Basic Computer Terminology

Hardware The physical components of the computer system. Software The programs or instructions that tell the computer what to do. CPU The brain of the computer or central processing unit. ROM The permanent memory that is built in your computer. This is read only. RAM The computer's working memory, sometimes called random-accessed memory. Megabyte Approximately a million bytes. Gigabyte Approximately a billion bytes (or 1,000 megabytes). Input Device The hardware that is used to pass information into the computer. Output Device The hardware that receives and dislplays information coming from the computer. Modem The device that allows your computer to talk to other computers over a telephone line. Monitor A video or computer display device. Laser Printer A printer that uses both laser and photographic technology to produce high quality output. Printer The hardware that provides printed output from the computer. Hard Copy A printed copy of computer output. Compact Disc A disc on which a laser has digitally recorded information such as audio, video, or computer data. Hard Disk A fixed, large-capacity magnetic storage medium for computer data. Floppy Disk A portable magnetic storage medium for computer data that allows users to randomly access information. Graphical User Interface The use of graphical symbols instead of text commands to control common computer functions such as copying programs and disks. Icon A small picture or symbol respresenting a computer hardware function or component. Ink-jet Printer A type of printer that forms letters on the page by shooting tiny electrically charged droplets of ink.