Desktop Computer

A desktop computer comes in a box called a “tower” that can sit on or under your desk. It has a separate screen. It is often the most powerful type of computer.

Desktop parts

Tower

The “tower” holds all the parts that run the computer: its brain, called the “processor”, its “memory” – which lets it remember things while it is running and the “hard drive” which lets you save things like files and software, even when the computer is switched off. The tower has all the slots and sockets to plug in the power cables and keyboard etc….

Screen

The “screen” is where you can see all your work. It is also called a “monitor”. Sometimes a screen will appear to turn off all by itself. Don’t worry if this happens, this is just it trying to save energy. Clicking on the keyboard will probably bring the screen back to life! The screen has its own power cable and a cable to attach it to the tower.

Keyboard

The “keyboard“ is the main way to get ideas into the computer. It has all the standard keys you need for the letters and numbers and it may even have some extra keys that make working with software easier. Most keyboards use a rectangular plug called a “USB” . You will find a USB slot on the tower to plug it in.

Mouse

The mouse is a device used to interact with the computer. It is typically held in one hand and is used to point, click, scroll, and drag items on the computer screen. By moving the mouse, users can open programs, select items, move them around, and perform other computer-related tasks.

Webcam

Webcams are computer video cameras that let you communicate with people around the world. They are extremely useful for learning remotely. It is wise to unplug a webcam when you are not using it. It also plugs into a USB slot.

Desktop set up

Setting up a desktop computer is just a matter of plugging the cables in. This is just like a jigsaw puzzle. The right shaped plug needs to go into the right shaped slot. It will go smoothly if you lay it out and take it step by step:

• Place the computer tower on a table or desk, then connect the mouse, keyboard, webcam and screen to the back of the tower. The screen cable will either be an HDMI cable, like on a TV, or it will be a “VGA” cable.
• Plug the power cable into the back of the tower and the other end into the wall socket.
• Plug the other power cable into the screen and the wall socket.
• Turn the screen on by pressing its power button – it can be well hidden, so keep hunting for it.
• Now find the computer tower “on” button somewhere on the front/side/top of the tower. Press it and, after a few seconds, the computer will start. It may beep and flash some tiny lights.