03 ComputerComponents
03 ComputerComponents
Mira of Bejaia
Faculty of Exact Sciences.
Department of Computer Science.
Level: second year
Module: Technical English
(1) Scanner: An input device that can convert the contents of a paper
document into a digital image that can be stored in the computer.
(2) CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the processor: The "brain" of the
computer where programs are run. It is one of the most expensive parts of the
hardware. Modern CPUs can perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
(3) RAM (Random Access Memory): The computer's high-speed, short-term
memory. It temporarily stores data and instructions for programs that run on
the computer.
(4) Expansion Cards: Circuit boards that can be inserted to add functionality
to a computer system (for example: network, sound, or video cards).
(5) Power Supply: Converts electricity from the wall into the form that the other
computer components use.
(6) Optical Drive: An input/output device that reads data from and writes data to
CDs and DVDs.
(7) Hard Drive: An input/output device that serves as the long-term storage
memory of the computer. There are two primary kinds: mechanical drives that
use a mechanical arm to read and write data on a rotating disk, and "solid
state" drives that have no moving parts.
(8) Motherboard: A circuit board that holds and connects various
components of the computer and allows their communication.
(9) Speaker: An input/output device that outputs sound from the computer.
3- Voice input:
Today, you can also interact with voice recognition system that converts
voice into text. So you dictate text directly onto your word processor
4- camera:
allows you to capture and copy images into a computer.
5- Scanner:
Is a peripheral that reads images and converts them into electronic codes which
can be understood by a computer.
Output devices
An output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment used to
communicate the result of data processing carried out by an information processing
system (such as a computer) which converts the electronically generated information
into human readable forme.
1- Screen or monitor :
A monitor displays information in visual form, using text and graphics. The portion
of the monitor that displays the information is called the screen like television
screen.a computer screen can show still or moving pictures.
2- Speaker or voicer :
Speakers are used to play sound. They may be built into the system unit or connected
with cables. Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects from the
computer.
3- Printer :
A printer is a device that prints your texts or graphics on paper.
Types of printers:
a- A dot matrix printer :
Uses a group or matrix of pins to create precise dots.
b- An ink-jet also called bubble-jet printer :
generates an image by spraying, tiny, precise drops of ink onto the paper.
c- A laser printer:
Uses a laser beam to fix the ink to the paper, a laser works as photocopier.
d- A professional image setter:
Is type setting printer that generates very high-resolution output. It is used for high-
quality.
e- A plotter:
Is a special type of printer, which uses ink and fine pens held in a carriage to draw
detailed designs on paper. It is used in computer, aided design, maps, 3D technical
illustrations…etc.