Computer Hardware Functions

Output: Seeing & Hearing (Output Devices)

100

This rectangular device is the primary piece of hardware for seeing images and programs.

What is a monitor

200

When you want to listen to a video or music privately so others don't hear, you put these over or in your ears.

What are headphones?

300

This output device broadcasts sound so everyone in the room can hear the computer's audio.

What are Speakers?

400

This hardware takes digital files from the computer and puts them onto a piece of paper.

What is a Printer?

500

The quality and sharpness of the images displayed on a monitor is referred to by this term, often measured in pixels.

What is Resolution?

Your Commands (Input Devices)

100

You use this device to type letters, numbers, and symbols into a document or search bar.

What is a keyboard?

200

You use this small, handheld device to click, drag, and point to items on the screen.

What is a Mouse?

300

This input device captures your voice so you can talk to friends online or record a sound file.

What is a Microphone?

400

This input device takes live video and still images of you from your computer and sends them over the internet.

What is a Webcam?

500

This special piece of hardware is built into a laptop and lets you move the pointer with your finger instead of a mouse.

What is a Touchpad (or trackpad)?

Brains & Memory (Internal Concepts)

100

This tiny, important chip is known as the "brain" of the computer because it performs all the calculations.

What is the CPU (Central Processing Unit)?

200

This is where files and programs are stored permanently, even after the computer is completely shut down.

What is a Hard Drive or SSD (Solid State Drive)?

300

This type of memory is used for the computer's short-term tasks and all the data that is currently being used, and it stands for Random Access Memory.

What is RAM?

400

This is the large circuit board that connects all the other parts of the computer, like the CPU, RAM, and hard drive.

What is a Motherboard?

500

This part is specifically designed to handle the heavy math required to display complex images, videos, and 3D graphics on the screen.

What is a Graphics Card (or GPU)?

What Hardware Would You Use

100

I want to watch a YouTube video.

Monitor

200

I want to listen to music on my computer WITHOUT anyone hearing me. 

I would use HEADPHONES. 

300

I I wrote a book report and need to see it on paper. 

I need to use a PRINTER.

400

I am giving a speech and need everyone on my video call to hear me. 

I need a MICROPHONE.

500

I am creating a video presentation and need everyone to see me. 

I need to use a WEBCAM. 

Bonus: What type of software is this?

100

I have many of these on my phone. 

Application/App

200

I need to know if it's going to be hot or cold tomorrow. 

I need to check the WEATHER APP.

300

I need to know what day my mom's birthday is. 

I need to check my CALENDAR app. 

400

I want to send my dad a message to his phone. 

I need to use my TEXT MESSAGE/MESSAGING app. 

500

I want to take a picture with my phone.

 I would use my CAMERA app.