Types of Computers & Computer Hardware

mouse

an input device that allows the used to manipulate objects on the screen by moving the mouse along the surface of a desk

storage

area in computer that holds data permanently until its immediently needed for processing

memory

area of the computer that holds data on permanent basis when it is not immediately needed for processing

input

whatever is put into a computer system

network

2 or more computers and other devices that are connected for sharing data and programs

sound card

a circuit board that gives the computer the ability to accept audio input, play sound files, and produce audio output through speakers or headphones

software

a computer program that tells the computer how to perform particular tasks

super computer

a computer that was the fastest in the world at the time it was consturcted can tackle taskes that would not be practical for other computers typical uses would be breaking codes, model weather systems

computer

a device that accepts input, processes data, stores data, and produces output all accorrding to a series of stored instructions.

modem

a device that sends and recieves data to and from the computers over telephone lines

desktop microcomputer

a microcomputer that fits on a desk and runs on power from and electrical wall outlet the CPU can be housed in either a vertical or a horizontal case has seperate components (keyboard, mouse, etc.) that are each plugged into the computer

micro computer

a personal computer; designed to meet the computer needs of an individual provides access to a wide variety of computing applications, such as word processing, photo editing, e-mail, and internet

laptop computer

a portable, compact computer that can run on an electrical wall outlet or a battery unit all components (keyboard, mouse, etc.) are in one compact unit usually more expensive than a comparable desktop sometimes called a Notebook

keyboard

an arrangement of letters, numbers, and special function keys that act as the primary input device to the computer

system unit

case that holds the power supply, storage devices, and the circuit boards (including the motherboard.)

output

consists of the processing results produced by a computer

output devices

devices that display, print, or transmit the results of processing from the computer's memory

monitor

display device that forms an image by converting electrical signals from the computer into points of colored light on the screen

hardware

includes electronic mechanical devices that process data, refers to computer as well as perpheral devices

mainframe

large expensive computer capable of simultaneously processing data for hundreds or thousands of users used to store, manage, and process large amounts of data that need to be reliable, secure and centralized usually housed in a closet sized cabinet

processing

manipulation of data in many ways

handheld

orignally called PDA (Personal Digitial Assisant.) Used for calenders and note keeping. No internet access

printer

output device that produces text or graphical images on paper

speaker

output devices that receive signals from the computer's sound card to play music, narration, or sound effects

workstation

powerful desktop computer designed for specialized tasks can tackle tasks that require a lot of processing speed can also be an ordinary personal computer attached to a LAN (local area network)

server

purpose is to "serve" a computer that has the purpose or supplying its users with data; usually through the use of a LAN (local area network)

data

refers to the symbols that represent facts, objects or ideas

information

result of computer storing data as bits and bytes, words and numbers, sounds and graphs

resolution

the density of the grid used the display or print text and graphics; the greater the horizontal and vertical density, the higher the resolution

pixels

the smallest unit in a graphic image; computer display devices use a matrix of pixels to display text and graphics

input devices

units that gather information and transform that information into a series of electronic signals for the computer

peripheral devices

used to expand the computer's input, output and storage capabilities

storage devices

used to keep data when the power to the computer is turned off

CPU

where the processing in a computer takes place, often called the brain of the computer