A computer is full of hardware

Some of the hardware--the monitor, keyboard, and mouse--lets you "talk," or input information.  Other hardware responds to your actions. Another set of equipment connects your computer to other computers in your office, or around the world.

 

All of that wonderful hardware is useless without an operating system. It is the operating system that wakes up the hard drive, calls the Internet, and displays your text on the screen.

 

Microsoft Windows Vista is an operating system. You use Windows to navigate, organize and save your work. You also use Windows to view pictures and play music.

 

Applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint call on Windows to save, print and send.