Computer Terminology

The device that allows your computer to talk to other computers over a telephone line.

Directs the computer how to operate.

A video or computer display device that contains a screen.

The programs or instructions that tell the computer what to do, such as word processors, spreadsheets, and databases.

The hardware that provides printed output from the computer.

The hardware that receives and displays information comingfrom the computer, such as a monitor, printer, or speakers.

A small picture or symbol representing a computer hardware function or component.

Approximately a million bytes (a measure of storage).

Approximately a billion bytes (or 1,000) megabytes.

A group of two or more computers linked together

The hardware that is used to pass information into the computer, such as a mouse, keyboard, or microphone.

a byte is one character, which may be a number or letter. A byte is composed of 8 consecutive bits.

represents a binary digit which is the amount of information obtained by asking a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question.

a collection of electronic parts that allow software programs to run that perform certain tasks.

A type of printer that forms letters on the page by shooting tiny electrically charged droplets of ink.

The place where programs and files are stored in a computer.

A hand-operated device to control the cursor on the screen.

The physical components of the computer system, such as the hard drive, disc drives, and modem.

The computer’s working memory, sometimes called Random Accessed Memory.

The circuit board that functioning parts of the computer connect.

A disc on which a laser has digitally recorded information such as audio, video, or computer data.

a computer program that does specific tasks such as word processing or spreadsheets

The brain of the computer or Central Processing Unit.

A printer that uses both laser and photographic technology to produce high quality output.

The permanent memory that is built in your computer. This is Read-Only Memory.