| A | B |
|---|
| hardware | Parts of a computer you can touch. |
| software | Electronic instructions for a computer |
| input device | Used to enter information and commands; includes keyboard, mouse, joystick. |
| storage device | Holds information for the computer's use, includes hard drive, floppy disk and CD-ROM drive. |
| processor | The Central Processing Unit or CPU is the main chip in the computer. |
| output device | Generates information from a computer; monitor, printer and speakers. |
| monitor | Displays text and images. |
| printer | Produces a paper copy of documents. |
| computer case | Contains all the major components of a computer system. |
| keyboard | Lets you type information and instructions. |
| mouse | A hand-held device for selecting and moving items on the screen. |
| modem | Lets computers communicate through telephone lines and/or cable. |
| power supply | Changes alternating current (AC) from an outlet into direct current (DC). |
| scanner | Reads graphics and/or text into a format useable by a computer. |
| RAM | Random Access Memory is temporary data storage and disappears when you turn off the computer. |
| hard drive | Also known as the c:\ drive, the primary storage area for the computer. |
| floppy disk | Storage for documents and programs which holds 1.4 megabytes and is transportable to another computer. |
| CD-ROM disc | Also known as a Compact Disc; stores 400 times as much as a single floppy disk. |
| DVD-ROM | Looks like a CD but holds the equivalent of more than 6 CD-ROM discs. |
| Zip disk | A storage device on which information is stored on tape; holds as much as 70 floppy disks. |
| icons | Small pictures you click to open programs such as Works, Paint and Internet Explorer. |
| taskbar | This bar contains runs across the bottom of the desktop window and allows you to switch among open applications. |
| desktop | The first window you see after you log on to the computer and it is personalized when you choose your own wallpaper and desktop icons. |
| start | This button on the taskbar lets you start programs, change your computer’s settings, find file and get help. |
| x | The Close button in the upper right corner of a window looks like this letter. |
| minimize | This button moves the program or document window out of the way but keeps the program or document open on the taskbar as a taskbar button. |
| scroll | The horizontal and vertical bars let you move back and forth across or up and down in the open document window. |
