Computer Hardware and Software

Software Application Programs

(Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Movie Maker, Accelerated Reader) set of instructions that tell the computer what to do - used to accomplish specific tasks like manipulating text, numbers and graphics. For example, making a letter, working in a spreadsheet or creating a slide show or movie

Operating System Software (OS)

(Windows, Mac, Unix, Linux) a software system that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate the computer software - without the OS the computer would be useless.

RAM

Random Access Memory - makes things easier for the computer to access

ROM

Read Only Memory - small memory chip only used at start up

USB Port

Universal Serial Bus - most widely used interface for connecting devices to a computer

Software

a set of programs and procedures that are intended to perform some tasks on a computer system - makes the computer useful. Two types of software are the Operating System Software and Software Application Programs.

computer case

metal tower casing that holds all of computers components. For example: motherboard, hard drive, etc.

Monitor

primary device for displaying information from the computer

Keyboard

primary device for entering information into the computer

Mouse

primary device for navigating and interacting with the computer

Processor

sends and receives information, completes task, makes things work smoothly

Hard Drive

stores data on a computer