Vocabulario de Informática en Inglés: Hardware, Software, CPU y Periféricos Explicados

Vocabulary

Hardware

Hardware is any electronic or mechanical part of the computer system that you can see or touch.

Software

Software is a set of instructions, called a program, which tells a computer what to do.

CPU

The CPU is the heart of the computer, a microprocessor chip which processes data and coordinates the activities of all the other units.

Main Memory

Main Memory holds instructions and data which are being processed by the CPU. It has two main sections: RAM (random access memory) and ROM (read only memory).

Peripherals

Peripherals are the physical units attached to the computer. They include:

• Input devices: which let us enter data and commands (e.g. the keyboard and the mouse).
• Output devices: which let us extract the results (e.g. the monitor and the printer).
• Storage devices: which are used to store information permanently (e.g. hard disks and DVD-RW drives).
• Ports: into which we can plug external devices (e.g. a scanner, a modem, etc.).

Keyboard

• Alphanumeric Keys: these represent letters and numbers, arranged as on a typewriter.
• Numerical Keypad: appears to the right of the main keyboard and contains numeric and editing keys. The Num Lock Key is used to switch from numbers to editing functions.
• Function Keys: appear at the top of the keyboard and can be programmed to do special jobs.
• Cursor Keys: include the "arrow keys", which move the insertion point, and keys such as Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down, which let you move around documents.
• Dedicated Keys: are used to issue commands or produce alternative characters. For example: Ctrl changes the function of other keys (e.g. Ctrl+X cuts the selected text).
• Caps Lock: sets the keyboard in "CAPITALS" mode; it only affects letters.
• Enter (or Return): is pressed to select options from a menu or to start a new paragraph.
• Backspace: deletes the character to the left of your current position.

Mouse

The mouse is a hand-held device that lets you move a pointer and select items on the screen.

Mouse Actions

• Click: press and release the left button.
• Double click: press and release the left button twice.
• Drag: hold down the button, move the pointer to a new place, and then release the button.
• Right-click: press and release the right button; this action displays a list of commands.