Part 3 - The Components

If you can physically touch it, then it is hardware. This section deals with the hardware of the computer, which includes the components and other related items.

The Processor

The Central Processing Unit, or microprocessor, is more often called the CPU, but most people refer to it as the processor. All of the computer's components are designed around the processor, and they depend on it to do their jobs. The processor is the very heart of the computer. It is the master regulator. More than any other component, you need a strong processor to have a smooth running computer. It is also the most expensive component in the computer.

A "byte" is the size in which capacity is measured, such as memory capacity or the size of storage space (disk drive). Megabytes, MB, and Gigabytes, GB, are the measurement of the number of bytes used in today's computers.

Processors are rated by the amount of data, or bits, they can handle at one time.

Now, let me explain something about bits. To use the Intel Pentium III processor as an example, it is a 64-bit processor, meaning that ideally it can process 64 bits of data at a time. Now, the older 486 computers are 32-bit processors. However, just because 64 is double 32 doesn't mean a 64-bit processor is twice as fast as a 32-bit processor.

Let me explain. While the 64-bit processor can sometimes be more than twice as fast than the 32-bit processor in performing some tasks, at other times it will be less than twice as fast in performing other tasks. However, a 64-bit processor will always be faster than a 32-bit processor. Likewise, a 32-bit processor will always be faster than a 16-bit processor (but not all the time necessarily twice as fast). Clear?

The AMD Duron and the Intel Celeron are basic, inexpensive processors that are found in many home and small business computers. These two processors are perfect for standard school and office work, and you will be able to do some light use of graphics.

Many mid-range computers now come with AMD Athlon XP, Intel Pentium III, or a Intel Pentium IV processor. All are good processors capable of supporting more demanding programs.

The true high-end multimedia computers will often have a AMD Athlon 64 or an Intel Pentium IV. These can handle handle graphics-intensive programs extremely well. The new Intel Centrino is a "packaged" processor, in that it contains several other items along with the processor. Of importance is the packaged wireless hardware, the newly recognized wireless standard, IEEE 802.11g. It's the "g" you need to find.

Everything being equal, which brand of processor should you buy? Certainly, Intel processors are the most popular. However, when time comes to make a selection, I suggest you seriously consider getting an AMD processor. This manufacturer has an excellent reputation for creating high quality processors. There is, however, one main difference between AMD and Intel processors. AMD processors cost less.

It should be generally an easy decision to select a processor for a home or business computer. However, you need to be aware that manufacturers often spew hype about their processor's "special enhancements" that go beyond any reasonable degree of logic. After all, processors are fairly simple. An example of manufacturer's ho-hah is Pentium's "MMX" or MultiMedia eXtensions. MMX is touted as an enhancement that speeds up multimedia and communication software applications. Rubbish. In truth, it's highly debatable if MMX does anything at all. In selecting a processor, just look at the basic facts and ignore strange claims.

Sometimes you will be given the option of buying an "upgradeable" processor. You pay extra for this ability. My advice is to say, "no". The fact is, few people will ever upgrade a CPU. That's because by the time an upgrade is needed, other components also need to be upgraded. It's more economical to replace the entire computer. And that is exactly what most people do. So, unless you're the technical type that wants to tinker with the insides of computers, it's best to pass on this option.

One more thing...
The CPU is often incorrectly used to refer the computer's case. Be aware of this common error when you shop. The CPU is a component within the case, it is not the case.

RAM Memory

Random Access Memory, is often referred to as RAM or also Memory. Memory is measured by its speed, which is measured in megabytes (MB). The higher the number, the faster the computer. Memory is where information is temporarily stored. It is a vital component and helps define how well the system runs and how many different programs can operate at the same time (such as sending or receiving eMail, working on the word processor and listening to music at the same time).

The standard amount of RAM in new computers is 128 to 256 MB of SDRAM. For standard office programs, 128 MB SDRAM at 266 MHz will be fine. However, 256 MB of DDR SDRAM is being seen more often in home and small business computers. This is really a very healthy amount of RAM for just about anything.

If you want a powerful machine that will be used primarily for video editing, serious gaming, 3D modeling, or any other intensive program, then you may wish to consider 512 MB DDR SDRAM at 400 MHz. You might also wish to consider obtaining the more expensive 512 MB of DDR RDRAM.

Hard Drive

This component is sometimes also called a hard disk or hard disk drive. The hard drive is the high-capacity, primary storage repository of the computer. All files, data, and software programs are located here. Storage capacity is now measured in gigabytes (GB). One GB is equal to 1,000 megabytes (MB).

Computers can come with hard drives of 1 to 120 GB. Most home computers now come with hard drives of 20 to 40 MB. This is quite adequate for non-graphics-intensive work. However, if you intend to edit photographs, and especially if you intend to regularly edit video, you will want a very larger hard drive, from 80 to 120 GB. All forms of graphics require a great amount of space. This is why high-end computers, which are made for multimedia and other graphics-intensive work, always have large hard drives.

Incidentally, at times you may hear or read the term "disk memory." This can be confusing as disk memory always refers to the hard drive and never to RAM memory. When you hear "disk memory" just think "disk storage" and you will keep it straight.

Motherboard

Also referred to as the mobo, this component is the central circuit board of the computer, the cross-roads of the whole thing. Virtually everything in the computer's system is connected to the mobo, whether directly or indirectly.

FireWire

Embedded on the motherboard, FireWire, or IEEE 1394, is a high performance serial bus standard that first appeared on Sony video cameras and computers. 1394 is over 30 times faster than USB and will likely increase in speed in the coming years. Eventually, 1394 will replace all forms of SCSI ports and will become even more popular as the connector of choice for all high performance connections.

Video Card

Also called the a graphics card or a video graphics card, today's video cards are extremely powerful. If you buy a computer from a major manufacturer, it will likely have a good video card. Should you buy a high-end multimedia computer from a major manufacturer, it will likely have a high quality video card.

Sound Card

It used to be that if you wanted to run games, a better sound card had to be installed. The big name was and still is SoundBlaster. Today, computers usually come with very good quality sound cards. Multimedia computers will certainly have a high quality sound card.

Floppy Disk Drive

Inexpensive and very useful, floppy disk drives remain popular because they are so practical. The storage capacity per disk is 1.4 MB. Because this is incorrectly considered too small, some manufacturers no longer supply a floppy disk drive with their new computers. That is a mistake. If your computer comes without a floppy disk drive, buy one and install it.

CD-ROM / CD-RW

All computers should come with at least a "read-only" internal CD-ROM. However, many computers now come with a CD-RW, which enables you to "burn" (to write or record) CD's. They are very convenient for backup. Storage capacity per disk is up to 650 MB. They are now reasonably priced.

DVD / DVD-RW

A Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is a more functional version of the audio/graphics-only CD-ROM. They have 8 GB on a one-sided disk, 16 GB on a two-sided disk. That means it has 25 times the storage capacity of a CD.

The cost of DVD players has come down dramatically, so many computers now come with one. DVD-RW's enables you to "burn" (to write or record) a DVD. However, they remain pricey, so you will only see them as standard internal equipment on high-end computers.

Zip

The Zip disk drives have been popular for many years as a means of transporting files between computers. They have a storage capacity of 100MB to 250 MB per disk. Zip occasionally will come with a computer as an internal drive. External ZIP drives are also popular. Because of the easy accessibility, higher capacity, and greater functionality of CD-RW's, the popularity of Zip is slowly declining. Nevertheless, ZIP remains very practical hardware to have.