A computer is an electronic machine that stores, retrieves, and processes data using a set of instructions.
Example: She needs to use a computer to finish her homework tonight.
en: Ordinateur
Ethernet cable
Noun
An Ethernet cable is a physical wire used to connect devices like computers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs to a router, modem, or network switch.
Example: Plug your computer into the router using an Ethernet cable to get a faster internet connection.
en: Câble Ethernet
Graphics card
Noun
A graphics card is a dedicated computer hardware component that generates and renders images, videos, and 3D animations for display on your monitor.
Example: He upgraded his desktop with a high-end graphics card to play the latest video games at maximum settings.
en: Carte graphique
IP
Noun
An IP address is a unique number assigned to any device connected to the internet or a local network, acting like a digital home address so devices can send and receive data. IP stands for Internet Protocol, which is the set of rules that guides how information travels online.
Example: The web browser hides your IP address so no one can track your location.
en: IP
Keyboard
Noun
A computer keyboard is an input hardware device with buttons used to type text, enter numbers, and give commands to a computer or electronic device.
Example: She typed a long email on her new wireless Merriam-Webster keyboard.
en: Clavier
Monitor
Noun
An electronic screen used to show computer data, television pictures, or security camera feeds.
Example: She adjusted the brightness on her computer monitor screen to reduce eye strain.
en: Moniteur
Motherboard
Noun
A motherboard is the main circuit board inside a computer that connects all the parts together, so they can talk to each other and share power.
Example: Before assembling the rest of the PC, he carefully mounted the new motherboard inside the computer case.
en: Carte mère
Mouse
Noun
A small piece of equipment you move across a desk with your hand to point, click, and navigate on a screen.
Example: She clicked the icon using her computer mouse.
en: Souris
Power bar
Noun
A power bar most commonly refers to an electrical power strip used to plug in multiple electronic devices from a single wall outlet.
Example: I plugged my laptop, phone charger, and lamp into the power bar behind the desk.
en: Barre d'alimentation
Power supply unit
Noun
A power supply unit (PSU) is an internal hardware component that converts high-voltage alternating current (AC) from a wall outlet into safe, regulated low-voltage direct current (DC) for a computer's components.
Example: When the computer failed to turn on, the technician suspected that a faulty power supply unit was the main cause of the issue.
en: bloc d'alimentation
Processor
Noun
A processor is a person, machine, or company that handles, changes, or prepares things, or a digital chip inside a computer that runs instructions.
Example: The new computer runs faster because it has a powerful processor.
en: Processeur
RAM
Noun
RAM most commonly stands for Random Access Memory, which is a type of short-term computer storage that holds data a device is actively using.
Example: My computer runs much faster now that I upgraded its RAM.
en: RAM
Router
Noun
A computer network router is a hardware device that connects two or more networks, such as your home network and the internet.
Example: I need to restart our wireless router to fix the slow internet connection.
en: Router
SATA cable
Noun
A SATA cable is a wire used to connect internal computer storage devices, like hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs), to a computer's motherboard.
Example: He plugged the SATA cable into the solid-state drive and the motherboard.
en: Câble SATA
Server
Noun
A server is a dedicated computer or software program that listens for requests and delivers data, files, or services to other devices (called clients) over a network or the internet.
Example: She said the computer server could go down for up to five minutes at peak times - and thousands of calls could be lost.
en: Serveur
SSD
Noun
SSD stands for solid-state drive, a fast and a modern type of computer storage device that uses microchips instead of moving parts.
Example: Upgrading to an SSD allowed my laptop to launch large programs in seconds.
en: SSD
Switch
Noun
A hardware device that connects multiple devices—like computers, printers, and servers—together to form a local area network (LAN)
Example: The IT technician plugged all the office computers into a network switch to improve data sharing speeds.
en: Commutateur
Thermal paste
Noun
Thermal paste is a thermally conductive chemical compound applied between a computer processor (CPU or GPU) and its cooling heatsink to maximize heat transfer.
Example: Be sure to apply a pea-sized drop of thermal paste onto the center of the processor before installing the cooling fan.
en: Pâte thermique
USB cable
Noun
A USB cable is a standardized wire used to connect electronic devices to transfer data and deliver electrical power.
Example: I need to find a USB cable to charge my phone.
en: Câble USB
Webcam
Noun
A webcam is a digital video camera that connects to a computer or network to capture and stream live video and audio over the internet.
Example: I used my webcam to join the online meeting with my team.
