main components: The computer: All that will be visible to you is a case that contains all the essential electronic circuitry. The monitor or display screen: This displays what is going on inside the computer and whatever you type at the keyboard. The keyboard: Much the same as a typewriter, the keyboard enables you to input commands to control the computer and, for example, to type text with the aid of a word-processing program. The mouse: A standard component of modern computers. A pointing device that enables you to select from choices displayed on the monitor and to help you control the computer's actions. The hard disc drive: All computers have at least one internal hard disc drive for the storage of programs and data.