PROCESSOR - A processor is the component in a digital computer that interprets computer program instructions and processes data (en.wikipedia.org).
Two Basic Choices - Both Intel and AMD are producing dual core processors, but they aren’t necessarily required for most people
- Budget CPUs – 2.4 to 3.0 GHz
- Middle CPUs – 2.8 to 3.2 GHz
- High-end CPUs – 3.4 GHz
MEMORY – Memory is the electronic holding place for instructions and data that your computer's processor can reach quickly (www.whatis.com). Also known as RAM or Random Access Memory, it is important that your computer have enough of it or your system won’t run optimally.
- Minimum to Boot………………………256MB
- Minimum Functional………………….512MB
- Optimal……………………………………1GB
- Smooth Sailing…………………………>2GB
HARD DISK – A hard disk is part of a unit, often called a "disk drive," "hard drive," or "hard disk drive," that stores and provides relatively quick access to large amounts of data on an electromagnetically charged surface or set of surfaces (www.whatis.com).
- Word Processing: 80+ GB, 7200rpm
- Web Surfing: 80+ GB, 7200rpm
- Light Gaming: 100+ GB. 7200 rpm
- Digital Music: 160+ GB, 7200 rpm
- Heavy Gaming: 150+ GB, 7200 rpm
- Graphics Editing: 200+ GB, 7200 rpm
- Digital Video: 300+ GB, 7200 rpm
MONITORS – CRTs or LCDs?
CRT – Cathode Ray Tube - The electron gun in a video display monitor that generates the focused beam that creates an image on the monitor's screen (www.universal-imaging.com/products/glossary.cfm). CRTs provide a wide range of capabilities at a good price but are bulky.
Pros
- MultiSync Capabilities
- High Refresh Rates
- Color Clarity and Depth
Cons
- Very Heavy and Large
- Use Large Amounts of Energy
- Generate Excess Heat
LCD – Liquid Crystal Display - A method of producing an image using electrically sensitive crystals suspended in a liquid medium (techref.massmind.org/techref/glossary.htm). LCDs take up less desk space but cost more and have limited capabilities.
Pros
- Smaller and Lighter
- Energy Efficient
- Causes Less Eye Fatigue
Cons
- Blurry Images Outside their Native Resolution
- Motion Blur on Fast Moving Images
- Some Models have Reduced Color Clarity
These are just a few standard specifications to think about before purchasing that new computer. Thanks to About.com and specifically, Mark Krynin, for the incredible information!
3 comments:
Does the operating system matter? What are the differences between XP Home, Media Center, and Pro? Will I feel left behind if I don't wait for Vista?
Yes, the operating system is very important. However, most operating systems that Microsoft has released in the last 6 years have proven to be very stable. Therefore, it just depends on what you are actually going to be doing with your computer that will help you decide what operating system is best for you.
Windows XP is an operating system introduced in 2001 from Microsoft's Windows family of operating systems, the previous versions of Windows being Windows Me and Windows 2000.
XP Home Edition is designed for the consumer, and XP Professional is aimed at the office worker with added security and administrative options. Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 powers the all-in-one PC and entertainment center for your entire home. Get all the advanced computing power of Windows XP and enjoy your favorite entertainment on your PC—watch DVDs, record TV, listen to music, share your digital photos, and more.
Microsoft Windows Vista is designed to dramatically improve the computing experience of every kind of PC user—from people at home who use their PCs for simple web browsing, to business people who must organize and act on large volumes of data, to scientists who routinely perform complex mathematical analysis. To make sure that everyone has an offering tailored to meet their specific needs, Microsoft delivers five different editions of Windows Vista. Each edition is focused on the needs of a specific type of person. (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/
getready/editions/default.mspx)
Windows Vista will be available for public purchase through retail channels beginning January 30, 2007. But please bear in mind that Microsoft has postponed the release date before.
Although Windows Vista did win the 2007 Best of CES (Consumer Electronics Show) award in the Computers & Hardware category, I believe it is always a good idea to wait and see how it performs in the general public. Microsoft is always quick to release patches and updates if there are security holes found in it's software. It might a good idea to let the flurry of activity 'settle' before purchasing. (Just my personal opinion and not necessarily that of the WPL.)
Thanks for the comment!
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