2. Your computer
system is made
up of several
different parts.
Each part has an
important role, but
not all parts are
necessary.
Computer System
3. CPU
The Central Processing
Unit is the brain of your
computer system. It thinks
about what it’s doing.
(Sometimes you can even
hear it thinking!) It also
remembers everything you
tell it to remember.
4. Monitor
The monitor
is like a TV. It lets
you see what’s
happening on your
computer. You
can look at
documents,
games, the
Internet, videos,
slideshows… lots
of stuff!
5. Caring for your Monitor
• Don’t touch the screen with dirty fingers
• Don’t use your pen or pencil as a pointer
• Don’t press any buttons on your monitor
• If your screen is dirty, tell the teacher
6. Keyboard
The keyboard is made up of a bunch of
keys. Use your fingers to push down on the
keys (gently!). Usually, we use the
keyboard to type words on our screen – to
write stories, search for things online, or
enter information. But some key-
combinations act like commands for the
computer. They can tell it to print, open a
window, save a file, or many other things.
7. Caring for your Keyboard
• Be nice to the keys – should tap gently on
them.
• Air duster – if they are getting dusty between
them, ask your teacher to clean them with an
air-sprayer
• No food/drink – you should never eat or
drink around your keyboard. Crumbs and
liquids can fall between the keys.
• Clean hands - you should always be sure
your hands are clean before you use a
computer.
8. Mouse
The mouse is let’s you control the cursor on
your screen, to move it around where you
would like to click or drag. We click on the left
button, or “left click” the mouse, to make a
selection. We click on the right
button, or “right click” the mouse
to bring up a
menu, a list
of options.
9. Printer
Sometimes we want an
image or word on paper, so
we can look at it away from our computer.
That’s when we use the
printer. But remember:
Always ask
before printing!
10. There is a speaker on each side of
your monitor. Often, you will work with
headphones plugged into a
speaker so that only you can
hear the sounds from your
computer.
If your speakers or headphones are too loud,
they will be turned off, and you will not be able
to use them again during that class period.
Speakers / Headphones
11. Storage
• If you need to take a file home
with you, or just want to save a back-up
copy, you have a lot of choices for how to
do that!
