Basic Computer Terminology

Computer

an electronic machine that can perform calculations, and can accurately and rapidly process a large amount of data

Hard Disk Drive

permanently installed inside the computer and capable of storing large amounts of information

Central Processing Unit (CPU) -

the microchip that carries out all the computers functions; it is the brain of the computer.

Monitor

displays text and images

Keyboard

The set of typewriter-like keys that enables you to enter data into a computer.

Mouse

A device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a display screen

Printer

An output device that prints letters, numbers and pictures on paper.

Inkjet Printer

sprays ink onto paper to produce output

Laser Printer

A non-impact printer that produces a high quality image, using a method similar to that of a photocopy machine

Motherboard

how data travels from one device to another through the computer.

Diskette

soft magnetic disk

CD-ROM

a type of optical disk capable of storing large amounts of data -- up to 1GB

CD-ROM Drive

reads data stored on optical discs

Speakers

projects recorded voices, sounds, and music

Digital Camera

stores images digitally rather than recording them on film

Bit

PC's operate through a vast number of on/off switches called Binary Digits.

Byte

A string of 8 bits grouped together. They can be translated by the computer into a letter or action. Most common measurement of storage in the digital computer

Operating System (OS)

a program that tells the computer how to properly run the software and hardware together in order to have a smoothly running computer system. Windows and Macintosh are the two most popular.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

information is stored in this memory temporarily. It is lost when the computer is turned off.

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Permanent memory that is built into the computer by the manufacturer

Output Device

a device that displays or stores processed data

Input Device

a device from which the computer can accept data

Computer

an electronic machine that can perform calculations, and can accurately and rapidly process a large amount of data

Hard Disk Drive

permanently installed inside the computer and capable of storing large amounts of information

Central Processing Unit (CPU) -

the microchip that carries out all the computers functions; it is the brain of the computer.

Monitor

displays text and images

Keyboard

The set of typewriter-like keys that enables you to enter data into a computer.

Mouse

A device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a display screen

Printer

An output device that prints letters, numbers and pictures on paper.

Inkjet Printer

sprays ink onto paper to produce output

Laser Printer

A non-impact printer that produces a high quality image, using a method similar to that of a photocopy machine

Motherboard

how data travels from one device to another through the computer.

Diskette

soft magnetic disk

CD-ROM

a type of optical disk capable of storing large amounts of data -- up to 1GB

CD-ROM Drive

reads data stored on optical discs

Speakers

projects recorded voices, sounds, and music

Digital Camera

stores images digitally rather than recording them on film

Bit

PC's operate through a vast number of on/off switches called Binary Digits.

Byte

A string of 8 bits grouped together. They can be translated by the computer into a letter or action. Most common measurement of storage in the digital computer

Operating System (OS)

a program that tells the computer how to properly run the software and hardware together in order to have a smoothly running computer system. Windows and Macintosh are the two most popular.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

information is stored in this memory temporarily. It is lost when the computer is turned off.

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Permanent memory that is built into the computer by the manufacturer

Output Device

a device that displays or stores processed data

Input Device

a device from which the computer can accept data