Computers What’s in there and how does it work?

Parts of a computer  There are many different parts to a computer. Some are inside the large case that you see on or under the desk, and other parts plug into it from the outside  Some parts are input devices and some are output devices  Some parts are called software, some are called hardware

Software  Programs that are written for the computer are called software. This comes from the fact that in the 60’s the only way to store programs was on a soft or floppy magnetic disk. (Think of the magnetic tape inside a cassette or VHS tape!!)  Now we can store programs on CD’s (compact disks) or DVD’s (digital video disks). They are not soft like the magnetic disks, but since we have used the word software since the 60’s(that’s over 40 years ago!!) we still call programs on CD’s and DVD’s software!!

Hardware  Hardware is the term used for the ‘hard’ parts of the computer that are ‘fixed’ or don’t change. These are all the parts that are inside the case of the computer and the parts that plug into the computer.  Monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners, and speakers are just a few of the pieces of hardware for a computer!!!

Input vs. Output  Input devices are parts of the computer that help you put information IN to the computer!!  Output devices are parts of the computer that let the computer send information back OUT to you!!  Input and output devices are all plugged into your computer.

Hardware: Output Devices SSSSome output devices that are connected to your computer are the monitor, speakers, and printers.

Hardware: Input Devices  Some input devices connected to your computer are scanners, digital cameras, a keyboard and a mouse.

Hardware: Inside the Computer TTTThe ‘guts’ of your computer may be housed inside a desktop case or a tower case. IIIInside the computer you have circuits, chips, cards, a modem, a CPU and RAM and ROM.

Hardware: Inside your computer  Disk drives.  More than likely your computer has a CD- ROM drive, a DVD drive and a hard drive.  These are all used to hold information your computer needs to run programs.

What else?  Can you think of any other parts of a computer, types of computers or things you can use with your computer?  What else do you know about computers?  How do computers help you?