Computer Specification

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 Interpreting Computer Specification 

What is the Specification?

The key components that make up the computer. When buying a PC, it is important to start by deciding what it is you want the PC to do.

 The most important components:-                    

•    Processor
•   The amount of RAM
•   The size of the hard drive
  
  
  
  

PC Specification

• Intel or AMD Processor Model No  --------         Processor
• 2 GB SDRAM                                       --------         The amount of RAM
• 160GB Hard Drive                              --------         The size of the hard drive
  
  Others..
• 48X Max CD/DVD Drive                 
• 17” Flat Screen Colour Monitor       
• Integrated Graphics Card                 
• Microsoft Windows XP Pro                

Information 

Processor

         The processor is the ‘brain’ of the computer and controls most of the work done. The CPU determines how fast introduction can be carried out. The processer speed of most computer today are measured in MHz or GHz.

MHz - 1 million introduction per second

GHz - 1 billion introduction per second

 Most popular companies that produce CPUs - (main types of CPU)

• Intel    -     (Pentium, core and Celeron)
• AMD  -     (Athlon, Sempron, Turion and Phenom)

Memory

    RAM (Random Access Memory) is the working memory the computer has available to do work.

    Memory Capacity

        This determines the number of programs that it can hold at a time and affects the performance of  computer system. Memory capacity is measured in GB(gigabytes) and it distributed with 2GB or more.

    Memory Type

RAM-SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM)   --  Common and can be double data rate(DDR)RAM  (also called PC100 OR PC133)

                 

RDRAM                    --               Faster and more expensive  

       (Rambus Dynamic RAM)                     Mainly used for high performance computer 

    Word size 

        Determines the number of bits  that can be store and processed at a time by the CPU. Most of PCs have a word size of 32-bit or 64-bit

    Speed    

    RAM speed indicates how fast the chip updates the data that it contains. In modern PCs, RAM speed is measured in MHz (Mega Hertz) and is usually above 400MHz.

Hard Drive 

The hard drive is a central storage area for the programs being run and the documents or assets created.

    Storage Capacity

        Determines the amount of information that it can store for later use. In modern computers, capacities are measured in GB ranging from 120 GB - 2TB.

    Speed

        Normally expressed as data transfer rates or revolutions per minute. The rate at which data can be transferred partly depends on how fast the disk is spinning. the spin speed is measured in rpm (revolutions per minute). Hard disks very speed from 5400rpm to  15000rpm.

Other Specifications

Monitors

    Average entry-level PCs usually come with a 17” flat-screen and this is adequate for most general purpose applications. Average entry-level PCs usually come with a 17” flat-screen and this is adequate for most general purpose applications.

  

CD / DVD Drives

    CD R/W drives are standard on PCs and allow the information on a compact disc to be read and written to by the PC. (i.e., 48x or 48 speed).

DVD -  read both CDs and DVDs      

52x DVD-RWs are standard on higher performance computers

DVD can hold over 25 times more data than a CD

Graphics and Sound Cards

These cards are installed inside a PC and are responsible for determining the quality of the audio and visuals (graphics and video) output by the computer. 

• An integrated graphics card with 256MB of memory is recommended for general purpose PCs.
• Computers running high-end applications generally require a separate 256MB graphics card. 
• This will create greater depth, complexity and realism of sound. 

Network Interface Card (NIC)

It is recommended that all PCs be purchased with a suitable network interface card (NIC). A network card allows a computer to be connected to a network. A 10/100/1000 Mbps (Mega bits per second) card is the standard network card today. 

Operating Systems (OS) 

PCs are generally purchased with an operating system pre-installed. It is worth checking that your existing software will still work with the operating system of any new systems being purchased. s. At present, Microsoft’s newer OS is Vista, which generally performs the same functions as Win XP. As Vista operating system can come in various types and configurations.

The choice of base operating system should be made along with their choice of operating system license. Operating system license costs depend on a number of factors. (Linux is a open source free operating system )

Speakers and Headphones

Most computers come with either built-in or external speakers.  Cheap ‘headphone splitters’ can also be purchased — these enable two sets of headphones to be used per computer. 

"Ultimately, understanding your computer's specifications ensures you make informed decisions when choosing or upgrading your system, empowering you to get the most out of your technology for both work and play."