Names of Computer Parts

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A desktop PC generally has the following computer parts: a keyboard, a mouse, a monitor, a pair of audio speakers, and a "CPU." What people typically call the "CPU" of a computer isn't the actual CPU (in the sense of a microchip), but a black or white case that contains all internal components; inside this case, which is called a PC case, we have the actual CPU microchip. The case plus the internal components is called a computer tower.

A diagrama showing a desktop PC with the names of its electronic and non-electronic computer parts labelled: the monitor, its screen, the audio speakers, the keyboard, the mouse and mousepad, the computer tower (or "CPU"), and the computer's desk and chair.
Names of a computer's parts. Credit: photo by Matthew W. Jackson on Flickr, edited by virtualcuriosities.com. License: CC BY-SA 2.0

As we can see above, the keyboard, mouse, speakers, and monitor are placed on top of a computer desk, while the tower is typically placed near the floor, although this isn't actually necessary.

Under the mouse we typically find a mousepad (also spelled "mouse pad" with a space). This isn't an electronic component, it's just a flat, soft surface made to work with computer mouse.

Old computers had CRT monitors, which were very thick; nowadays we use monitors with LCD and LED screens that can be very thin. In any case, the screen is only the part of the monitor that displays the image, the monitor is the entire device.

Naturally the shape and color of any of these varies from computer to computer, and which parts are installed also vary. Some computers may not have audio speakers, because the user only uses headphones. You don't actually need a mouse to operate a computer, either. You may also find a device that is a router and/or a modem connected to the computer, used to access the Internet. Sometimes computers aren't connected directly to the power outlet, but to a UPS (Unbreakable Power Supply) instead. Other parts include: a webcam, a microphone, a scanner, and a printer.

A computer desk is just a desk you put the computer on and a computer chair is just a chair you use with a computer desk. There are, however, some desks and chairs made specifically for computers. In particular, computer desks may have shelves for peripheral devices and a drawer for the keyboard and mouse. We do have some huge chairs called "gaming chairs," but they aren't necessary, as any office chair will work just fine as a computer chair.

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