Getting to Know the Parts of Your Computer

Getting to Know the Parts of Your Computer

CPU or Central Processing Unit • Often referred to as the brains of a computer • Processes user requests • Controls all of the other hardware within your computer

Hard Drive • The Operating System, such as Windows XP, as well as any applications (Word, Power. Point, Excel, etc. ) are stored here. • Permanently stores your files for later use • Also known as Drive C

RAM (Random Access Memory) • Temporarily stores your information until you hit Save • Everything stored in this temporary memory is lost when the computer shuts down

CD ROM, CD-RW DVD, DVD-RW • Drive used to read information from a CD or DVD • Those Drives designated as CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, or DVD-RW enable you to save to disk • Also known as Drive D

Floppy Drive • These drives do not hold much information • They are, however, very portable • Also known as Drive A

Mouse • One example of an input device, as you use it to input information into the computer • Enables users to send commands to the CPU through a series of clicks on the screen

Network Card and Patch Cable • Connects your computer to other computers and the Internet • One end plugs into your computer’s Network Card • The other end plugs into a “drop” along the wall

Monitor • One example of an “output device, ” this item provides visual images to the computer user

Keyboard • A second example of an input device, the keyboard enables users to type instructions, characters, etc.

Power Cord • Supplies power to the computer • Make sure it is plugged in!