CPU Central Processing Unit; the brains of the computer; processes information.
Computer Electronic device for storing and processing data.
Computer Bus Communication system that transfers data between components inside a computer.
Computer Case Enclosure that contains most of the components of a computer.
DVD-ROM Drive Optical disk drive that reads and writes data.
Fan Cooling device that cools the inside of the computer case by circulating air.
Hard Drive Long term storage device.
Hardware Physical parts of a computer.
Heat Sink Device made of aluminum that passively cools the CPU or other components inside a computer.
Input Device Peripheral device that sends information to a computer.
Keyboard Typewriter style input device used to send characters and functions to a computer.
Microphone Audio input device used for sending sound to a computer.
Monitor Visual output device that displays images from a computer.
Motherboard Main circuit board of a computer; all components and external peripherals connect to the
motherboard.
Mouse Handheld input device used for used to position the cursor on the computer screen.
Network Adapter Component that allows a computer to connect to a network such as the Internet.
Operating System Software that supports a computer's basic functions, such as scheduling tasks, executing
applications, and controlling peripherals.
Output Device Peripheral device that receives information from a computer.
Power Supply Provides electric power to a computer.
Printer Output device that transfers data from a computer to paper.
RAM Random Access Memory; used for short term, temporary storage and allows the computer to multi-task.
RAM is volatile and resets when the computer is restarted.
ROM Read-Only Memory; contains the startup or Boot instructions for the computer.
Scanner Input device that makes a digital copy of a document and sends the copy to a computer.
Software Programs used by a computer.
Sound Card Circuit board that controls audio output to speakers.
Speakers Audio output device that allows sound from a computer to be heard.
USB Flash Drive Portable storage device, which uses flash memory and connects to a computer via a USB port.
USB Universal Serial Bus; allows peripheral devices such as printers, scanners and USB Flash Drives to be connected
to a computer.
Video Card Circuit board that controls output to a display screen.
Webcam Video camera that inputs to a computer.