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CPU (processor)	The brain of the computer that runs instructions		tech-computer-parts
Core (CPU)	One processing unit inside a CPU		tech-computer-parts
Clock speed	How fast a CPU runs, measured in gigahertz (GHz)		tech-computer-parts
RAM	Fast temporary memory for programs in use; cleared when power is off		tech-computer-parts
ROM	Memory that keeps its contents without power		tech-computer-parts
Hard drive (HDD)	Storage that uses spinning magnetic disks		tech-computer-parts
SSD	Storage with no moving parts that uses flash memory; faster than a hard drive		tech-computer-parts
Motherboard	The main circuit board that connects all parts		tech-computer-parts
GPU (graphics card)	Processor that draws images and video and speeds up graphics		tech-computer-parts
Power supply (PSU)	Converts wall power into power the computer can use		tech-computer-parts
Case (tower)	The box that holds the computer parts		tech-computer-parts
Cooling fan	Moves air to keep parts from overheating		tech-computer-parts
Heat sink	Metal part that draws heat away from the CPU		tech-computer-parts
BIOS / UEFI	Basic software that starts up the computer's hardware		tech-computer-parts
Chipset	Chips on the motherboard that manage data between parts		tech-computer-parts
Expansion slot (PCIe)	A slot for adding cards like graphics cards		tech-computer-parts
Sound card	Handles audio input and output		tech-computer-parts
Network card (NIC)	Connects the computer to a network		tech-computer-parts
Optical drive	Reads CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs		tech-computer-parts
Monitor	A screen that shows what the computer displays		tech-computer-parts
Keyboard	Input device with keys for typing		tech-computer-parts
Mouse	A pointing device you move and click		tech-computer-parts
Touchpad	A touch-sensitive pad on a laptop that moves the pointer		tech-computer-parts
Touchscreen	A screen that senses touch		tech-computer-parts
Scanner	Copies paper pages into digital images		tech-computer-parts
Printer	Puts digital documents onto paper		tech-computer-parts
3D printer	Builds objects layer by layer from plastic or other materials		tech-computer-parts
Speakers	Output devices that play sound		tech-computer-parts
Microphone	Input device that captures sound		tech-computer-parts
Webcam	A small camera for video calls		tech-computer-parts
Headphones	Speakers worn on the ears		tech-computer-parts
Joystick	Input device for controlling games		tech-computer-parts
Game controller	Handheld input device for games		tech-computer-parts
Stylus	A pen-like tool for touchscreens		tech-computer-parts
Barcode scanner	Reads codes printed as stripes		tech-computer-parts
Input device	Hardware that sends information into the computer		tech-computer-parts
Output device	Hardware that presents information from the computer		tech-computer-parts
Storage device	Hardware that keeps data for later		tech-computer-parts
USB port	A common connector for plugging in devices		tech-computer-parts
USB flash drive (thumb drive)	A small portable storage stick		tech-computer-parts
HDMI	A cable that carries video and audio to a screen		tech-computer-parts
Ethernet port	A port for a wired network cable		tech-computer-parts
Wi-Fi	Wireless networking		tech-computer-parts
Bluetooth	Short-range wireless connection for devices like headphones		tech-computer-parts
SD card	A small memory card used in cameras		tech-computer-parts
External hard drive	A storage device outside the computer connected by a cable		tech-computer-parts
Battery	Stores power for laptops and phones		tech-computer-parts
Charger	Supplies power to a battery		tech-computer-parts
Laptop	A portable computer with a built-in screen and keyboard		tech-computer-parts
Desktop	A computer meant to stay at a desk		tech-computer-parts
Tablet	A flat touchscreen computer		tech-computer-parts
Smartphone	A phone that works like a small computer		tech-computer-parts
Server	A computer that provides services to other computers		tech-computer-parts
Supercomputer	An extremely fast computer for huge calculations		tech-computer-parts
Microcontroller	A small computer chip in a device, like in a toaster or Arduino		tech-computer-parts
Raspberry Pi	A tiny low-cost computer board		tech-computer-parts
Arduino	An open-source microcontroller board for projects		tech-computer-parts
Circuit board	A board with printed paths connecting electronic parts		tech-computer-parts
Transistor	A tiny switch inside chips		tech-computer-parts
Microchip (integrated circuit)	A tiny piece of silicon holding millions or billions of transistors		tech-computer-parts
Silicon	The material most computer chips are made from		tech-computer-parts
Bit	The smallest unit of data, a 0 or 1		tech-computer-parts
Byte	8 bits		tech-computer-parts
Peripheral	Any device connected to a computer		tech-computer-parts
Port	A socket for connecting devices		tech-computer-parts
Driver	Software that lets the computer talk to a device		tech-computer-parts
Firmware	Software built into hardware		tech-computer-parts