The Computer’s Hardware

Ports are connection points between the computer and a device.

Connecting the Monitor The monitor cable plugs into the back of the monitor, and the back of the computer.

Input and Output Devices are hooked up to a computer.

USB USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. It is a standard connector that is used for mouses, keyboards, smartphones, cameras, printers, scanners, and more.

A surge, or spike of electricity, could damage your devices. Surge Protection A surge, or spike of electricity, could damage your devices. A surge protector stops spikes and only allows a normal and safe amount of electricity to flow through to your devices.

Ethernet An Ethernet cable is a network cable used to connect devices together on a network.

To boot up the computer, you simply press the power button. Booting To boot, or to “boot up” a computer means that the computer will turn on and perform a sequence of events to start the operating system. To boot up the computer, you simply press the power button.

Parts of a Computer

Plastic Case Stores everything to protect the different parts of the computer. Helps cool down the hardware to prevent overheating.

Power Supply Plugs into an outlet and regulates power for the computer.

Motherboard All of the different parts of the computer are connected to the motherboard. This lets them work together.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) The CPU sends signals to control the other parts of the computer. The CPU works on a list of things to do. It has very low data storage.

Random Access Memory RAM is information storage used to store data for programs. These include data/files you are currently using. RAM has small storage space.

Hard Drive Use magnetic recording to store information on rotating circular platters. Capacity is measured in gigabytes (GB).

Graphics Card Helps make graphics look better Shows how things should look on the monitor

GRAPHICS CARD