Computer Parts

disk drive

A storage device that holds, spins, reads and writes magnetic disks or optical discs (CD, DVD, MO, UDO). In this encyclopedia, disk ("k") refers to a magnetic disk drive, and disc ("c") means an optical drive.

motherboard

. A motherboard is one of the most essential parts of a computer system. It holds together many of the crucial components of a computer, including the central processing unit (CPU), memory and connectors for input and output devices.

cd-rom

A CD-ROM is a pre-pressed optical compact disc which contains data. The name is an acronym which stands for "Compact Disc Read-Only Memory". Computers can read CD-ROMs, but cannot write to CD-ROMs which are not writable or erasable.

computer mice

A computer mouse is an input device that is most often used with a personal computer. Moving a mouse along a flat surface can move the on-screen cursor to different items on the screen. Items can be moved or selected by pressing the mouse buttons (called clicking).

hard drive

The primary computer storage device, which spins, reads and writes one or more fixed disk platters. The terms "hard drive" and "hard disk" are synonymous; however, a "drive" technically refers to the entire unit that holds one or more "disk" platters.

cache

To store data locally in order to speed up subsequent retrievals. Pronounced "cash." See Web cache and browser cache.

byte

a unit of storage capable of holding a single character. On almost all modern computers, a byte is equal to 8 bits. Large amounts of memory are indicated in terms of kilobytes (1,024 bytes), megabytes (1,048,576 bytes), and gigabytes (1,073,741,824 bytes).

bios

basic input/output system

microprocessor

central processing unit

cpu

central processing unit.

computer monitor

electronic visual display

computer modem

modulator-demodulator

keyboard

panel of keys that operate a computer or typewrite

ram

random access memory

usb

universal serial bus