Central Processing Unit
Processor
The CPU is often referred to as the brains of the computer. The CPU
is where most calculations take place. In terms of computing power,
the CPU is arguably the most important element of a computer system. The cpu
market is dominated by to main brands, Intel and AMD. Intel's latest range
of CPUs for mainstream comsumer desktop PCs is called
Core™2 Duo Processor X6800. Whilst AMD have launched the Athlon™ 64
X2 Dual-Core Processor.
Mainboard
Motherboards, System boards
This is the computer's main circuit board. All the other components
are connected via the mainboard. A recent motherboard is essential to
support the latest innovations in computer components.
Memory - RAM
Random Access Memory.
This is the short term memory of the computer - where programs are loaded
when the computer is on. The more Memory or RAM you have, the more programs
you can run simultaneously. Digital Images, music and video editing
programs require more Ram as the computer has to deal with larger files.
We recommend a minimum of 256 Mb of ram for general / light use.
Hard Disk - HDD
Hard Disk Drive.
This is where programs and documents are stored "long term".
Capacity is measured in Gigabytes (Gb=1024 Megabytes - Mb) Larger hard
drives mean you have more space to store Digital Images, music and film
videos.
The standard size for a new computer is between 80Gb. and 200Gb Larger
sizes are available- up to, and beyond 400Gb.
Video Card
Display Adapter / Graphics Card.
This is an expansion card that plugs into the the computers motherboard
providing the capability to display text and graphics. Your choice of
graphics card will be influenced by the type of programs you wish to
run on your computer.
Sound Card
Audio Card
Produces sound effects and plays music to heighten enjoyment of multimedia.
. Many motherboards have sound included, . You will also need speakers
to output the sound from such things like games, DVD's, music and general
computer sounds.
Modem
Modulator - demodulator
If you intend to send/receive faxes or connect to the internet through
your phone line - you will require a modem. Increasingly more people
are turning to high speed ADSL connections, this requires a broadband
modem.
Network Card
The Network Adapter or Network Interface Card (NIC)
This
is required if you wish to connect your computer to a network. NICs
are available with different speeds and formats e.g. internal, external,and
wireless. At time of writing 1000mbs is becoming the standard speed
for wired networks. Wireless network card with speeds of 104Mbs
are common.
Floppy Drive
FDD Floppy Disk Drive. - Capacity 1.44Mb
These drives are on the decline because of of their speed,reliability and lack of meaningful storage space. Floppy drives will soon become obsolete for everyday use.
CD-ROM &CD-RW
Compact Disc-Read Only Memory
ROM
means that you cannot change the information on the disc. CD's can store 650-800
Mb of information and most computer software comes on CD. -Cd drives that
can record CDs ( CD RW ), are now standard on most systems they can record
music and data CDs easily, In addition can be used to backup or archive your
important files.
DVD-RW
Equivalent to nearly 7 CD's or 3,260 Floppy Disks.
Popular movie medium that can hold a 2 hour full screen movie in better
quality than VHS. This can replace the CD-ROM because it will also read
any normal CD as well as DVD or you can have both if you want to use
two at once.
Monitor - VDU
The monitor is required to display your programs on screen. Today the
standard monitor size is around17" Many people are opting for LCD
Flat panel monitors due to their "space saving" design.