| A | B |
|---|
| Hardware | the physical components of a computer |
| Software | the programs that the computer needs to perform a specific task |
| Architecture | the design and construction of a computer |
| Data | the words, numbers, figures, sounds, and graphics that describe people, events, things, and ideas |
| Processing | modifying data |
| Motherboard | the main electronic component of the computer where processing tasks occur |
| Circuit board | a rigid piece of insulating material with electrical paths that control specific functions. The motherboard is a circuit board |
| Chip | an integrated circuit embedded in semi-conductor material |
| Central processing unit (CPU) | a collection of transistors and electronic circuits on a silicon chip which is mounted on the motherboard and is responsible for executing instructions |
| Cards | removable circuit boards that are inserted into slots to expand the capabilities of the motherboard; e.g. sound card, video card, etc. |
| Input | data or instructions you type into the computer |
| Output | the result of the computer processing input |
| Peripheral devices | additional components attached to the computer which handle input, output, and storage functions |
| Commands | instructions that tell the computer how to process data |
| Input device | a device used to enter and issue commands |
| Output device | a device used to produce output such as a monitor or printer |
