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Library - Basic Computer Literacy: MAJOR COMPUTER COMPONENTS

MONITOR

A monitor is an output device that displays information from a computer visually.

It allows users to see text, graphics, and videos generated by the computer's graphics card. 

A monitor can also be thought of as an input device. As an input device, a touchscreen monitor lets users interact with the system directly by touching the screen to input commands and data

Some of its functions:

  • User Interaction: Shows visual feedback for user inputs via keyboard, mouse, or touch.
  • Multimedia Viewing: Plays videos, displays photos, and serves as a screen for video conferencing.

 

A computer monitor is an essential component of a computer system that provides the visual interface between the user and the computer's processes.

KEYBOARD

A keyboard is a piece of computer hardware used to input text, characters, and other commands into a computer or similar device.

Most keyboards have numbers, letters, symbols, arrow keys, etc., but some also have a numeric keypad

Keyboards have additional functions like volume control, buttons to power down etc. and dedicated programmable shortcut keys.

Laptops have a built-in trackball mouse or touchpad.

MOUSE

A mouse, sometimes called a Pointer, is a hand-operated input device used to manipulate objects on a computer screen.

A movement detected by the mouse sends instructions to the computer to move the cursor on the screen in order to interact with files, Windows, and other software elements.

To effectively use your computer, you must input commands using both the mouse and the keyboard.

CURSOR

A cursor is a visible position indicator on a computer display screen that a user controls with a mouse or touchpad that shows the user where any input into the computer will be placed or where an action will occur.

PARTS OF A COMPUTER