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

Free flashcards from Peabody at peabody.kids/flashcards/tech-computer-parts