IT Fundamental Vocabulary

Scanner

An input device that produces a digital image file to be saved onto a computer

Computer Software

Output device that produces audio from your computer

Modem

A device that is used to transmit data from a computer through phone lines or a cable.

CPU

Central Processing Unit is the primary data processing component in a computer

Mouse

Hand controlled electronic device used to manipulate the cursor on your computer screen

Ethernet Cable

A network cable that allows information to travel between wired devices

Hard Drive

Hardware that stores all software and files on your computer and reads and writes data onto a spinning magnetic or optical disk

Flash Drive

A small portable plug storage device used for storing files that plugs into a USB port

Thumb Drive

A small portable plug storage device used for storing files that plugs into a USB port

External Storage Device

A portable plug device used as a backup storage device

Printer

An output device that usually produces text and graphics onto paper

Word Processing

Software program allows you to create, edit, and print text documents

Operating System

Software that communicates with your computer's hardware and executes all software programs on your computer

OSX

Mac operating system

Windows

Widely used Microsoft operating system for personal computers (PC)

Viruses

Programs that secretly attach to a document or program and then execute when the document or program is opened

Malware

A malicious computer virus designed to damage a computer

Internet Service Provider

A company that provides internet service for a monthly fee

Cloud Computing

The use of web applications that allow you to create, save and play games online

Google Docs

A free, cloud-based word processor that allows you to create, edit and collaborate in real-time with other users

Peripheral devices

The external input or output devices that are used to communicate with a computer. (Ex. mouse, keyboard, scanner, monitor, printer)

Hard drive

A device that stores all software and files on your computer; reads and writes data onto a spinning magnetic or optical disk.

Floppy Drive

A disk drive that can read and write to floppy disks.

Expansion slots

Places on the motherboard where additional cards can be plugged in; mostly used to expand RAM

LAN

Also known as a Local Area Network, this is a network of computers in a single location

WAN

Also known as a Wide Area Network, this is a collection of LANs across a large area

Software

The set of instructions executed by a computer. (Ex. MS Word and Windows 10.)

Wi-Fi

Also known as wireless fidelity, this technology allows a wireless card to send a signal to a wireless router without physical cables

Hardware

The physical components that make up a computer system. (Ex. motherboard, hard drive, etc.)

Laser Printer

A type of printer uses laser beams to print high-resolution images onto paper.

Webcam

This device is used to capture your live movements in real time to broadcast online

CPU

The primary data processing component of a computer; also known as the

RAM

this temporarily stores information while you work on your computer

Monitor

Hardware device that receives signals from a computer and displays them on a screen

USB Cable

A type of cable that connects peripheral devices to a computer through a universal serial bus port

USB Drive

A small portable plug storage device used for storing files that plugs into a USB port

Peripherals

A variety of input of output devices that are used to communicate with a computer

Speaker

Output device that produces audio from your computer

Database

A type of software that stores an organized collection of data on a computer

Video card

A circuit board used to manage the display on the monitor. (Ex. Nvidia, Geforce)

Sound card

A circuit board that receives sound in digital form and reproduces it through speakers.

Router

A device that sends packets of data from one LAN (local area network) to another network.

CD ROM Drive

A device that writes data onto or reads data from a CD

USB Port

A place on a computer where a USB cable is plugged.

Inkjet printer

A common type of printer that sprays ionized drops of ink onto paper

Power Supply

Provides electricity to turn on and operate your computer.

Motherboard

The main circuit board of your computer holds the RAM, CPU, video card, etc.

Server

The computer that manages access to resources on a network

Computer Fan

This is used to cool the CPU (processor).