Parts to the computer
If you wish to skip passed this lesson, you can enter on the next link to start learning about the Desktop. What is the Desktop
You should already understand that there are several pieces to your computer. There are certain terms, that you can say, which includes certain pieces. For example: If you said my computer, you are probably referring to: the whole computer system. That is ok most of the time; but, understanding proper terminology helps to avoid ignorance.
We are going to help you with knowing the parts to your system and what they are called.
Parts to your computer:
The term will be listed first and then the definition.
computer
The computer consists of the CPU, Monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers and cables to connect them all together.
CPU
The CPU or Central Processing unit, is the brain of the computer. This is where a lot of the processing is done.
Monitor
The monitor is where the text appears as you type. It is also called the screen.
Keyboard
This is what you are using now to type information. This is the main method for getting information into your computer.
Mouse
The mouse is a hand-held device that you can role across your desktop to direct a pointer on the screen. This pointer is used to direct the computer to the area on the screen for the next command given.
Speakers
Naturally the speakers are used to project the different sounds your computer makes, such as: listening to JAWS.
Cables
Most of the devices that connect to your computer will have two cords. One is used for power and the other is a data cable which is used to transfer information back-and-forth. Some devices don't need a power cable such as the keyboard and mouse. They use the power from the computer system. Other devices use blue Tooth or Infrared to transfer data. This is where the device will still need power of some sort; but, does not use a data cable.
2. Peripherals
Peripherals are extra devices that are not needed to use the basic computer. Examples of these devices are: Printers, scanners, cameras, special data readers, etc.
A. A printer is the device that prints the text that you have arranged on your screen, to a piece of paper exactly the way it appears on your screen.
B. A scanner is a device that will look at a printed piece of paper and transfer it to your computer screen in the form of electronic data.
C. Yes, it is possible to attach a camera and take pictures then save them to your computer.
D. A data reader is a device used to read memory sticks, such as: Compact flash cards.
3. Turnkey System
A turnkey system is what one will say if they are referring to the computer and its peripherals together.
4. Software
This is a term used for Programs that are saved on a CD.
5. Hardware
This term is used for smaller parts inside your CPU or Tower. Such as: CPU chip and CPU fan, hard-drive, RAM memory, CD-ROM.
A. The hard-drive is a little box in your computer that stores all the information and programs on your computer. This is referred to as the C drive.
B. The CD-ROM is the device that plays or records information on a CD.
6. Power Strip or Surge protector
This is the long rectangle box with six or more power plug-ins that you will use to plug all your computer components.
This is all that we are going to inform you of at this point. It is quite a vocabulary list; but, if you understood most of what was explained here, you will have a better knowledge of what people are saying.
This is the end of this lesson and now you can enter on the link below to move on to the next lesson. What is the desktop
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