| A | B |
|---|
| Arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) | The part of the central processing unit that performs arithmetic computations and logical operations. |
| Central Processing Unit (CPU) | Also known as the microprocessor; the brains of the computer. |
| Circuit Board | A thin plate or board that contains electronic components. |
| Computer | Electronic device that receives, processes and stores data and produces a result. |
| Control Unit | The part of the central processing unit that controls the flow of information through the processor. |
| Data | Information entered into the computer to be processed that consists of text, numbers, sounds, and images. |
| Hard Disks | A data storage unit inside a computer that can store a large quantity of data (60GB or more), but cannot easily be removed from the computer. |
| Hardware | The tangible, physical equipment that can be seen and touched. |
| Information | The output produced by a computer after it processes data. |
| Memory | Where data is stored on the computer’s motherboard. |
| Mobile Devices | Electronic devices that fit into the palm of your hand such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), calculators, smart phones and other cell phones, electronic organizers, and handheld games. |
| Motherboard | A circuit board that contains all of the computer system’s main components. |
| Notebook Computers | Similar to a microcomputer; however, it is smaller and portable. |
| Random Access Memory (RAM) | Computer location where instructions and data are stored on a temporary basis. This memory is volatile. |
| Read-only Memory (ROM) | Permanent storage; instructions are burned onto chips by the manufacturer. |
| Server | A computer that handles requests for data, e-mail, file transfers, and other network services from other computers (clients). |
| Supercomputers | Largest and fastest computers, capable of storing and processing tremendous volumes of data. |
| Tablet PC | A personal computer similar in size and thickness to a notepad on which you can take notes using a stylus or digital pen on a touch screen. |
| USB flash drive | A small removable data storage device. |
| Software | Intangible set of instructions that tells the computer what to do. |
