Computer Basics Vocabulary 1 Computer--machine that performs 4 basic functions: input, processing, storage, and output.

2 Hardware--physical parts of the computer that you can see and touch. 3 Software-- the programs or other "instructions" that a computer needs to perform specific tasks. Examples of software include Microsoft ffice, web browsers, or any other program!application installed on the computer. 4 Processor "lso in the processor is the Hard drive. -- #he main body or brain of a computer, also called the system unit. $onsists of a plastic or metal enclosure, the motherboard %main circuit board&, and %typically& internal hard disk!dri'es, power supply, cooling fans, and whate'er circuit boards plugged into the motherboard, such as a 'ideo!graphics card portts. (nside is the CPU which is housed on a tiny silicon chip that contains millions of switches and pathways that help your computer interpret and execute instructions. #his is where the mathematical calculations and logical comparisons are done. #he hard dri'e is what stores all your data. (t houses the hard disk, where all your files and folders are physically located. " typical hard dri'e is only slightly larger than your hand, yet can hold o'er )** +, of data. #he data is stored on a stack of disks that are mounted inside a solid encasement. !"put #evice $$de'ices used to enter data into the computer% mouse, keyboard, scanner, microphone, digital camera are input de'ices. & 'utput #evices --de'ices used to put out data processed by the computer % monitor, printer, and speaker are output de'ices. ( Stora)e devices-- a hardware de'ice used to record and store data, such as a hard dri'e, flash dri'e, floppy disk, $- . M, memory card *+emory-- a computer/s temporary storage place, where it gets its work done. #here are 0 main types:
,-+: .andom "ccess Memory. (t is the main memory and stores data and programs while the computer is running. 1hen the computer is turned off anything in main memory disappears. $omputer can read from and write to this memory ,'+: .ead nly Memory. " computer chip that stores specific instructions to manage the computer/s operation. 2nlike main memory, this type of memory is non-'olatile3the instructions remain permanently on the chip and cannot be changed. +easuri") +emory: ,it: short for binary digit, a bit is the smallest memory unit. 4 bits 5 ) byte. ,yte: short for binary digits eight, ) byte 5 ) character %a letter, number or symbol& 6ilobyte: ),*04 bytes Megabyte: ),*44,789 bytes +igabyte: ),*8:,84),404 bytes #erabyte: ),*;;,7)),908,889 bytes

. 'perati") System $$ loads automatically and controls <ust about e'erything on your computer. Example: Microsoft 1indows. 1/ Bi"ary -- a two-digit numerical system, which computers use to store data and compute functions. #he reason computers use the binary system is because digital switches inside the computer can only be set to either on or off, which are represented by a ) or *.