Computer's Vocabulary

1. ACCESS POINT 

An access point provides wireless access to a network. Devices connected to an access point can communicate with other devices on the network. They may also connect to the internet if the access point is linked to an internet connection, which is commonly the case. Access points that use wi-fi are also called base stations.

I am connecting every day to internet with my access point.

2. CARD READER 

is the generic term for an input device that reads flash memory cards. It can be a standalone device that connects to a computer via USB or it may be integrated into a computer, printer, or multifunction device. In fact, most multifunction printer/scanner/copiers now have built-in card readers.

I am downloading photos to my computer with my card reader driver.

3. CHIP

Technically speaking, a computer chip is a piece of silicon with an electronic circuit embedded in it. However, the word “chip” is often used as a slang term that refers to various components inside a computer. It typically describes an integrated circuit, or IC, such as a central processor or a graphics chip, but may also refer to other components such a memory module.

My friend is changing the processor chip in my laptop.

4. DDR2

Stands for “Double Data Rate 2” DDR2 RAM is an improved version of DDR memory that is faster and more efficient. Like standard DDR memory, DDR2 memory can send data on both the rising and falling edges of the processor’s clock cycles. This nearly doubles tha amount of work the RAM can do in a given amount the time. DDR and DDR2 are also both types of SDRAM, which allows them to run faster than conventional memory.

I am using an 8 GB DDR2 memory in my laptop.

5. HARD DISK

When you save data or install programs on your computer, the information is typically written to your hard disk. The hard disk is a spindle of magnetic disks, called platters, that record and store information. Because the data is stored magnetically, information recorded to the hard disk remains intact after you turn your computer off. This is an important distinction between the hard disk and RAM, or memory, which is reset when the computer's power is turned off.

I am going to Monterrey to buy a new 1 Tera Hard Disk for my PC.

6. LINUX

Linux is a free, open source, Unix-like operating system. It is available in several different distributions, including CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu, and Red Hat. Linux can run on several different hardware platforms and may even be used as the OS for electronics devices besides computers. Though Linux is not commonly installed on home computers, it is widely used by Web hosting companies and has many other specialized applications.

Carlos is installing an Ubuntu Linux new version in his laptop.

7. OPTICAL DRIVE

In the real world, "optical" refers to vision, or the ability to see. In the computer world, however, "optical" refers to lasers, which can "see" and read data on optical discs. These discs include CDs and DVDs, which are made up of millions of small bumps and dips. Optical drives have lasers that read these bumps and dips as ones and zeros, which the computer can understand.

Some common types of optical drives include CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RW, and Blu-ray drives. CD and DVD writers, such as CD-R and DVD-R drives use a laser to both read and write data on the discs. The laser used for writing the data is much more powerful than the laser that reads the data, as it "burns" the bumps and dips into the disc. While optical drives can spin discs at very high speeds, they are still significantly slower than hard drives, which store data magnetically. However, because optical media is inexpensive and removable, it is the most common format used for distributing computer software.

John and Lisa are watching a movie with my blu-ray optical drive in my laptop.

8. SCANNER.

A scanner is an input device that scans documents and images, which can be imported into a computer. They are available in flatbed or sheet-fed versions and are usually connected via a high-speed USB port. OCR software can be used to recognize text documents imported from a scanner.

My father is using his scanner to send me two documents that I need.

9. SOFTWARE.

Computer software is a general term that describes computer programs. Related terms such as software programs, applications, scripts, and instruction sets all fall under the category of computer software. Therefore, installing new programs or applications on your computer is synonymous with installing new software on your computer.

My sister is speaking with me through a software called skype every nights. She lives in U.S.A.

 10. KEYBOARD.

As the name implies, a keyboard is basically a board of keys. Along with the mouse, the keyboard is one of the primary input devices used with a computer. The keyboard's design comes from the original typewriter keyboards, which arranged letters and numbers in a way that prevented the type-bars from getting jammed when typing quickly. This keyboard layout is known as the QWERTY design, which gets its name from the first six letters across in the upper-left-hand corner of the keyboard.

I am learning to use the keyboard in a course called “tecnicas de digitacion” in the Cesde virtual platform