Output devices

Output devices are machines that create a visual, audio or hard copy of information that is on a computer. These devices are on pretty much every computer out there, they range from monitors to speakers to printers. These devices allow you interact with the computer, such as printing a document for a homework assignment. Monitors allow you to browse the internet or even make video calls to other people. speakers allow you to listen to music stored on your computer. Without output devices computers wouldn't be much use!!

http://www.ehow.com/info_8106997_three-common-output-devices-computer.html

video cards

Video cards are becoming one of the most important components of computers. Also they can be one of the most difficult pieces of hardware to understand. It used to be that video cards were just for gamers, however many people today use their computers for movies, video and picture editing etc. that demand a video card. There are two key components of a video card, those are the quality of the video processor and the amount of memory. The video processor is sometimes refered to the GPU or graphics processor unit. The memory is used for 3-D imaging and enhancing the refresh rate to provide a more stable display. Some video cards may have up to 4gb of memory. Another important quality of the video card is the type of memory. Most commonly there is GDDR3 and GDDR5, this is important to know because some cards that have 2gb of memory are slower than a 1gb card because it is GDDR3 vs GDDR5.

http://www.co-train.com/Video-Cards-Explained.html 

 

networks

Pretty much everyone has run into the problem of not being able to connect to the network. What is "the network" and how does it work? Well its fairly simple. First off you need more than one computer and a router which is your hardware. Next you need software that makes it possible to connect to another computer and finally you need a pathway or cable for the information to travel from one computer to another. you are able to share many things when networking such as Files and documents, an Internet connection, printers, print servers and scanners stereos, TVs and game systems and CD burners. Many people prefer to avoid the hassles of cables and use a wireless router for convenience.


http://computer.howstuffworks.com/home-network.htm

 

application software

Application software is a program or group of programs designed to be used by the end user of the computer. Application software includes database programs, word processors, and spreadsheets. The application software would be unable to run without an operating system however an operating system would not be able to accomplish much without application software. It is sort of like a light bulb and a electricity generating station. the generating station isn't much good if there are no light bulbs to light up and make use of the electricity.

here are some examples of application software

1) Opera (Web Browser)
2) Microsoft Word (Word Processing)
3) Microsoft Excel (Spreadsheet software)
5) MySQL (Database Software)
6) Microsoft Powerpoint (Presentation Software)
7) iTunes (Music / Sound Software)
8) VLC Media Player (Audio / Video Software )
9) World of Warcraft (Game Software)
10) Adobe Photoshop (Graphics Software)

http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/a/application_software.htm