What is a Computer?

A personal computer(PC) is simply an electronic appliance that you use to complete a task. There are many different things you can do with a computer. Some of these things are: write letters, check email, play games, do your taxes, etc.

Many people are intimidated by computers. Either they have had a bad experience in the past, or they simply don't understand the basics (like using a mouse). To some, these problems are very embarrassing. So, instead of learning, they just avoid the "evil machine" altogether.

You don't really need to know a lot about a computer in order to use it. There aren't many people that know how a TV displays an image, but there are plenty of people who know how to use a remote control. The same can be said for a car. There are plenty of people who know how to drive, but have no clue about the mechanical aspect of the vehicle.

I am sure several of you have heard the term hardware and software before. Think of hardware as the physical components that you can touch, and software as the instructions that make the physical components work.