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Components

Processor

Computer Component Details

To make the best choice, it is important to take the following items into account:

System unit components - The system unit houses the following components:

Processor - The processor is the heart of the system and affects how fast the computer will run, as well as what software it can run. PCs generally use processors manufactured by Intel. Intel processors include the Pentium 4 and the lower-end Celeron. AMD processors include the Athlon and the lower end Sempron. Apple's Macintosh computers use the PowerPC G4 processor.

Processor speed is measured in megahertz (MHz; million cycles per second) or gigahertz (GHz; billion cycles per second). All things being equal, a processor rated at 2.0GHz is faster than a similar one rated at 900MHz.

PC processors currently start at around 2.0GHz. Mac processors start at around 1GHz. Newer processors increasingly are measured in GHz. Note, however, that PC hardware and software is very different from Macs, so processor speed alone is not a useful measure when comparing computers within these two categories.

Memory - RAM (Random Access Memory) chips provide a temporary storage area where the computer loads and retrieves the instructions it needs to run a program as well as the data on which the program will work. The larger this storage space, the faster and better your computer will perform. The amount of RAM also affects how large a program you can run and how many programs you can run simultaneously. For a minimum, don't go below 256MB (megabytes).

Types of RAM include DDR-SDRAM (Double Data Rate-SDRAM) and RDRAM (Rambus Dynamic RAM).

Hard drive - The amount of hard disk space determines how much room you have to store your files and programs. At a minimum, it is best to get at least 40GB (gigabytes). Hard drive space is relatively inexpensive 160 gb should cost less than £90 ( January 2005) and it is better initially to buy more than you think you might need. Upgrading a hard drive is a relatively big job, so it is better to avoid this, if possible.

Floppy drive - Most PCs come with an internal floppy drive. Apple Macs, however, do not come equipped with one, but you can purchase an external floppy drive if you need one.

CD or DVD drive - A CD or DVD drive is essential for installing software and is included with all new computers. CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) drives enable you to read and play CDs. CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable) drives allow you to read and play CDs as well as back up your files and create music CDs. CD-RW drives have become increasingly popular as the prices of both the drives and the discs have dropped considerably.

CD-RW drives are usually listed as having three speeds, such as 52/24/52. The first number indicates how fast the drive writes data when creating a CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable) disk. A CD-R disc can be written to only once. The second number indicates how fast it writes data using a CD-RW disk. A CD-RW disc can be written to and erased multiple times. The last number indicates how fast the drive reads a CD.

DVD-ROM drives - Digital Versatile Disc Read-Only Memory drives play CDs as well as DVD movies. Note, however, that these drives cannot record CDs or DVDs. Note also, that DVD video is demanding on system resources and requires, among other things, an MPEG decoder card.

DVD-R drives - Digital Versatile Disc Recordable drives enables you to play and record CDs and DVDs. A DVD-R disc can be Jwritten to only once. These drives are available for both PCs and Macintosh computers.

DVD-RW drives - Digital Versatile Disc Rewritable drives allow you to play CDs and DVDs and record multiple times. Currently, these drives are available only for PCs.

Zip drive - A Zip drive reads from and writes to removable Zip disks that store either 100MB, 250MB, and 750MB of data. This provides considerably more storage space than a floppy disk (1.44 MB) but less than a CD-R or CD-RW, which can store 650MB. Zip drives, however, have started to fall out of favor as CD-RW prices have dropped.

Video card - The video card provides the interface between the computer and the monitor. A standard video card with at least 64MB of video memory should be adequate.

Modem - A modem enables you to access the Internet over a phone line and is included with most new computer systems. The fastest modem you can buy transfers data at a rate of up to 56K (Kilobits per second). To access the Internet, you will also need an account with an Internet Service Provider, as described later in this article.

Ethernet card - If you live in a broadband enabled area, you can access the Internet through a high-speed DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connection from your home telephone. To use the connection, you will need a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet card. Recommended brands include Siemens, 3Com, SMC, Realtek, or D-link. You would also need an Ethernet card if you plan to use. Note that DSL also requires a specialized DSL modem, which you can usually obtain through your DSL provider. Most new Mother boards have the facility built in.

Ethernet cards are usually installed internally. External Ethernet adaptors, however, are also available to connect to your computer's USB port. Note that all Macs come with an Ethernet card.

Also check if your Ethernet card or adaptor comes with a 10/100 Base-T Category 5 (RJ45) cable. If not, you will need to purchase one separately.

Cable Modem - You can also obtain a high-speed Internet connection through your local cable company. This requires a specialized cable modem, which you can usually purchase or rent through your cable company.

Sound card - A sound card and speakers enable you to listen to music and other audio files. Most computers come equipped with a standard "SoundBlaster compatible" sound card that should be adequate. SoundBlaster is an industry standard developed by Creative Labs. Speakers are also often included with a new computer system. If not, you can purchase an inexpensive pair, or alternatively, a set of headphones.

Monitor - A 17" monitor provides a good compromise between size and cost. The monitor should have a dot pitch of .28mm or lower (the lower the better). If space is an issue, consider a 15" monitor (used by the Apple iMac) or a flat panel LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor. Flat panel LCD monitors are much less bulky than conventional CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors and are becoming increasingly affordable.

One word of caution: Make sure to try the LCD monitor before buying it. Some people find certain models difficult to view. Also, note that not all video cards can interface with an LCD monitor.

Software - Most computers come preloaded with the operating system (such as Windows XP Professional/Home Edition or Mac OS X) and a web browser (such as Internet Explorer). Additional software is often bundled in as well. This can include a basic office program, such as Microsoft Works or AppleWorks and a virus protection program, such as Norton AntiVirus. Check that the original software CDs are included, as you may need them to reinstall a program at some point.

If you need additional software, note that Computersight offers a variety of software sources for programmes such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) If you are a student Microsoft offer special student discounts through companies such as PC World.

Printer - An ink-jet printer is a good choice because of low-cost and versatility (black & white as well as color printing) and is often included with a new computer system. Laser printers offer higher-quality output, but are generally more expensive and print only in black & white (except for high-end models). You may need to purchase a printer cable separately.

Other considerations - You might also want to purchase a surge protector to protect the computer's circuitry in the event of an electrical spike. In addition, you may want to purchase floppy disks, as well as CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and/or Zip disks to transport and/or back up your files.