What is a computer? it is simply a tool used to perform a myriad of tasks. It is a digital device (the computer) or a digital tool .

What do I mean by this? Let me explain. The computer is an electronic item which is designed to function somewhat like a storage cupboard.

What ever you put into it, is what you can get out of it. It's as simple as that. If you put onions into the cupboard, you will get onions.

Similarly, with a computer, you will get out of it, what you put in.

How is this done? This is done by using Input and Output devices. (Hold it) Before I explain these, Lets look a little more at the computer itself. It comprise mainly of two sets of parts. Computer Hardware and Computer Software.

Computer hardware is anything on a computer that we can see, feel or touch. This is self explanatory. It includes all the physical parts that go into making a computer.

Software are the programs that run the computer. It is that part of the computer that cannot be seen, felt or touched. Programs are usually in machine readable language or codes and reside on your hard drive.How do they get there? Well, these are loaded via the CD ROM drive or any other device that is hooked up to the computer and is capable to do this.

Input devices are simply those parts of the computer used to put stuff on the computer ie, keyboard, flash drives, CD ROM, digital cameras and many others.

Output devices are those devices from which information is retrieved from the computer ie, Flash Printers, Monitors,scanners etc.

Conclusion

It is a common mistake to mix up Hardware for Software and as a result makes it difficult to diagnose a problem when the time arises.

In order to minimize this, care must be taken to familiarize yourself with the different parts of the computer and how they function. Don't be afraid to explore, the computer will not break.