Computer Basics

Servers

A server is a computer that serves up information to other computers on a network. Many businesses have file servers employees can use to store and share files. A server can look like a regular desktop computer, or it can be much larger. Servers also play an important role in making the Internet work: They are where webpages are stored. When you use your browser to click a link, a web server delivers the page you requested.

Everything you do on your computer will rely on both hardware and software.

For example, right now you may be viewing this lesson in a web browser (software) and using your mouse (hardware) to click from page to page

Other types of computers

Mobile phones: Many mobile phones can do a lot of things computers can do, such as browsing the Internet and playing games. These phones are often called smartphones. Game consoles: A game console is a specialized kind of computer that is used for playing video games. they are not as fully featured as desktop computers, many newer consoles, such as the Nintendo Wii, allow you to perform non gaming tasks like browsing the Web. TVs: TVs now include applications—or apps—that let you access various types of online content.

PCs and Macs

Personal computers come in two main styles: PC and Mac. Both are fully functional, but they have a different look and feel, and many people prefer one or the other.

Tablet computers

Tablet computers—or tablets—are handheld computers that are more portable than laptops. Instead of a keyboard or touchpad, tablets use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation. The iPad is an example of a tablet. Tablets can't necessarily do anything a laptop or a desktop can do, so you may still want a desktop or laptop to run programs or create documents. But if you just want to be able to play games, check email and social media, or stream music and videos, a tablet may be a good computer replacement.

Mac:

The Macintosh computer was introduced in 1984, and it was the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). All Macs are made by one company, Apple Inc., and they almost always use the Mac OS X operating system.

Laptop computers

The second type of computer is a laptop computer. Laptops are battery- or AC-powered personal computers that are portable, allowing you to use them almost anywhere. A laptop is smaller than a desktop, it's more difficult to access its internal components. This means you may not be able to upgrade them as easily as a desktop.

PC

This type of computer began with the original IBM PC that was introduced in 1981. Other companies began creating similar computers, which were called IBM PC Compatible (often shortened to PC). Today, this is the most common type of personal computer, and it typically includes the Microsoft Windows operating system.

What are the different types of computers?

When most people hear the word computer, they think of a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop. However, computers come in many shapes and sizes, and they perform many different functions in our daily lives. When you withdraw cash from an ATM, scan groceries at the store, or use a calculator, you're using a type of computer.

A computer is?

an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data.

Hardware is

any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as the keyboard or mouse. It also includes all of the computer's internal parts, which you can see in the image below.

Software is

any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. It is what guides the hardware and tells it how to accomplish each task. Some examples of software include web browsers, games, and word processors. Below, you can see an image of Microsoft PowerPoint, which is used to create presentations.

two things all computers have in common:

hardware and software

Desktop computers

people use desktop computers at work, home, school, or the library. They can be small, medium, or large in style, and they sit on a desk. a monitor, mouse, and keyboard, is typically known as a desktop computer. and are easy to upgrade and expand or add new parts. If you compare a desktop and laptop with the same features, you will most likely find that the desktop is less expensive.

you can use a computer to

type documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web. You can also use it to edit or create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.