Lesson 1
Order by
40 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 computer | a device that receives, processes, and presents information |
| hardware | the electronic, magnetic, and electric devices that carry out computing function. the physical components of the computer |
| software | the collection of programs that make the computer work. can also be referred to as programs or applications |
| tower case | this houses all the important computer components. this specfic type stands up tall |
| desktop case | this houses all the important computer components. this specific type sits flat |
| input devices | these are things that allow you to get new information into the computer |
| output devices | these display information from your computer in a way that you can understand |
| disk devices | a device that writes data onto or reads data from a storage medium |
| CD-ROM drive | a device that can only read information from a compact disk |
| compact disk | a shiny, circular disk that stores information |
| CD-RW drive | this device allows you to write information to a compact disk as well as read from it |
| dvd | a disc used mainly for video and data storage. it stores more than six times as much data as a compact disc |
| DVD drive | some new computers have this type of a drive instead of a CD-ROM or CD-RW. through it you can watch movies, listen to music or play video games |
| keyboard | common way to enter information into a computer. it has keys for characters andd special commands. pressing the keys tells the computer what to do or what to write |
| mouse | a pointing device that functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface. its motion translates into the motion of a pointer on a display, and its buttons or features can add more control or dimensional input |
| touchpad | this pressure sensitive pad is a common feature of laptop computers that translate the motion and position of a user's fingers to a relative position on the screen |
| monitor | this is a common output device that houses the computer screen and allows you to see what you and the computer are doing together |
| speakers | output devices that allow you to hear the sound from your computer |
| scanner | this input device allows you to copy a picture or document into your computer |
| digital camera | this input device allow you to input photographs into a computer |
| graphics tablet | this input device is a pressure sensitive pad that is plugged into your computer. when you draw on it with a special pen, the drawing appears on the screen |
| inkjet printer | the most common type of printer, used with home computers, can print either black and white, or color |
| laser printer | faster printers that use lasers to print, mostly used at businesses, are mostly black and white, but some print color too |
| power supply | every computer needs this. it takes electricity from the wall and it converts it into a current that works for your computer |
| components | each have a special job and they all work together to make your computer operate |
| ports | places on the outside of the computer where you plug in hardware |
| cables | these are long, flat bands that contain electrical wiring. they connect the motherboard and other components |
| hard drive | this device stores information that you save on your computer. it is hidden inside of your computer because the disks are not meant to be removed |
| CPU | the brain of the computer. it controls information and tells other parts what to do. sometimes it is referred to simply as the processor or central processor |
| BIOS | very important component that wakes up the computer when you turn it on and reminds it what parts it has and what they do |
| RAM | memory chips that will remember what you tell them and can even change to remember new information, but when the computer turns off it forgets everything you told it |
| ROM | memory chips that are good at remembering, but cannot change. it holds information built into it |
| motherboard | the largest circuit board of the computer. has many smaller boards plugged into it. holds all the important parts of the computer |
| expansion cards | several of these are found on the motherboard. each has a special purpose |
| sound card | this contains special circuits for operating the computers sound |
| video card | this handles graphics that are displayed on the monitor |
| modem | this converts the digital signals produced by computers into the analog signals that telephone circuits are designed to carry |
| laptop computer | a personal computer designed to perform as a desktop system, but mobile and small enough to sit on one's lap. also known as a notebook computer |
| cursor | a blinking line or shape on the screen that tells you where your next character will go |
| peripherals | any hardware attached to the tower. items like the mouse, keyboard, printer and head phones |
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