Lesson 5: The Basics of Computers - Part 1

In Lesson 5, you will review the external and internal parts of a computer (terminology and function). You will also review input and output devices and common troubleshooting strategies.

Essential Questions:

What are the parts of a computer?
What are they called?
What do they do?
Is it internal or external?
Is it an input or output?
What should I do when my computer is not working?

Vocabulary:

External: Parts found on the outside of the computer.
Internal: Parts found on the inside of a computer.
Monitor: A screen that shows us things like pictures, words, and videos.
Keyboard: Has buttons that we use to type letters, numbers, and symbols.
Mouse: Moves a pointer on the monitor.
Trackpad: Like a mouse, but for laptops and chromebooks.
Webcam: A small camera used for videos and pictures.
Speakers: Used to play sounds and music for us to hear.
Microphone: A small listening device.
Headphones: Play sound and music through tiny speakers close to your ears.
Audio Port: Where you plug in speakers, headphones, and microphones into your computer.
Charging Port: Where you plug in the charging cable for your computer.
Printer: Device that prints out information sent from a computer.
Central Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer that works out the instructions that it receives.
Motherboard: Connects different parts of the computer together.
Memory: Stores information and data on the computer.
Hard Drive: Stores information and data on the computer using spinning magnetic plates.
RAM: Helps the CPU and hard drive work together, but doesn’t remember anything once the computer is turned off.
ROM: Memory that stores information after the computer is turned off.
Network Card: Allows the computer to communicate over a network and connect to the internet.
Power Supply: Provides power/electricity to the computer.
Input: A device that sends information or data to a computer.
Output: A device that takes information or data from a computer and turns it into something humans can understand.

Lesson Resources:

Lesson 5: The Basics of Computers Lesson Slides

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