Computer Hardware Terminology

Front

CPU

Back

Central Processing Unit; the brain of the computer.

Front

RAM

Back

Random Access Memory - temporary place to store material that works quickly. Erased when computer turns off. Volatile.

Front

HDMI

Back

(High-Definition Multimedia Interface) A standard type of plug and connector for computer display devices.

Front

CD-ROM

Back

(Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) The read-only data format that is stamped onto a CD, usually by the manufacturer.

Front

Motherboard

Back

The main circuit board of the computer.

Front

Personal Computer

Back

(PC) is a device primarily used for personal and business computing needs.

Front

Touchpad

Back

A small, flat, rectangular pointing device that is sensitive to pressure and motion.

Front

USB

Back

Universal Serial Bus. A type of connection used to attach devices such as flash drives, scanners, cameras, and printers to a computer.

Front

Driver

Back

A small program that instructs the operating system on how to operate specific hardware.

Front

Power Supply

Back

Computer hardware converting alternating current or AC electric power to a low-voltage power for the internal components of the computer.