Identify Computing Devices Glossary

Computer An electronic device for processing and storing information.

Computer Case The protective outer covering of a laptop computer.

Computer Tower Houses a desktop computer’s hardware including the CPU and motherboard.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) The part of a computer that carries out all instructions and commands from peripherals, software, and hardware.

Desktop Computer A computer made up of a tower, monitor, keyboard, and other peripherals.

E-reader Mobile device for reading digital books and documents. Some examples include the Kindle, and Nook.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) The hard disk drive (HDD) reads and writes information to the hard disk. The hard disk provides most of the data storage for your computer that is remembered with or without power.

Keyboard Keyboards allow users to enter letters, numbers, and symbols into word processing and application software.

Laptop Computer A self-contained and portable computer.

Monitor A desktop computer’s display screen. It shows the user both text and images from software applications including word processing documents, Internet browsers, and games.

Motherboard A computer’s main circuit board. The motherboard houses the CPU, ports, storage interfaces, and controllers for peripheral devices.

Mouse A pointing device that allows you to communicate with your computer and move around different parts of the computer screen.

Optical Disc Drive An operating system is a network of software that acts as the manager for all hardware and software on your computer. It recognizes and organizes input and output data from your computer.

Power supply unit Provides power to your computer.

Printer Prints text, documents, photographs, and graphics on paper.

Random Access Memory (RAM) Provides temporary data storage. It doesn’t retain its memory when powered off.

Smartphone Combines some functions of a computer and a phone into a small, mobile device.

Software, Application A program designed to allow the user to do something. For example, application software includes word processing, media players, games, and design programs.

Stylus A pen-like device for use with e-readers, smartphones, tablets, laptop computers, and other devices with a touch screen.

Software, System Electronic programs providing the hardware with data and instructions. For instance, a computer game comes on a CD. The game is software but the CD is hardware.

Tablet A mobile and handheld computer. Typically these are smaller than laptops and include a touchscreen and virtual keyboard.

Touchpad or Trackpad Replaces the mouse on laptop. It allows your thumb or fingers to control the on-screen mouse or cursor.

Virtual Keyboard A keyboard for touch screens including tablets, e-readers, and some laptops. It has the same layout as a standard keyboard but only appears when you need to enter information.