ROM
4. Mouse
5. Keyboard
6. Digital Cameras and Web Cams
7. Other Input Devices
8. Monitor
9. Graphics Card
10. Printer Basics
11. Types of Printers
12. Sound and Speakers
13. Modem
14. Input/Output Devices
15. Hard Drive
16. Hard Drive Maintenance
17. CD-ROM Drive
18. DVD Drive
19. Floppy Drive
20. Zip Drive
21. Other Storage Devices
22. Formatting a Disk
23. Chapter Two Review