Glossary
Broadband – the general term used for high-speed internet access that is delivered through a telephone or cable television company.
Computer – an electronic device that accepts, processes, stores and outputs data at high speeds according to programmed instructions.
Hardware – the physical, electronic components that make up a computer and affiliated devices. Examples: keyboards, mice, monitors, hard drives, printers, etc.
Hard drive – an electronic device that consists of magnetic or optical disks that stores information on it.
Icon – a small image on a computer screen that represents something, such as a program or device, that is activated by clicking on it with a mouse.
Internet – a computer network consisting of all computers worldwide, for sharing information, displaying websites, etc.
Keyboard – a device that connects to a computer that inputs data via buttons called keys.
Monitor – an electronic device that displays data or images generated by a computer.
Mouse – a device that connects to a computer and is used to move a pointer on the monitor to manipulate data.
Network – a system of two or more computers that are linked together to exchange data.
Peripheral – an electronic device that is external to, but connected to a computer and does work for and in conjunction with the computer. Examples: printers, speakers, scanners, etc.
Printer – an electronic device that produces computer-generated text or graphics onto paper.
Scanner – an electronic device that is used to convert text or images into electronic for storage or display.
Shortcut – a quick way of performing a computer function, for example an icon on a computer screen that opens a program, or a set of keys pressed on the keyboard that performs a predefined action.
Software – the programs and electronic data that is used in conjunction with computers to do work.