Select Parts of the Computer System:
| Drives The hard drive is the primary device that your computer uses to store information. A storage device holds information. Most computers come with one hard drive labeled the C: drive. The amount of information a hard drive can store is measured in bytes. A hard drive with the capacity of at least 20 GB (gigabytes) is recommended. However, you should get the largest hard drive that you can afford. The Hard Drive is located inside the main system unit. The floppy drive stores and retrieves information on a floppy disk. A storage device holds information. A computer may have one or two floppy drives. If it has one floppy drive, the drive is called the A: drive. If it has two floppy drives, the second is called the B: drive. Most floppy drives use 3.5 inch floppy disks. Some older computers may have a 5.25 inch floppy drive. It is recommended that a high-density (1.44MB) 3.5 inch floppy drive be used. The Floppy Drive is located inside the main system unit. The CD-ROM (Compact-Disc Read Only Memory) drive is a storage device that your computer uses to read information stored on compact discs. A storage device holds information. A CD-ROM is the same type of disc you buy at a music store. The storage capacity of a CD-ROM disc is greater than 400 floppy disks. CD-ROM discs are used to store programs, large images, audio, video, and multimedia presentations. The speed of a CD-ROM drive determines how fast the stored information is transferred from disc to computer. It is recommended that your CD-ROM drive be at least 52X. The CD-ROM Drive is located inside the main system unit. The tape drive is a storage device that your computer uses to copy files from the computer onto tape cartridges. A storage device holds information. These drives are also known as tape backups. Tape drives can be used to backup data (extra copies in case of emergency), archive data (rarely used files), and transfer data (file sharing). |
| RAM
Memory, also called RAM (Random Access Memory), temporarily stores data inside your computer. This data is lost when you turn off the computer. The amount of memory determines the number of programs your computer can run at once and how fast programs will operate. You can improve the performance of your computer by adding more memory. At least 128 MB (megabytes) of RAM is recommended. The RAM is located inside the main system unit. |
| Central Processing Unit
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the main chip in your computer. The CPU processes instructions, performs calculations, and manages the flow of information through your computer system. The CPU speed is a major factor in determining how fast your computer operates. The speed of a CPU is measured in megahertz (MHz). At least a 800 MHz processor is recommended. The CPU is located inside the main system unit. |
| Monitor
A monitor is an output device. An output device displays information on a screen, creates printed copies, or generates sound. The monitor is a device that displays text and images generated by your computer. The number of colors a monitor can display determines how realistic images appear on the screen. More colors result in more realistic images. |
| Speakers
Speakers are an output device. An output device displays information on a screen, creates printed copies, or generates sound. A sound card lets your computer play and record sound. You need speakes to hear the sound generated by a sound card. Using a microphone you can record music, speech, and sound effects. You can then add the sounds to documents and presentations. |
| Microphone
Speakers are an output device. An output device displays information on a screen, creates printed copies, or generates sound. A sound card lets your computer play and record sound. You need speakes to hear the sound generated by a sound card. Using a microphone you can record music, speech, and sound effects. You can then add the sounds to documents and presentations. |
| Joystick
A joy stick is an input device. An input device lets you enter information and issue commands. The joy stick helps you control the movement of people and objects in many computer games. |
| Scanner
A scanner is an input device. An input device lets you enter information and issue commands. The scanner is a device that reads text and graphics into your computer. There are three types of scanners:
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| Modem
A modem lets computers exchange information through telephone lines. A modem translates computer information into a form that can be transmitted over telephone lines. You do not need a separate phone line to use a modem. You can use the same phone line for telephone and modem calls. A modem can be internal or external and be used to:
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| Printer
A printer is an output device. An output device displays information on a screen, creates printed copies, or generates sound. The printer produces a paper copy of the information displayed on the screen. It produces black-and-white or color prints. There are three variations of printers:
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| Keyboard
A Keyboard is an input device. An input device lets you enter information and issue commands. The keys on a keyboard let you enter information and instructions into your computer. Keyboards are usually type AT or PS/2. If the keyboard plug is different from the socket on the back of the computer, then an adapter will be needed. |
| Mouse
A mouse is an input device. An input device lets you enter information and issue commands. The mouse is a hand-held pointing device that lets you select and move items on your screen. There are four actions that you can perform with a mouse:
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| Software
Application software helps you to accomplish specific tasks. You can use application software to write letters, manage your finances, draw pictures, play games, and more. Some examples of application software are:
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