Monitor The monitor displays the text and graphics generated by the computer. Keyboard The keyboard allows you to enter information into your computer. It is similar to a typewriter but has some different keys that perform special functions. Mouse The mouse is a pointing device that allows you to select and manipulate objects you see on your monitor. Floppy Disk (A: drive) Floppy disks go in the A: drive of your computer. They are removable storage on which your computer can read or write files. CD-ROM (D: drive) The CD-ROM disks are inserted into your system's D: drive. They can store much more information than a floppy disk, but your computer cannot write to them. This is because they are Read-Only Memory (ROM). Hard Disk (C: drive) The hard disk is located inside the CPU and is similar to a floppy disk. The only differences are it cannot be removed, can store more data or files, and contains important files or programs. Printer The printer prints text and pictures you create on your machine. Speakers or headphones The headphones and speakers allow the user to hear the audio portion of a program. Central Processing Unit (CPU) The unit houses the brain of your computer, including the memory, power supply, and central processor. All other components are considered peripheral.

Hardware Hardware is the tangible computer equipment such as a CPU, keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc. Software Software is the computer programs, routines, and symbolic languages that control the function of the hardware, such as Windows, Word, Excel, etc. Memory Memory is the internal storage areas in the computer. The term identifies data storage that comes in the form of chips, and the word storage is used for the memory that exists on tapes or disks. Moreover, the term memory is usually used as shorthand for physical memory, which refers to the actual chips capable of holding data. Therefore, memory is both hardware and software. Read-Only Memory (ROM) ROM is computer memory on which data has been prerecorded. Once data has been written on a ROM chip, it cannot be removed and can only be read. ROM retains its contents even when the computer is turned off. ROM is referred to as being nonvolatile. Most personal computers contain a small amount of ROM that stores critical programs such as the program that boots the computer. In addition, ROM is used extensively in calculators and peripheral devices such as laser printers, whose fonts are often stored in ROM. Random-Access Memory (RAM) RAM is a type of memory that can be accessed randomly and is the most common type of memory found in computers and other devices, such as printers. Also called the main memory. Operating System An operating system is the program (software) on top of which all programs run. It controls or operates the system and the relationships of the hardware and software. Windows is an example of an operating system. Windows Windows is an operating system. It is a multi-tasking environment and is a graphical user interface (GUI) that uses windows. windows A window is an element of Windows and contains other computer programs, which operate independently of each other. Information can be shared between windows. Windows have frames and contain minimize, resize, and close buttons in the upper right corner.