Dissecting A Sales Label

The best way to purchase a computer is to know what you want before you shop.

It can be daunting to stand in the computer aisle at Best Buy and listen to the sales rep talk about the computer that's right for you, when you don't even know what's right for you. Usually, sad to say, today's computer superstores could care less about what's really right for you, instead they seem to be more focus on getting you to spend as much as you possibly can on things you don't really need.

Best Defense is to be prepared. Let's dissect a common Product Label found in any computer store aisle. This will help you understand the terms and features of typical computer.

Here is a Typical Sales Label.

HP Pavilion Desktop with AMD Phenom™ X4 9550 Quad-Core Processor

Product Features

• AMD Phenom™ X4 9550* quad-core processor
• 6GB PC2-6400 DDR2 SDRAM
• 2MB L2 + 2MB shared L3 cache memory
• 640GB SATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
• NVIDIA GeForce 9100 Graphics Card
• Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support.
• LightScribe direct-disc labels using compatible LightScribe media
• 15-in-1 Media Reader
• 2 IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interfaces and 6 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
• Wireless LAN connectivity (802.11b/g)
• Built-in 10/100Base-T Ethernet networking interface
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system
  

Let's Dissect this label:

HP Pavilion Desktop with AMD Phenom™ X4 9550 Quad-Core Processor

• HP Pavilion Desktop - Computer Manufacturer (HP) and Computer Type (Desktop)
• AMD Phenom X4 9550 Quad Core - Let's define this more in the product feature section of the label, listed below.
  

So together, this is the Name and Type of Computer, if someone where to ask, "What type of computer is this"? The official technical answer is: An "HP Pavilion Desktop with an AMD Phenom X4 9550 Quad Core CPU."

Computer Manufacturer may weigh on your decision-making process in buying the right computer for you. It's solely based on user preference and manufacturer reliability. It's like buying a car based on reliability, it's either calculated by your own experience or/and popular opinion.

Product Features

• AMD Phenom™ X4 9550 Quad-Core Processor

A CPU or Central Processing Unit, or simply "processor" or "microprocessor" is the brains and speed of your computer, it tells everything what, when and how to do what you want. It also determines the speed at which it can issue and interpret those instructions.

1. AMD Phenom X4 9550 - Processor Name/Brand and Model Number (9550). All Processors today have cute, catchy names, like Core 2 Duo, Atom, or Pentium, its a brand name, like Ford.
2. Quad Core - Processor type. Dual, Triple and Quad Core. In simple terms a dual-core CPU has 2 processors inside of a single chip. So then, a Quad-Core has 4 processors inside of a single chip. Picture a lamp with two light bulbs in it. It's considered one LAMP, but it gives off double the light.
   

CPU type should weigh in your purchase decision-making process. For a casual or business oriented computer user, Dual-Core will suffice. Anything else is more than enough for future needs as they arise.

• 6GB PC2-6400 DDR2 SDRAM

1. PC2-6400 DDR2 SDRAM - This represents RAM and RAM types. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of temporary storage that a computer uses, also referred to as "Memory". Access to the data stored here is very fast. There are many different names for RAM these days, but for the beginner they all represent a kind of fast temporary storage. Other names include SRAM, DRAM, DDR RAM, DDR3 RAM.
2. 6GB - 6 Gigabytes. (GB) is a unit of measurement, like kilogram, and kilometer, but for computer storage. 1 Gigabyte refers to 1,000,000,000bytes of data. Beyond that you simply don't need to know the math that figures out how much information that really is. In the computer world, we have kb, MB, GB, and TB storage sizes. They define many different things. GB when referring to RAM (or "memory") simply means the more there is, the faster the computer can access that temporary storage area and retrieve your data.

RAM amount or "memory" should weigh in your decision-making process. 6 GB's is quite a lot of RAM. The maximum amount for today's home computers is 8 GB's. If you plan to do lots of things at once with your computer, 1 to 2 GB's of RAM is plenty, 6 is overkill. However, as your computer skills progress, adding more RAM is possible with most modern computers.

• 2MB L2 + 2MB shared L3 cache memory

1. cache memory - 2MB L2 + 2MB shared L3. This also deals with CPU function and speed. CPU Cache is another type of faster temporary storage, faster than RAM, it is the quickest way for the CPU (brain) to access your data. Most new computers have similar CPU cache.

CPU Cache should not weigh in your decision-making process. For the beginner, the other specifications you pick will automatically determine your CPU cache.

• 640GB SATA hard drive (7200 rpm)

1. Hard Drive - This is the place where your personal data/information (pictures, documents, videos) are stored. There are different terms for hard drives; Disk Drives, Hard Disk Drives (HDD), Drives, storage drives, "C:" Drive, and a newer type of storage; Solid State Drives (SSD).
   
2. SATA - refers to a type of connection that the hard drive uses to connect to the computer.
3. 7200 rpm - This is the speed (in revolutions per minute) that the storage disk in the drive spins. Think of a disk drive sort of like a record player. The record (storage disk) spins, while the Arm/Needle is reading a certain area of the record. The faster the record spins, the faster the needle reads the record. A computer stores data, lets say a photo, on the disk, and it remembers where it is stored. When you want to view the photo, the faster the disk (or record) is spinning, the faster the Arm/Needle can get to the area where the photo is stored.
4. 640GB - This is the amount of storage area the disk offers. Once again, GB refers to a gigabyte, which in everyday computing is a very large amount of storage. Photos, music and videos are typically the largest file types you will encounter. However, 640 GB is a very large amount of storage for a typical computer user.
   

Hard Drive Size (in GB's) should weigh in your decision-making process. If you are planning to store a large amount of photos, music or videos on your hard drive, a 500 or 720GB hard drive should suit your needs. A typical 500GB drive can store well over 50,000 songs, or photos.

• NVIDIA GeForce 9100 Graphics Card

1. Graphics Card - A internal computer part that deals in the screen, image and viewing quality. Some low cost computers do not have graphics cards, rather instead have "integrated graphics" or "on-board video." For word processing, picture editing, web surfing and email reading this may suffice.
   
2. NVIDIA GeForce 9100 - This is the graphic card manufacturer and the Card's Name and model number.

There are hundreds of graphics cards to choose from, some average and cheap, some outstanding and very expensive. "Card" is just a term that is used to describe the physical product and its placement inside a computer. The graphics card, the sound card, the TV tuner card, all fit into slots inside of the computer case. Some High-End Computer games, or Image Editing programs require good graphics cards, but for beginners, a average run of the mill graphics card, will show good quality videos, screen images and Internet movies just fine.

Graphics Cards, or lack there of, should weigh in your decision-making process. Some computers have "integrated graphics" which means no graphics card. If your future plans may include computer gaming or intense photo editing, you should consider a computer with a better than average graphics card. In some instances graphics cards will reference their own Speed or RAM, for instance "512Mb on board memory." This means the graphics card has it's own RAM and will not use the computers resources and ultimately gives you better quality.

• Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support.

1. Mutli-format DVD RW/CD-RW Drive - this is your CD/DVD player for your computer. Right out of the box most computers will play Music CD's and Video DVDs. Window's Media Player/Media Center is an average CD/DVD Player, which will open automatically when you place a CD/DVD into the disc player. The player (drive) will play both CD's and DVD's.
   
2. Double-Layer Support - this refers to the ability of the recorder to record data on different layers of a disc (if the disc has these types of extra layers). For Example, a dual-layer CD, has two layers on which data or music can be stored. This label Dual-Layer is simply a way to say "more storage space;" Along those lines, if you purchase Dual-Layer CDs or DVDs, they have more storage space than normal CDs or DVDs.
   
3. DVD RW and CD RW - simply mean, a CD/DVD Player also has the ability to record or "burn" music and video to your own blank CD's and DVDs. The terms -R, +R and RW refer to the recorder itself and most importantly, refer to the type of blank CD/DVDs that you purchase. There are numerous variations to the terms R & RW, but for the beginner, here's what you need to know:

• CD R - you can record music to a blank CD one time, when you finish the recording session the data becomes permanent. You can always copy data from the disc to another location, however you can not change or add to the original disc.
• CD RW - you can record music to a blank CD numerous times, adding more information each time.
• DVD R - You may record video or data to a blank DVD only one time, when you finish the recording session the data becomes permanent. You can always copy data from the disc to another location, however you can not change or add to the original disc.
• DVD RW - you may record video or data to a DVD disc numerous times, adding more each time.

The type of CD/DVD Drive should weigh in your decision-making. Most newer computers come with an All-in-One CD R/DVD R type Player/Recorder. If you want to make your own music CD or Video DVD then this standard drive will do. Just as the label DVD-R and DVD-RW refer to different abilities of the player/recorder, it also refers to the type of blank DVD disc you purchase (same goes for CDs). If you wish to record music to a CD, in your CD-R Multiformat Drive, you must also purchase CD-R blank discs.

• LightScribe direct-disc labels using compatible LightScribe media

1. Lightscribe is a company. Lightscribe is also the ability for your computer's CD/DVD recorder's to laser-etch images onto the top of a CD/DVD. It is simply a way to "label" your home-made CDs/DVD's, with a permanent label.

Lightscribe labeling may weigh in your decision-making process. This is a nice fancy way to decorate home made CD's and DVD's. This software is usually part of the CD/DVD package that come built-in to your computer.

• 15-in-1 Media Reader

1. Media Reader - a media reader is a device where small media storage cards can be inserted. Cards such as SD/Compact Flash/Sony MS, can then be accessed by your computer. These would be your typical Camera "SD" or "Compact Flash" cards. It's a simple way for you to transfer your cameras photos or videos to your computer. From your computer you can then store, send or edit them.
2. 15-in-1 - This is simply the amount of different types of cards that media reader can accept. Usually the media reader will have 4 to 5 physical slots, however each slot can accept around 4 to 5 different sizes of cards.

A 15 in-1 Media Reader may weigh in your decision-making process. If your new computer does not come with this type of media reader, you may purchase one separating for around $5-$10.

• IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interfaces and high-speed USB 2.0 ports

1. USB 2.0 ports - USB or "Universal Serial Bus" is a type of plug/cord that allows you to connect extras to your computer; like printers, Ipods, mice, keyboards, external storage, etc. Think of it like an electric cord you use to plug your lamp into the wall. This ports (or plugs) can be found on the front and/or back of new computers. Rectangular in shape USB ports, are visually labeled with a small three-pronged tree, or "pitchfork" design. 2.0 stands for a newer faster USB data transfer speed. If you purchase a new computer more than likely the USB ports are 2.0.
2. IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interfaces - IEEE 1394 (Firewire) is another type of plug that has very fast data transfer speeds. Most newer devices, have a 1394 "Firewire" connection. There are several types of IEEE plugs/ports, but Firewire is typical. This is faster than USB 2.0, however most devices that you wish to plug into your computer do not have a Firewire option. 1394 Firewire ports look like USB ports, however a USB plug will not fit into it. The 1394 port is visually labeled with a small circle design and "1394."
   

USB ports transfer data to and from your device to the computer with a USB cord. Some devices can also be powered by the USB port. Every Device that you purchase, such as a digital camera, has a USB to camera cord included, same for modern printers, a USB to printer cable is included in your printer box. These cords however are easily purchased.

The older slower version is labeled USB 1.0, and even that is fast enough for the typical user. USB plugs are easy to correctly connect to your computer. They only fit one way. If you try to plug it in and it will not fit easily, turn your plug over and try again.

I have found that Firewire connections do not work well with most computers, as most computers use the Microsoft Windows Operating Systems. Firewire is made for Apple, MAC, Linux type operating system. USB is more for Microsoft Windows." The trouble is not with the physical port, but more with the computers software in reading the data. Firewire is insignificant to the beginner.

USB ports should weigh in your decision-making process. However, any average computer comes standard with at least two USB ports. These ports are needed for anything from connecting your Ipod, to connecting some types of mice and keyboards.

• Built-in 10/100 Base-T Ethernet networking interface and Wireless LAN connectivity (802.11b/g)

1. Built-in 10/100 Base-T Ethernet Networking Interface - This is your physical Internet Connection. Built-In Interface means the Ethernet plug will be found usually on the back of your computer. This built in interface is some times referred to as the Network Card, Network Adapter or Wired Network Connection. With some preparation, you can take a Ethernet Cable and plug it in to connect to the Internet.
   
2. 10/100 Base-T - For a beginner this is simply the speed at which your computer, using the Ethernet Plug, can get information from the Internet, and that's all you need to know. If you surf the web, it's the speed you can surf, quickly move between websites, and possibly "download" stuff.
   
3. Wireless LAN connectivity - this simply means your computer, with the proper preparation, can connect to the internet without an Ethernet Cable. When you are in the coffee shop and people are surfing the web, they are using a wireless connection. When you see a sign at a hotel that says "free wireless internet," this means that if your laptop computer has Wireless connectivity you can use their wireless internet connection.
   
4. (802.11b/g) - 802.11 is the wireless label, refering to standards and frequencies. 'b' 'g', and the newer 'n,' are wireless speeds for data transfer.
   

Wired Internet connections are typically faster than wireless connections. The mobility is what makes wireless internet so popular. For a typical Desktop or Office computer, a wired connection is recommended.

Wireless Connectivity should weigh in your decision-making process. All newer computers have a Wired or "Ethernet" connection. External "Wireless USB Cards" can be purchased separately if need be, however the price to have a wireless connection included is minimal, and is the best choice.

• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition - 64-bit Operating System

1. Microsoft Windows Vista - This is simply telling you that this computer has and Microsoft Windows Operation System. Whether it is the present day 'Vista', or the older 'XP', or the newer 'Windows 7', they are just different versions of Microsoft Windows.
2. Home Premium Edition - Vista has several different versions it offers; Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate and some Professional Versions also. These versions include or exclude different functions and features. It's like a basic model of car, versus the Deluxe or Luxury version.
3. 64- bit - this is the newer type of data transfer that deals with CPU's and Operating System capacities. There are two choices 32 -bit and 64 -bit. This difference refers to internal data transfer capabilities, and should not concern the beginner.
   

'Windows' itself is a program that makes it possible to navigate around rather complex machine called "your computer." Without 'Windows' it would be too complicated for 95% of computer users to get a computer to function. From the Desktop, to the Icons, to the Taskbar, this is all part of 'Windows.' Think of it like an Language Interpreter or a "window" into your computer (hence the name). To try and communicate with someone that speaks a foreign language, you need an interpreter. The way a computer works, it's language, its internal workings, are foreign to us. 'Windows' acts as an interpreter by taking that computer language and transforming it into a pretty Desktop computer screen with pictures and Icons and Taskbars, even keyboards. When you interact with your keyboard, 'Windows' interprets what your typing, and transforms it into computer language, so the computer can understand, and visa-versa.
Most new computers will be 64-bit, which brings faster, quicker, better computers. Just like trying to find a computer that has an Window's XP, unless you purchase a computer from an online company like Dell, you will be hard pressed to find a new 32-bit computer (However, some 32-bit laptop computers may currently be found). There is a software/or program compatibility issue with 64-bit computers, simply because 64-bit is new to the market. Most Program (software manufacturers) for years have made their programs to work on 32-bit computers. There should be some research before installing programs onto a 64-bit computer, just to ensure they are made for 64-bit computers.

Operating Systems, Versions and Bit Types (64-bit) may weigh in your decision-making process. If you are set on purchasing a certain (older type) computer; whether it be a, Windows XP operating system or a 32-bit Desktop computer, you will definitely need to search far and wide. However, for the new computer buyer, you will find everything you need from the local electronic store. The operating system , version, etc. decisions are made for you, simply because these are how newer computers are sold. Computer manufactures make new computers with 64-bits, and Windows 7 or Vista. Typically, there are few consumer choices when it comes to the these basic computer functions.



Give or take a feature or two, this list is standard for any computer specification sales or product label. Read it carefully, ask questions, and know what your getting.

Next Up - Setting Up Your New Computer