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Free Computer Education by Mitz
Isn't a desktop simply the top of
your desk? No wonder the average person gets confused and stressed when confronted
with basic computer terminology. This language has taken on a path of
its own, using words such as cookie, ram, mouse, hardware and
more. However don't panic yet, just read this article and soon you
will be speaking the basic computer terminology language.
Lets start with the basics of Computer Terminology
Everything about a computer falls
into a particular category. Even the motherboard, hard drive,
Windows XP, and your keyboard fall into one of these basic
computer sections.
Hardware refers to the basic
parts that make up your computer. For example a hard drive,
memory, and motherboard are part of the hardware of your
computer.
Peripherals are those pieces
of hardware that you add on to your computer. For example a
mouse, keyboard, modem, monitor, etc
Software refers to all of
the programs on your computer. Software helps you get things
achieved, like writing letters, sending emails, and surfing the
internet.
Different types of hardware
Hard drive. This is where
all your data is stored when you save it. Its size or capacity
is measured in gigabytes.
For Example, I have a 160GB hard
drive in my computer. Obviously a 20GB hard drive is very small
in comparison. Below is a picture of a 3.5" desktop hard drive
and a 2.5" laptop hard drive.
Processor or Central Processing Unit
(CPU) interprets computer program instructions and processes
data. The bigger your processor, the faster your computer
performs your tasks. Its speed is measured in megahertz and
gigahertz. 1000 megahertz equals 1 gigahertz. People still have
computers that can be something like a Pentium III 933mhz,
however a more up to date computer would be Pentium IV 3.0ghz.
The cpu (picture to the right) has tiny pins that must not be
bent in any way or they will not go into the correct holes on
the motherboard. And see in one of the corners there are no
pins, and sometimes you can see an arrow there. This lets you
know which way it goes into the motherboard.
Motherboard, systemboard, or mainboard is the
central circuit board that provides electrical connections so
the other components of a computer can communicate with each
other. It is the main part to a computer. Without a
motherboard or mainboard there is no computer. Every part to a
computer connects to the motherboard. Motherboards can be simple
with the bare minimum add on or they can include onboard
graphics, onboard sound, network connections, USB ports, etc. To
get a decent motherboard now days you need one that supports
things like loads of USB ports, front USB ports, front audio,
compatible for dual or quad core cpu, TV in and out, and more..
Ram (random access memory)
is the memory of a computer which works with the other
components of the computer to allow it to function. It stores
your data when you are using it and returns it to the hard drive
for storage when you are finished. For example it allows your
programs to run and then puts them away when you close them. Ram
size is measured in megabytes and gigabytes. Most computers have
at least 512mb ram but if you doubled that it would be over 1
gigabyte. (1024mb).
When upgrading your ram it is best
to stick to a similar ram type that was originally in your
computer. For example if you had a DDR2 667mhz 512mb stick of
ram originally then you should put a DDR2 667mhz stick of ram in
to upgrade. However the new stick could be 1GB instead of 512mb.
(Just a larger size)
New computers running Windows Vista
are able to handle having more ram. Windows Vista also does not
run well on 512mb of ram.
CD Rom, Cd burner, or Dvd burner. These are used to
read cd's to install software, or access any data stored on a
disk. The latest dvd burners can read most disks as well as
burn both cd's and dvd's. The older type cd roms only read
cd's and cd burners read and write or burn cd's.
Different types of Peripherals
- Keyboard allows you to
type information into your computer. It has made the poor old
type writer obsolete. See
what and where are the keys on my keyboard?
- Mouse This is used as
a pointing device that can help you control your computer
tasks. It is a hand held device with a left and right click
button. It performs a lot of the keyboards functions but its
as easy as a click here and there. See
how to
use a mouse.
- Monitor is the screen
for viewing your working computer. The older type are CRT
Monitors and the nice slim screens are LCD Monitors.
- Modem This device
connects your computer to a phone line to enable communication
between you and other computers. It allows you to view pages
stored on other computers which is commonly called the
internet. You will need a service provider to do this. Most
people have cable internet, however in remote areas they still
use dial up internet which is extremely slow.
- Printer/Scanner This
allows you to print pages from your computer or scan and copy
pages on to your computer to view and edit. Most new printers
come with a scanner incorporated and sometimes they can also
print great quality photos. See
how to install a new printer.
Software
The main and most important piece of software a computer has
is the Operating System which is most commonly called Windows.
There is also software for almost anything you want to do with
your computer. There is software for picture editing, movie
making, music production, watching movies or TV, and more. It
almost seems never ending. It all starts with an idea.
Computer Terminology
relating to software
- Warez: A common name
for illegal software.
- Serial: The serial
number for a particular piece of software.
- Download: To click on
a link for a file and transfer it through the internet to your
computer to save.
- Upload: To transfer a
file from your computer to another host computer through the
internet. Like uploading a video to Youtube.
- Trial software: This
is software that you can try before you buy. If your trial
time runs out you will no longer be able to use this software
unless you purchase a copy.
- Apps: Is an
abbreviation used for application software.
Common Computer terminology and
meanings
Burn a cd. No this does not mean you can set fire
to it! This means to write data to a disk. Maybe you want to
burn a copy of your home movies on to a disk.
| Desktop It is everything you see when you start
your computer except the taskbar.
Wallpaper The monitor pattern or picture or other
graphic representation that forms the background onto which
all the icons are displayed. I like to use a photo of my
own for the wallpaper on my desktop.
Cookie A text information message that is stored on
your computer when you visit a web page. When you return to
the page the cookie is used to recognize you.
Tweak To make small changes that fine-tune a piece
of software or hardware. There are many programs that help you
do this. For example XP tools, Tweak u, Ashampoo.
See more
Computer
Terms and their meanings. |
If you are a new computer user, you should keep this article
handy for future reference, and hopefully soon this computer terminology
will become your second language.
About the Author
Mitz wrote this article
and others for tips4pc.com
Browse for more articles that are written in an easy to understand
way. Also see our very popular
Video Tutorials page. Watching
a video is a very easy way to learn about computers.
I hope you've found this tutorial clear and easy to
understand. If you have more questions, feel free to visit our
FORUM and we'll be
happy to help.
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