7.2

7.2

1. Hardware

   • The physical parts of a computer system, eg a graphics card, hard disk drive or CD drive.

2. Input

   • An input device is any piece of computer hardware used to provide data to a computer system.

3. Output

   • An output device is any piece of computer hardware used to communicate the results of data that has been processed.

4. CPU

   • The purpose of the CPU is to process data. The CPU is where processes such as calculating, sorting and searching take place.

5. Solid State

   • Solid state devices use non-volatile random access memory (RAM) to store data indefinitely.

6. Storage

   • A storage device is a piece of computer equipment which can be used to store data.

7. Memory

   • The part of a computer that stores data.

8. Peripherals

   • A peripheral device is defined as a computer device, such as a keyboard or printer, that is not part of the essential computer.

9. Embedded

   • Embedded computers are used in car engines, spacecraft and MP3 players. They are dedicated systems that are designed for a fixed purpose.

10. Optical

    • Optical devices use a laser to scan the surface of a spinning disc made from metal and plastic.