Computer Basics Vocabulary

Question 1

A) Types of Computers

Answer 1

desktop or laptop
hand-held computer like a tablet
specialized computers like smartphones, gaming consoles, eReaders
wearable computers like fitness trackers or smartwatches

Question 2

B) Components of desktop computer

Answer 2

Computer case– holds Central Processing Unit (CPU), motherboard, and power supply
Monitor
Peripherals– keyboard, mouse, speakers, web cam

Question 3

C) Components of laptop computer

Answer 3

Built in monitor
Computer case– holds battery, CPU, touchpad/trackpad,
Ports-for USB drive and connecting peripherals
Built in camera and speakers
AC adaptor (power cable)

Question 4

Operating System (OS)

Answer 4

the system that runs the computer’s memory and functions and allows you to speak the computer’s language to tell it what to do (such as Microsoft Windows and MacOS)

Question 5

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Answer 5

the graphics like icons, shortcuts, buttons, and menus that allow the user to communicate with the computer

Question 6

Applications (Apps)

Answer 6

a computer’s programs

Question 7

Motherboard

Answer 7

the computer’s main circuit board; a thin plate that connects to every part of the computer

Question 8

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Answer 8

Located in the computer case on the motherboard
Called the “brain” of the computer
It’s speed is measured in megahertz and gigahertz

Question 9

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Answer 9

The short-term memory of the computer
Measured in megabytes or gigabytes
The more RAM the computer has, the more it can do at one time

Question 10

Hard drive

Answer 10

The long-term storage of the computer
(information that is saved on the computer)

Question 11

Network card

Answer 11

Allows the computer to work on a network and access the internet

Question 12

Peripherals

Answer 12

Devices that can be plugged into ports of a computer for use with the computer such as keyboard, mouse, web cam, computer speakers, printer, scanner, & microphone

Question 13

hardware

Answer 13

any part of the physical structure of the computer like a keyboard, mouse, or the internal parts of the computer

Question 14

software

Answer 14

Set of instructions that tells the computer what to do and how to do it. ex: Microsoft programs, photo editing software, accounting software, web browser

Question 15

server

Answer 15

computer that serves up information to other computers on a network and often stores information from the computers