Skip to Main Content

Computer Literacy: Hardware

This guide supports Massasoit students with limited practical computer experience,

Computer Types

 

 

 

  • Stationary computer that sits on a desk or table
     
  • Must be plugged in for power
     
  • Monitor, keyboard & mouse are separate parts

 

 

  • Small, portable computer
     
  • Uses a rechargeable battery for power
     
  • Monitor, keyboard and mouse are combined
    into Body of Computer
 laptop image

 

  • Smaller than a laptop;  Lightweight, easy to carry
     
  • Uses a rechargeable battery for power
     
  • Keyboard is on screen or separate, plugged-in component
     
  • Uses touchscreen or keyboard for input

 

 

 

  • Cell phone with a built-in computer; Very small and portable
     
  • Uses a rechargeable battery for power
     
  • Uses touchscreen, type or speak for input
     
  • Fewer functions than all other computer types

Hardware

  • Physical parts of the computer
     
  • Two types of hardware:

    • Components (Body of Computer)
      • Processor
      • Memory
      • Storage

    • Peripherals (Attached to Computer)
      • Monitor 
      • Keyboard
      • Mouse/Trackpad
      • Touchscreen
      • Ports & Buttons
         
  • Computers can be updated with new hardware

 

 

  • Body of Computer - Box that contains the
    components:
    • processor (thinking part)
    • memory (currently open files & programs
    • storage (all files & programs)

  • Brain of the computer
     
  • All other peripherals (computer parts) connect to it
    to give it instructions or receive feedback

 

  • Where information is displayed
     
  • Has a power button
     
  • Sometimes touchscreen

 

  • Used to type letters and numbers
     
  • Used to give the computer instructions
     
  • Plugged in or bluetooth

 

 

 

  • Controls cursor -  Used to move cursor around
    screen to point at     and click on items 
     
  • Left click  -  opens program icons, links, etc
    • often requires a "double click". 
    • hold left click down to "drag" to move things 
    • use trackpad click with one finger (shown)
       
  • Right click: opens a context menu in the program 
    • use trackpad with two fingers  

  • Scroll: moves your screen view up & down to see new content
    • Mouse - use scroll wheel or click on arrows or click & drag the bar to the far right of screen
    • Trackpad - up & down swipe with two fingers

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Use fingers instead of a mouse to open
    programs, follow links, etc.
     
  • Often used at ATMs, grocery stores,
    smartphones & tablet computers

 

 

  • Power Button - located on monitors and computers
  • Audio ports - used to plug in headphones &
    microphones
  • USB ports - used to plug in keyboards, chargers,
    thumb drives, etc.

 

Knowledge Check - Can You Show Me?

  1. Keyboard
  2. Screen or Monitor
  3. Mouse
  4. Mouse Pad
  5. On/Off button
  6. USB port
  7. Headphone port
  8. Microphone port