Basics Of Computer

Basics Of Computer Tutorial

Getting to Know Computers

What is a Computer?

Basics Of Computer  Tutorial- A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or "data." It has the ability to store, retrieve, and processdata. You can use a computer to type documents, send email, and browse the internet. You can also use it to handle spreadsheets, accounting, database management, presentations, games, and more. Watch the video to learn about different types of computers.

Watch the video (1:54). Need help?

Computers Simplified

Basics Of Computer - For beginning computer users, the computer aisles at an electronics store can be quite a mystery, not to mention overwhelming. However, computers really aren't that mysterious. All types of computers consist of two basic parts:

• Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as the computer monitor or keyboard.


• Software is any set of instructions Basics Computer that tells the hardware what to do. It is what guides the hardware and tells it how to accomplish each task. Some examples of software are web browsers, games, and word processors such as Microsoft Word.

A motherboard (hardware)

Microsoft Word (software)

Anything you buy for your computer can be classified as either hardware or software. Once you learn more about these items, computersare actually very straightforward. The first electronic computer, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), was developed in 1946. It took up 1,800 square feet and weighed 30 tons.

Laptop Computers

A laptop computer

The second type of computer that you may be familiar with is a laptop computer, or laptops as they are often referred to. Laptops are battery or AC-powered personal computers that are more portable than desktop computers, allowing you to use them almost anywhere. Since a laptop is smaller than a desktop, it's more difficult to access the internal components. That means you may not be able to upgrade them as much as a desktop. However, it's usually possible to add more RAM or a bigger hard drive.

Basics Of Computer