📌 Introduction
A computer is an electronic machine that processes data and performs tasks based on instructions. But have you ever wondered what parts make a computer actually work?
In this guide, we’ll learn about the 5 basic components of a computer — explained in simple words with examples.
🧠 1. Input Devices
These are the tools we use to enter data into the computer.
🔹 Common Input Devices:
| Device | Use |
|---|---|
| Keyboard | Type letters, numbers, commands |
| Mouse | Point, click, drag files |
| Scanner | Convert physical documents into digital form |
| Microphone | Record sound or give voice commands |
📥 Input = Giving instructions or data to the computer.
💻 2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Also known as the “brain of the computer”, it processes instructions and makes decisions.
🔹 Main Parts of CPU:
- CU (Control Unit): Directs the operations of the computer
- ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Handles calculations and logical decisions
- Registers: Temporary memory inside the CPU for quick data access
⚙️ The CPU processes the input and gives output.
🧠 3. Memory/Storage Devices
This is where data is stored — temporarily or permanently.
🔹 Two Main Types:
| Type | Example | Function |
|---|---|---|
| RAM (Random Access Memory) | Temporary memory | Stores current work (clears when off) |
| Hard Disk / SSD | Permanent storage | Saves files, apps, system data |
💾 RAM = short-term memory; HDD/SSD = long-term memory.
🖥 4. Output Devices
These devices show or deliver the result of processed data.
🔹 Common Output Devices:
| Device | Use |
|---|---|
| Monitor (Display) | Shows text, videos, software interface |
| Printer | Produces physical copies of documents/images |
| Speakers | Plays sound/music |
| Projector | Projects screen onto wall or board |
📤 Output = What we get after processing input.
⚡ 5. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The Power Supply converts electricity into usable energy for the computer’s internal parts.
🔌 Without power, the system won’t run.
🔁 Optional but Important Components:
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Motherboard | Connects all internal parts |
| Cooling Fans | Keeps CPU and system cool |
| Graphic Card (GPU) | Handles graphics-heavy tasks like gaming, editing |
| Network Card | Enables Internet and LAN connection |
🧾 Summary Table:
| Component | Category | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard, Mouse | Input | Provide data |
| CPU | Processing | Brain of computer |
| RAM, Hard Disk | Memory | Store data |
| Monitor, Printer | Output | Display results |
| PSU | Power | Supply electricity |
✅ Conclusion
A computer works just like a mini team of machines working together:
- Some parts give input,
- CPU processes it,
- Memory stores it,