computer hardware

flash drive

ˈflash drive BrE AmE noun [countable]
a small piece of electronic equipment that uses ↑flash memory to store information and can be fitted into a computer SYN USB drive

laptop

lap‧top /ˈlæptɒp $ -tɑːp/ BrE AmE (also ˌlaptop ˈcomputer) noun [countable]
a small computer that you can carry with you ⇨ desktop

computer

com‧put‧er S1 W1 AC /kəmˈpjuːtə $ -ər/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑computer, ↑computing, ↑computerization; verb: ↑computerize]

an electronic machine that stores information and uses programs to help you find, organize, or change the information:
a huge global computer network
the latest computer software
on computer
The information is stored on computer.
by computer
Shoppers can send in their orders by computer and pick up their goods later.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ use a computer Most people do jobs in which they have to use a computer.
▪ log onto a computer (=start using it by typing a password) Next time you log onto your computer, you will have to use a new password.
▪ log off a computer (=stop using a computer system that requires a password)
▪ switch a computer on/off Always switch off your computer at the end of the day.
▪ start up/boot up a computer (=make it start working)
▪ shut down a computer (=close the programs and stop it working)
▪ restart/reboot a computer (=make it start working again) The problem sometimes disappears if I restart my computer.
▪ program a computer (=give it instructions so that it will do a particular job)
▪ hold/store something on a computer This data is all held on a central computer.
▪ a computer starts up/boots up My computer takes ages to start up in the morning.
▪ a computer crashes (=suddenly stops working)
▪ a computer is down (=is not working)
▪ a computer is up (=is working again after stopping working)
▪ software/a program runs on a computer You’ll need the appropriate software running on your computer.
■ computer + NOUN
▪ a computer system Our office is installing a new computer system.
▪ a computer screen/monitor Make sure your computer screen is at the right height.
▪ a computer keyboard The computer keyboard is shaped to put less strain on your wrists.
▪ a computer network (=a set of computers connected to each other) A virus had infected the entire computer network.
▪ a computer program (=a set of instructions stored inside a computer) At school, we’re learning how to write simple computer programs.
▪ computer software (=computer programs) Microsoft Corp is the world’s largest maker of personal computer software.
▪ computer hardware/equipment (=machines and equipment, not programs) a shop that sells computer equipment
▪ a computer game Kids love playing computer games.
▪ computer graphics (=images created by computers) There’s a massive market for high-speed computer graphics.
▪ computer technology the rapid progress in computer technology
▪ computer science (=the study of computers and what they can do)
▪ the computer industry You can make a lot of money in the computer industry.
▪ a computer company He runs his own computer company.
▪ a computer user Technology now allows computer users to talk to each other over the Internet.
▪ a computer programmer (=someone who writes the instructions a computer uses to do a particular job)
▪ a computer expert You don’t need to be a computer expert to use the programme.
▪ a computer hacker (=someone who tries to break into a computer system)
▪ a computer language (=a system of instructions used to program a computer)
▪ computer data CD ROMs store computer data.
▪ a computer virus (=a program that secretly destroys information stored on computers) Computer viruses do a lot of damage every single day.
▪ a computer error The mistake was caused by a computer error.
• • •
THESAURUS
■ Actions when using a computer
▪ start up/boot up to make a computer start working: I’m having problems starting up my computer.
▪ log on/in to start using a computer system by typing your name and password: He logged on and read his emails.
▪ click on something to press a button on a computer mouse to choose a program, file etc from the screen: When you click on the link, it sends you to the company’s website.
▪ install to add new software to a computer so that the software is ready to be used: All users should install anti-virus software.
▪ download to move information, pictures, or music from the Internet onto your computer: You can download MP3 files.
▪ upload to move information, pictures, or music from your computer to a different computer across the Internet: Sites such as YouTube allow you to upload your own videos.
▪ open to make a file or program ready to use: Open a new file and type in the information.
▪ scroll up/down to move information on a computer screen up or down so that you can read it: Scroll down to read the questions and answers.
▪ enter to type information into a computer: The program requires you to enter a password.
▪ delete to remove information from a computer: I’ve deleted his email. | When you delete a file, it first gets moved to the recycle bin.
▪ cut and paste to remove information from one place and put it in another place: Tutors are looking out for students who cut and paste their essays from the Internet.
▪ save to make a computer keep the work that you have done on it: Make sure you save any work you do before you shut the computer down.
▪ close to stop having a file or program ready to use: To close the window, click on the ‘X’ in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
▪ log off/out to stop using a computer system by giving it particular instructions: I get an error message when I log off.
▪ shut down to make a computer stop working: Employees should shut their computers down at the end of each day.
▪ restart/reboot to make a computer start working again: Wait a few minutes before rebooting your computer.

printer

print‧er S3 W3 /ˈprɪntə $ -ər/ noun [countable]
  [Word Family: noun: print, printer, printing; adjective: printed, printable ≠ unprintable; verb: print]
 1. a machine which is connected to a computer and can make a printed record of computer information:
   • a laser printer
   • a colour printer
 2. someone who is employed in the trade of printing