Computer Parts

Computer A machine that collects, processes, stores, and produces information. The 4 jobs of a computer are: input, memory, storage, and output.

Keyboard It is an input device that allows a person to type information into the computer. The keyboard is a set of raised keys that looks like a typewriter.

Monitor A device that displays computer output on a screen. It is an example of an output device.

Mouse An input device that is used to move the cursor and select items on a computer screen.

Tower Is the enclosure that contains most of the components of a computer (usually excluding the display, keyboard and mouse). A computer case is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a CPU or hard drive.

CPU (Central Processing Unit) It is the most important element of a computer system. It controls and processes the information. It is often called the “brains” of the computer. the CPU is housed in a single chip called a microprocessor

Hard Drive (C:) The mechanism that reads and writes data on a hard disk.  Is a non-volatile, random access digital magnetic data storage device. It features rotating rigid platters on a motor-driven spindle within a protective enclosure. Data is magnetically read from and written to the platter by read/write heads that float on a film of air above the platters.

Motherboard The main circuit board of a microcomputer. It is often called the “heart” of the computer. Typically, the motherboard contains the CPU, BIOS, memory, mass storage interfaces, serial and parallel ports, expansion slots, and all the controllers required to control standard peripheral devices, such as the display screen, keyboard, and disk drive.

Floppy Disk A device that stores data and programs. Floppy disks are not as popular (now outdated).

Floppy Disk Drive This is part a computer that reads and writes information onto and from a floppy disk.

CD (Compact Disc) A pre-pressed disk that can store data and programs. It holds more information than a floppy disk.

CD/DVD Drives It is the part of the computer that reads information from a disk. Some disk drives allow you to write information onto disks A writable CD-ROM is both an input & an output device

Flash Drive Also known as a USB Drive, Jump Drive, and Thumb Drive It is a rewritable, portable device which you can read from, and acts as a type of smaller hard-drive disk to transfer data between computers or USB devices. These can hold more than a floppy disk and CD.

USB Port (Universal Serial Bus) A standard cable connection interface on personal computers and consumer electronics. It allows stand-alone electronic devices to be connected to the computer

Printer This is an output device that prints letters, numbers, and symbols onto paper. The 2 main types are inkjet and laser.

Speakers An Output device. Speakers are used to play sound. They may be built into the system unit or connected with cables. Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects from your computer.