COMPUTER

TERMINOLOGY

Defining Computer Terms

COMPUTER

A programmable

machine

FILE

A collection of data,

information or

instructions

FOLDER

A digital object (window)

that acts as a storage

container for files and

other folders

BIT

the smallest piece of

data a computer can

process – a single on/off

switch represented as a

one (1) or a zero (0)

The word “bit” is a

contraction of the words

binary digit

BYTE

A group of 8 bits

(8 on/off switches)

these 8 bits

together can

represent up to

256 values –

from 0 to 255

SYSTEM UNIT

A container that holds

the main parts of a

computer

MOTHERBOARD

The main printed circuit

board (PCB) in a

computer

CPU

The “heart” or “brain” of

any computer system

MEMORY (RAM)

“temporary” (volatile)

storage – content is lost

when electrical power is

removed – also known as

Primary Storage

DAUGHTERBOARD

A printed circuit board

that provides additional

functionality to the

Motherboard – it

generally provides

accommodations for

adapter cards

ADAPTER CARDS

Printed circuit boards

that provide additional

connectors to the back of

a computer -

HEAT SINK & FAN

Two hardware devices

that work together to

keep the CPU running

cool

POWER SUPPLY

Provides electrical

current to the main

components in the

System Unit

USB DRIVE

A form of “removable”

storage that uses flash

technology

HARD DRIVE

“permanent” (non-

volatile) storage –

content is not lost when

electrical power is

removed. This form of

storage is also known as

Secondary Storage

MOUSE

A “pointing” device (a

form of input device)

KEYBOARD

The #1 “input” device

used with a computer

MONITOR

The main “output” device

used with a computer

PRINTER

An “output” device that

produces a hardcopy of a

digital file

SCANNER

An “input” device that

produces a digital copy of

a physical document