A Guide To Basic Computer Terminology

Ram? Mouse? One is an animal and one is a rodent right? Ram...that is the zodiac sign for Aries... If this is what these words mean to you than you can surely use this quick glossary of computer terminology.

It would be a good idea to read through them before purchasing a computer because these are things you should know about first.

If you already have a computer then these computer terms can help you know what to do if your new computer equipment is unfamiliar. Also, this computer terminology can help you if you have to call in for technical help.

Okay lets go!

Cache: Cache is another type of memory kindred to RAM. The computer uses cache to quickly move data between the RAM and the CPU.


CD-ROM Drive: Most new computers now come with a CD-ROM drive as standard equipment. A CD-ROM drive reads data from a disc. These CDs look like a music CD, but hold data instead of music. CD-ROMs also contain games, dictionaries, recipe files, and lots of other things that you can load onto your computer.

CPU: The CPU, or central processing unit, is the brains of the computer. Most new Windows based programs use a Pentium processor or a AMD Athlon XP. New Macs use a different type of CPU called Power PC.

Disk Drive:Virtually all computers come with a disk drive that can read and save information on portable diskettes, also called floppy disks. You can use floppy disks to save information or to load new software onto your computer.

Hard Drive: The hard drive is also called the hard disk. You'll probably never see it because it is nestled inside your computer. It's the computer's electronic filling cabinet, and it stores the computer's operating system, files, programs and documents.

Keyboard: Just like a typewriter keyboard, this device is the primary way of inputting data into the computer programs.

Megahertz (MHz): This is the clock speed of the microprocessor. The higher the number, the quicker the information is processed. MHz relates to how many millions of instructions can be processed per second.

Memory:This is the circuitry or device that holds information in an electrical or magnetic form. There is read-only memory (ROM), which is information primarily stored on a disk, and random-access memory (RAM), which is chip-based storage inside the computer. Memory is typically measured in megabytes (MBs).

Modem:This mechanism connects a computer to a phone line so information can be sent from one computer to another or the user can access an on-line service or the Internet. In view of the popularity of the Internet, a modem is now considered basic equipment and comes on practically all-new computers. Most modems come with fax capabilities.

Monitor: An output device that allows you to see what you are doing (it is what you are looking into right now to see this). Most computers come with 14 or 15-inch monitors. This size is good for most people's needs. Larger 17 or 21-inch monitors also are available, but may cost more. Myself, I prefer the 17-inch.

Motherboard:The motherboard is the circuit board that everything in the computer plugs into. The CPU, RAM and cache all plug into the motherboard.

Mouse: The mouse is another input device that makes getting around in your computer easier. It is a handheld object that is good for doing tasks such as moving and pointing to objects on the screen, and can replace the function and control keys of the keyboard. (If you need a lesson on how the mouse works and how to use it click here for a tutorial.)

Printer: A printer is an essential part of the computer if you want a hard copy of your work. There are four types of printers on the market: dot matrix, inkjet, bubble jet and laser. The dot matrix is the most basic. Most inkjets and bubble jets can print color and graphics, and a laser printer offers the best resolution at the highest speed.

RAM:Computers save data in two ways: on the hard drive and in random access memory or internal memory. New computer buyers should look for models with at least 16 MBs of RAM (or more, depending on what types of programs you'll be running). Make sure that the computer can be upgraded.

Scanner:A scanner is a useful accessory to have if you are working with lots of artwork or photos. This device can copy written documents, pictures or photographs directly into your computer. There are three types of scanners: handheld, hopper-feed and flatbed.

Sound Card: This device allows your computer to reproduce music, sounds and voices. Make sure you have a sound card if you're planning to play multimedia games.

Video Card: The video card is the part of the computer that sends the images to the monitor.

Well there you have it, a quick course on computer terms. I hope it has helped to guide you in your purchase of a new computer; or to help you with the one you have.
About the author:

About The Author
B. Archer is a successful author and publisher of
http://www.A1-computers.net

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When To Rent A Laptop Computer

Most companies either lease or buy their computer equipment, but why or when should a company rent laptop or notebook computers?

Here are a few reasons to rent a laptop computer:

-If you need technology on short notice or for a short time, it is best to rent a laptop.

-If you need a large quantity of laptop computers for a training class, it is best to rent laptops.

-If your laptop computers are on back order but your staff isn't, it's best to rent laptops for immediate installation.

-If you need a wireless laptop computers for travel and all your company laptops and notebook computers are wired.
People confuse computer renting with leasing.


Renting is short term in nature and is very flexible. Leasing, like buying is a fixed arrangement.

You can extend the rental or cancel at any time with no penalty. Leases can't be cancelled without a 'severe penalty'.

Renting laptops is totally flexible, requires no capital budget and can often be accomplished with a company credit card. For most companies, renting is as easy as getting office supplies.

Rental companies have expert computer technicians who deliver, install and test your laptop rental right at your office, training room, trade show booth, seminar, convention or conference.

Rental companies have everything you need and a backup plan if something unexpected happens.

Other reasons why businesses rent laptop computers include temporary offices, traveling executives and temporary employees.

Temporary Offices
Temporary offices can be made complete with rental laptop computers, printers, copiers and fax machines. The hardware will be configured to your company specifications and installed at any remote location in the United States or Canada.

Rentacomputer.com has set up temporary offices in hotel rooms, trailers, warehouses and convention centers. Temporary offices have been set up for State and Federal Government agencies such as FEMA, the FBI and the IRS. Also legal firms, television networks covering hurricane disasters, movie studios setting up "on location", and new building construction sites, corporate mergers and takeovers.

Traveling Executives
Traveling executives won't have to carry portable laptop computers through airports or other public transportation facilities. Executives can have technology, preconfigured and tested, waiting at their final destination! Traveling with technology is one hassle that can be easily avoided by calling a computer rental expert like a Temporary Technology Travel Agent.

Temporary Employees
Temporary employees need temporary technology. By renting laptop computers you can coordinate the installation and removal of computers, printers and other technology for any period of time specified. If you hire temporary employees, hire temporary technology too.

Next time you have a temporary or special need, consider renting laptop computer technology and technical expertise.

About the author:
John Beagle is a writer for the Tech Travel Agent© services of Rentacomputer.com, a laptop computer rental firm that installs rental laptop computers nationwide in the United States and Canada. The client website can be found at http://www.rentacomputer.com

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You may have found the latest advice pertaining to computer security

You may have found the latest advice pertaining to computer security. When you are trying to find superior advice concerning computer security, it will be intricate separating value packed information from unprofessional computer security proposals and guidance so it's astute to know how to qualify the information you are often given.

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Bear in mind any recommendation we present to you is only applicable to internet advice about computer security. We can't offer you any tips or guidance for conducting research offline.

An excellent piece of advice to follow when offered help or advice concerning a computer security website is to find out who owns the site.

This may show you who owns the site computer security authority The fastest way to determine who owns the computer security site is to find the 'about' page.


All decent sites providing information on computer security, will always have contact information that will list the owner's details. The details should disclose a number of key indications about the site owner's capability. You can then decide for yourself about the webmaster's familiarity and qualifications, to offer recommendations concerning computer security.


About the author:

Bill Thatcher is the webmaster at datainfointerest.info

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Looking for the latest opinion regarding computer science

When you are in search of better-quality information on computer science, it will be intricate extricating the best information from unprofessional computer science suggestions and support so it is important to recognize how to judge the advice that is offered.

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A great tip to pursue when you are presented with help or advice concerning a computer science page is to research who is behind the website. This may show you who owns the site computer science qualifications The quickest way to work out who owns the computer science website is to look on the 'contact' page or 'about this site' information.

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Finding Cheap Computer Deals to Upgrade Your Computer

It seems that the time that it takes for computers to become obsolete is shortening more than ever.

If you go out and purchase a top-of-the-line computer, it is very likely that in less than six months it will no longer be considered top-of-the-line.

If you currently have a computer and you want it to be able to perform more functions, you don’t have to get rid of it and spend a lot of money on a new system. You can simply purchase components to upgrade your computer.

If you seriously consider upgrading your computer, now is a perfect time to do so. As with computers, prices of computer components are at an all-time low. Depending on they type of specifications you’re after, you can spend as little as three hundred dollars to update your desktop or laptop computer.


Finding all the components you need to upgrade your own computer system is as easy as visiting findcheapcomputers.com. This website features detailed information about parts and includes a buyer’s guide to make buying your components a snap. The first task that you need to perform to upgrade your computer system is to make a list of the computer’s specifications.

If you’re not sure what specs you want the system to have, you can consider what you will do most with the computer and then generate a list of specifications. People typically choose to upgrade their existing computer systems because it does not include a particular component to enable them to perform a particular task.

A processor is an important component in your computer. Whether or not you should upgrade your processor depends on the tasks you will perform with the computer and the type of processor that currently exists in your computer.

If the system you are planning to upgrade does not use one of the fast processors on the market, you may want to invest in a motherboard bundle that includes a motherboard, CPU, and fan. These bundles generally cost less than if you were to buy the parts separately. Of course, you could purchase an Intel Celeron with a speed of 2.6 gigahertz or an AMD Athlon 2700+. Both of these processors are sufficient for general computer use as well as browsing the Internet and gaming.

In addition to the processor, you will probably want to upgrade your system with memory, a graphics card or video card, a monitor, and keyboard and pointing device. Finding cheap computer deals of these components should be easy since activities that require high-quality video such as gaming are very popular.

The important thing to remember when shopping for these components is that you need to make sure they are compatible with your system. For example, an AGP graphics card is an excellent choice if you plan to do a significant amount of gaming because it processes graphics faster.

However, your motherboard will need to have an AGP slot. If you’re not sure which components are most compatible, the website findcheapcomputers.com features information about computer components that are not only compatible with most systems, but that are also cheap.

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Have you been looking for the most up-to-date assistance with reference to computer lessons

When you're in the hunt for better information on computer lessons, you'll find it difficult separating superior information from reckless computer lessons suggestions and advice so it is important to recognize how to moderate the information you are offered.

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