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An introduction to the physical parts of a computer and how they work together.
Did you know that a computer is like a brain in a box, but it needs your help to see, talk, and move? What if you could control a whole digital world with just one finger?
A computer has many parts that work together. The monitor is the screen that looks like a TV. It shows you pictures, games, and videos. The keyboard is a board full of buttons called keys. You use these keys to type letters, numbers, and instructions. Think of the monitor as the computer's 'face' and the keyboard as its 'voice' for writing! There are usually about keys on a standard keyboard, each with a special job.
Let's identify the parts in front of you: 1. Look at the big glass screen. That is your monitor. 2. Look at the board with the letter 'A' and the number on it. That is your keyboard. 3. Find the small object that fits in your hand. That is your mouse.
Quick Check
Which part of the computer do you use to see the pictures in a game?
Answer
The monitor.
To start the computer, we use the power button. This button usually has a circle with a small line through the top. When you press it once, the computer begins to 'boot up' or wake up. It is important to be gentle! You only need to press it one time and wait. If you press it too many times, the computer might get confused, just like if someone tried to wake you up by shaking you times in a row!
Follow these steps to turn on a computer safely: 1. Find the power button on the corner of the monitor or the main computer box. 2. Press the button gently with one finger. 3. Watch for a small light to turn on. 4. Wait for the monitor to show a picture. Do not press the button again while you wait!
Quick Check
How many times should you press the power button to turn the computer on?
Answer
Only one time.
The mouse is a tool that helps you point at things on the screen. When you slide the mouse on your desk, a little arrow moves on the monitor. This arrow is called the cursor. If you move the mouse to the left, the cursor moves to the left. If you move it in a circle, the cursor draws a circle! Some computers have a flat square called a trackpad instead of a mouse, but it works the same way by using your finger.
Try this cursor game: 1. Place your hand comfortably on the mouse. 2. Move the cursor to the very top corner of the screen. 3. Now, move it to the very bottom corner. 4. Try to move the cursor in the shape of a square: Up, Right, Down, and Left.
What is the little arrow on the screen called?
Which part do you use to type your name?
You should press the power button very hard and many times to make the computer go faster.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow, look at a computer and see if you can point to the monitor, keyboard, and mouse without any help!
Practice Activity
Practice moving the cursor to 'touch' every corner of the monitor screen without clicking anything.