What is a computer system?

A computer system is made up of different parts and each has a special job.

Some will be inside the computer and others will be outside. Some parts are connected by wires and others are wireless.

The parts that make up a computer are called hardware.

Programs which tell a computer what to do are called software.

The hardware needs the software to tell it what to do.

What different types of computer system are there?

Computer systems don't always look the same.

• A laptop is a computer system, but the monitor, mouse and keyboard are all built into the computer.
• A tablet is a computer system, which has a touchscreen monitor instead of a mouse and keyboard.
• A smartphone is a computer system too.

Can you think of any other computer systems you might find at home?

What hardware can be found in a computer system?

A computer system can be made up of lots of different pieces of hardware.

Some pieces put information into a computer. This information is called inputs.

Other pieces allow computers to send information out. This information is known as outputs.

Let's look at some hardware to learn more.

Glossary

Here's some meanings to some important words.

Computer - A device that can follow instructions stored in its memory.
Computer system - A combination of hardware and software that can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks.
Hardware - The physical parts of a computer system.
Inputs - Data that is sent to a program to be processed.
Outputs - The result of data processed by a computer.
Programs - A list of instructions a computer can understand.
Software - The programs used to control computers and perform specific tasks.

Activities