| Term | Definition |
| CPU (Central Processing Unit) | the “Brains” of the computer where the work is done. |
| Command-line Interface | type of user interface in which the user types commands or press special keys on the keyboard to enter data and instructions. |
| Graphical User Interface | a menu based interface known as icons (pictures that appear on the desktop environment). |
| Hard Copy | a printed page of text or graphics. |
| Hardware | the physical equipment of a computer system that you can touch. |
| Impact Printers | a printer that strikes the paper in order to form images. Example: Dot Matrix Printer |
| Keyboard | an input device that enters data with letters, numbers, symbols, and special function keys. |
| Modem | computer hardware that allows information to be passed through the telephone lines. |
| Monitor | the video screen of the computer. |
| Mouse | a pointing device used primarily with graphical interfaces |
| Non-impact Printer | a printer that forms images without striking the paper. Example: Laser or Inkjet Printers. (Laser printers are considered to be the Cadillac of all printers) |
| Output | the information that leaves the computer. |
| Random Access Memory (RAM) | a type of memory that can be read from and written to by the processor and other devices. Ram memory is volatile. |
| Read Only Memory (ROM) | a type of memory that is used to store permanent data and instructions because it is nonvolatile. |
| Scanner | used like a copy machine to allow information to be input into the computer. |
| Softcopy | output viewed on the monitor. |