The "Guts"
While one uses spinning magnetic platters, this newer version uses flash memory for much faster speeds.
What are the HDD and SSD?
These two devices are the primary ways humans "talk" to a computer via clicking and typing.
What are the Mouse and Keyboard?
Windows, macOS, and Linux are all examples of this fundamental layer of software.
What is an Operating System?
This device "routes" traffic between your home devices and creates your local Wi-Fi network.
What is a Router?
This is a specific type of malware that "infects" files and replicates itself to spread to other computers.
What is a Virus?
This type of memory is "volatile," meaning it stores the data the CPU needs right now but forgets everything when the power is cut.
What is RAM?
This output device allows you to actually see what the GPU is processing.
What is a Monitor?
This is the general term for any set of digital instructions that tells the hardware what to do.
What is Software?
This device bridges the gap between your home and your ISP by converting signals from a cable or phone line.
What is a Modem?
This term describes a person who uses technical skills to gain unauthorized access to data or systems.
What is a Hacker?
Often called the "brain" of the computer, it executes all the primary instructions and logic.
What is the CPU?
This "Universal" connection standard allows you to plug in almost anything, from a thumb drive to a desk fan.
What is USB?
This "Basic" firmware is the very first thing that runs when you turn on a PC, initializing your hardware.
What is the BIOS?
This type of attack involves flooding a server with so much fake traffic that it crashes and becomes unavailable.
What is a DDOS attack?
This scam involves sending fake emails to trick people into giving away their passwords.
What is Phishing?
If you want to play high-end video games or render 3D video, you’ll need a powerful one of these processors.
What is a GPU?
One of these turns physical paper into digital files; the other does the exact opposite.
What are the Scanner and Printer?
Unlike RAM, this type of memory is "Read-Only" and keeps its data even when the computer is turned off.
What is ROM?
This process involves scrambling data into a secret code so that only someone with the "key" can read it.
What is Encryption?
This security barrier acts as a gatekeeper, monitoring and blocking suspicious traffic entering or leaving a network.
What is a Firewall?
This boring but essential box converts electricity from your wall into the specific voltages your components need.
What is the PSU?
This is the collective name for any external device—like a speaker or external backup drive—that connects to the computer.
What are Peripherals?
This specific hardware component handles all the audio processing for your speakers and microphone.
What is a Sound Card?
This legal/technical concept ensures that a sender cannot later deny that they sent a specific message or performed a transaction.
What is Non-Repudiation?
These three words represent the core pillars of security: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.
What is the CIA Triad?