ComputersComputersWhat’s in there and how does it What’s in there and how does it

work?work?

Parts of a computerParts of a computer There are many different parts to a There are many different parts to a

computer. Some are inside the large case computer. Some are inside the large case that you see on or under the desk, and that you see on or under the desk, and other parts plug into it from the outsideother parts plug into it from the outside

Some parts are input devices and some Some parts are input devices and some are output devicesare output devices

Some parts are called software, some are Some parts are called software, some are called hardwarecalled hardware

SoftwareSoftware

Programs that are written for the computer are Programs that are written for the computer are called called softwaresoftware. This comes from the fact that in . This comes from the fact that in the 60’s the only way to store programs was on the 60’s the only way to store programs was on a soft or floppy magnetic disk. (Think of the a soft or floppy magnetic disk. (Think of the magnetic tape inside a cassette or VHS tape!!)magnetic tape inside a cassette or VHS tape!!)

Now we can store programs on CD’s (compact Now we can store programs on CD’s (compact disks) or DVD’s (digital video disks). They are disks) or DVD’s (digital video disks). They are not soft like the magnetic disks, but since we not soft like the magnetic disks, but since we have used the word have used the word softwaresoftware since the since the 60’s(that’s over 40 years ago!!) we still call 60’s(that’s over 40 years ago!!) we still call programs on CD’s and DVD’s programs on CD’s and DVD’s softwaresoftware!!!!

HardwareHardware

HardwareHardware is the term used for the ‘hard’ is the term used for the ‘hard’ parts of the computer that are ‘fixed’ or parts of the computer that are ‘fixed’ or don’t change. These are all the parts that don’t change. These are all the parts that are inside the case of the computer and are inside the case of the computer and the parts that plug into the computer.the parts that plug into the computer.

Monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners, Monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners, and speakers are just a few of the pieces and speakers are just a few of the pieces of of hardwarehardware for a computer!!! for a computer!!!

InputInput vs. vs. OutputOutput

Input devices are parts of the computer Input devices are parts of the computer that help you put information IN to the that help you put information IN to the computer!!computer!!

Output devices are parts of the computer Output devices are parts of the computer that let the computer send information that let the computer send information back OUT to you!!back OUT to you!!

Input and output devices are all plugged Input and output devices are all plugged into your computer.into your computer.

Hardware: Output DevicesHardware: Output Devices

Some output devices that are connected Some output devices that are connected to your computer are the monitor, to your computer are the monitor, speakers, and printers.speakers, and printers.

Hardware: Input DevicesHardware: Input Devices

Some input devices connected to your Some input devices connected to your computer are scanners, digital cameras, a computer are scanners, digital cameras, a keyboard and a mouse.keyboard and a mouse.

Hardware: Inside the Hardware: Inside the ComputerComputer

The ‘guts’ of your computer may be The ‘guts’ of your computer may be housed inside a desktop case or a tower housed inside a desktop case or a tower case.case.

Inside the computer you have circuits, Inside the computer you have circuits, chips, cards, a modem, a CPU and RAM chips, cards, a modem, a CPU and RAM and ROM.and ROM.

Hardware: Inside your Hardware: Inside your computercomputer

Disk drives.Disk drives. More than likely your computer has a CD-More than likely your computer has a CD-

ROM drive, a DVD drive and a hard drive.ROM drive, a DVD drive and a hard drive. These are all used to hold information your These are all used to hold information your

computer needs to run programs. computer needs to run programs.

What else?What else?

Can you think of any other parts of a Can you think of any other parts of a computer, types of computers or things computer, types of computers or things you can use with your computer?you can use with your computer?

What else do you know about computers?What else do you know about computers? How do computers help you?How do computers help you?