Computer Basics Common Components
Input Devices keyboard mouse scanner microphone
Output Devices monitor printer projector speaker
Storage Devices hard drive USB drive CD / DVD / floppy “long-term memory” operating system applications files USB drive portable memory thumb drive jump drive flash drive memory stick CD / DVD / floppy transferable memory easy to send or hand out
Inside the Case motherboard system-board “nervous system” connects everything ports slots
Inside the Case processor “non-thinking brain” CPU executes commands processes information CPU central processing unit
Inside the Case RAM random access memory working memory temporary where work is done temporary clears out when powered off
Inside the Case NIC network interface card MAC address connects to network MAC address unique identifier
Connections USB RJ-45 Cat 5e or Cat 6 universal serial bus ethernet most common RJ-45 ethernet network Cat 5e or Cat 6 patch cable ethernet cable
More Connections IEEE 1394 firewire RJ-9 phone line 15-pin DIN monitor