For Seniors: Understand Laptop Hardware and Software

By Nancy C. Muir

Computers such as laptops and netbooks are made up of hardware and software. Hardware is the tangible parts of a computer, while software controls the hardware and helps you get things done. Think of the hardware as being like your television set, and think of the software as being like the shows that you watch on it.

Understand laptop/netbook hardware

The hardware on your laptop/netbook consists of the physical parts of the laptop or netbook.

A central processing unit (CPU) is the very small, very high-tech semiconductor chip (integrated circuit) that acts as the brains of your computer. The CPU is stored in your laptop along with the other nuts and bolts of your computer.
A hard drive stores data and software programs permanently so they can be used when needed.
A monitor displays images on its screen similar to the way your TV screen displays programs. Your computer monitor shows you, for example, the Microsoft Windows 7 desktop or a document open in a software program.
A keyboard is similar to a typewriter keyboard. In addition to typing words and numbers, you can use a keyboard to give the computer commands.
A touchpad lets you move a pointer on the screen by sliding your fingertip around the touchpad or by pushing a small button up, down, or side to side. You position this pointer on an onscreen button or menu name, for example, and then click a left or right button on your touchpad to command the computer to do something.

You can also tap and drag your fingertip on the touchpad to select text or an object to perform an action on it (such as deleting a file or making a line of text bold).
A webcam and speakers, and probably a microphone, are likely to be built in to your laptop/netbook. A webcam allows you to produce video images you can share during video phone calls and instant messaging sessions. Speakers play back sounds, and a built-in microphone allows you to record audio.
Ports attach peripherals, such as a printer or scanner to the laptop/netbook. The type of port you’ll use most often is called a USB port; it’s a small slot useful for plugging in small sticks called flash drives on which you can store data, or devices that typically sport a USB connector (such as digital cameras and smartphones).

Understand laptop/netbook software

Software (also known as programs or applications) is installed on your laptop/netbook’s hard drive, which resides inside the laptop/netbook casing.

You use software to get your work done, play video and audio files, play games, and browse the Internet.
Computers have to have an operating system installed to be of any use at all, because the OS runs all the other programs. Some software programs are built into the operating system — such as Solitaire, an electronic version of the old favorite card game, which comes with Windows 7.

Some programs such as Microsoft Word may come pre-installed on your laptop/netbook; you can purchase other software or download free software programs from the Internet.
You can uninstall programs you no longer need. Uninstalling unwanted programs helps to free up some space on your laptop/netbook, which helps it perform better.
Some software programs called utilities exist to keep your laptop in shape. An antivirus program is an example of a utility used to spot and erase computer viruses from your system.

The laptop/netbook’s operating system (such as Windows 7 Home Premium) also includes some utilities, such as Disk Cleanup to free up wasted space on your hard drive or the Windows Defender program, which protects your laptop from unwanted intrusion by malicious programs called spyware.