Computer Components Lecture Review

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering computer hardware, software, input/output peripherals, storage, and processing components based on the lecture material.

Hardware

The physical parts of the computer.

Software

Sets of instructions for a computer to perform basic operations.

Input Devices

Feeds data or instruction into the computer.

Keyboard

Enables a user to input text into a computer or any other electronic machinery.

Mouse

The device that moves the pointer, or cursor, on a computer screen.

Barcode Scanner

Hand-held or stationary input device used to capture and read information contained in a bar code.

Microphone

Device that translates sound vibrations in the air into electronic signals and scribes them to a recording medium or over a loudspeaker.

Light Pen

Light-sensitive computer input device, basically a stylus, that is used to select text, draw pictures and interact with user interface elements on a computer screen or monitor.

Output Devices

Used to send information from a computer to another device or user.

Monitor

Electronic output device that is also known as a video display terminal or a video display unit.

Printer

A device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer and transfers the information to paper.

Dot Matrix Printer

An impact printer that prints using a fixed number of pins or wires, typically arranged in one or several vertical columns.

Laser Printer

Produces good-quality printed material by using a laser to form a pattern of electrostatically charged dots on a light-sensitive drum, which attract toner.

Inkjet Printer

A type of computer printing that recreates a digital image by propelling droplets of ink onto paper and plastic substrates.

Thermal Printer

A digital printing process which produces a printed image by passing paper with a thermochromic coating (thermal paper) over a print head consisting of tiny electrically heated elements.

Speaker

An output device that connects to a computer to generate a sound.

Headset

Connects to a telephone or computer, allowing the user to talk freely and listen while keeping their hands free.

Projector

An optical device that projects an image onto a surface, commonly a projection screen.

Storage Devices

Used for storing, porting or extracting data files and objects; can hold and store information temporarily and permanently.

Magnetic Storage

The manipulation of magnetic fields on a medium in order to record audio, video or other data.

Optical Storage

Any storage type in which data is written and read with a laser.

Static Storage

Computer storage such that information is fixed in space and available at any time, as in flip-flop circuits, electrostatic memories, and coincident-current magnetic-core storage.

Processing Devices

The components responsible for the processing of information within the computer system.

Operating System

The most important program that runs on a computer; it performs basic tasks such as recognizing input, sending output, tracking files and directories, and controlling peripheral devices.