Hardware Project
Al Barnes
RAM memory • Definition/Explanation: a type of memory that
(random access can be accessed randomly; short-term memory
memory)
• Peripheral Device Type: storage
ROM memory • Definition/Explanation: computer memory
(read- where data has been prerecorded, long-term
only memory) memory
• Peripheral Device Type: storage
Motherboard • Definition/Explanation: the main circuit board
of a computer
• Peripheral Device Type: processing
CD-rom / DVD- • Definition/Explanation: an optical disk that
rom stores large amounts of data; two types:
CD-R (Compact Disk - Recordable)
CD-RW (Compact Disk - ReWritable)
• Peripheral Device Type: storage
Flash drive • Definition/Explanation: small, convenient
device to store data and take it with you; also
known as a USB stick or thumb drive
• Peripheral Device Type: storage
NIC card • Definition/Explanation: enables a computer to
(network interface connect to a network such as a home network or
card) the Internet using an Ethernet cable with a RJ-
45 connector
• Peripheral Device Type: input & output
Video card • Definition/Explanation: handles graphics that
are displayed on the monitor
• Peripheral Device Type: output
CPU • Definition/Explanation: brain of a computer;
controls information and tells other parts what
to do
• Peripheral Device Type: processing
Expansion slot • Definition/Explanation: is to provide or expand
on features not offered by the motherboard
• Peripheral Device Type: input
External hard • Definition/Explanation: a hard drive that is
drive outside of the computer case
• Peripheral Device Type: storage
Internal hard • Definition/Explanation: a hard drive that is
drive inside of the computer case
• Peripheral Device Type: storage
Power supply • Definition/Explanation: supplies electricity to
the other components inside the computer
• Peripheral Device Type: output
Sound card • Definition/Explanation: contains special circuits
for operating the computer's sound
• Peripheral Device Type: storage
Document • Definition/Explanation: a device that converts a
scanner document or text in paper for into digital data
• Peripheral Device Type: input
Computer • Definition/Explanation: a device that turns
speakers analog audio signals into audible sound
• Peripheral Device Type: output
Mouse • Definition/Explanation: is a device that controls
the movement of the cursor or pointer on
a display screen
• Peripheral Device Type: input
• Definition/Explanation: is the enclosure that
contains most of the components of a computer
• Peripheral Device Type: storage
System unit case
Laptop • Definition/Explanation: A small, touch-sensitive
touchpad pad used as a pointing device on some portable
computers
• Peripheral Device Type: input
Webcam • Definition/Explanation: video camera that
inputs to a computer connected to the Internet,
so that its images can be viewed by Internet
users
• Peripheral Device Type: input
Keyboard • Definition/Explanation: the set of typewriter-
like keys that enables you to enter data into
a computer or other device
• Peripheral Device Type: input
Monitor • Definition/Explanation: display screen
• Peripheral Device Type: output
Ink jet printer • Definition/Explanation: type of printer that
works by spraying ionized ink at a sheet of
paper
• Peripheral Device Type: output
Laser printer • Definition/Explanation: type of printer that
utilizes a laser beam to produce an image on a
drum
• Peripheral Device Type: output
Light pen • Definition/Explanation: that utilizes a light-
sensitive detector to select objects on a display
screen;
• Peripheral Device Type: input
Joystick • Definition/Explanation: is a lever that moves in
all directions and controls the movement of
a pointer or some other display symbol
• Peripheral Device Type: input