When you purchase a computer, all you are really buying is the computer case with the necessary hardware to make the computer run. The bare minimum needed is the computer itself, a monitor, and a keyboard. Even a mouse is an optional component, although most modern operating systems are designed to be used via a graphical user interface and a mouse. Everything else you buy is an accessory, and whilst not strictly necessary to the operation of your computer, can make using it more enjoyable, or more productive.