PC Jargon - a rough guide......

Many people are bewildered about the terms used in computer adverts - here is a rough guide to what some of the terms mean.

Multimedia Computers - computers that can handle music, sound effects, text, video, graphics and animations. Most software now makes use of multimedia.

Software - the programs you use of your computer.

Intel Pentium Processor with MMX Technology 166MHz - the processor is the 'brain' of the computer and it carries out  all the calculations and instructions which make the software work.  The Intel Pentium is one of the most popular processors.  MMX technology means that the processor has MultiMedia eXtensions so that is can handle graphics and sound better.  166MHz refers to the speed of the processors internal clock - in this case, the clock 'ticks'  166 million times per second.  Since instructions are carried out by the processor in time the clock, the faster the clock speed, the faster the computer.

32MB RAM - RAM stands for Random Access Memory and is where the computer stores your work and the program that you are using.  32Mb means that the memory has enough  space to store 32 million characters.  The more memory, the better.  16MB and 32 MB computers are standard.  Remember that you lose the contents of memory when you switch the computer off!

1.44 MB FDD (Floppy Disk Drive) - all computers come with this as standard.  You use a floppy disk to store your work if it needs to be transported from one place to another and install software to your hard drive.

1.6GB Hard Disk Drive - this is where your software programs and work are stored permanently by the computer.  The storage space varies for different computers - in this case, 1.6 GB means the drive has space for  1638.4 MB of programs and data.

Graphics Accelerator and Video Card- helps the computer display pictures, colours and animations.

24 Speed CD-ROM - used to access software held on CD-ROMs, which are just like ordinary music CDs except they store text, video sounds and animations.  One CD ROM  holds the same as around 600 floppy disks.  The speed of the CD ROM drive varies but 24 Speed is about standard today.

Sound Card and Speakers - used by the computer to control and output sound.

Modem - connects your computer to the outside world by telephone line.  Essential if you want Internet access.

SVGA Monitor - the display screen for your computer, usually 14 or 15"  in size.

Keyboard - allows you to type and issue commands - comes as standard.

Mouse - used for moving around the screen and issuing commands, comes as standard.

Windows 95 - controls the computer and allows you to interact with the computer to load, create and save your work - comes as standard.

Printer - not normally included as standard and vary in price. A colour Inkjet printer is ideal for home use and will cost around £100 - £200.