Components of a Computer - test your knowledge

CPU

(Central Processing Unit) The key component of a computer system, which contains the circuitry necessary to interpret and execute program instructions. Handles ALL the instructions of the computer; the brain of your computer.

Network Card

(NIC) A device that enables a computer to connect to the network.

DVD/CD-RW drives

(Optical drives) Combination drives that read and write on DVD and CD media.

RAM

(Random Access Memory) Where programs are stored when running; temporary memory.

ROM

(Read Only Memory) A computers' memory that is used to process operation procedures that are stored permanently on the computer. Used to Boot-Up the computer.

USB

(Universal Serial Bus) A type of connection used to attach devices such as flash drives, scanners, cameras, and printers to a computer.

Hard Drive/Disk

A computer device that reads, writes, and stores digital data.

Modem

A device that allows computers to communicate over telephone or cable lines.

Computer peripheral

A device that is connected to and controlled by the computer but is external to the computer. Examples include: keyboard, mouse, printer scanner.

Computer mouse

A hand-operated electronic device that controls the coordinates of a cursor on your computer screen as you move it around on a pad.

Wireless Card

A wireless network card is either integrated with the motherboard or an expansion device. They are attached to an antenna that allows wireless communication with a network.

Bluetooth

Allows electronic devices like cell phones, computers and peripherals to exchange data over short distances using radio waves.

Heat Sink Assembly

An electronic device that incorporates either a fan to keep a hot component such as a processor cool.

Keyboard

An input device that enters data with letters, numbers, symbols, and special function keys.

CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor)

CMOS is an on-board, battery powered semiconductor chip inside computers that stores information and provides it with power to keep the data in memory even when the computer is turned off.

Computer Output

Data that comes from a computer after it has been processed.

Card reader/writer

Device that reads and writes data, instructions, and information stored on flash memory cards.

Screen, monitor, display

Displays visual representation of data processed by the CPU and video card.

Computer Input

Feed data and instructions into the computer.

Cooling fan

Internal fan that keeps the computer cool.

Operating system

System software that acts as a "go-between", allowing computer hardware and application software to communicate with each other.

Power supply

The power supply provides power to the computer.

Track pad or touch pad

The small area at the bottom of your laptop that allows you to move, select, and change items on your computer or laptop using your fingers.

Video Card

This card handles graphics that are displayed on the monitor/screen.