Computer Facts for Kids

Computers are a part of everyday life in our society. Kids of all ages use computers, and every year computer scientists discover new and innovative ways that computers can serve us. It is important for young people to know a bit about the computers they use so often.

Kids of all ages use computers.

History

An abacus is the earliest known form of computer.

According to the Canadian Broadcasting Centre, simple computers date back thousands of years to the Chinese abacus, consisting of rows of beads on a wooden frame used for counting. The modern computer dates back to 1945, when the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC) was invented. In 1973, the U.S. Department of Defense developed the Internet so all of its own computers could be connected; in 1990 the World Wide Web was born, Scientific American reports. The rapid evolution of technology has resulted in the computers we use today, and those too are changing as we speak.

Function

The Internet allows you to shop from home.

You can do many things on a computer. You can create and print letters or reports for school, and save those documents in case you need them later; you can watch movies, listen to music CDs and play video games. The Internet allows people to visit different websites, send each other email, shop online and pay bills electronically. Some people even work or receive schooling through their home computers.

Components

The computer's monitor, motherboard, processing unit, hard drive and other important accessories all work together. The monitor shows what you are doing on the computer. The motherboard makes your computer work; it is where the central processing unit (CPU) and memory are found. The CPU spreads information and tells the computer what to do. The computer's hard drive contains memory to save information. Floppy disks and CD-ROMs transfer, store and play back information. The keyboard and mouse are devices that help you input information and commands. A modem connects your computer to the Internet, and a printer gives you a paper copy of your information.

Types

Laptop computers are very popular.

The most common types of computers used are desktop, laptop and handheld computers. Desktop computers stay in one place, and their parts are contained in a tower or in a case that sits beneath the monitor. Laptop computers are mobile; they are lightweight and small enough to be transported by users who need computer and Internet access with them at multiple locations. Handheld computers include personal digital assistants, small video gaming devices and mobile phones with computer-type functions.

Warnings

While computers make life convenient and are considered positive additions to society, there are negative aspects of computer use that kids and their families should consider. Computer viruses are harmful programs that damage information and can stop your computer from working properly. The Internet presents risks for young people, too. The information you share is not private, and some young people use the Internet to spread rumors about and harass other kids. Some people use their computers so much that they don't want to do anything else. Kids and their parents should discuss rules for computer usage at home.

References

• Canadian Broadcasting Centre
• Scientific American

Resources

• Be a Good Cyber Citizen
• Internet Use Checklist for Kids