Here are a few beginner terms to familiarize yourself with Computer Basics.
- Desktop - Any Computer that is not a laptop. The Box itself, with the blinking lights, on/off switch, and CD/DVD slot is the computer. Sometimes called the CPU, Tower or Motherboard, a Desktop computer is really many different individual parts put together inside the Desktop Case.
- Laptop - A portable computer, put together like a briefcase, opens to reveal a screen, keyboard, and mouse pad area. Same functions as a Desktop with less storage capacity and power. Convenient for travel and can meet all your beginning needs, including CD/DVD players/makers, etc.
- Netbooks - A new line of portable computer that is mainly for web surfing. A stripped down version of a laptop. Not a lot of computing power, little storage capacity, and no CD/DVD abilities. More of a teenage fad, rather than a computer. Limited storage capacity means no room for photos or music.
- "Power" - When we hear computer power, or "how powerful is your computer," it simply means how quick is the brain or processor in the computer. There are many parts of a computer that together equal overall power and speed, but usually its the speed of the CPU (Central Processing Unit) that matters. A "chip" or CPU is the brains of any computer, the faster it computes the "more powerful the computer." Compare it to an oven. The higher the temperature of the oven the faster things get done. Same for a CPU or "chip" the faster it computes the faster things get done. However, for the beginning or everyday user, a less expensive, average chip will supply more than enough power to accomplish everything that you desire. Every computer has a CPU in it. Without it there would be no computer.
- Storage - This is the area of the computer where things are stored. Pictures, music, programs, letters, information. When you wish to store, or download things, like a picture lets say, the brains of the computer places this picture, on a disk or platter. This is called a Hard Disk Drive, Disk Drive or Storage Drive, abbreviated HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the new SSD (Solid State Drive). Compare it to a thought. If you think of something and you don't want to forget you write it on a piece of paper. That's how a storage drive works, its the computers way to write it down for later use. When you need it, the computer pulls that piece of paper out for you to look at, it's simply a file cabinet that you can't see.
- Multimedia - Simply refers to all types of media computers are capable of interacting with; Music, Photos, Videos, etc. Types of files a computer can interact with are almost limitless. Compare it again to a filing cabinet. Different folders for different files. Financial records are stored together because they are similar type documents. Birth Certificates stored in another folder because they are in another category. Same for computer file types. From Photo files (.jpg or .gif) to Video Files (.mov or .wmv) to Music Files (.mp3 or .aac). It's a label the tells the computer what type of file this is and how to store it.
- Video Card - This refers to a device inside your computer that determines how nice your picture will look. The end of the "card" sticks out of the back of the computer and you then would plug your monitor cable into it. Some computers come with an average video card, while others have very expensive "High-End" video cards. If you come across a computer with "on-board" video or "integrated" video, this means no video card is included. For the average beginner, a video card may not even be needed.
- Sound Card - This refers to another internal component of your computer with a portion that sticks out the back. A sound card capable of high quality digital sound. Most average computers do not have a sound card, and there is simply a simple speaker plug on the back, you plug your speaker cable into it and you're good to go. Sound cards are not needed to do most all kinds of computing.
- Optical Drive - This is another term for your CD/DVD reader/recorder. Usually found at the front top of a desktop computer. These "drives' can play or record CD's and DVD's. There are many different types of Optical drives, along with many different types of CD's/DVD's. We will address that in another episode. Most all desktop computers come with a least one CD/DVD player/recorder. Some come with two, but for the beginner two is a waste of money. Two CD/DVD players are used to copy one CD to a blank CD quickly. This can also be accomplished with one, but of course it takes more time.
- Monitor - This is the screen. This is how you visually interact with your computer. The computer will work without the monitor, however you will not be able to get things done with no visual picture. On the back of the monitor is usually a few connection ports. These are the plugs where you would place your VGA/DVI/HDMI cords, with the other end of the cord plugged into your computer.
- Wireless/Wired Ethernet - Ethernet is a term for your computers Internet connection. All new computer have an Ethernet plug in the back to get you online. Usually, most computer also have a Wireless Card, or an internal component to be able to detect a wireless Internet signal. Sort of like radio stations that your radio can play. Some times these are also called "cards," or "network cards."
- USB - Universal Serial Bus, or in simple English it means a place to plug stuff into. USB ports are made to attach extra things to your computer system. They also can provide power to whatever gadget you plug in, like your Ipod or mouse. Some devices come with their own electric cord. Usually you can find USB ports on the front and back of a Desktop Computer.
- VGA/DVI/HDMI - These terms all refer to how your computer connects to the screen. One the back of your computer there will be an area you would plug this cable into, then the other end into your monitor. Some cable connections show a higher quality than others. This is just the video side of the connection, so the sound/speakers will also have to be configured. The HDMI connection is video and sound inside the same connection.
- Card Reader - This type of card does not refer to video or sound card, rather a digital camera or video storage card. SD Cards/Compact Flash/Sony MS type of cards, are small storage cards that your photos and video are storage, you remove them from your camera or device to transfer this data. This reader has slots where you can place these types of cards and then with minimal effort you can then access these photos and pictures from your computer, you can move or copy them, and with the proper software, you can edit your data. The standard type of reader that comes with your computer or can be purchased separately, then attached to your computer is usually called: "15-in-One Media Reader."
Coming Next - Dissecting a Sales Label.
