Datasheet

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11
Chapter 1: Buying a Computer
Understand Hardware and Software
Your computing experience is made up of hardware and software. The
hardware is all the tangible computer equipment, such as the keyboard
and mouse, and the software is what makes the hardware work or lets
you get things done, such as writing documents with Microsoft Word
or playing a Solitaire game. Think of the hardware as being like your
television set and the shows that you watch as being like the software.
The hardware on your computer consists of
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A central processing unit (CPU), which is the very
small, very high-tech semiconductor chip that acts as
the brains of your computer. The CPU is stored in a
computer tower along with the other nuts and bolts
of your computer.
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A monitor, which displays images on its screen such
as the Microsoft Windows 7 desktop or a document
in a software program.
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A keyboard, which is similar to a typewriter keyboard.
In addition to typing words, you can use a keyboard
to give the computer commands.
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A mouse, which you also use to give your computer
commands, but this little device is more tactile. You
move the mouse around your desk with your hand,
which moves a pointer around on-screen. Using this
pointer, you can click on items like buttons that
cause an action, or click on the screen and drag the
mouse to select text or an object to perform an action
on it (such as deleting it or making the text bold).
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Peripherals, such as a printer, speakers, webcams,
and microphones. These may or may not come with
your computer when you buy it, but your computer
does come with slots (called ports) where you plug in
various peripherals.