Hardware

What is a computer?

Think of a computer as a three-step machine:

  1. Input – You click, type, or touch
  2. Process – The computer thinks and works it out
  3. Output – It shows the answer on the screen

What is computer hardware?

It’s the physical parts of a computer (the stuff you can touch).
Examples of Hardware:

  • Computer
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • Monitor

Types of Computer

There are different kinds of computers

  • Desktop PC
    • Big and stays on a desk
    • Screen and computer are usually separate
  • Laptop
    • Computer and screen joined together
  • Smartphone / Tablet
    • Computer and touchscreen joined together

Input and output devices

  • Input device
    • Sends information into the computer
      • Keyboard
      • Mouse
      • Microphone
      • Camera
      • Scanner
      • Controller
  • Output device
    • Shows information from the computer
      • Monitor
      • Speakers
      • Printer
      • Headphones

Targets

- I can name three types of computer

- I can name four pieces of computer hardware

- I can explain the difference between input and output devices

- I can identify if a device is input or output