 The central processing unit (CPU) interprets and executes instructions.  The “brains” of the computer.  The speed of the processor is how fast it can carry out instructions.  Generally higher numbers are better.  Measured in hertz (Hz)

 The word bit is a shortening of the words "Binary digIT." Bits have only two possible values: 0 and 1. You can also think of a bit as a switch; it is either on (1) or off (0). A bit is the foundation for storing digital information.

 Short for “Binary Term”  Equal to 8 bits.  Kilobyte (KB) = 1,024 bytes {Kilo = 1 thousand}  Megabyte (MB) = 1,048,576 bytes {Mega = 1 million}  Gigabyte (GB) = 1,073,741,824 bytes {Giga = 1 billion}  Terabyte (TB) = 1,099,511,627,776 bytes {Tera = 1 trillion}

 A storage device usually plugged into a USB port.

 Component for storing programs, photos, video, music and other electronic information.  The capacity (size) of your hard drive is how much information it can store (GB, TB).

 RAM is short for Random Access Memory.  The memory used to run programs.  Greater amounts of RAM improve speed and multitasking.  May be increased (expandable) through additional equipment.

 A device that translates what is typed (numbers, letters, etc.) into a language that the computer understands (0’s and 1’s).

 A display is an output device for your computer that shows text and graphics. Types:  Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)  Most energy efficient  Light Emitting Diode (LED)  Very energy efficient

 An input device for a computer that senses motion and translates that motion to an icon on the display.  The icon representing the motion of the mouse is called a cursor.

 USB stands for Universal Serial Bus  A USB connection allows you to connect another device (such as a printer, camera, speaker, etc.) to a computer

 A computer case that houses most of the components (parts) that make up a computer