STAR LETTER ACTIVITY
Two-Page Letter
Directions: The document below is a two-page personal business letter that summarizes the purpose of a computer system. Key the letter using block style with mixed punctuation. Follow the spacing and page formatting directions shown. Save the letter as “Star Letter” and print the letter. Do not key the boxes or the directions printed.
Student’s Street Address
Student’s City, State, and Zip
Current Date
(QS)
Jessica Simpson
3456 Belview Lane
Palmetto, CA 90876
(DS)
Dear Mrs. Simpson:
(DS)
I heard that you had questions about your new computer. Do you know what a computer is? It is an electronic device that receives, processes, and stores data, and can produce a result. There are many types of personal computers including laptops, desktops, and notebooks/tablets. Regardless of the type, all computers need two components, hardware and software, in order to work.
(DS)
Hardware is the physical equipment of the computer system that you can see and touch. Examples of hardware include the monitor, keyboard, printer, and speakers. Hardware devices can be classified into four categories: input, output, processing, or storage. Input devices put information into the computer. Examples are the keyboard, mouse, scanner, and microphone. Output devices send information out of the computer. Examples of output devices are the monitor, printer, and speakers. The CPU or central processing unit is the processing device in a computer system. It is responsible for processing the information that is entered into the computer. Finally, storage devices allow you to store the information that you have been working with on your computer. This can be done either internally (inside the computer) or externally (outside the computer). When information is stored internally, it is saved on the computer’s hard drive. You can save information externally on floppy disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and USB drives.
(DS)
The other component that all computers need in order to work is software. Software is the program that tells the computer what to do. Without it, you would simply have a bunch of computer parts connected together. There are two types of software, system software and application software. System software controls the operation of the computer system. This includes booting (starting up), and how files can be organized. An example of system software is Windows XP. Application software is software that is used to meet a specific need. An example of application software is MS Word, which is used to process text documents such as memos, letters, tables, and reports. Other examples of application software include database and spreadsheet programs. Database programs allow information, such as names and addresses, to be organized. Spreadsheet programs allow numerical information, such as students’ grades, to be calculated.
(DS)
Hopefully you this letter has helped you to better understand what a computer is and how it works. Be sure to read the manual before setting up your computer. To properly take care of you new tool, keep food, drinks, and magnets away from the computer. Also make sure you properly shut down the computer each time after you each session of use.
(DS)
Sincerely,
(QS)
Your Name