ComputerSystem Computer, peripherals, and operating system
Recordable Compact disk that can be written once
Hardware The physical parts of a computer system
ReWritable Compact disk that can be written repeatedly
Computer An electronic device for the storage and processing of information
DigitalVideoDisk Optical storage medium for music, video, and data
Components Identifiable part serving a particular function in a larger system
Monitor Output device for video
Motherboard Main circuit board to which other components attach
CathodeRayTube Display that uses an electron beam
Microprocessor The brains of the computer
LiquidCrystalDisplay Kind of screen notebook computers presently use
Memory Data storage component
FlashDrive Storage device using non-volatile memory without movable parts
ReadOnlyMemory Memory that can read, but not easily written
Printer Device that outputs to paper
RandomAccessMemory Memory that can be accessed in any order
InkJet Printer that uses liquid ink
DiskDrive Device that uses flat, circular platters for storage
Laser Printer that like a copy machine uses toner
ExpansionSlots Place on motherboard where additional functionality can be added
Modem Device that connects to communication lines
SoundAdapterCard Components providing visual and audio capabilities
Software Organized collections of computer instructions and data
VideoAdapterCard Components providing visual and audio capabilities
OperatingSystem Computer's master control program
NetworkInterfaceCard Component enabling direct connection to a network
Windows Generic name for Microsoft's current operating system

Ports Places for connecting a device
MacOS Name for Apple's current operating system
UniversalSerialBus Popular interface for connecting peripherals
Linux An open source, free operating system
Architecture Basic design or building plan
Utilities Programs that perform very specific tasks, often related to computer management
PersonalComputer Computer based on IBM design
Applications Software that does work that a user is directly interested in
Macintosh Computer based on Apple design
Data Information, especially before processing
SystemUnit Part of the computer enclosed in a case
Analog Data having continuous values
Peripherals Electronic equipment outside the system unit and connected by cable
Digital Data having discrete, countable values
InputDevice Peripheral sending data into the computer
Bit 0 or 1, false or true
OutputDevice Peripheral receiving data from the computer
Byte Collection of usually 8 bits
StorageDevice Peripheral that receives data and can send it back
Kilobyte One thousand bytes
Drives Device that reads and/or writes data to storage medium
Megabtye One million bytes
Medium Object on which data is stored
Gigabyte One billion bytes
CompactDisk Optical storage medium for music and data
Directory A named collection of files/documents and possibly other collections
ReadOnly Pre-recorded compact disk that can't be edited
File A named collection of related information treated as a unit