2025/2026 GRADED A+
client/server network - network consisting of computers dependent on a server
clients - dependent computers in a client/server network
peer-to-peer network - a network that does not have a server, all the computers are
essentially equal, and programs and data are distributed among them
router - connects devices on a network so all the devices can access network
components
local area network (LAN) - a type of network in which computers and peripheral devices
are located relatively close to each other, generally in the same building
wide area network (WAN) - a type of network that consists of multiple LANs connected
together; internet is the largest example of this
wireless local area network (WLAN) - a type of network in which computers and
peripherals use high-frequency radio waves instead of wires to connect in a network
personal area network (PAN) - a type of network that allows two or more devices
located close to each other to communicate or to connect a device to the Internet
mouse - input; slide this around on your desk to move pointers and click buttons to
execute instructions/select
scroll wheel - usually located on a mouse to scroll through the pages or to use as a
button
trackball - input; moving the ball moves the pointer on screen and clicking buttons allow
you to select/carry out commands
touchpad - input; touch-sensitive device on which you drag your finger to control the
pointer and the buttons are located below the touchpad
scanner - input; transfers content from a piece a paper into a memory- a beam of light
moves across the glass and images/words/etc. are stored as digital information
microphones - input; used to record sound or to input data and commands using voice-
recognition software
web cam - input; take pictures and videos and video call with services like Skype
monitor - output; flat panel or flat screen- displays output
, LCD - creates image you see on screen by manipulating light within a layer of liquid
crystal
LED - energy efficient lights used for backlighting
screen size - diagonal measurement from one corner to the other on a screen; desktop
usually 18-32 and laptops usually 15-17
pixels - makes up the display with a matrix of small dots
screen resolution - number of pixels the monitor displays in horizontal and vertical
measurements
viewing angle - indicates how far to the side/top you can be and still see the images on
the screen clearly; up to 180
printer - output; produces paper copies of text/graphics processed by computer
hard copy - printed computer output
laser printers - uses the same technology as a photocopier to create a temporary image
on paper and then spray it with a powdery substance called toner; measured in PPM
(pages per minute)
inkjet printers - sprays ink onto paper; less expensive than laser printers, and usually
called all-in-one for its scanner, photocopier, and fax capabilities; measured in PPM
(pages per minute)
dot matrix printers - transfers ink to the paper by striking a ribbon with pins; measured in
CPS (characters per second)
speakers - output;
allows you to hear sounds from the computer
processing - modifying data and executing commands
commands - instructions to the computer on how to process the data
motherboard - contains processing hardware-- the computer's major electronic
components; located inside computer
circuit board - the motherboard is this, which is a rigid piece of insulating material with
electrical paths on it that control specific functions
circuits - electrical paths