Computer Features: General Info
When it's time to buy a new computer or replace a part, there are so many accessories, attachments and other features to choose from that it can quickly become an incredibly overwhelming experience. Before you end up with an undersized hard drive that can barely store contacts, get to know which features are important to your computer's performance.
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Computer Basics
In order for your computer work fast and store data, it must have the right features.
* '''Processor:''' You may also know the processor by its other name, the CPU (central processing unit). This is the computer's brain and its main function is to process information. Traditionally, the performance of a processor was determined by its "clockspeed," measured in megahertz (MHz) and then, later, gigahertz (GHz); the higher the clockspeed, the faster the processor. Today, however, that standard of measurement has fallen by the wayside, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise! Processor cores, the actual integrated circuits, have gotten so small that manufacturers can fit multiple cores on a single chip. If you've got cash to burn, consider the latest six-core processors by Intel and AMD, the i7 and Phenom, respectively. For the more budget conscious, there is always the Intel i5 or AMD Athlon II chips.
* '''Memory:''' Also known as RAM (random access memory), this computer component is responsible for temporary storage. Think of it as the computer's short term memory. Every time you start a program, that program's operating instructions are temporary stored in memory. As you perform action within a program, those instructions are sent to the processor to be, well... processed. All of this happens in the blink of an eye, millions of times per second. Memory's capacity is measured in gigabytes (GB), and the more you have, the more your computer can temporarily store, resulting in a faster machine. Be careful, though; memory also runs at specific speeds, determined by the processor you chose. Make sure you purchase that your processor, motherboard and memory will all work together.
* '''Motherboard:''' Also called a mainboard, this is the part of the computer that lets all of your primary components communicate with one another. The motherboard also contains all of your necessary ports (USB, parallel, audio). Higherfi or high definition audio outputs.
* '''Hard Drive:''' Hard drives are your computer's mass storage, able to store your important files and information almost indefinitely, provided it doesn't get damaged. Like memory, hard drive capacity is measured in gigabytes; more gigs = more storage = more files. Older hard drives stored only megabytes (MB), but today's hard drives can store up to 1 terabyte of information. However, these devices are not guaranteed to last. Hard drives may fail and all of your data will be lost. You can prevent this with an external hard drive. They can store just as much and are make convenient backups.
* '''Power Supply:''' If the processor is the brain, then the power supply is the blood, providing the electricity your computer needs to run. A basic computer with a single video card and hard drive, won't require a huge amount of power. However, as the number of components in a computer increases, so does that machines power requirements. Make sure you have a power supply that will meet the needs of your system.
* '''Video Cards:'''This component is what allows visual output to be streamed from you computer to your monitor. Video cards are a lot like small computer themselves; they have their own internal processors and memory dedicated to rendering everything onend card will suit you just fine. Heck, you may find a motherboard with onboard video; two birds with one stone!
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Related Guides
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Components and Hardware
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Computer Memory
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Hard Drives
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Wireless Keyboards
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Memory Cards and External Storage External Hard Drives
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