2 Computer Basics: What Is a Computer?

Computer

An electronic device that manipulates information or data.

Ones and zeros

The binary system by which computers see and interpret data.

Computer

An electronic device that manipulates information or data.

Ones and zeros

The binary system by which computers see and interpret data.

Hardware

Any physical part of the computer, including internal components and external parts.

Software

A set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do.

Desktop computer

A personal computer typically designed for regular use at a single location.

Laptop

A portable personal computer with similar capabilities to a desktop.

Operating system

The software that manages computer hardware and software resources.

Windows

The most common operating system used for personal computers.

macOS

The operating system designed for Macintosh computers.

Chrome OS

The operating system that runs on Chromebooks.

iOS

The operating system used by Apple's mobile devices.

Android

The operating system used by many mobile devices, primarily by Google.

Servers

A type of computer that sends information to other computers on a network.

Web servers

Servers that deliver web pages to your computer when using the internet.