ICOM

Input Unit

The component that enters data and instructions into the computer.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The 'brain' of the computer that executes instructions, performs calculations, and controls system operations.

Memory

The component that holds data and instructions for current use.

Storage

The component that keeps data for future or permanent use.

Output Unit

The component that presents processed information to the user.

Communication/Networking

Components or devices that exchange data over networks or the internet.

Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)

The CPU component responsible for arithmetic and logical operations, comparisons, and decisions.

Control Unit (CU)

The CPU component that fetches, decodes, controls, and coordinates system operations and sequence.

Registers

Small, high-speed CPU storage used for current data, instructions, and results.

1st Generation Computers

Computer generation characterized by the use of vacuum tubes.

2nd Generation Computers

Computer generation characterized by the use of transistors.

3rd Generation Computers

Computer generation characterized by Integrated Circuits (ICs).

4th Generation Computers

Computer generation characterized by the use of microprocessors.

5th Generation Computers

Computer generation characterized by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

All-in-One (AIO)

A computer system where the system unit and monitor are integrated into one unit.

Server

A computer that provides services and resources to other computers or devices.

Supercomputer

A computer designed for extremely fast calculations.

Mainframe

A large computer system designed for large-scale processing and supporting many users simultaneously.

Embedded System

A dedicated computer built inside another device.

Internal Hardware

Electronic components inside the computer system unit that process data, store information, and control operations.

External Hardware

Physical devices connected to the computer but not part of the main system unit, which can be connected or disconnected as needed.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Volatile main memory used for temporary storage of data and instructions currently in use.

ROM/BIOS

Non-volatile memory on the motherboard chip that stores basic startup instructions and hardware tests.

Cache Memory

Volatile memory located inside or near the CPU that holds frequently used data and instructions, operating faster than RAM.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

An internal component that provides electrical power to the system by converting AC to DC.

Motherboard

The main circuit board that connects all internal components of a computer.

CMOS Battery

A battery on the motherboard that retains BIOS settings and system time.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A secondary storage device with a mechanical spinning disk offering high capacity at lower cost, suitable for long-term data and backups.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

A secondary storage device using flash memory with no moving parts, offering faster and more durable storage for operating systems and programs.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

A device that allows a computer to connect to networks.

Modem

A networking device that connects a network to an ISP and converts signals.

Router

A networking device that routes data between networks and directs traffic.

Switch

A networking device that connects devices together in a local area network (LAN).

Hardware Firewall

A network security device that monitors and controls traffic based on security rules.

Software

A set of programs and instructions that tells a computer what to do, which is intangible and makes hardware useful.

System Software

Software that manages hardware and supports applications.

Application Software

Software made to help users perform specific tasks, work, communicate, learn, or have fun.

Programming Software

Tools used by programmers to create, test, and manage software.

Operating System (OS)

System software that runs and manages the whole computer system.

Device Drivers

System software that acts as a translator to let the operating system communicate with hardware.

Utility Programs

System software that maintains, protects, cleans, optimizes, or backs up the system.

Firmware

Software built directly into hardware components.

Assembler

A language translator that converts assembly language to machine code.

Compiler

A language translator that translates the whole program into machine code before it runs.

Interpreter

A language translator that translates and runs program code line by line.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

An all-in-one programming tool used for coding and debugging.

Debugger

A development tool that helps programmers find and fix errors in code.

Open-Source Software

Software whose source code is available to inspect, modify, and share under its license.

Freeware

Software that is free to use, but usually closed-source.

Commercial Software

Software sold or distributed as a business product.

Kernel

The core component of an operating system that directly manages system resources and communicates with hardware.

Shell

The user interface component of an OS that accepts user commands and asks the kernel to perform tasks.

User Mode

An OS kernel mode that runs apps and shell with limited hardware access.

Kernel Mode

An OS mode that has full access to hardware for critical system operations.

UNIX

A powerful OS family known for stability, security, portability, networking, multitasking, and multiuser support.