Understanding Basic Computer Parts

Understanding Basic Computer Parts

Introduction

A computer is made up of two main parts:

• Hardware – The parts you can see and touch.
• Software – The instructions or programs that tell the computer what to do. You can't see or touch these.

Simple examples:

• Hardware = your body.
• Software = your mind or thoughts giving instructions.

Main Parts of the Computer

A. Monitor (The Eyes)

• Shows pictures, videos, and information.
• It’s what you look at when using the computer.

B. System Unit (The Brain and Heart)

• The main box that holds important parts like the CPU and memory.
• It processes all the instructions.
• Compare it to the human brain — it thinks and controls everything.

C. Keyboard (The Hands)

• Used to type letters, numbers, and commands.
• Each key has a specific function.

Activity: Have learners type their names using a keyboard.

D. Mouse (The Pointer)

• Used to move the arrow (cursor) on the screen.
• Helps open files, select items, and navigate.

Activity: Demonstrate how to move the cursor, open a folder or file using a mouse.

E. Speakers (The Ears/Mouth)

• Used to hear sound from the computer (music, videos, etc.).

F. Printer (The Hands on Paper)

• Used to produce a hard copy (a paper version) of what is on the screen.

G. Other Examples

• Flash drives (store data),
• Webcam (takes pictures),
• Headphones (listen privately).

Hardware vs Software

• Hardware: Things you can touch (mouse, keyboard, monitor).
• Software: The programs that make the hardware work (like Microsoft Word or Google Chrome).

Example:

• You can touch your phone, but not WhatsApp — WhatsApp is software.

More examples of Software Vs Hardware:

Keyboard (hardware), Google Chrome (software), Monitor (hardware), Word (software).

Recap

• What is hardware?
• What is software?
• Name two parts of the computer you can touch.
• What does the monitor do?
• What part is like the brain?