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PROCESSOR |
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This is the “central processing unit” the
heart of the computer, the CPU determines how fast the pc runs and what type
of software it is capable of running. The faster the better. These
processors range from Pentium 1 to Pentium 4 in the Intel range and to the
Athlon in the AMD range.
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MOTHERBOARD
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The main circuit board where everything
connects to. Most m/b’s will take a range of CPU's, so when it comes to
upgrading your pc to make it faster all you will need to do is add a faster
CPU.
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MEMORY
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Used to store information and make
calculations while your pc is switched on only.
Three main types are available EDO & DIMM and
DDR , DIMM and DDR being the newer and faster types.
The more memory you have the better as it takes the strain out of the CPU
thus speeding up the whole system.
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HARD DRIVE
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The main storage device for all your
software and files you have created. Usually measured in gigabytes ( 1,000
megabytes )the larger the better. Most new pc’s can take up to 4 separate
hard drives so even when one gets full you can simply add another.
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FLOPPY DRIVE
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Used to store small amount of data you
have, usually holds 1.44 megabytes on a floppy disk. The cheapest way to
save your letters & pictures you have created.
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VIDEO CARD
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Where the monitor plugs in, this device
gives you the image on the screen all video cards are now 64 bit, meaning
they can display true colour ../images on your monitor. They start at 4 meg
memory and go up to 128 meg, the more memory they have the quicker the
screen will handle complicated graphics.
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CD-ROM DRIVE
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Most software nowadays come in the form as
a CD. Just like an audio CD this is used to install or play all the latest
software as well as playing your music CD's. Different speed drives are
available, the higher the speed factor the faster they will transfer the
data to your pc.
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CD-RW DRIVE |
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This is like the CD-ROM but also allows you to
copy data onto a writeable CD, the drives come in different speed the most
common today is a 48x20x48, this means the drive copies at 48x re writes at
20x and reads at 48x
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SOUNDCARD
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This device brings you sound to your pc. 16
bit soundcards are the standard but if you are a true music enthusiast then
there are 64 bit cards available. Speakers plug straight in just like your
hi-fi.
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MODEM
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This being the communications card for
connecting your pc to the internet or other computers. Measured by speed the
faster the better. 56,600 speed is a good speed to start with as it will
give the fastest performance when connected to the internet. Also used to
send and receive faxes through your pc.
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CASE
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This item contains all your system parts,
there are two main type of case tower and desktop, a tower case is one that
stands in an upright position and is usually placed underneath a desk. A
desktop case is one that lays flat and usually sits on your desk with a
monitor on top.
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KEYBOARD
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There are two main types of keyboard
standard and ergonomic, the standard keyboard is one that is flat. An
ergonomic keyboard is one that is shaped to the natural typing position of
your hands to help against repetitive strain injury.
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MOUSE
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The main types of mouse is one that is
designed for the internet, having a wheel or some sort of scrolling
mechanism in built making it easy for scrolling up and down web pages. The
standard mouse is one that has three buttons, the outer buttons for
Microsoft windows and the middle button assigned to do customised tasks of
your choice.
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SPEAKERS
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This produces the sound that you listen to
from your computer. Speakers are connected in to your soundcard and without
one they will not work. There are different types ones that are powered
making them a lot louder going up to 500watts+. There are also subwoofer
systems that link with standard speakers that produce the bass that you
listen to.
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MONITOR
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This is what
you look at when running your computer these are usually very similar across
the different models and makes, the main difference is the size of the
screen described in inches the standard being about 15", the bigger the
screen the easier they are on the eyes when working with your computer. The
2 main type of monitors today are CRT and TFT, CRT being your normal desktop
monitor and TFT being very slim normally only a couple of inches in depth.
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PRINTER
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Two main printers bubble-jet that is
normally colour and ideal for home use and are cheaper to replace the ink.
Laser printers use toners and are ideal for offices or businesses where they
are printing in high volume. |
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As well as the above you can add |
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Backup devices - scanners - printers -
joysticks - etc ... |
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Please ask if you need any help & advice -
it’s free to anyone |
