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.

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Image caption,
Computer
Inside the computer there are two very important parts: the processor and the memory. The processor follows the instructions in computer programs and sends out messages telling the other parts of the computer what to do. The memory is where the computer stores programs and information.
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Monitor
The monitor is an output device. It shows us information from the computer on the screen.
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Mouse
The mouse is an input device. We click the buttons on the mouse to make choices and give the computer information.
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Keyboard
The keyboard is an input device. We use it to type words, numbers and symbols.
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Printer
The printer is an output device. The computer sends information to the printer where it is printed on paper.
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Webcam
A webcam is an input device. We use a webcam to take pictures and make videos. It can also be used to see and talk to friends and family in the UK or around the world. You can wave and smile at people who are far away and even show them work you have done at school.

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.

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