Computer Systems Servicing - Basic Parts of Computer

Flashcards covering the basic hardware parts, types of computers, and peripheral devices mentioned in the Computer Systems Servicing Grade 11 module.

Computer

An electronic device that manipulates information, or "data," and can store, retrieve, and process data.

Hardware

Any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as the computer monitor or keyboard.

Software

Any set of instructions that tell the hardware what to do and how to accomplish each task.

ENIAC

The first electronic computer, developed in $1946$, which took up $1,800\,\text{square feet}$ and weighed $30\,\text{tons}$.

Desktop Computers

Computers designed for use at a desk or table, made up of separate components like the system unit, monitor, mouse, and keyboard.

System Unit

The core of a computer system, usually a rectangular case that contains electronic components such as the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Random Access Memory (RAM).

Laptop

A battery or AC-powered personal computer that is more portable than a desktop computer.

Server

A computer that "serves up" information to other computers on a network and where web pages are stored.

Tablet Computers

Highly portable computers that use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation and do not require a keyboard or mouse.

Smartphones

Mobile phones that can perform many of the same functions as a computer, such as browsing the internet or playing games.

Game Console

A specialized kind of computer used for playing video games, such as the Nintendo Wii, PlayStation, or Xbox.

Smart TV

A TV display that includes applications (apps) to access online content like Netflix or Facebook.

PC (IBM PC Compatible)

The most common type of personal computer, which began with the original IBM PC introduced in $1981$.

Mac (Macintosh)

A personal computer introduced in $1984$ by Apple Inc., which was the first widely sold personal computer with a Graphical User Interface (GUI).

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The microprocessor that acts as the "brain" of the computer.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

A component that temporarily stores information used by the CPU while the computer is pulse; this information is erased when the computer is turned off.

Peripheral Device

Hardware that is not part of the system unit but connects to it using cables, such as a mouse or monitor.

Mouse

An input device used to interact with items on the computer screen by pointing and clicking.

Touchpad

A pointing device found on many laptops that lets the user move the cursor by dragging a finger across its surface.

Monitor

An output device that displays information in pictorial form, also known as a softcopy output.

CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)

An older type of bulky monitor that resembles a small television set.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

A slim, flat-panel monitor that looks like a large laptop screen mounted on a stand.

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)

A display technology with elements that generate their own light, resulting in thinner sets, better blacks, and lower energy consumption.

QLED (Quantum dot LED)

A display technology that uses quantum dots to emit light and is expected to be more power efficient than OLED.

Keyboard

An input device used as the main way to enter information and commands into a computer.

Typing (Alphanumeric) Keys

Keyboard keys that include the same letter, number, punctuation, and symbol keys found on a traditional typewriter.

Control Keys

Keyboard keys like Ctrl, Alt, the Windows logo key, and Esc, used alone or in combination to perform certain actions.

Navigation Keys

Keys used for moving around documents or webpages, including arrow keys, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, Delete, and Insert.

Modem

A device that connects a computer to the internet by sending and receiving information over a telephone line or high-speed cable.

Printer

A peripheral device that makes a persistent representation of graphics or text on paper.

All-in-one (AIO) Printer

A compact device that combines a laser or inkjet printer, copy machine, scanner, and fax machine into one package.