Module 1 - Input and Output Devices

Mobile Computer

A portable personal computer, designed so that a user can carry it from place to place.

E-Book (Digital Book)

An electronic version of a printed book, readable on computers and other digital devices.

Solid-State Drive

A storage device that typically uses flash memory to store data, instructions, and information.

Digital Literacy

Involves having a current knowledge and understanding of computers, mobile devices, the web, and related technologies.

Computer

An electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data, process the data according to specified rules, produce information, and store the information for future use.

Hardware

Electric, electronic, and mechanical components that computers contain.

Personal Computer

A computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself and is intended to be used by one person at a time.

Laptop (Notebook Computer)

A thin, lightweight mobile computer with a screen in its lid and a keyboard in its base.

Tablet

A thin, lighter-weight mobile computer that has a touch screen.

Gesture

A motion you make on a touch screen with the tip of one or more fingers or your hand.

Desktop (Desktop Computer)

A personal computer designed to be in a stationary location, where all of its components fit on or under a desk or table.

Server

A computer dedicated to providing one or more services to other computers or devices on a network.

Mobile Device

A computing device small enough to hold in your hand.

Smartphone

An internet-capable phone that usually also includes a calendar, an address book, a calculator, a notepad, games, and several other apps.

Digital Camera

A device that allows you to take photos and store the photographed images digitally.

Portable Media Player

A mobile device on which you can store, organize, and play or view digital media.

Digital Media Player (Streaming Media Player)

A device, typically used in a home, that streams digital media from a computer or network to a television, projector, or some other entertainment device.

E-Book Reader (Electronic Book Reader; E-Reader)

A mobile device that is used primarily for reading e-books.

Wearable Device

A small, mobile computing consumer device designed to be worn.

Game Console

A mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games.

Data

A collection of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio, and video.

Information

Conveys meaning to users.

Input Device

Any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer or mobile device.

Keyboard

Contains keys you press to enter data and instructions into a computer or mobile device.

Mouse

A pointing device that fits under the palm of your hand comfortably.

Touchpad

A small, flat, rectangular pointing device that is sensitive to pressure and motion.

Microphone

An input device that enables you to speak into a computer or mobile device.

Headset

Contains both a microphone and a speaker.

Webcam

A digital video camera that allows you to capture video and usually audio input for your computer or mobile device.

Scanner

A light-sensing input device that converts printed text and images into a form the computer can process.

Output Device

Any hardware component that conveys information from a computer or mobile device to one or more people.

Printer

An output device that produces text and graphics on a physical medium, such as paper or other material.

3D Printer

Can print solid objects, such as clothing, prosthetics, eyewear, implants, toys, parts, prototypes, and more.

Display

An output device that visually conveys text, graphics, and video information.

Smart TV

A internet-enabled high-definition television from which you can use the internet to watch videos, listen to the radio, play games, and communicate with others all while watching a television show.

Memory

Consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and the data needed by those instructions.

Storage

Holds data, instructions, and information for future use.

Storage Media

Data, Instructions, and information kept on a computer.

Storage Device

Records and/or retrieves items to and from storage media.

Hard Disk

A storage device that contains one or more inflexible, circular patterns that use magnetic particles to store data, instructions, and information.

USB Flash Drive

A portable flash memory storage device that you plug in a USB port, which is special, easily accessible opening on a computer or mobile device.

Memory Card

Removable flash memory, usually not bigger than 1.5 inches in height or width, that you insert in and remove from a slot in a computer, mobile device, or card reader/writer.

Optical Disc

A type of storage media that consists of a flat, round, portable metal disc made of metal, plastic, and lacquer that is written and read by a laser.

Cloud Storage

An internet service that provides remote storage to computer users.

Backup

A duplicate of content on a storage medium that you can use in case the original is lost, damaged, or destroyed.

Pointing Device

An input device that allows a user to control a small symbol on a screen, called the pointer.

Speakers

Allow you to hear audio such as music, voice, and other sounds