What is a Computer?

A computer is a programmable machine. The two principal characteristics of a computer are: it responds to a specific
set of instructions in a well-defined manner and it can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program).

Modern Computers Defined

Modern computers are electronic and digital. The actual machinery -- wires,transistors, and circuits -- is
called hardware; the instructions and data are called software.
All general-purpose computers require the following hardware components:
memory: enables a computer to store, at least temporarily, data and programs.
mass storage device: allows a computer to permanently retain large amounts of data. Common mass
storage devices include disk drives and tape drives.
input device: usually a keyboard and mouse, the input device is the conduit through which data and
instructions enter a computer.
output device: a display screen, printer, or other device that lets you see what the computer has
accomplished.
central processing unit (CPU): the heart of the computer, this is the component that actually executes
instructions.
In addition to these components, many others make it possible for the basic components to work together efficiently.
For example, every computer requires a bus that transmits data from one part of the computer to another.

Computer Classification, By Size and Power

Computers can be generally classified by size and power as follows, though there is considerable overlap:
personal computer: a small, single-user computer based on amicroprocessor. In addition to the
microprocessor, a personal computer has a keyboard for entering data, a monitor for displaying information,
and a storage device for saving data.
workstation: a powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal computer, but it has a
more powerful microprocessor and a higher-quality monitor.
minicomputer: a multi-user computer capable of supporting from 10 to hundreds of users
simultaneously.
mainframe: a powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many hundreds or thousands of users
simultaneously.
supercomputer: an extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions of instructions per
second.

Parts of a computer
If you use a desktop computer, you might already know that there isn't any single part called
the "computer." A computer is really a system of many parts working together. The physical
parts, which you can see and touch, are collectively calledhardware. (Software, on the
other hand, refers to the instructions, or programs, that tell the hardware what to do.)
The illustration below shows the most common hardware in a desktop computer system.
Your system may look a little different, but it probably has most of these parts. A laptop
computer has similar parts but combines them into a single notebook-sized package.

Desktop computer system

Let's take a look at each of these parts.

System unit
The system unit is the core of a computer system. Usually it's a rectangular box placed on
or underneath your desk. Inside this box are many electronic components that process
information. The most important of these components is the central processing unit
(CPU), or microprocessor, which acts as the "brain" of your computer. Another component
is random access memory (RAM), which temporarily stores information that the CPU uses
while the computer is on. The information stored in RAM is erased when the computer is
turned off.

Almost every other part of your computer connects to the system unit using cables. The
cables plug into specific ports(openings), typically on the back of the system unit. Hardware
that is not part of the system unit is sometimes called aperipheral device or device.

System unit

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Storage
Your computer has one or more disk drivesdevices that store information on a metal or
plastic disk. The disk preserves the information even when your computer is turned off.

Hard disk drive

Your computer's hard disk drive stores information on a hard disk, a rigid platter or stack
of platters with a magnetic surface. Because hard disks can hold massive amounts of
information, they usually serve as your computer's primary means of storage, holding
almost all of your programs and files. The hard disk drive is normally located inside the
system unit.

Hard disk drive

CD and DVD drives

Nearly all computers today come equipped with a CD or DVD drive, usually located on the
front of the system unit. CD drives use lasers to read (retrieve) data from a CD, and many
CD drives can also write (record) data onto CDs. If you have a recordable disk drive, you can
store copies of your files on blank CDs. You can also use a CD drive to play music CDs on
your computer.

CD

DVD drives can do everything that CD drives can, plus read DVDs. If you have a DVD drive,
you can watch movies on your computer. Many DVD drives can record data onto blank DVDs.

Tip

If you have a recordable CD or DVD drive, periodically back up (copy) your important
files to CDs or DVDs. That way, if your hard disk ever fails, you won't lose your data.

Floppy disk drive

Floppy disk drives store information on floppy disks, also called floppies or diskettes.
Compared to CDs and DVDs, floppy disks can store only a small amount of data. They also

retrieve information more slowly and are more prone to damage. For these reasons, floppy
disk drives are less popular than they used to be, although some computers still include
them.

Floppy disk

Why are floppy disks "floppy"? Even though the outside is made of hard plastic, that's just
the sleeve. The disk inside is made of a thin, flexible vinyl material.
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Mouse
A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on your computer screen.
Although mice come in many shapes, the typical mouse does look a bit like an actual mouse.
It's small, oblong, and connected to the system unit by a long wire that resembles a tail.
Some newer mice are wireless.

Mouse

A mouse usually has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary
button. Many mice also have a wheel between the two buttons, which allows you to scroll
smoothly through screens of information.

When you move the mouse with your hand, a pointer on your screen moves in the same
direction. (The pointer's appearance might change depending on where it's positioned on
your screen.) When you want to select an item, you point to the item and then click (press
and release) the primary button. Pointing and clicking with your mouse is the main way to
interact with your computer. For more information, see Using your mouse.

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Keyboard
A keyboard is used mainly for typing text into your computer. Like the keyboard on a
typewriter, it has keys for letters and numbers, but it also has special keys:

The function keys, found on the top row, perform different functions depending on
where they are used.

The numeric keypad, located on the right side of most keyboards, allows you to
enter numbers quickly.

The navigation keys, such as the arrow keys, allow you to move your position
within a document or webpage.

Keyboard

You can also use your keyboard to perform many of the same tasks you can perform with a
mouse. For more information, seeUsing your keyboard.
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Monitor
A monitor displays information in visual form, using text and graphics. The portion of the
monitor that displays the information is called the screen. Like a television screen, a
computer screen can show still or moving pictures.
There are two basic types of monitors: CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors and LCD (liquid
crystal display) monitors. Both types produce sharp images, but LCD monitors have the
advantage of being much thinner and lighter. CRT monitors, however, are generally more
affordable.

LCD monitor (left); CRT monitor (right)

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Printer
A printer transfers data from a computer onto paper. You don't need a printer to use your
computer, but having one allows you to print e-mail, cards, invitations, announcements, and
other materials. Many people also like being able to print their own photos at home.
The two main types of printers are inkjet printers and laser printers. Inkjet printers are
the most popular printers for the home. They can print in black and white or in full color and
can produce high-quality photographs when used with special paper. Laser printers are
faster and generally better able to handle heavy use.

Inkjet printer (left); laser printer

(right)

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Speakers
Speakers are used to play sound. They may be built into the system unit or connected with
cables. Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects from your computer.

Computer speakers

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Modem
To connect your computer to the Internet, you need a modem. A modem is a device that
sends and receives computer information over a telephone line or high-speed cable.
Modems are sometimes built into the system unit, but higher-speed modems are usually
separate components.

Cable modem

What are computers?

Computers are machines that perform tasks or calculations according to a set of
instructions, or programs. The first fully electronic computers, introduced in the 1940s,
were huge machines that required teams of people to operate. Compared to those early
machines, today's computers are amazing. Not only are they thousands of times faster, they
can fit on your desk, in your lap, or even in your pocket.
Computers work through an interaction of hardware and software. Hardware refers to the
parts of a computer that you can see and touch, including the case and everything inside it.
The most important piece of hardware is a tiny rectangular chip inside your computer called
the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor. It's the "brain" of your computer
the part that translates instructions and performs calculations. Hardware items such as

your monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, and other items are often called hardware
devices, or devices.
Software refers to the instructions, or programs, that tell the hardware what to do. A word
processing program that you can use to write letters on your computer is a type of software.
The operating system (OS) is software that manages your computer and the devices
connected to it. Two well-known operating systems are Windows and Macintosh operating
system. Your computer uses the Windows operating system.