Name: David Rowley Period: 7

Define the following words. Then write down what each word is used for and what
are some of the different options or sizes.

Computer Components Checklist

Component Definition or Answer
Processor/CPU Central Processing Unit
What is it The CPU does the processing and calculating. It is
considered the brains of the computer.
used for?
What are Number of cores, Clock frequency, Architecture
(x86/x64), Manufacturer (Intel, AMD, etc.)
some
options/sizes
Operating system Software that runs basic computer functions
What is it Delegates system resources to applications. Makes the
computer useable. Most OSs have a graphical user
used for? interface.
What are Windows family (7, 8.1, 10, etc.), Mac, Linux family
(Ubuntu, Android, etc.)
some
options/sizes
Memory Short term storage for data to be retrieved
What is it Stores data or program instructions to be used or
retrieved at any time.
used for?
What are Shape (DDR, DIMM, etc.), Type (RAM/ROM), Capacity
some
options/sizes
Hard Drive Long term file storage
What is it Holds critical system files, personal files, and program
files for a long period of time.
used for?
What are State (Hard disk drive/Solid state drive), Capacity
some
options/sizes
Optical Drive Laser based storage device
What is it Used for reading and/or writing data on CDs, DVDs,
Blu-ray.
used for?
Name: David Rowley Period: 7

What are RPM, Read/Write speed, Write capability, Blu-ray

capability
some
options/sizes
Monitor
What is it
used for?
What are
some
options/sizes
Monitor Displays graphical interface to the user
What is it Displays files, program outputs, graphical interface,
etc. to the user
used for?
What are Resolution, Physical size
some
options/sizes
Video Card Calculates PC visual output
What is it Calculates and renders screen graphics, visual effects,
3D perception, and sends the output to the monitor.
used for?
What are Frequency, built-in memory
some
options/sizes
Sound Card Processes audio output.
What is it Renders and calculates sounds and sound channels
and pushes output to the speakers. Also processes
used for? microphone input.
What are Number of channels (1, 2, 5.1, 7.1, etc.), Internal
amplifier
some
options/sizes
Speakers Makes sound.
What is it Receives input from soundcard and makes sound
accordingly.
used for?
What are Resistance (measured in ohms), Number of channels
(1, 2, 5.1, 7.1, etc.), Physical size
Name: David Rowley Period: 7

some
options/sizes
Keyboard Button/key based input device
What is it Accepts alphanumeric input from the user.
used for?
What are QWERTY, Dvorak, Colemak, etc.
some
options/sizes
Mouse XY movement based input device
What is it Takes XY movement from the user and sends it to the
PC to modify on-screen mouse coordinates.
used for?
What are Laser, Trackball, Vertical, Wired, Wireless
some
options/sizes
Modem Modulator demodulator
What is it Converts phone line or other input to digital, and
network input to analog. Allows connecting to the
used for? internet.
What are Broadband, Cable, DSL, etc.
some
options/sizes

Save this as Computer Components in your ECS folder and then print a
copy to turn in!