Machine Parts and Related Terms

monitor The TV-like piece of equipment used to

display text, data, and graphic images on screen.

CPU (central processing unit) The internal operating unit or the “brain” of

the computer.

one side other side

keyboard An arrangement of letters, figures, symbols,

controls, functions, and editing keys and the numeric keypad attached to a typewriter, computer, or word processor.

copy Another name for the source document

(what you are keying from).

hardware

The physical equipment that makes up a computer system such as the monitor, tower, and keyboard.

software Instructions, or computer programs, that tell

a computer what to do.

diskette

A magnetic device used in an external drive of the computer for saving/storing information so that it may be used at a later date.

disk drive The external (outside) opening into which a

diskette is inserted to be read or written on by the computer.

other types of storage media

Flash drives (also known as thumb drive,

travel drive, jump drive, etc.)

Digital Versatile Disk (DVD)

Compact Discs (CDs)

home keys

The home keys for the left hand are a s d f and the home keys for the right hand are j k l ;.

The fingers should rest lightly on the home keys and return to the home keys after reaching and striking other keys.

cursor or insertion point The symbol appearing on the display screen

that shows where the next character to be typed will appear.

The cursor usually looks like a blinking line

service keys

Special keys such as the enter/return key, space bar, shift keys, backspace key, etc. that allow the user to perform specific functions.

Shift Tab

enter or return key

Used to return the cursor/insertion point to the left margin and down to the next line; use the right little finger. When keying programmed lessons, it may be used to start a new screen of typing.

Enter

space bar

Used to move the cursor/insertion point to the right one space at a time or to add space between characters or words; use the right thumb.

space bar

left shift key Used to key capital letters and

symbols typed by the right hand–use the left little finger (the “a” finger). Never shift and strike with the same hand.

+ i = I

Shift

right shift key Used to key capital letters and

symbols typed by the left hand–use the right little finger (the semicolon finger). Never shift and strike with the same hand.

+ d = D

Shift

backspace key

Removes (erases) the character to the left of the cursor/insertion point. Use the right little finger to operate the backspace key.

Backspace

menu A list of options (choices) from which the

user selects what he/she desires to do next.

escape key (ESC)

• A key which lets the user leave one segment (part) of a program and go to another. The escape key cancels unwanted menus and dialog boxes.

mouse A device used to communicate with the

computer by pointing to text on the screen. The mouse is moved across a pad on the desk surface to control movements of a pointer on the screen. The pointer, which appears as an arrow, I-beam, or other shape on the screen, indicates the position of the mouse. The mouse is to be used as a computer tool. Do not play with the mouse! If you do not use the mouse correctly, you will lose the privilege of using a mouse in this classroom.

Three Functions: Point, Click, Drag