Computer Hardware

Flashcards based on Computer Hardware lecture notes.

Computer Hardware

Physical parts of a computer and its related devices.

Components

Internal hardware devices.

Peripherals

External hardware devices.

Input Device

Peripheral used to input data into the computer.

Pointing Device

Peripheral used to control the position of the pointer on the screen.

Output Devices

Devices used to communicate results of data processing to a user.

Output

Data that has been processed into a useful form called information.

Monitor

Device that displays visual output from your computer.

LED

Light Emitting Diode.

LCD

Liquid Crystal Display.

Printer

Device that can print characters, symbols and graphics on paper or other hardcopy media.

Impact Printer

A printer that uses impact to transfer ink to the paper.

Non-Impact Printer

A printer that does not use impact to transfer ink to the paper.

System Unit

Case that houses all the components in the computer system.

Motherboard

Main circuit board in the computer to which everything else connects.

Processor

Also called Central Processing Unit (CPU), works directly with the main memory to process data.

Control Unit (CU)

Component of a CPU that directs the operation of the processor.

Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)

Part of a CPU that carries out arithmetic and logic operations.

Computer Memory

Any physical device capable of storing information temporarily or permanently.

RAM

Form of computer memory that can be read and changed in any order; main memory in a computer.

ROM

Computer memory where data cannot be erased without special equipment; contains fixed startup instructions.

Port/Connector

Physical docking point through which an external device can be connected to the computer.

Expansion Slot

Connection or port inside a computer on the motherboard for hardware expansion cards.

Storage Device

Any hardware that stores data.

Primary Storage

Storage directly accessible by the CPU.

Secondary Storage

Storage NOT directly accessible by the CPU.

Communication Devices

Devices that help the computer to transmit data or information using a communication channel.

Modem (Modulator – Demodulator)

Device that converts data from a digital format into one suitable for a transmission medium.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Hardware component without which a computer cannot be connected over a network.