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Here is a list of the terms you may encounter when reading computer configuration information. Not all manufacturers include all of these components in their advertisements. To order or check prices on any of the items below, click on the underlined term and you will linked to sale prices for each item. Supplies are limited and change frequently - here now, gone later.
Barebone System (Build-Your-Own Computer Kit)
Systems feature a premium motherboard and rock-solid computer case with a 300 Watt power supply. They form the foundation for a spectacular PC! You add the additional computer components based on your needs. Some systems come with a processor or memory, check out a system before purchasing components.
 Processor / CPU
Often referred to as "the brain" of the computer, the processor is the part that actually computes--it takes the input, acts on it, and produces output. For example, when you press the F1 key (input), the processor interprets your command (action) and opens a help screen (output). The amount of time required for this process to run is largely determined by the speed of the processor, which is expressed in Megahertz (MHz).
PC
Most PCs use Intel's Pentium processor, which is available in a number of generations and speeds (expressed in MHz or GHz). The Celeron is a less expensive Pentium II processor that is commonly used in budget PCs.
Although the Pentium is the most commonly used processor in PCs, it is not the only game in town. AMD's K-6 processor performs at the level of a Pentium II and Cyrix's M2 processor is the equivalent of Intel's Celeron.
Mac
Since Macs are manufactured by one company only--Apple--there are fewer choices to make when considering a processor. Today's Macs use the PowerPC G3 Processor, which is available in speeds of 233-450MHz and is a bit faster than its Pentium II counterpart, particularly where graphics are concerned.
You may also encounter low-priced Macs using "604" and "603" processors. These slower computers are really not up to the challenge of today's graphical and multimedia applications; thus, they are only a good value if you are content to use older, less demanding software. When you can get an iMac computer with a G3 processor for $1,000, it makes little sense to invest in outdated technology.
Memory (RAM, SDRAM)
[Random Access] Memory is essentially workspace for the processor. The amount of memory installed on a computer can dramatically effect its speed. When configuring your computer, get at least 64MB or memory. If you will be editing color photographs, large sound files, or video, consider 128 - 256MB as closer to ideal.
Monitor / Display / LCD
The term "monitor" is typically associated with desktop computers, while the term "display" is usually associated with portable computers. Nevertheless, they both refer to the same thing: the (TV-like) screen by which the computer communicates with you.
Monitor size is expressed in inches; the larger the monitor, the more information you can view without scrolling. Popular monitor sizes include 15", 17", 19" and 21". For most applications a 15"-17" monitor is more than adequate. However, if you will be developing graphics, designing publications, working with large spreadsheets, or if you simply hate scrolling, you should probably consider purchasing a 19"-21" monitor.
Monitors are also described by their resolution and screen pitch. The image you see on a computer screen is made up of hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of tiny colored squares called pixels. Resolution is an expression of the number of pixels a monitor is capable of displaying. The higher the resolution, the more you see on the screen.
Screen (or dot) pitch is an expression of display sharpness; the smaller the dot pitch, the sharper the image. Choose a monitor with the lowest dot pitch available (and affordable).
Video/Graphics Card
Controlling the position, movement and appearance of the objects displayed on the monitor, a computer's video or graphics card effects how fast the computer appears to operate.
On a computer with a high quality video card, objects appear to move fluidly from one place to another, instead of moving in a series of jerky steps. A high-quality video card can also "draw" or display complex or three-dimensional images in less time than a lower quality card; this translates into less time waiting for the computer to "catch-up" with you. To a great extent, this speed is a factor of the card's memory. For best performance, be sure to get a card with at least 4MB of video memory. If you will be using a large monitor, 8-16MB will serve you better.
Hard Drive (Storage)
Just as video may be stored on a magnetic tape (e.g., VHS cassette), computer files may be stored on a magnetic disk. Most computers are sold with such a disk--called a hard disk or fixed disk-- pre-installed. The software that you install and the files that you create are typically stored on the hard disk. Thus, the larger your hard disk, the more files you can store on it.
File size is expressed in bytes. One byte is loosely equal to one character; thus (simplistically speaking) a term paper composed of 20,000 letters, numbers and spaces would make a 20,000 byte word processing file. File size is also commonly expressed in kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB).
1,000 bytes = 1 kilobyte (KB)
1,000 kilobytes = 1 megabyte (MB)
1,000 megabytes = 1 gigabyte (GB)
According to the Free On-line Dictionary of Computing, the text of a six hundred page paperback book would require about one megabyte of storage.
As computing has evolved, files have grown larger to accommodate graphics, sound and motion. Consequently, higher capacity hard disks have become more common and more affordable. Today, it is unusual to see a new computer with less than 4GB of hard disk space. Many sell with 9-14GB hard disks and offer 18-20GB disks as an upgrade option.
CD ROM, CD-RW, CD Burner
A CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) drive is a device that allows your computer to "read" or "open" the files stored on a CD-ROM disc. As most software is now distributed on CD-ROMs, this drive has become a standard and essential computer component. The speed at which the drive operates is expressed as a multiple of the speed at which its ancestor the audio CD player operated. In other words, an 8x CD-ROM drive is capable of reading files eight time faster than an audio CD player. A CD-ROM disc will hold 640MB of files.
A CD-RW (Compact Disc Read-Write) drive is a device that allows your computer to "read" or "open" the files stored on CD-ROM and CD-RW discs and to write (or save) files to a CD-RW disc. Saving to a CD-RW disc is still considerably slower than saving to a (magnetic) hard or removable disc. Consequently, computer manufacturers do not usually offer the CD-RW drive as a standard option.
A CD-ESM (Compact Disc Emergency Signal Mirror) is an unsolicited and unwanted CD-ROM (very likely from AOL or CompuServe) which may be used by a person stranded in the wilderness to signal rescue planes or shave. (They also do a nifty job of protecting furniture from the damaging "sweat" of cold beverages.)
DVD ROM, DVD RAM
A DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read-Only Memory) drive is a device that allows your computer to "read" or "open" the files stored on a DVD-ROM disc or a CD-ROM disc. A DVD-ROM disc is the same size as a CD-ROM disc but has seven times the capacity (4.7GB). This allows a single DVD disc to hold a full-length movie or a complete multimedia encyclopedia. In order to use your DVD-ROM drive to watch movies (encoded as MPEG files) on your computer, you will need an MPEG decoder.
A DVD-RAM drive will allow you to burn a CD with 6.5GB or more of information. This will basically let you back up or copy files equal to a standard size hard drive onto a DVD Disk. If you purchase an adapter you can create a movie disk or copy your favorite DVD movies to a disk. Allowing you to keep the original in new condition and use the back up. Video tapes and videos from your video camera can be transfered to DVD disks.
Removable Disk Drives
A hard (or fixed) disk is lightning fast and will hold a ton of files, however it is usually mounted inside the computer case and thus goes nowhere without the computer. For this reason, most computers include one or more drives which use removable disks. For years, the standard for removable disks has been (and still is) the 3½" Floppy Disk. These disks are cheap, easy to find, and suitable for many (if not most) academic projects. A high-density (HD) 3½" floppy disk will hold 1.44MB of files (hundreds of pages of text).
With more and more students using graphics and creating multimedia presentations however, the 1.44MB floppy disk is beginning to look quite small. Indeed, it is becoming more common for computer manufacturers to offer high-capacity removable disk drives as standard components or options. The most popular example of this is Iomega's Zip drive. Although they are only slightly larger than floppy disks, Zip and similar high-capacity disks are capable of holding hundreds of MBs of files.
If you plan to edit photographs, design and layout documents, build large databases, create multimedia presentations or create/edit music, a high-capacity removable disk drive is a must.
Sound Card
In order to generate sounds other than the occasional beep, buzz or pop, a computer must be equipped with a special circuit board called a sound card. This device allows complex sounds (such as music) to be played and recorded through the computer. The sound card also works in conjunction with the CD-ROM drive to allow you to play audio CDs. With multimedia computing growing ever popular, you can expect the new computers you look at to come with a sound card. Be sure to get one that can emulate SoundBlaster (the industry standard).
Speakers
In order to hear the wonderful sounds your computer is making, you must connect speakers to your sound card. Most sound cards are capable of stereo output, thus you will need at least two speakers. If you are a die hard audiophile and plan to play music CDs, edit music or sound files, or play virtual reality games, you will probably appreciate the added benefits of a subwoofer, a third speaker for low-frequency sounds.
Modem
A modem is a device that allows your computer to send data to and receive data from other computers over ordinary telephone lines. Most home computer owners use a modem to connect to the Internet, browse the World Wide Web, and use e-mail. The speed at which a modem can send and receive data is usually expressed in kilobytes per second (Kbps). Most new computers are equipped with a 56 Kbps modem, which is the fastest standard telephone modem currently available.
Considerably faster ISDN, DSL and cable modems are also popular, but typically come with a much higher price tag.
Wireless Networking
ACCESS POINT
This is the "controller" of your wireless network. There are
two types of access points - hardware access points and "integrated"
access points. Hardware access points are used as an extension of an existing
wired network. "Integrated" access points also provide the features
of a router, and are connected to a high-speed connection (ie: DSL or
cable modem.
PCMCIA
Wireless Adapter
This is generally used for laptops. A PCMCIA card simply plugs into your
notebook PC Card slot, and after configuration with the software provided
with the card, will connect to any detected network. Some access points
allow for configuration of security so only "allowed" cards
are provided access. This will alleviate any problems if your neighbor
decides to ride on your internet service for free once they see you using
the internet out by your pool.
Click here to find out more about Wireless Networking.
 Network Interface Card
A Network Interface Card (or Network Interface Controller) is an optional device through which a personal computer may connect to a computer network, and thus have access to files and peripherals (e.g., printers, fax modems, etc.) that reside on or are connected to other computers on the network.
Ports
Ports are sockets (usually located on the back of the computer) into which you can plug the cables leading to your peripherals (external devices). For example, to connect a printer to your computer, you might plug the printer's cable into your computer's parallel port. Parallel ports and serial ports are "standard issue" on most computers; however, there are also a couple of "new kids on the block" that merit your consideration.
USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports allow you to connect--yep, you guessed it--USB peripherals. In addition to being faster than parallel devices, USB devices are much easier to set up, and a single port can support up to 127 USB peripherals. USB ports are part of the standard configuration of most new PCs and Macs.
Another relative newcomer is the IEEE 1395 (or FireWire) port. It is a high-speed interface that can handle up to 63 devices chained together. Firewire is much faster than USB and, therefor, is a better choice for multimedia applications. Mac PowerPC G3s and several brands of PC now offer systems in which IEEE 1395 is standard. This is a partiucularly useful feature for those who plan to work with digital photographs or video.
Mouse
The mouse is a type of pointing device. It allows a computer operator to move a pointer around on his screen and to reposition or open the objects displayed there. Most mice have at least two buttons which are used to begin or end an operation of some sort. For example, to start a software application, you might point to a representative object on your screen and press the left mouse button twice (a procedure called "double-clicking").
Also, many mice now feature a small wheel between the buttons. No matter where the pointer is positioned on the screen, a user can roll this wheel forward or backward to scroll through the displayed information. If you have a choice, get a mouse with a wheel; your wrist will thank you!
Keyboard
The keyboard is the one part of a computer that still resembles its ancestor, the typewriter. It presents the operator with rows of keys which he may press to send characters (letters, numbers, symbols) and commands to the computer. Keyboards have changed very little as computers have evolved. Some have more special function keys than others and some are designed to reduce the likelihood of repetitive strain injuries, but they all function in the same way.
Depending on the manufacturer you select, you may not have the option of upgrading to a different keyboard; but, you can always go to a computer store, try out several models and buy the one that "feels" best. Check this website to see if a compatible keyboard is available before purchasing one at a store or if going to a store is not convenient.
Operating System
The Operating System (OS) is special software that usually comes pre-installed on a new computer. Essentially, it functions to coordinate and control the hardware and software resources that make up a computer system. For example, the OS allows you to run your word processing application or your Web browser by making a selection from a menu.
All Macintosh computers use the MacOS. Most PCs are sold with a version (95, 98, NT, 2000) of the Microsoft Windows operating system. A growing number of PC users are also beginning to consider the Linux operating system as an alternative to Windows.
Bundled Software
Computer manufacturers often include (or bundle) software applications with their computers. When choosing from among your bundled software options, you may find it useful to consult the list that comes with each computer.
Bundled Hardware & Printers
Computer manufacturers sometimes include or offer discounts on hardware (peripherals) with their computers. Although printers are probably the most common peripheral, some companies offer deals on scanners, digital cameras, high-capacity removable disk drives, joysticks, and other devices.
If you have no immediate need for a certain peripheral, consider passing on the deal. The staggering pace at which computers are evolving more or less guarantees that your money will buy you a lot more technology six months from now--when you do recognize a need for the device.
Additional Links
Glossary of Computer / Internet Terms & Concepts
Glossary of Computer Oriented Abbreviations and Acronyms
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