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| Software program (Mac, Windows, or Linux) that creates an interface so people can interact with the hardware |
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| Specialized computers that store and deliver information to other computers on a network |
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| Central Processing Unit, AKA processor- a silicon chip that processes information, performs calculations, etc. This is controlled by the operating system. Located on the motherboard. The CPU determines how fast a computer can execute instructions (measured in MHz or GHz). One common brand is Intel. |
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| A way for users to control the hardware and software of the computer using icons. Translates user commands into instructions the computer can understand. |
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| The part of the desktop (AKA the computer case) that holds motherboard, CPU, power supply, etc. |
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| Work with the video card in the computer. CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) is cheaper but bigger. LCG (Liquid Crystal Display) saves energy and is smaller but more expensive |
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| Optical (electronic device that detects movement) or mechanical (rolling ball). Also wired or wireless. |
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| Compact Disc Read Only Memory and Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory. Read by the optical drive (AKA CD Drive) |
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| Spaces on back of computer to add to computer, for example, a sound or video card if they did not come with the computer. |
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| Tiny circular ports on front or back to plug in speakers, headphones, microphones, etc. |
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| Circular ports on back of computer for mouse and keyboard |
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| AKA monitor port, smallish and rectangular on back of computer, used to plug in monitor |
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| Longest port (rectangular) on back of computer for the printer |
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| Rectangular port slightly larger than VGA, used for other devices, but commonly replaced by USB |
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| Common name for IEEE port, used for digital video cameras, scanners, etc. Not in every computer. Sometimes replaces parallel port. |
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| External Devices commonly connected to computers (printers, scanners, etc.) |
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| Similar to phone jack, used for internet with an ethernet cord. |
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| Random Access Memory. Used to store data before it is saved to the hard drive. Short-term memory disappears when computer is turned off. The computer's work takes place in RAM. RAM is measured in Megabytes (MB) or Gigabytes (GB). More RAM allows a computer to do more at one time and faster. |
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| The data center, where programs and information are permanently stored. Often called the C Drive. The speed determines how fast the computer starts up and how fast programs are loaded. |
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| Metal blocks that cover the processor to cool it. |
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| Generates and outputs images to the screen. A better video card means better performance in video games or high resolution monitors, for example. |
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| Power Supply Unit. Funnels power from an outlet through cables to each device in the computer. |
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| The computer's main circuit board. Holds the CPU, RAM, etc. Connected to every part of the computer in some way. |
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| Allows computers to connect and communicate over a network. |
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| Internet Service Provider- a company that provides you with an internet connection |
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| Slowest but cheapest way to access the internet. Needs a phone line and a dial-up modem, and it ties up the phone line while in use. |
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| Digital Subscriber Line- high speed internet access through a phone line that does not tie up your phone line when in use. |
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| Broadband Internet Access |
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| High speed internet connections that allow data to be transmitted at 10-50 times faster than with dial-up. |
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| Internet access provides by your TV company, through your TV cables. Broadband, high-speed internet access. Also a shared service, which may be affected by the activity of other users in your area. |
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| Available around the world. Hgih speed, broadband connection. The most expensive type. |
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| Connects the phone line or cables through an ethernet cord and network card or a USB port. |
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| A hardware device that allows several computers to use one internet connection. Can also function as a hardware firewall. |
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| A program to view and interact with the internet. Used to access web pages. |
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| Source of power for a laptop. Can be used to charge the battery or power the laptop without a battery. |
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| Connects the laptop to internet through the phone line. |
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| Can be used to connect the laptop to an external monitor, such as a larger desktop monitor or a projector. |
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| Can be used for memory cards from cameras, PDAs, etc, so that files can be viewed on the computer. |
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| Hardware necessary for a computer to receive wireless- can be built in or plugged in. |
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| A device that allows computers to wirelessly access the internet by receiving information from the computer, decoding it, and sending it to the internet through an ethernet cord. |
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| Check cables for small icons or color coding. Plug in cables and screw in pins. Customize OS with product key, date and time, etc. Check for updates. Register software. |
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| Small piece of software that ends up on a computer without your knowlege and causes problems, such as slower functioning, programs not working, computer crashes, or error messages. |
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| Programs that claim to do one thing but really do another. |
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| Similar to viruses, but they do not attach to files or programs, and instead affect the memory and slow down the computer. |
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| Always check cables and connections first (basic problems). Then isolate the problem by making one change at a time and, if possible, replacing things like cords or mice. |
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| Trouble Shooting: Computer Keeps Crashing |
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| Check for overheating. Then use antivirus software to check for viruses. |
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| Troubleshooting: Disk Error Messages |
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| Remove any CDs, DVDs, or USBs and restart the computer. |
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| Troubleshooting: Operating System Won't Start |
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| Restart using the original OS disk. This may be a hard drive problem. Try reformatting. |
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| Troubleshooting: Software Programs Aren't Working |
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| Remove the programs from the computer and then reinstall. Check for updates or any viruses. |
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| A filter that monitors information sent over a network. |
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| Service Set Identifier- the name of a wireless network |
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| A specific name for a network of computers |
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| Wireless Encryption Protocol- the type of encryption (making information unreadable to others) used in wireless networks |
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| End User License Agreement- you must agree to this before you can legally use software |
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| A License that allows a user to use a program at no cost and share it. |
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| A License that allows a user to sample a program for a limited amount of time. |
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| A license that allows a single user to use the program after buying it. |
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| A license that allows programs to be installed on multiple computers or shared over a network. |
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| A license that gives unrestricted installation on computers owned by the purchasing site. Often used for schools. |
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| The spreading of parts of files over the hard drive. This decreases the speed at which programs are loaded. |
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| The process of rearranging files to be closer together so that programs can start faster. You must have 15% usable free space to defragment. |
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