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