A computer system is made up of several components.

Those that can be seen and touched are referred to as the hardware.

Those that can’t be seen or touched are known as the software.

What is a computer system?

INPUT

STORAGE

PROCESS

OUTPUT

Feedback

The components fall into the following categories:

• Input devices that get data into the computer.

• Central Processing Unit (CPU) that manipulates the data.

• The Storage devices that save the data.

• The Output devices that display the data in soft or hard copy.

• The Operating system software that manages the running of the computer.

• The Applications software or programs that you use in the course of the day.

Test Yourself

• State whether the following is hardware or software:

Mouse

MS Word

Internet Explorer

Inkjet Printer

•What does CPU stand for?

•Give an example of applications software