Computer Hardware

It contains the main components of the computer. It generally has two types: tower and desktop.

• motherboard

• secondary storage

• computer case

• power supply

The component needed to view anything on your computer. It is connected to the video card of the computer to show text and images on the screen.

• video card

• monitor

• keyboard

• CPU

Peripheral component that allows you to interact with the computer by inputting text. They can come in various types including ergonomic and wireless.

• monitor

• RAM

• mouse

• keyboard

Peripheral component that is used to control the mouse pointer on the screen. It can either be optical, which has an electronic eye on the bottom, or mechanical, which uses a rolling ball to detect movement.

• mouse

• keyboard

• printer

• monitor

Button that is used to turn the computer on and off. It is generally located on the front of the computer case. Typically it has a symbol of a circle with a line through the top.

• power button

• audio ports

• computer case

• power supply

The component that can be used to insert and read a CD, DVD or Blu-ray disc.

• hard drive

• CPU

• optical drive

• USB ports

Ports that are used to connect flash drives and other peripheral devices including printers, keyboards, mice and external hard drives. These are located on the back of the computer case, but there may be some on the front for convenient access.

• USB ports

• PS/2 ports

• power socket

• RAM

Port that is used to connect the computer to the internet through a modem or router.

• audio port

• telephone jack

• power socket

• Ethernet port

Ports that are used to connect speakers, headphones and/or microphones to the computer. These are located on the back of the computer case, but there may be some on the front for convenient access.

• monitor

• audio ports

• power socket

• computer case

Connects the power cord to the computer to provide electricity.

• motherboard

• power supply

• power button

• power socket