Front

Desktop

Back

A popular type of computer system that can be equipped with peripheral devices such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers.

Front

Notebook/Laptop

Back

A small computer that combines a display and keyboard and is designed to be easily carried.

Front

Mobile Device

Back

Small computing devices such as tablets and smart phones that are much more portable than desktops and laptops.

Front

Bus

Back

The communication system that allows data to be transferred between the components inside a computer.

Front

Central processing unit (CPU)

Back

The most important part of any modern computer system; it controls the other parts of the computer.

Front

Random access memory (RAM)

Back

The main memory of a computer that can be quickly accessed by the CPU. It is where the computer stores data and instructions that it is actively using.

Front

Motherboard

Back

A large, flat computer component that connects the important components of the computer, such as the CPU, RAM, and the BIOS chip.

Front

Graphics processing unit (GPU)

Back

An additional computer processor that provides graphics processing.

Front

Network interface card (NIC)

Back

A component, sometimes built into and sometimes plugged into the motherboard, that provides network connectivity.

Front

Expansion card

Back

A circuit board that connects to a computer's motherboard, giving it additional power or functionality.