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
