Computer Basics Absolute Beginner’s Guide, Windows 10 Edition, Eighth Edition

1. How Personal Computers Work

In This Chapter

• What Your Computer Can Do

• Inside a Personal Computer

• Other Parts of Your Computer System

• Different Types of Computers

• Don’t Worry, You Can’t Screw It Up—Much

Chances are you’re reading this book because you just bought a new computer, are thinking about buying a new computer, or maybe even had someone give you his old computer. (Nothing wrong with high-tech hand-me-downs!) At this point you might not be totally sure what it is you’ve gotten yourself into. Just what is this mess of boxes and cables, and what can you—or should you—do with it?

This chapter serves as an introduction to the entire concept of personal computers—what they do, how they work, that sort of thing—and computer hardware ...