Computer Terms

An electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data

• computer

• software

• servers

• trackpad

The metal and plastic box that contains the main components of the computer including the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), and power supply

• computer case

• trackball

• keyboard

• trackpad

The unit is tall and sits next to the monitor or on the floor

• tower case

• laptop

• desktop case

• all-in-one

This unit lies flat on a desk, and the monitor usually sits on top of it

• desktop case

• tower case

• all-in-one

• mouse

This unit comes with the internal components built into the monitor, which eliminates the need for a separate case.

• all-in-one

• tower case

• desktop case

• monitor

This piece works with a video card, located inside the computer case, to display images and text on the screen

• monitor

• keyboard

• trackpad

• trackball

This is one of the main ways to communicate with a computer

• keyboard

• monitor

• graphics tablet

• computer case

It is a touch-sensitive pad that lets you control the pointer by making a drawing motion with your finger. Common on laptop computers

• trackpad

• trackball

• monitor

• graphics tablet

A ball that can rotate freely. You rotate the ball to move the pointer to select objects.

• trackball

• trackpad

• mouse

• monitor

any part of the computer that has a physical structure, such as the keyboard or mouse

• hardware

• software

• monitor

• computer case