Sound like a computer geek without being one.
- Written by Jason Feinberg
- Published in Tips & Tricks
- Read 1377 times
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D
o you know what is what on a computer? Don’t worry most people don’t. But it helps if you are trying to either troubleshoot a problem or if you just want to speak on a “techie” level. Here is some of the vocabulary you should know.
Computer
Your computer is the big (or small) box that that houses all of the electrical components. In some cases, like the Apple iMac the computer is an “All in one” computer with the monitor or screen built in.
RAM
Random Access Memory. The Memory allows you to run multiple files, multiple applications all at once. Each application, including the operating system needs memory. Some applications need more than others. As you use each program the memory is allocated as needed. The more memory you use, the slower things become. Generally I recommend doubling the memory that comes with a computer when you make your purchase.
ROM
Read Only Memory. The ROM is memory that has pre programmed instructions. If you removed the hard drive or have a faulty operating system, the computer will still start up and go through certain steps before it realizes where the problem is. The computer knows how to do this because of the ram.
Motherboard or Logic Board.
Inside the computer is a green landscape laid out like a city. The motherboard is the central nervous system of the computer. If you need to replace your motherboard consider getting a new computer. This is generally the most expensive part and can cost more then half the value of a new computer.
CPU or processor
Central Processing Unit. This is the brain of the computer. Some computers allow for this to be replaced while others have it as part of the motherboard. When you see a speed advertised on a computer, it is referring to the CPU speed. The computer will not run faster then the CPU is capable of. When you see the Intel commercials, this is what they are referring to.
Hard Drive or Hard Disk
The Hard Drive is the central storage facility. It is like a closet. All of the software (applications and files) is kept on the hard drive. Today there are generally two types of hard drives sold with computers. A typical mechanical hard drive and a solid state drive. The mechanical drive is similar to a record player. There are a series of disks inside with a mechanical arm that reads the information. The solid-state drive has no moving parts. These are commonly found in mobile media devices like the iphone and laptops. In general the capacity of a solid-state drive is much less then a mechanical drive but are far less fragile.
Monitor/Screen/Display
The monitor is usually sold separately except in the case of an “All in one” computer or laptop. This is what lets you see the information.
