| A | B |
|---|
| hardware | computer item you can see or touch |
| software | tells computer hardware how to operate |
| CPU | computer's brain |
| mouse | handheld pointing device |
| keyboard | lets you enter info into a computer |
| digital camera | lets you take pics and transfer them to computer |
| monitor | allows you to see text and images |
| printers | transfers info to printed page |
| speakers | allows you to hear sounds |
| memory | computer's temporary storage place |
| RAM | volatile memory that disappears when you shut off computer |
| ROM | nonvolatile memory, data remains even when you shut off machine |
| bit | binary digit, smallest memory unit |
| byte | approximately one character |
| kilobyte | 1,024 bytes |
| megabyte | 1,048,576 bytes |
| gigabyte | 1,073,741,824 bytes |
| terabyte | 1,099,511,627,776 bytes |
| cpu speed | most important factor that determines computer performance |
| GUI | graphical user interface; makes computers easier to operate |
| operating system | loads automatically and controls your computer |
| application program | helps you accomplish certain task |
| LAN | local area network |
| CD-ROM | holds about 650 MB; slower than hard disk |
| DVD | holds about 4 GB |
