Vocab #5 for Computer Class

USING YOUR OWN WORDS, type in definitions for the following terms

 

Dictionary of computer terms may help you with your definitions.

 

  1. monitor, screen - Monitor and screen are synonyms for the part of the computer that displays the images. This part is also called the display. For most PCs, the display is a separate part. For computers like iMacs and laptops, the display is built into the computer case.
  2. motherboard - The motherboard is a board inside of the computer that contains most, if not all, of the computer's circuitry. The CPU, RAM, drive cables and expansion cards all plug into the motherboard. The motherboard inside most PC cases can be replaced, or upgraded, along with the CPU, RAM and any other outdated parts. This allows you to get all of the benefits and features of a new computer without having to throw out your old case.
  3. mouse, mice - A mouse is an input device. That is, it allows a person to put commands into the computer by moving a cursor across the screen and clicking on objects via a graphical (visual) interface.
  4. network - A network is any technology that enables computers to be linked together share information and resources. Networks can be connected by various types of cables, radio waves, or even beams of light.
  5. network drive- In Microsoft Windows, a network drive is the name given to a folder or drive from a remote computer that is mapped to appear on the local computer as a lettered drive. For example, look in "My Computer" at BSUSD and you will find the network drive "Public," which corresponds to drive letter P:.
  6. online - To be "online" is to be connected to the Internet.
  7. online chatting - This is to chat with someone across an Internet connection. This is usually done by typing messages back and forth, although audio and video chatting is also possible.
  8. online references - Online references should be given to websites that are used as sources for research papers.
  9. online searching - Online searching is what you're doing when you look up information via a search engine such as Google or Yahoo!
  10. operating systems (Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Red Hat Linux) - Operating systems are what allow us to use computer hardware to save & open files, run programs, connect to networks and many basic functions. Without an operating system, a computer would not be able to boot and run programs.
  11. peripherals - A peripheral is any device connected to the outside of the computer, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer or scanner.