What is a computer?

A computer is a device that allows you to perform all kinds of activities, from keeping your records, typing letters, playing games, e-mailing with other people, surfing the Internet, editing photos and much more. It is a versatile device that offers countless possibilities even in its simplest version.

In fact, a computer is the name for the ‘cabinet’ that contains parts such as the hard disk and the processor. In everyday speech, the computer refers to the entirety of the cabinet, a screen, a keyboard, a mouse and peripheral equipment such as a printer.

A computer system consists of all kinds of technical parts that are assembled in a cabinet. As a user, you usually only have to deal with the outside of the system, where things like the CD and DVD player and USB ports are located.

A computer is also available in the form of a laptop. There is no separate box here. The computer is a whole with the keyboard and screen. The laptop is collapsible and convenient for use on the go.

The parts that are always included are the hard disk, the processor, the power supply, a motherboard, memory, video card and sound card, an internal modem and all kinds of connections for USB sticks and other storage devices. You don’t need to know anything about how these parts work to work with a computer.

In the past, only programmers could work with computers. But since the advent of operating systems like Windows, computing has become accessible to everyone. The operating system ensures that you can start the programs on the computer and that you can perform all kinds of actions.

You can use programs on the computer. These are applications with a specific purpose. The Microsoft Office package includes Word for word processing and Excel for calculations and formulas.

There are programs that you have to buy, such as Office and, for example, the well-known Photoshop. In addition, there are free programs in all shapes and sizes. For example, a free competitor to Office is Open Office.

You are free to install as many programs on your computer as you want, of course with the limitation that a computer memory is not infinitely large. Many programs are now available on the Internet. This is called ‘downloading’, a process by which you copy the program installation files from the Internet to your own computer. Then you let that program install all the necessary files, and you can use that program.

Of course you can also remove programs from the computer. There are special tools for that.

The most popular uses of the computer are e-mailing, surfing the Internet, photo editing, playing games, and video editing.

In the article ‘Purchase aid computer’ you can read which options are available and how much this costs. If you need help making your choice, you can also consult our Computer Chooser.

Computers can be bought in computer stores, electronics stores and, of course, on the Internet. Beginners should visit a local specialist, who can advise them and also help if problems do arise.