Terminology

Operating System (OS)

This is the software that allows you laptop to function , the most common being Microsoft Windows, Linux and the Apple MAC OS. They include a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that acts as an interpreter between the user and the machine code language that make the computer function.

Processor

Also known as the central processing unit (CPU), the processor is the brain of the computer it's the engine for the software that tells your computer what to do. The main makers of CPU's are Intel and AMD The power of a processor is measured by the megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz) number. The higher the "hertz" number, the faster the processor, though AMD do not use the clock speed as the true rating of the CPU's speed, they use the name of the processor i.e Athlon 2400+, Athlon 2600+ etc. to indicate the performance. See also Centrino

Cores

Modern processors consist of multiple cores. These are, in effect, processors within a processor. For example, a Dual Core processor consists of two 'Cores' that are able to carry out functions independantly of each other. Simply, more cores are better.

Gigahertz (GHz)

Abbreviation for gigahertz. Describes the speed of a computer's processor, the taskmaster of the computer. One gigahertz equals one billion cycles per second; each computer task requires a certain amount of cycles to run.

Memory

Very fast storage used by the operating system and applications to cache useful information. Memory can only store data as long as their is power going through it, it is not permanent storage like a Hard Drive or Flash based memory.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Pronounced 'ram'. RAM is the memory available to run computer programs. Upgrading (or increasing) your computer's RAM can boost computer performance.

Hard drive (HDD)

Also known as a hard disk. The hard drive is your laptop's "filing cabinet." The computer's hard drive serves as the main data storage area for the operating system (e.g. Windows XP), programs (e.g. Microsoft Word) and documents (e.g. your resume).

Hard drive (HDD)

Also known as a hard disk. The hard drive is your laptop's "filing cabinet." The computer's hard drive serves as the main data storage area for the operating system (e.g. Windows XP), programs (e.g. Microsoft Word) and documents (e.g. your resume).

Optical Drive

A type of storage drive that uses a laser to read data from a spinning disc which includes CD's, CDR, CDRW, DVD, DVD-RW, DVD RAM etc. See also CD-R/RW Drive and DVD-R/RW Drive

Display

The device which you use to view information on the laptop in the same way as you would on a desktop PC's CRT glass tube monitor. All laptop displays are LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). All new laptops use TFT or active displays, these are faster and brighter than the older Dual Scan displays of a few years ago. The size if the display is measured diagonally from corner to corner and not straight across the display, and currently vary from 8.9" on ultra portables to 17" on desktop replacement laptops.

Display Resolution

A measure of how detailed an image can look, it is measured in pixels or dots a typical example is 1024 x 768 which is also known as XGA. The following is a list of resolutions found on the traditional displays and also the newer widescreen displays, currently the highest resolutions are not available in laptops.

Memory

Very fast storage used by the operating system and applications to cache useful information. Memory can only store data as long as their is power going through it, it is not permanent storage like a Hard Drive or Flash based memory.

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

The Universal Serial Bus, or USB, is the standardized high-speed connection technology for most PC peripherals today. The USB allows the use of one common connector to link various types of products (such as digital cameras, audio players and PDAs) into one plug. Most laptop PCs come with two USB connections.

Web Camera (Webcam)

A low resolution video camera more often used for Video Calls over client software such as Microsoft Messenger, Skype or other Instant Messaging solutions. Also used to monitor locations and provide frequently updated images over the internet automatically. In a laptop a web camera is usually integrated above the display screen.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range (~ 10 - 100 meters) cable replacement technology that allows users to make wireless and instant connections between various communication devices, such as laptops, cell phones, printers, camcorders, mice headsets and keyboards, as well as connect to the Internet. This means you can check e-mail and access the Internet on your laptop via your mobile phone; share data files with colleagues at a meeting without using wires; and automatically transfer phone numbers that are housed in your laptop over to your cell phone. Bluetooth is a complementary technology to 802.11.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Also known as an Ethernet card. NICs are expansion cards that allow a computer to connect to a network. The most common standard now is the 10/100BaseT which uses an RJ45 type of connector. The lastest laptops and computers now have 10/100/1000 also known as Gigabit LAN which can transfer data upto 1000Mbps when connected to another computer with a Gigabit LAN.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

A wireless network connecting two or more computers or other devices over a short distance of 100 to 500 feet, as within an office, a home or a hot spot. Wi-Fi is the dominant WLAN standard.

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