Computers and Computer Parts

Here are some tips that are going to make you a better shopper! Well at least it is going to educate you more about computers. Along with that you are going to learn a few tips about computers and computer parts... well you know them all probably but anyways, it's my homework from business class for today :(

• Always know that a businessperson's job is to sell!
• No matter what he tells you his intention is to sell his product.
  
  
  In order to sell his products he is going to make sure that he hides all the bad stuff and only shows you the best his product has to offer.
• Always research on web sites like Futureshop before you go ahead and purchase something.
  
• Before going to the store do some research!
  

Things that I learnt about computers:

• Processor Type: The brand of the processor like AMD or Intel. Intel is the most popular though. The processor is also called as the CPU or the central processing unit. It works with other devices to perform tasks
  
• Processor Speed: The speed of the processor, or how fast it is. This is usually measured in Megahertz (MHz) or Gigahertz (GHz). The higher the speed the faster the performance is. 1 Ghz is 1000 Mhz
  
• RAM: Random Access Memory. Computers short-term memory.
  
• Hard drive: The bigger the hard drive size the more files we can store. Storage capacity is measured in, GB (gigabytes).
  
• Optical Drives: Drives such as CD drives are known as optical drives because they use lasers to read and write data.
  
• A CD-RW drive can read and write most common types of CD formats
  
• A DVD-ROM drive can only read most common types of DVD's
  
• A DVD-RW drive can read and write most common types of DVD's
  
• Graphics Card: Also known as a video card, this card helps the computer to handle high resolution graphics
  
• Available Expansion Bays: A place where you can install additional components such as optical drives or hard drives
  
• Expansion Slots: Allows you to plug in other special cards such as video cards, sound cards and network cards.
  
• Cache: The amount of memory available for short-term memory storage during processing. The bigger the cache the better the processing.
  
• Disk Drive: A storage device that enables us to read and write from a floppy disk.
  
• Fax/Modem: Tells us which type of internal modem the computer has. 56k modem is used for dial-up Internet.
  
• I/O Ports (input output ports): These are ports that connect the computer to external components and transmit data between the computer and peripherals.
  
• Included Software: The software/application that comes along with the computer. This software can be preinstalled or you have to install it on your own.
  
• Monitor Included: Tells us if any monitor is included. If it isn't included then we need to buy our own monitor along with the computer.
  
• System Bus: The system bus is a path that connects the computer to the processor. A higher system bus signifies faster processing of information.
  
• Expansion Cards:
  Network Card: This card allows us to connect our computer to an Ethernet network.
  Sound Cars: Connects our PC to other peripherals.
  

Acronyms:

• Modem: Short for modulator- demodulator, connect to internet
  
• SDRAM: Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
  
• DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM: Double Data Rate (2) SDRAM
  
• DIMM: Dual in-line memory module
  
• SODIMM: Small Outline DIMM
  
• L2 Cache: Level 2 Cache
  

Types or Monitors:

• CRT: Cathode-Ray Tube. These types of monitors have been in existence for a long time. This uses a vacuum tube as a display screen. The phosphor coated viewing end of the tube emits light when struck be electrons.
  
• Flat panel display: A thin display screen that uses different kinds of technologies. Some of the technology it uses are plasma, LCD, EL and FED.
  
• LCD: Liquid Crystal Display
  Plasma Displays:
  
• FED: Fluid Emission Displays
  
• OLED’s: Organic Light emitting diodes display.
  
• NED: Nano-emissive display.

Source: Answers.com, and my notes.