A computer is a group of electrical devices that all operate together. The basic parts of a computer system are the following:

Monitor – is a screen to show what the computer is doing. What it shows is called an output.

Desktop or Tower – whether it stands beside or is under the monitor, is the Central Processing Unit or the brain of the computer. This is where you will find the ‘power on’ button and the CD-ROM and floppy disc drives.

Keyboard – is the main way to send information called ‘input’ to the computer. There are keys for characters such as letters, numbers and punctuation marks.

Mouse – is used by hand to move a ‘cursor’ or pointer to point at and select objects or text on the screen. By clicking on the mouse, you give the computer directions.

Speakers – allow the user to hear any sounds or audio from the computer.

Floppy Disc – is a removable device to store information.

CD-ROM – is used to deliver programs to the computer and now it can be used store large amounts of information as well.

Printer – allows paper copies of information from the computer to be printed on paper, an ‘output’.

Scanner – sends pictures, another ‘input’, as well as text to the computer.

Digital Camera – sends photographs, an ‘input’ to the computer.