Reddy N.S. - PC Hardware, Maintenance & Troubleshooting In-Depth

Computer

Case /

Chassis/ Cabinet

A computer case (also known as the computer chassis, box or housing) is the enclosure that contains the main components of a computer.

Motherboard /

Mainboard /

Systemboard

The main printed circuit board in a computer that carries the system buses. It is equipped with sockets to which all processors, memory modules, plug-in cards, daughter boards, or peripheral devices are connected.

CPU / Processor

Central Processing Unit / Processor .The brain of the computer - the device capable of performing Arithmetic and Logical operations on data. Or for thinking.

Memory / RAM

Abbreviation for Random Access Memory. Operating System Software, programs and data are usually copied into RAM from a disk drive for the central processing unit (CPU) to have fast and direct access when needed to perform tasks.

Display / Video /

Graphics

Adapter

Display Adapter is an expansion card which generates a feed of output images to a display. It converts digital signals into video signals.

Hard Disk Drive

A hard disk Drive is a computer storage device that stores data on rotating magnetic surfaces permanently.

Floppy Disk Drive

A drive that reads from or writes to separate diskettes which the user inserts. Information is stored on the diskettes themselves.

Optical Disc Drive (ODD)

An optical disk drive is a storage device that uses light or lasers to store or retrieve information. Common types include CD or DVD drives.

Sound Card /

Audio Adapter

A sound card is an internal computer expansion card that facilitates the input and output of audio signals to and from a computer under control of computer programs.

LAN / Ethernet

Adapter

The Ethernet card provides a standardized way of connecting computers together to create a network.

MODEM

(Modulator and Demodulator)

A device that allows two computers to communicate over telephone lines. It converts digital computer signals into analog and converts the analog signal back into a digital format.

TV / FM Card

A TV tuner card is hardware that allows analogue or digital broadcast television signals to be received and converted or translated for display by a computer.

Monitor

The monitor displays the video and graphics information generated by the computer through the video card . Monitors are very similar to televisions with high resolution.

Keyboard

The keyboard is an input device designed to enter text, characters and other commands into a computer or similar device.

Mouse

The mouse is a part of a computer which provides the major way of interacting with graphical user interfaces on a computer.

Printer

A computer printer is a computer peripheral device that produces a hard copy (permanent human-readable text and/or graphics, usually on paper) from data stored in a computer connected to it.

Scanner

A device that reads a printed page and converts it into a graphics image (Soft Copy) for the computer.

Web Cam

Used to capture images and videos and transfer them over Web or Internet

Microphone

A microphone, sometimes called a Mic (pronounced "mike"), is a device that converts sound into an electrical signal.

Speakers

You need speakers to hear the sound generated by a sound card. You should buy speakers with a built-in amplifier to strengthen the sound signal and improve the performance.

Thumb Drive /

Pen Drive /

USB Flash Drive

A USB Flash Drive is used as a small, lightweight, removable data storage device. This hot-swappable, non-volatile.