Computer
is an electronic device that processes data.
Central processing unit (CPU)
or processor, is the "brain" of the computer
Input device
to enter data such as text
Graphics tablet
allows you to create sketches and drawings for display on a monitor
Output device
such as a printer or monitor
Software
gives instructions to the computer's hardware to make it work
Operating system (OS)
controls all of the software programs on the computer
Graphical user interface(GUI)
allows users to select words, symbols, or graphics from the desktop
Application software
also referred to as applications
Local area network (LAN)
connects computers in a single location
Wide area network (WAN)
connects computers across a wider geographical area
Client Server Networks
most LANs used by businesses today are client/server networks
Server
is a powerful central computer used by a network
Client
is an individual computer that is part of a network
Peer-to-Peer Networks
another networking option is peer-to-peer network
Network interface card (NIC)
is a circuit board or PC card that allows a client computer to connect to a network
Router
is used to join LANs
Network operating system (NOS)
is an operating system with special functions for linking computers and other devices in LANs.