What is a Computer?

A computer is made up of hardware, which are all the components that you can touch and software, which are the instructions or codes that make the hardware do something. Hardware and software are both needed to have a working computer. Without software, hardware is nothing but a big paperweight! Without software, you can't do anything with a computer.

Software includes application software, which are programs that allow you to perform a specific task such as word process, browse the Internet, or edit pictures and system software, which are programs that control and monitor all input and output and processing activities of the computer such as the operating system and utility programs.

Software is instructions that "tell" the hardware to do something. For example, a mixing bowl, a mixer and ingredients are the "hardware" and the recipe is the "software" or directions that allow you to do something with the hardware.

What is an application?