Computer Basics Vocab Lessons 2 through 5

__________ is a technology for wireless communication over short distances. A separate USB dongle may be required to use with wireless peripherals.

• Bluetooth Card or Adapter

• Ethernet Cable

• HDMI Port

• VGA Adapter

This is sometimes called the brain of the computer, and its job is to carry out commands. Whenever you press a key, click the mouse, or start an application, you're sending instructions to this component.

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Random Access Memory (RAM)

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

An electronic device that manipulates information, or 'data.' It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data.

• Computer (General)

• Television

• Refrigerator

• Microwave

The metal and plastic box that contains the main components of the computer. It houses the motherboard, central processin unit, the power supply, and more.

• Computer Case

• Monitor

• Keyboard

• Printer

A computer that is used when portability is not needed; it sits on the floor or table and typically has a detachable keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

• Desktop Computer

• Laptop

• Tablet

• Smartphone

PCI cards that allow you to boost the perfomance of your comupter or update the capabilities of an older computer. These include Video, Sound, Network, and Bluetooth.

• Expansion Cards (General)

• Motherboards

• Power Supplies

• Hard Drives

This long-term storage is where the software is installed, and where documents and other files are stored. This means the data is still saved even if you turn the computer off or unplug it.

• Hard Drive

• RAM

• CPU

• Monitor

Any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as the computer monitor, mouse, or keyboard.

• Hardware

• Software

• Firmware

• Malware

Devices that communicate information from the user to the computer.

• Input Device

• Output Device

• Storage Device

• Processing Device

One of the primary ways we communicate with the computer and enter data.

• Keyboard

• Monitor

• Mouse

• Printer