WHICH TYPE OF COMPUTER DO YOU WANT?
At one time when you were buying a computer you had a simple choice, desktop or laptop. Of late it's got more complicated, and you might find yourself getting a little confused with all of the terms being used. So the idea of this little guide is to explain the different sorts of PC you can expect to encounter if you're looking to buy today.
Desktop: The "traditional" type of PC, built into a "box" and requiring a separate monitor, keyboard, mouse etc. Called a desktop even though most of them are located somewhere else! Loads of choice in cases with regards to size, shape, colour and so on. Easiest type to upgrade and modify. Usually you get the most performance for your money with this type.
Laptop: More correctly known as a Notebook. All in one portable design that can run off mains or battery. Screens usually from about 14" to 17", and weight from just under 3kg to about 4.5kg. Modern ones can be very powerful, although pound for pound spent you usually get less performance than from a desktop. Come with wireless networking built in. Very popular because of their all round versatility.
Netbook: Smaller, less powerful notebook. Good enough for office, web surfing and e-mail, and music and movies. More powerful tasks can stretch them. Usually no CD/DVD drive and smaller hard drive. Very light and long battery life (up to 8hrs in some cases) makes them a great choice for mobile computing.
Net-Top: Desktop version of netbook, with similar performance. Mains powered only. Very compact indeed; can be stand alone or built as an all in one design with monitor and keyboard. A lower powered, stylish alternative to a desktop that uses less power.
Media-Center PC: Specially optimized for playing movies and music, and recording/showing TV programmes. Can be made to recieve input from various remote sources and send output to TV, sound system etc. Often in small, attractive cases suitable for the living room, and quiet running. Operable by remote control.
Gaming PC: Usually a desktop; extra performance and graphics capability for playing the most demanding games. Will incorporate high specification graphics card. More power hungry than more basic machines and requires more cooling. Often with flash looking case, and can be expensive.
Quick and basic Glossary:
Motherboard: The main circuit board to which the other components either attach or connect.
CPU: Processor. The brain of the PC. Usually Intel or AMD.
RAM: Memory. Measured in Gigabytes (GB). Speed measured in MHz. Either DDR2 or DDR3(latest).
HDD: Hard drive. For storage of programmes and data. Capacity measured in gigabytes.
Graphics: Responsible for display. Can be "onboard" (built-in to motherboard) or on a separate "card".
PSU: Power Supply Unit. Provides DC power at multiple voltages as required. Stabilises power output.
IF YOU WANT ANYTHING EXPLAINING ASK! I'M ALWAYS HAPPY TO ADVISE.
