Device Ownership

Practices that support device longevity, including physical care, protective software, and using technical support.

Guiding Questions

  • Do I know how to care for my tech devices and keep them secure?
  • Can I do some basic troubleshooting for technical problems?
  • Do I know how to find technical support when I’m not able to fix a problem?
TermDefinition
authentication(n) proof of the identity of a user logging on to a network
backup(n) a copy of a file that can be used to recover the original (v) to copy data so that it can be restored if the main copy is lost
cache(n) a fast temporary storage where recently or frequently used information is stored to avoid having to reload it
central processing unit (CPU)(n) the part of a computer that carries out all instructions and commands
computer(n) an electronic device that helps you store, organize, and use information
computer case(n) the protective outer covering of a computer
computer tower(n) the computer case that holds the hardware including the CPU and motherboard.
crash(n) a computer shut-down caused by a software or hardware malfunction (v) shut-down because of a software or hardware malfunction
desktop computer(n) a computer that is not portable and typically includes a tower
error(n) a mistake; the quality of being wrong
ethernet port(n) an outlet that looks like a telephone port and connects a computer to a network and high speed Internet
freeze(v) becomes unresponsive or locked
hard disk drive(n) a part of the computer that stores data and maintains the data even when powered off.
help desk(n) a section of an organization that offers advice to users who have problems, especially with computer equipment or systems
help ticket(n) a request for assistance about a specific issue or problem
memory(n) the part of a computer that holds information
monitor(n) a desktop computer’s display screen
monitor port(n) outlet on your computer used to connect a display (monitor)
motherboard(n) the main part of a computer
network(n) multiple computers and other devices connected together to share information (v) to connect two or more computers or devices
operating system(n) the program in charge of all other software and programs on your computer
OS X(n) pronounced "O S ten;" an operating system designed by Apple
parallel or printer port(n) an older port that is less common on new computers and often replaced by a USB Port
PC(n) personal computer, especially one that runs Microsoft Windows as opposed to an Apple Mac
peripheral(n) an electronic device that is outside the computer case, but is used by the computer to which it is connected, such as a printer or a scanner
platform(n) a particular type of computer, device, operating system, or software service
port(n) a computer socket where a device can be plugged in
power button(n) the control that turns a computer on and off
power cord(n) a cord that connects a device to an electrical power source
printer(n) a machine, usually attached to a computer, used to make a copy of words or images onto paper
Random Access Memory(n) provides temporary data storage; it doesn't retain its memory when powered off (RAM)
screen(n) a device's flat surface for showing information
shut down(v) turn off or stop
support(n) answers to questions and help solving problems
tech support(n) help with a technology-related problem
troubleshoot(v) analyze or diagnose a problem to the point of determining a solution
two-step verification(n) a security method that requires a user to enter two of three types of information to gain access to an account
user interface(n) the visual part of a software application that a user sees and interacts with
username(n) a person's identification on an individual computer system, network, or account