| Reading Computer Specs |
From "Home Office"
episode HOF-102 |
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Computer Specifications If you're a first-time computer buyer, the specifications displayed in the store alongside individual computers may seem about as understandable as ancient hieroglyphics. Adam Nielsen, of Micro Center, explains how to dissect one of these specs and determine what they reveal about the machine that you're considering purchasing. Processor speed is measured in megahertz. A higher processor speed means, basically, a faster computer. The computer is able to react more quickly and carry out tasks without causing a wait. Typical processor speeds currently range from 600 to 1,000 megahertz. (Those numbers are certain to change as processor technology continues to advance.) RAM is an acronym for "random access memory," which can be thought of as analogous to "thinking power." RAM works in conjunction with processor speed and relates to how efficiently the computer can carry out tasks and open and operate programs. More RAM, for instance, will facilitate the use of more complex, memory-intensive programs and may produce better performance in those programs. Computers come with a given amount of RAM preinstalled, but most can be upgraded at a later time to increase the memory. More RAM is advisable if you tend to be a "multitasker" on your computer -- i.e., you frequently have several programs open simultaneously. Also, graphics, audio, video and advanced gaming software usually require larger amounts of RAM. The hard drive is the device that provides permanent storage of information on your computer (i.e., all the personal computer files that you create as well as your software programs and the operating-system software). The "space" or capacity of your hard drive should not be confused with RAM, which is operating memory. The size of the hard drive will determine how much information you can store on your computer and how many programs you can install. Anything installed on or saved to your computer takes up "space" on your hard drive. Image files and audio files typically take up much more space than text files. Just a short time ago, many computers came with one gigabyte or less of hard-drive space. Currently a new computer may come with 60 gigabytes or more. Additional storage can usually be added later by upgrading to a larger hard drive and/or adding external drives. ROM drives, or disc drives, are devices that allow you to read from (and, in some cases, save to) familiar CD-style discs. A CD-ROM drive is standard on most computers and allows you to read information from a CD-ROM. The information can be anything from stored text or image files to music, games, multimedia or video. Most commercial software is installed onto computers from a CD-ROM. A CD-ROM writer allows you to store or record information onto blank discs as well as to read from CD-ROM discs. When you store information onto a CD-ROM, this is referred to as "writing to" the disc. The actual process of creating a finished CD-ROM is termed "burning" a disc. Once a CD-ROM has been burned, the information is permanently stored on the disc and the contents of the CD cannot be altered. A variation on the CD-ROM writer is CD-RW, which has "rewritable" capability that allows you to use specialized discs that can be erased and reused as you wish. A more recent format is DVD. DVD drivers read higher-capacity discs such as those used in retailing DVD movies. DVDs hold much more information than CD-ROMs. Computers may come equipped with one or more of the types of drives named above. Some also come with drives for the familiar floppy disk or Zip disk. Graphics cards provide additional RAM that is dedicated specifically to displaying graphics on the monitor. Currently a 32-megabyte card is considered fairly generous, but more memory may be required by individuals using their computers for advanced gaming, graphics, Web-production and video programs. The modem is the device that allows your computer to be connected to the Internet via standard dial-up (phone-line) connections. Modems are rated according to their speed, 56k being the common specification for most newer modems. The network interface card allows your computer to be connected to higher-speed Internet connections such as DSL and cable services. The spec for the typical network interface currently is "10/100BaseT." The warranty provided by most computer manufacturers is a one-year limited warranty. Some mail-in companies provide a three-year limited warranty, but the additional coverage has generally been factored into the price. For most purchasers the three most important specs to consider are processor speed, RAM and hard-drive capacity. These are the specs with the greatest amount of variability, whereas the other specs mentioned (ROM drives, modem, networking interface) are fairly standard.
Monitors Monitors come in several styles and a range of sizes, generally from 14 to 21 inches. They range in price from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Here are some factors to consider when picking out a monitor: There are two basic types of monitors. The cathode-ray tube, or CRT, style is the more familiar. It looks similar in shape to a television set (figure A). The newer and more expensive style is the liquid crystal display, or LCD, style (figure B). LCD monitors are flat-panel monitors. They are slimmer and lighter than CRTs, and are thus beneficial as space-savers. Resolution is one of the critical specs for monitors. The higher the resolution, the more visual information, or pixels, are displayed on the screen. In practical terms, higher resolution translates into greater accuracy and finer detail. Higher resolution is particularly important for users of graphics programs, but it is beneficial to all users as it determines much about the quality of the picture on the screen. Refresh rate refers to the amount of inherent flicker on the screen. Higher refresh rates result in less eye-strain. Look for a monitor with a refresh rate of 75 hertz or greater. Check the viewable screen space -- i.e., the size of the front surface of the actual screen. This is typically less than the overall monitor size listed on the packaging. Tip: Monitors typically outlive computers. Take care in selecting one that you're likely to be happy with for a long time.
RESOURCES :
How Computers Work
Model: 0789721120
Author: Ron White
published by QUE
PCs all in One Desk Reference for Dummies
Model: 0764507915
Author: Dan Gookin
PCs For Dummies
Model: 0764505947
Author: Dan Gookin
Published by Hungry Minds, Inc
Micro Center
Computer retail store
Web site: www.microcenter.com
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