Computer 105 - What does it all mean

Here is a brief explanation of terms you will see when buying a computer.

Model - describes the type of computer you have.  Each manufacturer may put out several different models of the same computer with different features under different names and different prices.  You decide what you may or may not want to spend your money on. 

 

Mgf -  the manufacturer who has made the computer, i.e. Intel, Asus, Acer, One, Everex, Dell, HP, you get the idea.  Some of the names may not be familiar because they are sold by another company under another name.

Weight - how much does the computer weigh.  Desk top models may weigh more than laptops.  A laptop will be made more durable to withstand being carried around.  A desktop is designed to be on a desktop. 

Disp. Size - the display size of your monitor or screen you are working on.  The larger the screen the more you can expect to pay.  You decide on what your working needs are.  

Display - resolution size, i.e. 800X480, 1024X600, 1280X768, 1280X800, 1200X900.  The higher the resolution the better the quality of images on your screen.  Here again, you can expect to pay more for better quality.

Win OS - type of operating system - XP, Vista.  These are the most common for the average user.  Unless you have an Apple computer, then you are Linux.

CPU - Central Processing Unit, CPU for short, is the logic of your computer that runs the programs.  This is a chip that is part of your computer tower or laptop.

 

 

 

 

Speed in GHz - this has to do with your internet connection.  You can have the fastest connection possible and still be limited by the GHz, gigahertz, size you can handle in your computer. 

Storage size in GB (gigabytes) This is how memory is measured.  The more GB you have the more storage space that is available to you for programs, pictures, videos, whatever you are saving to your computer.  This is a picture of what memory can look like

 

RAM in GB (gigabytes)  Random-access memory, RAM, is measured in gigabytes (GB).  This is thehorsepower you have in your computer to process data.  If your computer seems to take a long time to logon, move from place to place or screen to screen, you may want more RAM in your computer to process your commands quicker.   This picture is of a RAM card.

Battery Life - If you are using a laptop, the battery life is something you will be interested in unless you plan on always having your laptop plugged in to an electrical supply.  Battery life is the amount of time you have to use your computer working strictly from the computer battery.  Your computer will alert you when you are running low on battery time, advising you to plug it in soon.

Is your head spinning yet?  This is just a little background info for you so the next time you are in an electronics store to buy a new computer (or just shopping around), you’ll know just a little bit more about what the salesperson is talking about.  

Buy the best computer for your needs based on product & manufacturer reputation, word of mouth recommendations, warranty and bang for your buck.  Don’t buy it because it’s the right color, you like the name or it’s the cheapest you can find.  You sometimes get what you pay for and if the deal is too good to be true, it probably is.

Word of mouth is also a high recommendation coming from trusted friends, co-workers or relatives.  Everyone will be more than happy to share their nightmare stories.  Look for the stories where your informant was very happy with the service and knowledge base of the sales staff and performance of the product.  Nothing like word of mouth to make or break your business.

For a cheap fix to get more more memory or faster response out of your current computer, consider adding more memory or RAM.  Check with a knowledgeable computer person for their input before having this done.

I hope you have found this information helpful.   

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