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A Computer Hardware is an electronic machine that:

  • Takes in data and instructions (INPUT)
  • Works with data (PROCESS)
  • Puts out information (OUTPUT)

Input Device is a device that takes in information into the computer.

The keyboard has keys for characters (letters, numbers and punctuation marks) and special commands. Pressing the keys tells the computer what to do or what to write. The mouse has a special ball that allows you to roll it around on a pad or desk and move the cursor around on screen. By clicking on the buttons on the mouse, you give the computer directions on what to do. A trackball has the ball on top and you move it with your finger. A touchpad allows you to move your finger across a pressure sensitive pad and press to click.
Moving images or videos are taken with the webcam attached to your computer. Photos are taken with the digital camera away from the computer and stored on a memory chip. Then the camera is plugged into the computer, so that the images can be downloaded. It has a pressure sensitive pad that lets you draw on the tablet with a special pen, the drawing appears on the screen. The tablet and pen can also be used like a mouse to move the cursor and click. A scanner copies a picture or document into the computer.

Output Device is a device that puts out information from the computer.

Stands for Cathode Ray Tube. It is a bulky monitor that allows you to 'see' what you and the computer are doing together. Stands for Liquid Crystal Display. It is a flat screen monitor that allows you to 'see' what you and the computer are doing together. Allow you to hear sound from your computer. The inkjet printer uses inks to print. It takes what you see on the computer screen and prints it on paper. Laser printers run much faster because they use lasers to print. It takes what you see on the computer screen and prints it on paper.

Activity 1. Parts of the Computer

Activity 1. Parts of the Computer.doc (101KB)

Activity 2. Input and Output Devices

Activity 2. Input and Output Devices.doc (101KB)
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Storage Device is a device that can store information.

Hard Disk Floppy Disk Compact Disk
External Hard Disk Digital Video Disk USB Drive/ Memory Stick

Processing Device is a device that does the processing of data.

This is the case that houses all of the important computer components. If it sits flat, it is a desktop case. This is the case that houses all of the important computer components. If it stands up tall, it is a tower case.

CPUs are made of many electronic components or parts, each have a special job and they all work together to make your computer operate.

It takes electricity from your house and convert it into a current that works for your computer. It is the largest circuit board and has many smaller boards plugged into it. It holds all of the most important parts of the computer. Contains special circuits for operating the computer’s sound. Handles graphics that are displayed on the monitor. Allows computers to talk to each other. It plugs the computer in to a phone or cable line so that information can be transferred between computers.
Central Processing Unit. The brain of a computer. It controls information and tells other parts what to do. Basic Input Output System. Wakes up the computer when you turn it on and reminds it what parts it has and what they do. Random Access Memory It remembers what you tell them and can even change to remember new information. But, when it is turned off, it forgets everything you told it. Read Only Memory. It is good in remembering, but cannot change it’s mind. It holds information that is built on it. Are the places on the outside of the computer case where you plug in hardware. Inside of the case, they are connected to expansion cards, which are plugged into the motherboard and are connected to other components by cables. Keyboard, mouse, monitor, and printer all plug into it.
Usually installed inside the front of your computer case so that you can get to them from the outside to load the software. Capacity is up to 1.44MB Usually installed inside the front of your computer case so that you can get to them from the outside to load the software. Capacity is up to 700MB. Usually installed inside the front of your computer case so that you can get to them from the outside to load the software. Capacity is up to 4GB plus. Hard drive is hidden inside the computer because the disks are not meant to be removed because information that you save on your computer is stored here.  

Activity 3. Inside the CPU Case


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