Parts of a Computer System

HARDWARE

CPU

 = Central Processing Unit
= the processor chip that runs your computer
=  term is also used to designate the case with the basic computer parts inside
= includes the processor chip, motherboard, RAM memory chips, hard disk drive, & basic operating system instructions

RAM

 = Random Access Memory
= the part of the computer that temporarily holds a program and related files and manipulates data (non-permanent)
PERIPHERALS = extra parts to your computer system

INPUT DEVICE

= hardware that gets data to your CPU
    =  keyboard
    =  mouse
    =  scanner
    =  digitized tablet & stylus
    =  digital camera
    =  joy stick
    = 

OUTPUT DEVICE

= hardware that lets you comprehend the data being processed by the CPU
    =  monitor
    =  printer
    = speakers

STORAGE DRIVES
& MEDIUM

 

 = hardware that records information and the hardware medium that stores it
    =  harddrive disk
    =  3.5" floppy drive & disk
    =  100 or 250 MB zip drive & disk
    =  CD ROM (Read-Only Memory) drive & prewritten Compact Disks
    =  writable CD drive with disks (that you create)
    =  1 GIG jazz drive & disk disk
    =  tape backup drives and product-specific tapes
    =  Websites that will store your data for you on the Internet

SOFTWARE  = non-physical components of a computer system such as programs, applications, or other lists of instructions needed by the computer to perform specified tasks