About Computers & Accessories for Beginners

Computers aren't as complicated as they might seem. There are several parts to a computer, but you don't have to understand how they all work to operate one. It's a good idea however, to understand how some of the accessories work.

Software- Programs like Microsoft word and excel are two common pieces of software. Software programs are installed on the computers hard drive and read by a series of codes. An easy example is the Internet browser you're using to read this article is a piece of software that you downloaded or was installed on the computer.

Hardware- These components are physical devices that you can touch. For example, you’re reading this article on a piece of software, the monitor. You typed the web address with another piece of hardware, the keyboard.

Hard Drive- Data and information your computer uses and needs is stored on a hard drive. The hard drive is located inside your computer and can only hold a certain amount of information. Each hard drive doesn't hold the same amount of data. You can buy hard drives that have a small or large amount of storage space. Usually the more data a hard drive can store, the more expensive it is.

CD Drive- Every computer will have a space where CD’s are read. These spaces have a slot where you place the CD on flat and push into the computer for it to read the information stored on it. Most CD drives on laptops are located on the sides and desktop CD drives are usually on the front of the tower.