The Basic Functions of a Computer Explained Simply for Children

The processor (also called CPU) is like the brain of the computer. It makes sure everything works and quickly decides what happens next. For example, when you open a game or browse online, the processor calculates many tasks at the same time.
You can imagine it as a really fast and hardworking thinker who always knows what’s important next. The faster the processor, the smoother everything runs on the computer.
How does a processor (CPU) work? Explainer video by BYTEthinks
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RAM (Random Access Memory) is like a notepad that the computer uses just for a little while. Imagine you’re learning words and writing them on a sheet beside you to check quickly.
RAM stores everything that’s needed right now, for example, an open game, program, or website, only until you do something else or turn the computer off.
If the RAM gets bigger, the computer can do more things at the same time and won’t get slow when lots of programs are open.
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The hard drive is your computer's long-term memory. Here, all pictures, games, texts or films are stored, so you can keep them for a long time and access them anytime.
Unlike RAM, the data on the hard drive stays after you turn off the computer.
There are now fast SSDs and older, slower HDD hard drives. Both help you safely store your important things.
How Computer Storage Works – Kanawat Senanan
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You often hear the words software and hardware. What’s the difference?
- Hardware includes all parts you can touch, such as the screen, keyboard, mouse, processor, hard drive, or RAM.
- Software is everything that runs, which you can't touch — programs like computer games, apps, the operating system (like Windows), music players, or drawing programs.
Simply put: Hardware is like the house, software is the games and furniture inside.
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Computers can talk to each other so you can browse the internet, send emails, or play online games. This is called a network. They’re like friends who send messages by letter or phone, but through invisible cables or Wi-Fi.
How it works:
- Computers send their data (like texts or pictures) as small packages through the network.
- At home, all devices usually connect to the internet through a router—like a central hub for everyone.
- On the internet, the 'addresses' are called IP addresses, so each computer can find the other.
A network lets computers share with each other—whether in the same room or around the world.
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