Computer Basics
CPU
The CPU (stands for Central Processing Unit) is the brains
behind your computer. The CPU is responsible for performing calculations and
tasks that make programs work. The faster the CPU, the quicker programs can
process computations.
RAM
A fast CPU is useless without an adequate amount of RAM
(stands for Random Access Memory). RAM is usually referred to as a computer's
"memory" -- meaning that it stores information that is used by
running programs and applications. More memory lets you run more applications
at the same time without degrading your system's performance.
Hard Disk Drive
The hard disk drive ( HDD) of the computer is where
permanent information is stored. Documents, databases, spreadsheets, and
programs are all stored on the hard disk. The larger the hard disk, the more
you can fit on the drive. The size of the HDD does not affect the speed at
which a program can run, but the HDD speed can affect how fast you can access
your files.
Optical Drives
(CD,CD-R,CD-RW,DVD,DVD-R,DVD-RW)
Optical drives are more commonly known as CD and DVD drives.
They are considered "optical" because the drive uses a laser to see
the data etched onto the plastic disk. All computers now come with some form of
CD drive. CD-R and CD-RW drives are becoming a new standard in portable data
storage. The "R" in CD-R stands for "recordable." This type
allows you to "burn" information to the CD only once. The
"RW" in CD-RW stands for "rewritable." These can be
rewritten several times over, allowing you to delete and add files.
Most software you buy comes on a CD-ROM, and you'll use your
CD or DVD drive to read it and copy the software onto your computer.
Floppy Drive
While floppy drives can come in handy for transfering small
files from one computer to another, it isn't generally a big concern if your
computer has on or not. The Internet makes it quite easy to transfer files via
e-mail or some form of online storage. Quite a few computer sellers now don't
even bother including a floppy drive. But because they don't really add to the
overall cost of a computer, it doesn't hurt to purchase one with a floppy
drive. Zip drives are a form of floppy disk that can hold hundreds of megabytes
of memory, but their popularity has declined with the cheaper and higher capacity
CD-RW disks mentioned above.
As opposed to the hard disk drive, the standard floppy drive
reads removable diskettes. Most computers come standard with a 3.5' floppy
drive, but internal Zip drives and SuperDisk drives are becoming more and more
commonplace. While the Internet is replacing them (much to many users' chagrin,
Apple's iMac comes without a floppy drive), floppy drives are still a nice way
to share a file quickly with the person next door or to backup data.
Video Card
The video card is a board that plugs into the PC motherboard
to give it display capabilities. New video cards come with their own RAM and
processor to help speed up the graphics display. Many computers come with video
chips built-in, making it uncessary to buy a separate video card, unless the
computer is going to be used to do higher-end multimedia work or play video
games.
Sound Card
Like video cards, sound cards are expansion boards used for
enabling a computer to manipulate sound. Most sound cards give you the power to
plug in speakers and a microphone. Some even give you the jacks for hooking
your computer up to a common stereo. As with video cards, many computers come
with sound chips, making it unnecessary to buy a separate card, unless you need
higher sound quality for your work.
For Specific
Recommendations
The specs on what makes a computer a power computer, a
graphics workstation, or a basic bare-bones system change constantly, as newer
and faster chips and systems are developed (and as more powerful software is
developed that needs more powerful hardware to run).
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