This document provides an overview of basic computer hardware and software components as part of an educational technology certificate program. It defines and describes key components including the keyboard, monitor, printer, router, and modem. The overview is part of a tutorial on basic computer operations and concepts aimed at demonstrating an understanding of how computer components function.

1. Sacred Heart University
Isabelle Farrington College of Education
Educational Technology Certificate Program
Technology Skills Benchmarks
Strand 1. Basic Computer
Operations and Concepts
Erin Kelly
Benchmark 1a. – Tutorial 1.

2. Strand 1. Overview
Basic Computer Operations and Concepts
Benchmark 1a. –
Demonstrate an understanding of the basic
function of computer hardware and software
components such as the CPU, monitor,
keyboard, file storage, memory, and operating
system.

3. Keyboard
A keyboard is a data input
device for computers; arrangement
of keys is modeled after the
typewriter keyboard.

4. Printer
• In computers, a printer is a device
that accepts text and graphic
output from a computer and
transfers the information to paper,
usually to standard size sheets of
paper. Printers are sometimes sold
with computers, but more
frequently are purchased
separately. Printers vary in size,
speed, sophistication, and cost. In
general, more expensive printers
are used for higher-resolution color
printing.

5. Monitor
A device that displays signals on a computer screen
PowerPoint 2003

6. Router
•
A router is a device that forwards
data packets between computer
networks, creating an overlay
internetwork. A router is
connected to two or more data
lines from different networks.

7. Modem
• A modem is a device or
program that enables a
computer to transmit data over,
for example, telephone or cable
lines. Computer information is
stored digitally, whereas
information transmitted over
telephone lines is transmitted in
the form of analog waves. A
modem converts between these
two forms.

8. References
Bradley Mitchell. Router. Retrieved from
http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/routers/g/bldef_router.htm
Bradley Mitchell. Modem. Retrieved from
https://www.google.com/search?q=definition+of+a+computer
+modem&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a.
Margaret Rouse. (April 2005). Definition Keyboard. Retrieved from
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/keyboard
Margaret Rouse. (April 2005). Definition Monitor. Retrieved from
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/monitor.
Margaret Rouse. (November 2006). Definition Printer. Retrieved from
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/printer