Anyone buying a computer or laptop will notice that they are priced according to their specifications, such as the type and size of their hard drive. These specifications may seem very confusing, but their function and importance can be explained without much difficulty.
The Processor
Whether single core, dual core, or quad core, the processor is the main chip that drives the computer. A more powerful processor will allow several programs to be run comfortably at the same time, or allow a single processing-intensive program to be run much faster. Laptops and desktops have slightly different processors due to the smaller size of a laptop's case; as a rule of thumb, desktop processors will be more powerful.
The Hard Drive
A computer hard drive is where all the computer's files are stored, including user data like photos or music, and files needed to run programs. Any information that is not saved to the hard drive will be lost as soon as the computer is switched off.
There are two types of hard drives available - hard disk drives, where the information is stored on CD-like platters inside the drive, and solid state drives, where the information is stored in memory similar to a flash drive. Solid state drives allow the computer to run significantly faster, but are very expensive at this time.
The RAM
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is a particular type of memory that the computer needs in order to run itself; more RAM means a faster computer, although the speed is limited overall by the power of the processor. A RAM upgrade is the simplest upgrade that can be done on a computer, and involves either adding an extra RAM module, or swapping the installed module for a larger one.
Wireless and Bluetooth
Laptops frequently have connectivity options listed as well as basic specifications. A wireless connection allows the laptop to connect to a local wireless network being broadcast nearby, for example within the same house, for the purpose of gaining Internet access. A Bluetooth connection is used to connect specific devices such as mobile phones to the computer.
The Mainboard
The mainboard or motherboard is not usually listed on a computer's specifications, but it is still a very important component within the machine and certainly worth mentioning. It is a very large circuit board within the computer with different sockets that allow the other components to be slotted into it. The mainboard is the base that allows the other components to work together, and it can be very expensive to replace if it becomes faulty.
These are the most basic elements of a laptop or desktop, but computers can also have a number of extra options. DVD drives are plugged in similar to a hard drive, and graphics cards (needed for games and video editing, for example) slot into extra sockets on the mainboard. These components are all connected together in a logical way, and for the most part require no special tools or expertise to install or upgrade.
Claire Ryan - Claire Ryan is a web designer, consultant, and computer expert who lives in Vancouver, Canada.
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