The basic parts of a desktop computer are the computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord. Each part plays an important role whenever you use a computer. Watch the video below to learn about the basic parts of a computer.

If you are new to computers or just want to update your computer skills, this free Computer Basics tutorial will show you how.

Look inside a computer case and understand its various parts in this free Computer Basics lesson.

What is a computer? A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You may already know that you can use a computer to type documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web. You can also use it to edit or create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.

But you can accomplish a lot with a computer, and using one can be a good experience. Let's walk through getting started with your first computer. Turning on a computer for the first time can be different from one computer to the next.

But you can accomplish a lot with a computer, and using one can be a good experience. Let's walk through getting started with your first computer. Turning on a computer for the first time can be different from one computer to the next.

An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer's memory and processes , as well as all of its software and hardware . It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language.

We'll talk about how to set up a computer, the difference between hardware and software, and the types of computers you can use. We'll also explore operating systems, applications, the cloud, and a whole lot more.

If you need to know how to set up a computer, review this free lesson. It covers computer setups and the steps you'll need to take.

Now that you know the absolute basics of using a computer, it's time to learn more about your computer's operating system. We'll be talking about the two most common operating systems in this lesson: Microsoft Windows and macOS .