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The Computer System

Computer Hardware & Software:

A computer is made up of various hardware devices that you can touch, that are linked together such as the monitor and keyboard. There are also small hardware devices inside the computer that you can’t see. However, if you tried to switch the computer on without installing some Software, the computer would be useless. Software Applications allows you to do useful things such as word processing, accounts and use the internet. A computer also needs an Operating System such as Windows XP. An Operating system is special software that is designed to manage the Hardware devices and the software Applications on your computer. The Operating system has an important job to do and it is the first thing that starts when you switch your computer on.

DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The Monitor This allows you to see your work, software, files or folders on your computer.
Base / System Unit The processor (brains), hard drive and memory are in here. Floppy discs, CD’s are inserted here.
Keyboard This where you input / type your work and it based on a typewriter keyboard but with a few extra keys.
Mouse This is used to point and select things on the monitor.
Speakers Speakers allow you to hear music and other sounds on your computer.
Printer The printer enables you to print your work.
Software Some Applications may come free with your computer. But most you have to buy separately. The Operating System will be already installed.


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