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Hard Drive
The hard drive stores all of the computer's information and retains the information when the computer is turned off. A fast hard drive is needed to supply the CPU with data as fast as it needs it. Hard drive sizes are typically measured in GigaBytes. The larger the number, the more applications and games you can have installed.
When buying a hard drive you need to consider the type of connection you have. Also look at the capacity, rotational speed, interface, and noise.
Types of Hard Drives: A hard drive can be IDE or SCSI. .
What's Cache?
Cache memory is extremely fast memory that is built into a computer’s (CPU), or located next to it on a separate chip. The CPU uses cache memory to store instructions that are repeatedly required to run programs, improving overall system speed. The advantage of cache memory is that the CPU does not have to use the motherboard’s system bus for data transfer.
ROM
Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of memory that cannot be written to. Information is written to ROM chips by the manufacturer, and this information cannot be changed. In the past, if ROM information needed to be updated, you had to remove the original chip and replace it with an updated ROM chip. Software written to ROM chips is called firmware.
Types of ROM: Read Only Memory, Programmable Read Only Memory, Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory, and Flash Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.
Random access memory or (RAM)
Refers to computer chips that temporarily store data to enhance computer performance. When a computer shuts down properly, all data located in random access memory is committed to permanent storage on the hard drive or flash drive. At the next boot-up, RAM begins to fill with programs automatically loaded at startup, and with files opened by the user.
Types of RAM: Dynamic, Complimentary Semi-Oxide Conductor, Shadow, Video, and Windows.
Central Processing Units (CPU)
The central processing unit (CPU) is the portion of a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program, and is the primary element carrying out the computer's functions. The central processing unit carries out each instruction of the program in sequence, to perform the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system.
When buying a CPU look at the GHz rating, bus speed, internal cache, and the micron size of the CPU dye. To the average person, the highest speed is not necessary to have. Buying a CPU that is a few levels down would make a lot of sense especially since it would cost a lot less.
What to look for when getting a computer Monitor?
Monitor
A computer monitor is an electronic device that shows pictures. A monitor is usually used to see programs on a computer.
What to look for when purchasing a Monitor:
Computer monitor are perhaps the most important element of your computer setup, other than the CPU itself. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most overlooked, and the monitor is often considered an afterthought when buying a new computer. While you use your keyboard, mouse and other devices to interact with your applications and the internet, you are always looking at your monitor, and an upgraded monitor can greatly enhance your computing experience.
• Computer monitors are available in two common formats, CRT and LCD. CRT is yesterday's technology, but this design still provides the best color fidelity, making it a good choice for professionals who deal with color production, including print media, photography and video.
• LCD is the most popular format, and for good reason. An LCD monitor at any given size takes up less space, weighs less and uses less energy than an equivalent CRT. Prices for LCD monitors have fallen tremendously in the recent past. Only a couple of years ago, a 21-inch widescreen display cost upward of $1,000. Today, you can find one for well under $300.
• LCD monitors are available in two common formats (aspect ratios). The standard format (4:3) is the most familiar. Widescreen (16:9 or 16:10) monitors mimic the aspect ratio of the HDTV format and are an ideal choice for viewing and editing video. In addition, widescreens can easily display multiple documents side by side, so you can work in two or more applications simultaneously.
• The range of contrast is important for monitors and TV sets as this shows how many different shades of black can be displayed, obviously the greater the range, the truer the picture will look and won't suffer from the picture turning totally black if the picture goes dark. The contrast ratio of 10,000:1 is said to be the best but it is worth checking the picture out on any monitor you are looking at getting.
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