Computer Definitions

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Computer Components

AGP- (Accelerated Graphic Port) A AGP card is used for a video card that does not share any of the RAM from the motherboard.

Case- A device that contains the motherboard, RAM (Random Access Memory), video card, modem card, CD-ROM, floppy drive, and hard drive.

CD-ROM Drive-The CD-ROM drive reads compact discs that either hold data or audio files. Most of software that you are probably going to use comes in the form of CD-ROMS. Now there are two new types of drives in the market CD-RW or DVD-RW +/- that burns either data, audio, or DVD’s onto CD-ROM that is either CD-R or CD-RW and DVD-R or DVD-RW.

Note: The R and RW after each word means recordable or rewriteable. It is illegal; to sell or get profit from bootlegged copies of software, audio CD’s, and DVD’s. If you want to make a copy of an audio CD if DVD please contact the company that you got the music or DVD from. It is not illegal to copy your own home movies that you put onto a DVD format; a home movie is a movie that you use your camcorder to capture an important event in someone’s life.

CD-R/RW Drive- Please See CD-ROM Drive

CPU- (Central Processing Unit) The CPU is one part of the internal workings of the computer that is essential to run a computer. It is the brains of the computer and if you don’t have a CPU the computer wouldn’t work at all.

DVD-ROM Drive -Allows you to Watch DVD movies on your computer.

DVD +/- R or RW Drive-Please See CD-ROM Drive

Firewire- A firewire port is used to connect a camcorder or external hard drive to the computer.
Floppy Drive- Is an internal device that has been around since the early part of the PC (personal computer) age. You put a 3 ½ in” floppy disk into the drive and you can save all your important files.

Note: A floppy disk stores up to 1.44 MB and you’ll have to format the disk when you want to use or erase the information that is on it.

Hard Drive- A hard drive comes in all sizes as little as 500 MB to up to a terabyte; don’t worry a terabyte hard drive is very expensive at this time. They also make external hard drive’s if you want to put more information onto the computer. The hard drive stores files that are necessary to run the computer. It also stores the icons and file names of the software that you want to run.

Note: Icons are graphics that show you want software you want to run or use.

Modem- A modem connects your computer to the Internet as a dial-up connection through your phone line. A modem can even send out faxes to a fax machine at a friend’s house or to as business. A modem usually the newer ones are V.92 56K fax/data modem. A dial-up connection means that you dial an outside line to get to the Internet. There are two other types of service to get on the Internet DSL or Cable. These two services use an external modem that connects directly to the computer by an Ethernet or USB port.

Note: Another option to connect to the Internet is DSL or Cable and these two options are called broadband. They will allow you to cruise the Internet faster than dial-up; however, they are more expensive than dial-up. If you want to move around the house and you own a notebook (a portable computer) you can use a wireless router. A wireless router will allow you move freely in your house and be able to use the Internet without any wires.

Monitor- A monitor displays the Windows Operating System so that you can see what you are doing. The monitor also displays the software that you will be using on the computer. There are two options for a Monitor a CRT (cathode ray tube) or a Flat Panel. A CRT is more bulky and will take up more space than a Flat Panel. Another point to make is that a Flat Panel uses less energy than the traditional CRT monitors.

RAM- Random Access Memory- RAM can come in many sizes ranging from as little as 32 MB to 1 GB. It also is determined by pin sizes (the way the RAM fits in the motherboard) comes either 168 or 184. The RAM is necessary to run your operating system and software. Each software gives a recommended about of RAM that needs to bee on the computer to run it properly.

ROM- Read Only Memory

PCI- (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Are slots built into the motherboard that allow you to upgrade your computer when new products come into the market. PCI is also called expansion slots.

Printer- A printer is a device that receives information that you either typed as a word document or want information on a topic on the internet. Maybe you want to print a manual that you misplaced. Well, if you have the internet pop in the URL or address of the site that you want and print the information.

PS/2- Connects your keyboard and mouse to the computer

Sound Card- Enables user to listen to the sound from a music CD, computer game, and video’s from a computer. It will also allow you to connect a microphone or headphone. The microphone will allow you to carry a conversation with a family member or friend while you’re on the computer. Also, it will allow you to add your voice into home videos that you produce on your computer. Headphones allow computer users to listen to their music, videos and computer games without interrupting others while they’re on the computer.

Video Card- A video card is a hardware that converts the signal coming from the Hard Drive and the motherboard into a picture that is displayed through the monitor. Also the video card gives the user the ability to watch DVD’s or play high quality games. Most of the newer computers come with on board graphics. It also comes as a peripheral as an AGP (accelerated graphic port) or PCI card. Video cards come with built in RAM. The sizes range from 32 MB to 256MB.

USB-(Universal Serial Bus) It connects most of your external devices such as speakers, hard drives, printers, floppy disk, zip disk.

Note: External means outside of the computer.